Signs You May Need to Replace the Thermostat
The thermostat is the control hub for a home’s AC system. It is responsible for maintaining the home’s temperature to keep families comfortable. When it starts to malfunction, it can create issues for homeowners, resulting in higher energy costs and inconsistent cooling.
Property owners should know some common signs of a faulty thermostat so they can schedule replacement services or an upgrade to a smart thermostat promptly. This post will highlight some common signs to watch for, such as rising energy bills, inaccurate temperature readings, and short cycling.
Increasing Energy Bills
Homeowners should pay attention to their energy bills, as an unexpected increase in costs can point to several issues with their air conditioning system, including their thermostat. If there is a sudden spike in energy bills, it can signal that the thermostat may need to be replaced. Suppose the thermostat can’t accurately read the room’s temperature. In that case, it can keep the air conditioner running even after the house reaches the desired temperature, leading to wasted energy and costs.
To determine if the thermostat is responsible for rising energy costs, homeowners should call a professional to inspect their system and determine the cause of inefficiency and higher cooling costs. A great option when needing to replace a thermostat is upgrading and getting a smart thermostat, as it can help reduce monthly energy bills with its advanced features.
Incorrect Temperature Readings
A common indicator of a faulty thermostat is that it provides inaccurate temperature readings. When the thermostat's display doesn’t align with the actual room temperature, it can throw off the entire climate of a home. Ensuring the readings are accurate is crucial to effectively maintaining a comfortable environment. A misaligned thermostat sensor may result in suboptimal performance of the air conditioning system, leading to problems like excessive energy consumption or insufficient cooling.
Homeowners may evaluate the accuracy of their thermostat by using a thermometer. After allowing the thermometer to adjust for about 15 minutes next to the thermostat, the reading should be compared with the thermostat's. A difference between these two readings may suggest that the thermostat is malfunctioning. Replacing a thermostat can improve the precision of temperature readings and create a more comfortable living environment.
Short Cycling
In addition to higher utility bills and inaccurate temperature readings, households should consider whether their AC systems experience short cycling. Short cycling occurs when the system turns on and off repeatedly and too soon before completing a full cooling cycle. It can happen when the thermostat sends incorrect signals, causing the system to stop before reaching the desired temperature.
This can impact home comfort and increase strain on the AC system. Frequent cycling leads to increased wear and tear on the unit, which can shorten the air conditioner's lifespan and increase repair costs. If homeowners notice their system shutting off prematurely, it might be time to replace the thermostat.
About Air Zone Mechanical
With more than 25 years of experience, the team at Air Zone Mechanical has provided quality services to South Florida. They have honesty and integrity, customer-centric service, and bilingual technicians. Call them for smart thermostat installation in Miami Lakes, FL.
