How Do You Tell If You Need a New Thermostat?
Your thermostat is more than just a component of your HVAC system — it’s the key to maintaining comfort and regulating the temperature of your home. With its global market projected to grow to $6.4 billion by 2026, it’s evident how essential this device is. However, like any other technology, thermostats can become outdated or dysfunctional over time.
Recognizing the signs that indicate you may need a new thermostat is necessary for preserving energy efficiency, ensuring accurate temperature control, and avoiding any unnecessary strain on your HVAC system.
In this blog, you will find exhaustive details about signs that indicate you might need a new thermostat. Allowing you to detect the problems early and make informed choices about replacements and upgrades.
9 Signs If Your Thermostat Needs a Replacement
Now let’s find out some signs that show when you need a new thermostat for the HVAC equipment.
Sign 1: The HVAC Unit Doesn’t Operate
The thermostat’s principal function is to interact with the HVAC equipment. It delivers messages to the equipment to lower or raise the temperature. If the HVAC unit does not react to thermostat motions, there is an issue with the thermostat.
The wire inside the thermostat might have twisted or busted. This could hinder the part from delivering instructions to the HVAC system. Whether you reside in Vancouver or Ontario, you should hire an HVAC specialist who will instantly assess the issue and notify you if the thermostat has to be modified.
Sign 2: The Thermostat Has Become Old
Like all other components of the HVAC unit, the thermostat can also become outdated or old. They have an average 10-year lifetime and must be changed soon with an effective replacement thermostat.
For instance, “If you have a normal thermostat, you can substitute it with a computerized one.” This is because smart thermostats surpass the classic thermostats. The smart thermostats are loaded with cutting-edge features and offer additional alternatives.
Sign 3: An Increase in the Energy Bill
When you see a surprising spike in your power expenses, you will undoubtedly need a new thermostat. This can happen when the thermostat mistakenly reads the ambient temperature, forcing the HVAC system to run excessively.
If it keeps on cycling many times in an hour, the system is utilizing a lot more energy than it normally does. When the furnace or the AC unit gets randomly switched on, it can increase the utility bills.
Sign 4: Continuous Shifts in the Temperature
When the thermostat starts to malfunction, it will become pretty challenging to maintain the settings. This will instantly cause changes in the temperature settings without any warning.
If the central air cannot set the temperature correctly, even when you lower the setting to test it out, the thermostat might be the problem. You must contact an HVAC professional immediately if this is the problem. They will assess the thermostat without any delay.
Sign 5: The Display Isn’t Functioning
Another sign is when the display screen of the thermostat doesn’t function. If it’s a digital thermostat, you can easily see the indoor temperature and all the other settings that you have switched on in time. If the display screen goes blank, you will need a new thermostat for the HVAC system.
Sign 6: The Thermostat Doesn’t Respond to the New Settings
Once you adjust the temperature settings, the thermostat will respond to them on time. Once you start hearing clicking noises when making the temperature changes, the HVAC will start immediately.
However, if the equipment doesn’t respond to the changes you made, then the thermostat will face problems, and you should get it replaced quickly.
Sign 7: Incorrect Readings on the Thermostat
When a thermostat shows accurate readings, it ensures that the home’s interior is not too cold or hot. But if the device records an incorrect temperature, you should need a new thermostat for the HVAC equipment.
Like every Canadian homeowner, you should find out if it’s the right temperature by testing the reading with an indoor thermometer. The thermostat sensor is not working properly if it shows an incorrect reading. The other problems could be misused, manufacturing flaws, or the thermostat being pretty outdated.
Sign 8: Thermostat Loses the Programmed Settings
In Canada, digital or smart thermostats can maintain the settings that you set for a long time. When the thermostat keeps on losing settings, you should get it replaced without delay. Do proper research before you purchase a thermostat for the HVAC equipment.
Sign 9: The HVAC Equipment Short Cycles
Short cycling stands out as a massive reason why you must replace the thermostat. This sort of issue occurs when the equipment switches off way before it normally does. It prevents the system from completing the full heating or cooling cycle. When this thing keeps on happening, you should definitely get it replaced.
Troubleshooting the Thermostat
At times, you might not need a new thermostat, but you can simply follow the pointers below to troubleshoot it.
