The thermostat is actually one of the most important parts of your heating and air conditioning system. A faulty or worn-out thermostat can cause your system to cycle too frequently, putting extra wear and tear on your equipment, or fail to activate the HVAC. If your heating and AC is struggling to keep up with the temperatures outside, below are a few signs you may need a new thermostat.

How to Tell That You Have Faulty Thermostat

1. Wrong Temperature

If your thermostat is faulty, your house may be uncomfortably cold or sweltering hot even if the display shows the correct temperature. Taping a normal thermometer to the wall next to the thermostat is a simple way to determine whether the device is accurate. The thermometer will be able to indicate the air’s temperature, similar to the thermostat’s internal thermometer. If the numbers are more than a degree apart after 15 minutes, you may need to replace the thermostat.

2. Doesn’t Cycle

A wide range of issues can cause your HVAC system to fail entirely, ranging from tripped circuit breakers to a failed thermostat. First, check the breaker box to ensure all of the circuits are on, then try to turn the thermostat from “heat” to “cool.” If you get no reaction from the system, you’re likely dealing with a broken thermostat.

3. Rapid Cycling

Sometimes the thermostat will turn the HVAC system on, but sends the signal to cycle down too quickly. Having your heater or air conditioning constantly cycling is not only annoying, but it also leaves your home uncomfortable and eventually causes premature breakdowns. The constant fluctuation of cycles and exertion of energy will wear your unit’s components down. A new thermostat will help regulate your system, reduce utility bills, and bring down your overall maintenance costs.

Since 1982, Rick Ogden Heating & Air Conditioning has been helping homeowners throughout Loveland, OH, and the Tri-State Area with fast, affordable service and unbeatable expertise. If your home is uncomfortably warm this summer, you can rely on their team to identify the issue and offer effective, affordable solutions using the best equipment on the market. Visit their website for more on their heating and AC services or call (513) 683-3714 to request an estimate.