How to Tell if a Thermostat is Bad? - 8 Signs of Failing Thermostat

Thermostats

Jan 23

If you are one of the millions of people who live in an area where the weather is constantly changing, then you know how important it is to stay on top of your heating and cooling. If you have a home with a thermostat, you know a bad one can make your life miserable. Not only will you have to deal with the inconvenience of a broken device, but it could also lead to higher energy bills or even cause damage to the unit itself.

To help you avoid these issues and save money on your next electric bill, we’ve got some tips for how to tell if your thermostat is bad.

How to Tell If Your Thermostat Is Broken

If you want to ensure your HVAC is in good shape, you can't just take its word for it. You need to check for signs that it's not working. There are a few telltale clues. Here are things to look out for:

Your bills are higher than expected
Room temperature doesn’t match the thermostat setting
The AC or furnace ferns on and off at odd times
Your AC or furnace won’t turn on
Your HVAC system is short cycling
The thermostat doesn’t respond to changed settings
You can’t get a consistent temperature throughout your house
You've had to change the batteries in your thermostat more than once in the past year

1. Your Bills are Higher Than Expected - How to Tell if a Thermostat is Bad

A good thermostat can prevent you from wasting energy. It can also cause your home's temperature to fluctuate, which can be uncomfortable for you and your family.

If your bills are higher than expected, consider replacing your thermostat. The best way to do this is to hire a professional with experience in HVAC systems. This person can determine whether or not it's time for a replacement.

2. The Room Temperature Doesn't Match the Thermostat Settings - How to Tell if a Thermostat is Bad

If your thermostat isn't working correctly, you may notice that the room temperature doesn't match what's shown on the thermostat.

The most common reason for this is that the temperature sensors are broken or are not working correctly. If this happens, it can cause your furnace to run too much or not enough. This will make the house feel either too hot or too cold.

If you have a digital thermostat, then the numbers will be accurate. However, if you have an analog one (one that has dials or knobs), there's a chance they might not be. This can happen if the numbers get stuck in place or are off by a few degrees.

To check if this is the problem, take a digital thermometer and place it in different rooms throughout your home for a while (such as for 24 hours). Compare these temperatures with those shown on your thermostat. You should see if there is a difference between them and pinpoint where the issue lies.

3. The Air Conditioner or Furnace Turns On and Off at Odd Times - How to Tell if a Thermostat is Bad

When your HVAC thermostat is functioning correctly, it will turn your air conditioner or furnace on at the pre-set temperature and then turn it off when it reaches that point. But if your thermostat is broken, it can turn off and on randomly, possibly even in the middle of the night. For example, if you set your thermostat to 72 degrees, but it keeps turning off the air conditioner or furnace every time it reaches 71 degrees, your thermostat might be broken.

A faulty thermostat can also cause problems with your heating system. A thermostat stuck on high will lead to an overheating problem. The same is true for a low-heat setting: if you leave it on low heat, your home will become too cold.

4. Your Air Conditioner or Furnace Won't Turn On - How to Tell if a Thermostat is Bad

If you're experiencing any of these problems, your thermostat likely needs to be replaced.

Several issues could be at play if your air conditioner or furnace doesn't turn on. First, if you're having trouble starting your furnace or air conditioner, the problem could be as simple as a dead battery in your thermostat.

If this is the case, you'll need to replace the battery with a fresh one before turning your system back on again. If that still doesn't work, the problem may lie with something more serious, like a broken wire or a blown fuse. In either case, it's best to call an HVAC professional to diagnose and fix these problems before they worsen.

Another common reason your air conditioner or furnace might not turn on is that you have a broken part that needs to be replaced. For example, if your system has a broken motor or compressor, then it won't be able to turn on at all.

5. Your HVAC System Is Short Cycling - How to Tell if a Thermostat is Bad

If your HVAC system is short-cycling, it's not working correctly.

Short cycling is when the system can't complete the entire cycle of cooling or heating. The system will run for a short time, then shut off. It will do this repeatedly until you fix the problem and allow it to run through its complete cycle.

Several things can cause short cycling in an HVAC system. A bad thermostat is often the culprit behind short cycling. If the thermostat isn't set correctly or there's a problem with the wiring or other components in your system, it might cause the compressor to turn on and off too quickly. This problem could also be caused by a dirty filter that prevents air from moving through the ducts and vents in your home or business the way it should.

