What to Do If Your Thermostat Isn’t Working

Heating System for the Season with top thermostat features

Referred by our team of HVAC specialists to be the brain of a heating and cooling system, thermostats make the difference between your HVAC system delivering properly warm or cool air. A thermostat can stop functioning or turn on and off again to produce an erratic HVAC system. If your HVAC system is experiencing issues, do not think the worst by assuming the issue requires a major intervention.

Thermostat Not Working?

Many HVAC operational issues come down to the thermostat, which means you need to know what to do if your thermostat isn’t working.

Check the Power Source

Did you know that many HVAC systems depend on the might power produced by a simple battery? Before you break out the tool chest to repair an HVAC system issue, check the status of the battery that generates power for the thermostat. Although most thermostats receive backup power from a hardwired electricity source, a dead battery can bring the entire HVAC system to a halt. You should also check to determine whether a blown fuse or a tripped breaker has contributed to the power outage.

Remove Dirt and Grime

One of the most frustrating things involved in dealing with a faulty thermostat is trying to determine why there is an inconsistency between the temperature setting and the actual room temperature. For example, you set the thermostat to hit 70 degrees Fahrenheit on a chilly late fall day, but the actual temperature in the room is barely above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The solution to your dilemma is simply to clean out the thermostat by removing dirt and grime.

Mechanical Failures

Your thermostat might have succumbed to mechanical failure, which develops for any number of reasons. Maybe poor installation or a solid impact has disrupted the flow of energy required to drive the thermostat. You can fix mechanical issues by adjusting the position of the thermostat, as well as lightly pushing the metal arm in both directions to restart it.

Inspect the Level of Mercury

Even the most complicated thermostats include a mercury thermometer that monitors the temperature produced by the HVAC system. Not only do you need to ensure the mercury level matches the level recommended by the thermostat manufacturer, but also have to check the thermometer for positioning. A thermostat thermometer should be in a position that produces a uniform level of mercury.

Improper Setting

An improper setting can be all that stands between you and comforting warm or cool air. Check the setting to ensure you have the thermostat set up to deliver the right type of air. For instance, you might have accidentally set the thermostat for heat during the middle of summer.

Replacing the Thermostat

If the thermostat is having issues or you just want to switch to a smart thermostat, Accurate Baker Elman can make the change happen affordably. Do not hesitate to contact us if you want some advice on how to address a thermostat maintenance issue. You can call Accurate Baker Elman at (508) 507-6063. We also offer a short online form to contact us as well.