What’s Wrong with My Thermostat?
It’s freezing outside. You anticipate the warmth inside your home. But as you adjust to the indoor temperature, you know something isn’t right. The thermostat says 75 degrees. But your body temperature says 65 … or lower.
Is something wrong with your thermostat? Or is it a bigger problem, a sign that your furnace is acting up?
Your thermostat is attached to your HVAC equipment, controlling both your furnace and your air conditioner. If it’s recording the wrong temperature, it’s not communicating properly with your equipment. This means your system will likely be operating either too often or not often enough, and your indoor air temperature will be uncomfortable, in addition to increasing your system’s energy consumption.
Reasons Why Your Thermostat is Reading the Wrong Temperature
A thermostat can be recording the wrong temperature for a variety of reasons:
- Your thermostat’s sensor is malfunctioning. In some cases, a sensor can be recording the wrong temperature. A simple recalibration can often do the trick. It may also be a sign that the sensor needs replacement.
- Your thermostat is old. Like any home appliance, your thermostat will eventually get old and start wearing out. As it starts to develop problems, you’ll find it’s not as accurate as it once was. Replacing it with a newer model will not only fix the problems, but it will also give you energy savings features as well.
- Your thermostat is not level. Older thermostats were sensitive to location and are required to be level to continue to operate. If you’ve been moving furniture or recently redecorated, you may have knocked it loose, and it’s no longer level. You might need to readjust its position to ensure it’s properly working.
- Your thermostat is in a bad location. This is often the leading cause of thermostat malfunction. If your thermostat is in direct sunlight, near sources of direct heat or air from vents, or near sources of drafts, it will not provide an accurate reading of your home’s temperature.
Think you have a problem with your thermostat? Quality First Service Group can help. Call us today for service in Aurora, Parker, Littleton, Castle Rock, or the nearby areas. We’re the Metro Denver HVAC company your neighbors trust!
