How to Troubleshoot Your Thermostat
You might be surprised to know that heating or airconditioning service appointments are often caused by a malfunctioning thermostat. In this blog post, Countryside Plumbing & Heating, Inc. saves you a few basic thermostat troubleshooting steps that can help save you time and the cost of a service appointment.
Reset the Thermostat
Most HVAC problems are often rooted in the heating or air conditioning system losing step with the thermostat, and resetting it helps put both back in sync. It’s the equivalent of restarting a computer or internet router. The reset process varies between makes and models, but it usually involves steps like pushing a recessed button, removing the batteries for a few seconds, or turning off the circuit breaker for the HVAC for a few seconds.
Replace the Batteries
If the thermostat doesn’t seem to be responding to a factory reset, don’t go looking up prices for air conditioning units just yet — another common culprit is dead batteries in the thermostat. Replace the batteries with fresh ones, and try the reset process once again. Before putting the thermostat back, make sure the contacts between it and the wall panel are clean.
Check the Wiring
If your HVAC problems still persist, take a look at the wiring, if you have access to it. You can skip to this part of the process if your thermostat is not battery-powered. A typical thermostat wiring would have wires marked as “R” for power, “Y” for cooling, “W” for heating, and “G” for fan. Twist the power wire together with the other wires one at a time to see if their respective components start up. If one or more components won’t start up, then at this point, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with an HVAC technician.
If your thermostat turns out to be faulty, take it as an opportunity to upgrade yours to one with better capabilities. For example, if you’re replacing a mechanical thermostat, a programmable one can give you more flexibility with your daily HVAC usage, which may result in improved HVAC efficiency and energy savings.
Call Countryside for Your HVAC Needs
Whether you need help with a malfunctioning thermostat or if you’re looking for an air conditioner sale, Countryside Plumbing & Heating, Inc. can help. Give us a call at (715) 246-2660, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