6. The Thermostat Doesn’t Respond to Changed Settings - How to Tell if a Thermostat is Bad

If your thermostat doesn't respond to changes, it could be a sign that it's terrible.

Make sure your furnace or air conditioner is set to the right settings to see if your thermostat is working right. Then, press the up arrow on your thermostat to see if the house temperature increases. If it does, then your thermostat is working correctly. If not, there's a problem with the wiring or the thermostat itself.

If this problem happens often and you can't fix it by just changing the temperature, it's probably time to get some repairs done or buy new equipment.

7. You Can't Get a Consistent Temperature Throughout Your House - How to Tell if a Thermostat is Bad

If you can't get a consistent temperature throughout your house, it's time to replace your thermostat. For example, if you feel like your upstairs is always colder than the downstairs, or if you're constantly adjusting your thermostat to get the right temperature in different rooms,

Your HVAC system should be able to deliver a comfortable temperature in every room of your home. If it's not doing this for you, there could be an issue with the wiring, or the unit itself might be old and no longer functioning correctly.

If your air conditioner isn't working well enough to keep your home cool, try running it on a lower setting. If that doesn't work and you're still feeling too hot, it's time to consult the professionals!

8. You've Had to Change the Batteries in Your Thermostat More Than Once in the Past Year - How to Tell if a Thermostat is Bad

It's a bummer when your thermostat stops working, but it's even worse when you have to replace the batteries more than once a year! If you have to change the batteries on your thermostat more than once a year, it's time to consider replacing the whole thing.

As you may know, thermostats use batteries to power the circuitry that controls the temperature of your home's heating and cooling system. The problem is that these batteries don't last for very long. They can only be used so many times before they start dying out.

If you've had to change the batteries on your thermostat more than once in two years, chances are good that there's something wrong. Its circuitry has gone out or been damaged by moisture or other contaminants. Either way, you need to replace your old one with a new one ASAP!

What is a Thermostat?

A thermostat is a device that measures the temperature and controls the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your home. It uses a sensor to measure the temperature of the air, then tells your heating or cooling system to turn on or off based on what it reads.

How to Tell if a Thermostat is Bad? - 8 Signs of Failing Thermostat

The two most important parts of a thermostat are a bimetallic strip and a bimetallic switch. The bimetallic strip is made of two types of metal that expand at different rates when heated or cooled, forming an electrical connection when one end is hot and the other cools down.

This electrical connection activates the bi-metal switch, which tells the heating or cooling system to turn on or off, depending on whether it's hotter or colder than the desired temperature set on your thermostat (the lower number).

Some thermostats can be controlled by pressing buttons on the device itself, while others are fully automatic and follow schedules that have already been set. Some also have features like WiFi connectivity, so you can control them remotely with an app or online dashboard.

Why Is It Important to Have a Thermostat?

A thermostat is vital because it keeps you from paying more than you should for your energy. Not only that, but it also helps you save money on your utility bills. And if you have children, having a thermostat can help keep them safe and healthy.

Here are reasons why it's essential to have a thermostat:

It Helps You Save Money
It Can Improve Your Home's Comfort! You Can Control The Temperature With A Few Button Clicks Or A Swipe On Your Phone!
It Reduces Your Carbon Footprint
It Helps Keep Your Home Comfortable
It Provides Safety Features
It Saves You Time In The Morning When You Wake Up
A Good Thermostat Will Last For Years And Years

1. A Thermostat Is Important Because It Helps You Save Money

A thermostat is a handy device that helps you save money. It is a small, simple device that can be installed on your HVAC unit and will allow you to control the temperature in your home or office. A thermostat can help you save money because it allows you to adjust the temperature according to the season and weather conditions.

If you have ever lived in an area where it gets cold in the winter, then you know how expensive heating bills can be. If you live in an area where temperatures are milder, having a thermostat can help keep your electric bill low by allowing you to run your heater or air conditioner when needed.

A thermostat is also essential because it will help keep your energy costs down. No matter what kind of heating or cooling system is installed in your home or office, some costs will always be associated with keeping the building warm or cool throughout the year.

2. A Thermostat Is Important Because It Can Increase The Comfort Of Your Home

When it comes to your home, you want to ensure it's comfortable. That's why you should consider installing a thermostat.

With a thermostat, you'll be able to control your home's temperature. And if you're in an area with extreme temperatures, this can be a lifesaver. You can also adjust it based on your needs and the time of year. Changing the temperature means you won't have to worry about paying too much for energy or your utility bills skyrocketing.

