Just like any other appliance, a house thermostat will inevitably malfunction at some point. Thermostats are simple mechanisms, yet the reasons behind a non-working thermostat can be quite complex. In addition, most homeowners or tenants probably have little experience with thermostats. That makes it more confusing and costly when not working properly. 

At Pioneers Heating and Air, we know the importance of a properly working thermostat in maintaining a comfortable indoor climate. This feature provides some advice and troubleshooting techniques you can use to identify the issue. And hopefully, they can even help you resolve the issue on your own.

Why Is My House Thermostat Not Working?

The power supply for the house thermostat is failing

Has this scenario happened to you? You arrived at your home and were greeted with a dark screen on your house thermostat. That indicates that there is no power to the unit. Therefore, try flipping the switch and then replacing the battery any way you can find it. Usually, you only need AA alkaline or 3-volt lithium batteries. But check to see which type is currently operating the thermostat and just swap them out.

Sometimes a surge can cause a blank thermostat screen. Look for a blown fuse or tripped breaker. In these cases, you can most likely solve the issue by resetting the breaker or replacing the fuse. However, if your house thermostat is also experiencing problems after this, you probably need to contact an HVAC specialist.

The connections on the house thermostat are loose

A house thermostat relies on three connections to function properly; a heating connection, a cooling connection, and a fan connection. If these connections are compromised due to loose wires or corrosion, your HVAC system will not run at maximum efficiency. Troubleshooting faulty connections start with turning off the power at the breaker. Next, tighten each terminal with a screwdriver. If rust is a concern, remove each wire from the terminal and check it. If a wire becomes corroded, use wire strippers to cut it out, exposing a fresh segment of wire. Then reinstall the wire in the terminal.

Wiring directly involves electricity and can be very dangerous. Therefore, only people informed about the process and who have experience working with electricity should handle it. If you are uncomfortable checking the electrical connections on your thermostat, do not do it. We advise hiring our air conditioning repair technicians to locate and fix the issue. When it comes to power, it is better to be safe than sorry.

The house thermostat unit is dirty or dusty

It is not uncommon for a house thermostat to become dirty. Dirt and dust can clog the sensors and interfere with the appliance’s electronics. That can lead to the thermostat failing on you. To clean your thermostat, remove the decorative cover and place it gently aside. Then, clean any collected dirt and debris in your thermostat using a can of compressed air or a new paintbrush. Once finished cleaning your appliance, be sure to put the cover back where it belongs.

The built-in safety switch has tripped

A safety switch acts as a failsafe in the case of an unsafe situation. Is your furnace or AC functions correctly but your thermostat is not responding at all? It might be a safety switch that has tripped due to excess humidity in the condensate pan. This one is easy to find out. Check whether power is restored when you remove excess water from the pan. But if your indoor temperature rises above 86 degrees Fahrenheit or reaches below 50 degrees Fahrenheit without any change in the thermostat setting, call an HVAC professional immediately.

HVAC Near Me

If you have checked all of your house thermostat settings, and they are correct, there may be an issue with the thermostat itself. If you need further assistance from an expert, please feel free to contact Pioneers Heating and Air. We are one of the trusted HVAC contractors in South Pasadena, specializing in HVAC installation, air conditioning system maintenance, and furnace repair. Call us at (626) 217-0559 or visit our website for more help.

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