Your thermostat allows you to adjust the temperature in your home, so when it goes on the fritz, you can face reduced comfort and energy waste. For this reason, it's important to recognize when you're dealing with a problem. If you're experiencing any of the following issues, have an HVAC technician resolve it or install a new smart upgrade to improve your home climate.

Frequent Problems With Home Thermostats

1. Dirt & Build-Up

If you're having trouble programming your thermostat, or if you notice it's cutting off prematurely, it may just need a cleaning. Blockages in the ventilation slots could be causing the wires to overheat or may be interfering with connections. In this case, use a can of compressed air to blast dust and debris from contact surfaces and other components.

2. Poor Power

If you have a digital thermostat and notice that the screen seems faint, it can be a sign of a poor power connection. Remove the cover plate and replace the batteries or, if your unit draws from a circuit, flip the breaker to reboot it. Systems that don't respond may be dealing with damaged wires, which can cause the thermostat to shut off unexpectedly.

3. Location

Thermostats operate by measuring the ambient temperature in a home. When it drops below or climbs above the programmed temperature, the unit will turn on. However, poor placement can impact its readings. If the thermostat receives a lot of sunlight or is near heat sources, it may think the home is always hotter than it is. Likewise, if there's extensive wiring or hot electrical installations behind the thermostat, the wall temperature can interfere.

If you’re dealing with thermostat issues, turn River Valley Air Conditioning. Their skilled team has served residents of Kingman, AZ, and Needles, CA, since 1955, handling repairs, installations, and preventative maintenance. They can also assist with emergency repairs when the unexpected occurs and will take every step to ensure your comfort. Call (928) 718-2520 to speak with an expert about your temperature problems, and visit their website to learn about their services.