It's also important to know how to use your thermostat so you don't waste money and maybe even energy! One way is by setting up reminders with programs that will remind you when it's time to change the settings on your thermostat. This way, you will remember how long ago you last changed them or how often they need changing (which can vary depending on where you live).

3. A Thermostat Is Important Because You Can Control the Temperature From Anywhere

If you have a smart thermostat, you can control your heating and cooling settings from your phone! You don't have to go downstairs and turn off the heat if your kids forget to do it before leaving for school in the morning. All you need to do is pull out your phone, open an app, and adjust the temperature setting.

You can also use an app to control multiple thermostats at once. If you have various locations in your home or apartment building, using an app can save time and effort by allowing you to change all of them simultaneously instead of changing each one separately. This makes life easier for everyone in the house because it gives everyone more independence over their comfort levels while maintaining reasonable temperatures within your home.

4. A Thermostat Is Important Because it Reduces Your Carbon Footprint

It's no secret that we're amidst a global climate crisis. But you can do your part to help save the planet by making simple changes to your daily life. One of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint is by switching out your thermostat for a programmable one.

A programmable thermostat will change the temperature of your home based on the time and temperature you set. This saves you money on energy bills and helps prevent your home from getting too cold or hot during those times when you're not around. It also reduces wear and tear on your heating and cooling systems, which means they'll last longer and won't need replacing as often!

5. Thermostat Is Important Because It Gives You Less Stress

One of the most important reasons you should have a thermostat is that it can help reduce stress. There are so many things that can cause stress in your life, from bills to relationships.

Having to worry about whether or not your house is going to be too hot or too cold can add even more stress to your already busy life. A thermostat will allow you to keep track of the temperature in your home and ensure that it's always at just the right level for you and your family.

6. A Thermostat is Important Because it Provides Safety Features

There are many safety features that a thermostat can provide. Remember that some features may be available on some models but not others.

These include:

Touchscreen display. A touchscreen display is an excellent feature for any thermostat. It allows you to adjust settings easily without going through a bunch of menus or scrolling through a screen. The touchscreen also makes it easy to change the language on your thermostat, if that’s something you want to do.

A built-in humidity sensor will shut off the air conditioning when there is too much moisture in the house and not enough dry air. This helps to prevent mold growth, which can be very dangerous to your health.

Automatic shutoff in the event of a fire or other emergency, so you don't have to remember to do it yourself! This is especially important if there are children living in the house because they might not be able to get to an extinguisher fast enough if an emergency happens while they are sleeping, playing in another room, or even out of the house.

a backlit display that makes it easy to read the settings even in poorly lit rooms. This can be especially helpful if you have trouble seeing or need to use the fire extinguisher in the middle of the night when there is less light.

a programmable feature that allows you to set up a schedule for when certain rooms should be heated or cooled depending on what time of year it is (and thus how hot or cold your house will get naturally without help from you). This can save energy costs by lowering those bills over time!

7. A Thermostat Is Important Because It Saves You Time in the Morning

One of the best reasons to have a thermostat is that it saves you time in the morning. Like most people, you wake up at a specific time and get ready for work or school. You must ensure that your home is comfortable when you return from your daily activities.

You can program a thermostat so that when you wake up at 6:30 a.m., the house is cool or warm enough that you don't have to waste time turning on the air conditioner or heating unit. This is especially helpful if you already use an alarm clock to wake up on time but want to ensure that your house doesn't become too hot before you leave for work!

8. A Thermostat Is Important Because a Good Thermostat Will Last for Years

A good thermostat will last for years. The average lifespan of a thermostat is between 10 and 20 years, depending on how much you use it. If you want to ensure that your thermostat lasts as long as possible, it's best to take care of it properly by keeping it clean and unclogged.

You should also replace any batteries in the device when they start getting low, so they don't burn out prematurely. Additionally, check the wires and connections periodically to ensure that nothing has gotten loose or broken over time.

Different Types of Thermostats

There are various types of thermostats available on the market today. Here's a quick rundown:

Mechanical Thermostats
Wireless Thermostats
Programmable Thermostats
Non-programmable Digital Thermostats
Smart Thermostats

Mechanical Thermostats

The mechanical thermostat is the most basic type of thermostat. It's a manual switch that turns your home's heating and cooling systems on and off.

