When the outdoor temperature rises, you need a functional air conditioner to keep your home cool and comfortable. However, to control the cooling unit, you must ensure the settings on the thermostat are correct. These devices may not seem overly important, but they are crucial for regulating indoor climates.
At Cooper’s Plumbing & Air, we often hear homeowners asking, “Do thermostats go bad?” Here, we will answer this question and provide tips on how to recognize when a thermostat replacement is best.
Why Your HVAC System Needs a Functional Thermostat
When you set your thermostat, you’re taking the first step in regulating your home’s temperature and humidity through its heating and cooling system. This device alerts the air conditioning unit to turn on and off, ensuring your property consistently remains at your preferred temperature.
An efficient thermostat ensures stable temperatures, which often translates to reduced energy consumption. When the equipment works properly, your air conditioner won’t overwork itself to maintain temperatures.
Your system will be more energy efficient and less susceptible to premature wear and tear. As such, you can save on energy bills and HVAC repair costs.
The Most Common Faulty Thermostat Symptoms
Do thermostats go bad? Like any other electronic device, thermostats can develop problems. Pay attention to the following warning signs to learn how to recognize a malfunctioning thermostat:
Sudden HVAC System Issues
Is your air conditioning unit suddenly experiencing performance problems? The thermostat could be the culprit.
When thermostats malfunction, they can’t regulate HVAC systems properly. Whenever you adjust your device’s settings, it sends signals to the heating and cooling unit. Yet, if the device fails, the signals won’t reach the HVAC equipment, resulting in disregulated temperature.
Your air conditioner may stop turning on or fail to shut down, even if there isn’t anything wrong with the unit. Your system could also short-cycle, a common situation in which an HVAC unit will constantly turn off and on. However, the cooling cycle will only last for a couple of minutes before stopping and starting again.
Thermostat Doesn’t Respond to Setting Changes
Thermostat setting changes should cause your air conditioner to respond to the adjustments. For instance, if you drop the temperature down a few degrees, you should hear the air conditioner click on within a few seconds.
The sound is your HVAC’s response to the thermostat adjustment. Silence means your thermostat is likely malfunctioning.
Random Temperature Fluctuations
A defective thermostat won’t maintain its settings. It may change its settings randomly if it has a motherboard issue, resulting in inconsistent temperatures in your home or business.
Lack of Sufficient Power
When asking, “Do thermostats go bad?” consider how electronic devices work. They need a reliable power source to function. Thermostats are no different.
A clear indicator of a problem with your device includes a lack of power. It may not turn on or respond to setting changes because its batteries are dead or dying. Replacing the batteries is the easiest way to restore its power.
Unusually High Energy Bills
Your HVAC system remains the biggest energy consumer at your property, whether a residential home or a commercial business. When cooling units become less efficient, energy bills tend to skyrocket, even if there aren’t any changes to your lifestyle or general energy consumption.
A defective thermostat can cause your electric bills to rise due to the corrupted or incomplete signals it sends to your air conditioner. When the device can’t read the temperature setting correctly, your cooling unit will overwork itself, resulting in excessive energy consumption.
How To Troubleshoot a Malfunctioning Thermostat
Now you know the answer to “Do thermostats go bad?” Here are several tips to help troubleshoot and recalibrate your device if it stops working correctly.
Check Thermostat Settings
The first step in restoring your device’s functionality involves checking its settings. Sometimes, the problem stems from an accidental setting change, like putting the thermostat on “heat” in the summer when it should be on “cool.” You also want it to be in “auto” mode so your HVAC unit only runs when producing conditioned air.
Manually Adjust the Temperature
If the settings are correct, manually adjust the temperature by five degrees. In the summer, lower the temperature by five degrees below your usual thermostat setting.
Wait to hear a small click. That sound will let you know that the thermostat is communicating with your cooling system. If nothing happens, check your circuit breaker; there may be an electrical problem.
Check Electrical Connections and Wiring
Bad wiring is one of the reasons thermostats go bad prematurely. Remove the plastic casing from your unit and look at the wires. Loose connections and frayed wires can cause signal interruptions. Contact a qualified HVAC technician to repair or replace your device.
When To Consider Thermostat Replacement for Your Air Conditioner
If the answer is yes to “Do thermostats go bad?” when should you replace them? Troubleshooting your thermostat can help restore function, but eventually, you’ll need to upgrade the device.
Consider these factors to know when thermostat replacement is necessary:
- Age: The average thermostat lifespan is about ten years. Consider replacing your device if it’s near or past that age.
- Inefficiency: The constant need for troubleshooting, temperature fluctuations, and discomfort may warrant an updated thermostat to ensure optimal HVAC efficiency and performance.
- Device upgrade: Sometimes, thermostats don’t align with a property owner’s needs. If you have an older manual thermostat but prefer an advanced smart device with Wi-Fi connectivity, remote access, and programmability, it’s time for an upgrade.
Get Help With Your Faulty Thermostat Today
Do thermostats go bad? They can malfunction, which can significantly impact how your air conditioner and furnace operate. The good news is that our team at Cooper’s Plumbing & Air can help.
Our company has more than 20 years of experience providing comprehensive HVAC solutions for residents in and around Tallahassee, Florida. If your thermostat is nearing the end of its lifespan or is causing problems with AC temperatures, our knowledgeable and courteous technicians can identify and resolve the issue.
We guarantee your satisfaction, so call (866) 464-7132 today to schedule an appointment.