- Look at the Screen: You should inspect the thermostat’s screen to confirm if it’s lighted. An unlighted or blank screen means the thermostat is damaged.
- Inspect the Batteries: The smart thermostats work on the battery to function. If you find the screen unlighted or completely blank, changing the batteries will resolve the issue. Other thermostat-related issues mostly occur because of the batteries. Just change them and then recheck whether or not it’s functioning.
- Go Through the Settings: Weak batteries can cause changes in the temperature settings. You should set the temperature to either cooling or heating and make sure the programmed points are accurate. Be sure that the temperature setting matches perfectly with the season. If the settings are higher during the summer, the cooling system will not operate properly.
- Examine the Circuit Breakers: It’s important to inspect the circuit breaks just to be sure they did not get tripped. You should look for the circuit breakers on the furnace or the cooling system and also in the main box. If they have tripped, you should reset them and test out the thermostat and the cooling or heating unit once more.
- Look at the Location of the Thermostat: Thermostat’s location can also affect the way it operates. If it’s placed under direct sunlight, it will immediately sense warmer temperatures and will then respond as if the interior temperature is way too hot than it normally is. Big openings or holes behind this component can lead to incorrect temperature readings. You should place the thermostat in an area that is not too cold or hot.
Benefits of Upgrading to a New Thermostat
When you install a new thermostat, it will not only increase the home’s efficiency but also the cost savings and comfort. Apart from that, it will also provide you with these benefits:
Improved Comfort and Control
Opting for a new thermostat will provide you with all the advanced features that will improve the comfort and control of the residence. The coolest part about these thermostats is that you can access them with your smartphone apps and alter the home’s temperature whenever you want to make sure the indoors are comfortable.
With the “scheduling” feature, you can set different temperatures for different times of the week or days. Furthermore, you can also combine the thermostat with other appliances for seamless control.
Aids in Saving Money
Opting for new thermostats will lead to proper energy management that will help you save funds on utility bills. It will not only let you operate the HVAC unit efficiently but also help you lessen energy consumption and monthly costs.
Many cities such as Vancouver, Ontario, and Quebec provide incentives or rebates when you opt for energy-efficient units, which makes the entire investment a lot more attractive.
Enhances the Energy Efficiency
The smart and programmable thermostats can optimize the energy use efficiently compared to the older ones. With the new thermostats, you can easily set up schedules that will match perfectly with your everyday routine.
This will guarantee that the HVAC system only functions when needed. The modern thermostats will learn about your preferences easily and modify the temperature settings on their own. This will reduce the carbon footprint and prevent energy from getting wasted.
When Must You Call an HVAC Expert?
When dealing with thermostat malfunctions or upgrades, it’s essential to seek the assistance of HVAC experts for optimal results and peace of mind. Here’s why:
- Call For Troubleshooting Expertise: Even after attempting basic troubleshooting, persistent thermostat problems require the expertise of an HVAC specialist. They can diagnose and resolve issues effectively, ensuring your HVAC system operates safely and efficiently.
- Call For Choosing the Right Replacement: Selecting a new thermostat involves careful consideration, a HVAC expert can help you make the right choice by assessing the following:
- Ensure compatibility with your HVAC system to avoid functionality issues.
- Look for unique features that enhance convenience and energy efficiency.
- Opt for models with high energy efficiency ratings to reduce utility costs.
- Call For Professional Installation: While some homeowners can install thermostats themselves, professional installation by HVAC experts is recommended for:
- Experts ensure proper positioning for optimal performance.
- They handle complex configurations and wiring, guaranteeing flawless operation.
By involving HVAC professionals, you ensure that thermostat issues are addressed comprehensively, from troubleshooting to installation, ensuring your home’s comfort and efficiency are maximized.
Ending Note
If your thermostat starts to malfunction, it could disrupt the proper operation of your HVAC equipment. Signs like bad batteries, losing the programmed settings, not responding to the temperature settings, and incorrect readings indicate that you need a new thermostat for your furnace or AC unit.
For assistance in selecting or installing a new thermostat, getting in touch with the experts at Smile HVAC team is the way to go. We specialize in replacing, installing, and repairing temperature controllers for various HVAC systems, including yours. Give us a call at (+1) 437-777-4555 to get an estimate now!
