12 Signs It’s Time to Call a Thermostat Repair Professional

Various HVAC symptoms can justify calling for professional thermostat repair instead of furnace or AC service. A faulty thermostat can significantly reduce your comfort. The unit is your heating and cooling system’s control center. A problem with it can reduce performance and efficiency, but we’ll look at warning signs from your HVAC system and what you can find by troubleshooting your thermostat.

1. There Are Issues with Setting the Unit

If your thermostat isn’t working, the first thing to do is determine if it’s set correctly. Check that it’s in the right mode for the season and set at the desired temperature. Call for help if the thermostat is unresponsive when you change the setting. 

A professional can also troubleshoot the issue if you keep reprogramming the unit and it returns to its default settings every time. This can reduce efficiency and may be a sign the thermostat is failing. A thermostat repair can restore control over your heating and cooling system.

2. Your Air Conditioner or Furnace Won’t Turn On

Multiple connections link your thermostat to your HVAC system. An issue with any of them can block signals from reaching major components, preventing them from turning on or functioning properly. The solution may be as simple as tightening a loose connection. However, a hidden problem with the thermostat’s power supply or internal circuitry or switches can stop it from working. Such issues require a trained professional to fix them.

3. The System Runs Constantly

An HVAC system should not run constantly. If it does, the thermostat may not be sending the right signals, so an AC or furnace won’t shut off at the end of a cycle. This can waste energy and increase wear and tear. 

Calling a thermostat repair professional can save money and restore your comfort if your home is too cool or too warm. Repairing the control unit can get the system to cycle normally again, as can calibrating it or moving the thermostat so it gets more accurate readings.

4. Temperature Readings Don’t Match

A malfunctioning thermostat may not read the temperature correctly. Modern electronic thermostats have a tiny transistor known as a thermistor. When the metal in it degrades, temperature readings become inaccurate, so the numbers between the indoor temperature and what your thermostat is set to won’t match. 

You can try setting the system to “On” if it’s in “Auto” mode. If this doesn’t help, the sensor, control board, or another internal component may have failed. This will require a delicate repair or replacing the thermostat.

5. Temperatures Fluctuate Around Your Home

Temperatures fluctuating throughout the day or being uneven from room to room can indicate various problems. Thermostat repair is one possible solution. However, a temperature control issue can mean the unit is in the wrong location. Moving it away from a draft or heat source can help. However, it’s best to call a professional to determine the nature of the problem. A prompt repair can save you significant time and money.

6. The HVAC Unit Short Cycles

A heating or cooling unit typically runs for 15 minutes and turns off when the desired temperature is reached. It’ll then turn on again a few minutes later. This cycle should be repeated two to three times an hour. 

If the system turns on and off constantly, this will affect temperature and humidity control, increase energy costs, and cause more wear. Changing the filter as recommended can avoid short cycling. But if you’ve done so and short cycling is still a problem, a faulty thermostat may be the reason.

7. Installing New Batteries Doesn’t Help

Many thermostats run on batteries. Even those wired to your electrical system may have backup batteries or require battery power for their display screens. If the unit doesn’t respond after you change the batteries, thermostat repair may be necessary. There’s likely a problem you can’t fix yourself.

8. The Screen Goes Blank or Won’t Light

Many thermostats, especially programmable and smart models, display the current and set temperature and other details on a display. A dim, dark, or blank screen indicates a serious problem. Other than a dead battery, there can be a power supply issue or a fault within the display circuit that only a professional can address. 

9.  The Unit Can’t Maintain a Wi-Fi Connection

Smart thermostats have many advantages. However, their complexity leaves them vulnerable to some unique issues. Brief disruptions in Wi-Fi connections aren’t uncommon. But constant interruptions or a long-term Wi-Fi disconnection can prevent you from monitoring or setting the thermostat from your phone or other smart device. The problem may be with the unit’s Wi-Fi chip, a router, or the unit itself.

10. Cleaning the Thermostat Doesn’t Help

It’s a good idea to keep your thermostat clean. Older mechanical units are especially vulnerable to dust and dirt. If cleaning off the unit or its connections doesn’t fix the problem, it’s time to call a thermostat repair professional.

11. Tightening Loose Wires Doesn’t Restore Performance

A loose wire connection can cause your thermostat to malfunction. Inspect the unit for any loose wires and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for tightening them. Call a professional if securing a loose wire doesn’t resolve operational issues or if a wire appears corroded, frayed, or otherwise damaged.

12.  The Thermostat Doesn’t Reset

Resetting the thermostat should yield a response within a few seconds. You should hear it click or the HVAC unit kick in or turn off. The display screen should also indicate the setting has been changed. In some cases, the circuit breaker connected to the thermostat can trip. Resetting the breaker should restore power and/or get the controller to work again. If the problem still isn’t corrected, call a local HVAC repair technician.

Some Easy DIY Thermostat Fixes

When your thermostat isn’t working properly, you don’t always immediately need a professional. The following are some simple solutions to try before calling for help:

• Replace the Batteries: To change the batteries, remove the cover, take out the old batteries, and install new ones within the thermostat. Make sure they’re the same type of batteries and installed in the right direction. You should do this once a year to avoid problems.
• Clean the Device: After taking off the cover, clean the inside of the thermostat with a soft brush or cloth. You can also use compressed air. Dust and debris can interfere with electrical signals and the device’s general performance.
• Inspect the Connections: Your thermostat has several wires connected to it. If one or more wires are loose or disconnected, some or all of the device’s functions may not work. Tighten loose connections with a screwdriver or by how the user manual indicates.

Why Do I Need a Thermostat Repair Professional?

An HVAC technician can troubleshoot and resolve issues more quickly than someone without experience. They can address complex matters such as component failures, improper placement, faulty wiring, and incompatibility with your heating and cooling system. A contractor has the knowledge, tools, and experience to diagnose and fix any problem without making mistakes. They also ensure your warranty remains valid, as a DIY repair can void the warranty. At the very least, a professional knows how to repair a thermostat to ensure your comfort all season.

Contact Kliemann Brothers for Thermostat Repair

Specializing in residential thermostat installation and repair, Kliemann Brothers helps homeowners in and around Tacoma enjoy control over their home comfort. We can install a basic model or programmable thermostat depending on your needs. Our experienced HVAC professionals also provide smart thermostats that allow temperature control via a smartphone, tablet, or other Wi-Fi-connected device. Whether it’s time to repair your thermostat or replace your entire HVAC system, call Kleimann Brothers at (253) 201-8498 today.