Signs Your Thermostat Needs Replaced

Did you know that a malfunctioning thermostat is one of the most common causes of HVAC problems? The thermostat is the “command central” of your HVAC system, and if it’s not operating properly, it can lead to a host of problems. Luckily, in many cases, all the thermostat needs is a new battery to get your AC or furnace back to running properly. However, if a fresh battery isn’t the solution, then you may need to have an HVAC professional delve into the problem.

Here are some signs that it’s time to replace your thermostat:

Increase in Energy Bills

If you’ve noticed a spike in your energy bills, the culprit may be the thermostat. If the thermostat isn’t reading the temperature correctly, it is sending signals to the HVAC system and causing the AC or furnace to run more to reach the desired temperature. Your overworked system is struggling to keep up and consuming more energy.

AC or Furnace Won’t Turn On or the Unit Unexpectedly Turns On

You might hear a clicking sound as the AC or furnace tries to kick on, but nothing happens. Or the unit comes on unexpectedly. Either scenario can indicate that the thermostat isn’t accurately communicating with the HVAC system which could be due to frayed or damaged wiring or simply the age of the thermostat. Don’t waste time or money trying to fix the thermostat; replace it.

Inaccurate Temperature Display

If the air temperature feels much warmer or cooler than what the thermostat reads, you can try adjusting the thermostat to see if that makes a difference. You can also use an indoor thermometer to check the temperature. If the unit doesn’t turn on or if your thermometer displays a vastly different temperature than what you’re aiming for, it’s probably due to a faulty thermostat.

Age of the Thermostat

The average lifespan of a thermostat is approximately 10 years. If your thermostat is that age or older, you will be better off replacing it. There is a plethora of thermostat choices on the market, so opt for a programmable thermostat that you can teach to recognize your household’s heating and cooling patterns. You’ll improve comfort and reduce your energy bills as well.

Atlas Butler Fixes Thermostats

If you are experiencing temperature control problems in your home and everything you’ve tried hasn’t worked, it’s time to call in the pros at Atlas Butler. Our certified HVAC pros will come to your home, check the thermostat, and make recommendations for the most suitable replacement. Reach out to us at 1-800-FURNACE. Our phones are answered by a live person 24/7. If you’d like to schedule a thermostat service call, you can also schedule online to pick the best day and time that fits your schedule.