Your thermostat is the brains behind your HVAC system. As such, it needs to be in good working order for it to control your HVAC system well. The thermostat plays an important role in regulating your home’s temperature.
Thermostat problems can cause issues, such as temperature inconsistencies, increased energy use, faulty readings, and could even cause your HVAC system to not function properly.
Luckily, taking care of your thermostat is an easy DIY homeowner task. Here are some things to add to your homeowner’s DIY maintenance list that’ll keep your smart thermostat in great condition.
Check the Batteries Periodically
Knowing when to change the batteries in your thermostat should be high on the list of things to be aware of as a homeowner. Depending on the type of thermostat you have, it uses batteries to power the wires and relays to the HVAC system.
A thermostat will alert you to the fact that the battery is low in one of these ways. You may see a flashing battery-shaped icon on the display, an LED light indicator, an audio alert such as a beeping noise, or your HVAC system could start malfunctioning altogether.
You don’t want to wait for the batteries to die completely. If that happens, you won’t be able to control your HVAC system which could potentially leave you without heat during a cold spell. Learn what type of batteries your system takes and always have a backup set ready to go.
Make Sure It’s Properly Calibrated
Your thermostat must be calibrated correctly in order to accurately read the temperature in your home. Over time, thermostats can lose their accuracy, leading to temperature inconsistencies. A miscalibrated thermostat will cause the system to turn on and off when it shouldn’t or to run longer or shorter than it should. Parts of your home will feel too hot while others don’t receive adequate heat.
Luckily, recalibrating a thermostat is fairly easy depending on what type of thermostat you have. Check your thermostat’s user manual. If you don’t have a hard copy, you should be able to find one online by searching for the make and model of your specific thermostat. If you have an older thermostat or just can’t figure it out, no worries. Give our team a call and we’ll be able to check your thermostat for you and recalibrate if needed.
Keep It Clean
Just like any piece of mechanical equipment, it needs to be clean in order to work well. Dust and dirt accumulate on surfaces throughout your home and can even accumulate inside your thermostat, interfering with its sensors.
Once again, how to clean your thermostat depends on what kind it is. If you have a user manual, consult it for tips on how to clean the thermostat. The first thing you should always do is shut down your HVAC system completely.
Once the cover is off, use a soft brush to clean the area between the contact points. You can use a dollar bill or a thin piece of paper to dislodge any dirt or gunk that’s caught deep in any crevices. You can also use this time to look for any loose or fried wires. However, if something looks amiss, don’t try to fix a wiring problem. Call an HVAC professional for that.
Taking a few steps to maintain your thermostat will reward you with a well-functioning HVAC system and help ensure your home comfort.
When you need it done right contact Professional Heating & Air.