The thermostat is the brain of a home's central heating system, telling the furnace when and at what temperature to engage. When there's an issue with the thermostat, the furnace won't receive the signals it needs to operate and keep your household warm and safe. In some cases, you may need a new thermostat; below are a few common indicators that the central heating could benefit from an upgrade.

How to Tell If You Need a New Thermostat

1. New Central Heating System

Consider a new central heating system an opportunity to update the thermostat, too. HVAC technology advances significantly from year to year and model to model. To make certain the new furnace can be controlled most effectively and operate at its most efficient, switch out the thermostat for a newer one.

2. Wrong Temperature

If you notice the furnace turning on at the wrong temperature settings, the problem could be with the thermostat. Some thermostats have a small window of a few degrees that give a bit more of a cushion around the temperature setting. However, if there is a substantial discrepancy in the setting and the temperature at which the system engages, there is likely an issue with the thermostat's sensor.

3. Outdated Thermostat

Old thermostats with manual settings, wheel-like temperature controls, and old-school switches to turn the furnace on and off are no longer the standard in homes. These outdated devices aren't equipped to meet the needs of modern homeowners. They weren't designed with energy-efficiency in mind either, and they are much harder to use when compared with the ease of a digital thermostat. Regardless of the age of your furnace, if the thermostat hasn't been replaced since the '70s or '80s, a newer device is in order.

When you need to upgrade your thermostat, the HVAC contractors at J.W. Smith & Company are here to help. Since 1964, they have been serving property owners throughout the Douglas County, NE, area. They offer a variety of services, including HVAC repairs, installations, and maintenance, as well as air quality inspections. Call (402) 571-7590 or visit their website for a full list of services or to request an estimate for a new thermostat.