Mechanical thermostats are inexpensive, reliable, and easy to install. You can use these in many different types of heating systems and climates. However, they require manual adjustment when they need to be replaced or moved. They cannot be programmed in the same way that digital thermostats can.

Wireless Thermostats

A wireless thermostat is a device that allows you to control your home's temperature from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. It's usually put in your home's central control panel, so you can use an app on your phone to change the temperature from anywhere. This can be useful if you're away from home or need help getting around. You can turn up or down the heat before you go to bed or leave for work so that it's comfortable when you return.

Wireless thermostats are great because they save energy by automatically adjusting the temperature while you're away from home. When there is no one at home to adjust the temperature manually, it makes sense for a device to do this instead.

Programmable Thermostats

A programmable thermostat is a type of thermostat that can be programmed to automatically turn on and off, typically at different times throughout the day. Programmable thermostats are generally more expensive than other types of thermostats.

Still, they can save you money by allowing you to set the temperature at which your heat or air conditioning comes on and stays on. This can be useful if you have ample space with several rooms or floors that need to be heated or cooled at different times throughout the day.

Programmable thermostats can be programmed using either buttons or a remote control unit. Most modern models also have built-in Wi-Fi connectivity so that you can control them remotely through your smartphone or computer. Some models allow users to control their home's temperature settings from anywhere in the world via the internet. A handy feature if you're traveling!

Non programmable Thermostats

Unlike programmable thermostats, non-programmable models cannot be programmed. Instead, you need to adjust it manually to achieve the desired temperature.

The good thing about non-programmable thermostats is that they are easy to use and install. However, they offer little flexibility in programming or scheduling your home's temperature. In addition, some models may only have one temperature setting, which may only be comfortable for some people living in your home.

Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat is a piece of technology that can control the temperature in a home or office on its own. By using a mobile app, smart thermostats can connect to the internet and receive information about the weather and current energy costs, which allows users to make adjustments to their home's temperature settings based on these factors.

Smart thermostats have several benefits over traditional analog models. They can be controlled from a distance, can be set to run automatically, are easier to install than older models, and usually come with remote sensors that let people check the temperature inside their homes. You can also use Alexa or another smart assistant that is built into the thermostat to control them.

Even though a smart thermostat may cost more up front than an analog one, most people save money on their energy bills over time because they can program the device. Hence, it only heats or cools when necessary (rather than maintaining constant temperatures).

What Happens When a Thermostat Fails?

When a thermostat fails, it can cause your heating system to run inefficiently and ineffectively. This can mean the system constantly turns on and off or shuts down entirely. Either way, this can lead to higher energy bills and damage your heating system.

An inefficient heating system can also lead to poor air quality, harming your health. Also, if your heating system runs all the time, this can cause wear and tear on the system. Over time, this can cause parts of the system to break down and need to be replaced sooner than they should.

Most Common Thermostats Problems

If you're having trouble with your thermostat, you may wonder what's wrong with it. While many different issues could be causing your thermostat problems, five common ones tend to come up more often than others:

Old wires
Frayed wires
Dust build-up
A damaged sensor
In a poor location

1. Old Wires - Common Thermostats Problems

Old wires can cause many problems with your thermostat. If the wires are old and worn, they may not be able to transmit information properly. This can lead to your thermostat thinking that it is warmer or colder than it is. This can cause your system to run more often than needed, wasting energy and costing you money.

If your wires are old and worn, it's a good idea to replace them before they break down completely. You should also check the insulation on all wires in case there is any damage or signs of corrosion. If you find corrosion or other damage on a wire, you should replace it right away before it causes you or your system more trouble.

2. Frayed Wires - Common Thermostats Problems

Frayed wires are a common problem with thermostats. When the wires are frayed, they have become worn down and exposed. This is a big red flag for your thermostat’s health. If your wires look thin and worn, it’s likely time to replace them.

This can be done by removing the cover on top of your thermostat and disconnecting the wires from within the device itself. Once you’ve disconnected them, replace them with new ones from a hardware store or online. However, if you are inexperienced in this area, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.

3. Dust Built Up - Common Thermostats Problems

Dust is a common problem with thermostats, and it can be particularly frustrating to deal with. Dust can build up in the internal workings of a thermostat, which can cause the device to malfunction.

If you're having trouble getting your thermostat to work, try cleaning it with a vacuum or a soft brush. You can also try removing the back plate and cleaning it with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or another solvent.

4. Damaged Sensor - Common Thermostats Problems

A damaged sensor is one of the most common thermostat problems. A thermostat's sensors allow it to read the temperature in your home and turn the heat on or off according to your settings. If your thermostat senses no heat coming from your furnace, it will turn itself off and only let you change the temperature setting once it has been repaired by a professional.

Common causes of damaged sensors include overheating and electrical surges.

Overheating: If you have an older model of thermostat that has been running for a long time without being replaced, it may have overheated and damaged its sensor. This can also happen if your furnace needs to be serviced correctly or if there is an issue with the wiring in your home.

Electrical Surges: Surges in power can damage any electronic device in your home, including thermostats. If lightning strikes near where you live or if there is a power surge from another source, this can cause damage to your thermostat's circuitry and make it stop working correctly.

5. Poor Location - Common Thermostats Problems

The location of your thermostat can have a significant impact on how well it works. If you place it in an inconvenient location, you may not remember to adjust the temperature when you're home or away, which can lead to unnecessary energy use. For example, if your thermostat is near an outside wall in one of your bedrooms, it will be hard to see from the other side of the room and adjust as needed.

If you put a thermostat in a place where it gets direct sunlight all the time, the device could stop working. It may also stop working if the thermostat is near a heat source like a fireplace or radiator. This is because these heat sources can cause the internal elements of the thermostat to overheat and burn out.

How Can You Select the Proper Thermostat for Your HVAC System?

The thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system. The device tells your furnace when to turn on and how long to stay on. It also lets you know how warm or cool your home should be at any given moment.

If you want to keep your energy bills low, it’s essential to choose a good thermostat for your needs. Here are the most common ways to do so:

1. Consider Your Needs - Selecting The Proper Thermostat For Your HVAC System

The first step in this process is to consider what you need from your thermostat. For example, do you want something you can control remotely or through voice commands? Think about whether or not you need to keep track of external temperatures as well. If so, you might want a model with a built-in thermometer.

2. Choosing the Best Thermostat for Your Needs and Environment: Choosing a Thermostat for Your HVAC System

If you live in an area with high humidity levels, you should look for a model with an indoor humidity sensor. You should also make sure that the thermostat has a backlit display screen option. This will keep your eyes from getting tired. If it's just for your office or other business space, ensure that the temperature range is appropriate for those environments, too (i.e., no extremes like below-freezing temperatures).

3. Choose a Thermostat That Works With Your Budget - Selecting the Proper Thermostat for Your HVAC System

Your budget is a significant factor when looking for a new thermostat. You can find some highly affordable models, but they might also lack features. It's essential to choose a model that fits your needs and is within your price range so that you don't have to worry about purchasing additional accessories or upgrades later.

4. Get Professional Advice From An HVAC Technician - Selecting the Proper Thermostat for Your HVAC System

Expert HVAC technicians have the knowledge and experience to help you select the right thermostat for your home or business. They can answer your questions about different models, features, and installation options. Contact a local heating, ventilation, and air conditioning company today to set up an appointment with one of their technicians so you can get expert advice on choosing a new thermostat.

5. Read Reviews From Other Customers Who Have Purchased This Type of Product - Selecting the Proper Thermostat for Your HVAC System

Reading reviews from other customers who have already purchased this product can help you better understand what to expect. You’ll be able to learn about the customer service experience, any issues they had with installation or setup, and how well the product worked after installation. Reading reviews will also give you an idea of what features are essential for this product and which ones aren’t worth paying extra for.

6. Check if There’s a Warranty on the Product - Selecting the Proper Thermostat for Your HVAC System

If you have any concerns about the quality of a product, checking to see if it comes with a warranty can help put those fears to rest. A good warranty should cover any problems that come up within a certain amount of time and should be easy to use.

Frequently Asked Questions: How Can I Tell if a Thermostat Is Bad?

Will my Heating Work if my Thermostat Fails?

No, it won't. The thermostat is what makes your heating work. It turns the heater on and off based on how much heat the house needs. If the thermostat is broken, your heater will stay off unless you manually turn it on.

What Happens if You Don't Fix Your Thermostat?

If you don't fix your thermostat, you could be paying more than you need to for your energy bill. Moreover, your home will get too hot or too cold, and no one in the house will be comfortable.

How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Faulty Thermostat?

The average cost of fixing a broken thermostat is $100 to $500. This price range varies depending on whether it's an old analog model or a new digital one and what kind of problem caused the damage in the first place