A thermostat is a vital part of keeping your home comfortable. This is why it is frustrating when the thermostat won’t reach its set temperature. In these cases, you will be left wondering what is going wrong and what you can do to fix it.
Keep reading to learn the common reasons a thermostat doesn’t reach its set temperature. By knowing these reasons, you will be well on your way to fixing the problem.
The Thermostat is Dirty
If your thermostat gets clogged with dust or dirt, it will not work properly. These materials will impede its ability to register the current temperature and, thus, will prevent it from doing what is necessary to reach the temperature you have set.
Try to clear away any visible dust or dirt. Wipe your thermostat with a cloth or spray it with a blast of pressurized air. Then, see if it starts working.
The Vents are Blocked
If the vents are blocked, your entire HVAC system will be ineffective.
Avoid placing anything to cover the vents. Make sure you don’t have a rug over one or a couch pressed against one. In addition, make sure debris isn’t caught in the vents and double-check that they are open.
The Thermostat Needs Recalibration
In some cases, the thermostat may simply need professional attention. Thermostats need to be recalibrated about once a year to ensure they are working properly. Scheduling an appointment with a professional will allow you to fix this issue easily.
Wiring is Loose
A thermostat has several wires that are necessary to keep it functioning properly. However, these wires sometimes become loose and even detach entirely.
In some cases, you can reattach the wires yourself. However, this can potentially be dangerous, and you should only do this if you know how to do it and know how to do it safely. If you don’t, it is best to have a professional fix the issue.
It’s Broken
Sometimes, the thermostat is flat-out broken. In these cases, you can try to fix it or have it repaired.
However, the best course of action is typically to have it replaced entirely. Make sure to be on the lookout for coupons or specials when you do so. These will make it easier to justify the full replacement.
Clogged Air Filters
The vents aren’t the only place where a clog will prevent proper airflow. Air filters are another common culprit. If these get clogged, the system will run poorly until the issue is fixed.
Luckily, this is an easy problem to solve. All you have to do is get new air filters and replace the ones you currently have. The new filters will have the system running at peak efficiency in no time.
Location
Many people dismiss the impact that thermostat location has on its function. However, some places in your home are naturally warmer or colder than others. For example, if your thermostat is in direct sunlight for most of the day, it will think your house is much warmer than it actually is.
To solve this, make sure your thermostat is placed properly. If it isn’t in a good space already, you should either move it yourself or have professionals move it.
The Device Isn’t Level
Another thing many people fail to consider about thermostats is that they need to be level. Otherwise, they will not work effectively.
Luckily, this is another easy fix. Just level out the thermostat, and you can right the problem.
Lost Power
A thermostat needs power to run. However, there are several situations where a thermostat can lose power. When this happens, you won’t be able to adjust the thermostat settings, and if it has a screen, you will notice that it is no longer on.
If this happens, you must find a way to restore its power. Sometimes, you just need to make sure a switch is turned on, or the breaker hasn’t been shut off. In other cases, the situation is more complex, and you will need to have a professional address it.
It’s Old
Time affects a thermostat just like it does every piece of technology. The parts start to wear down, and the entire system works poorly. You wouldn’t expect a phone or computer to work for years and years, so there is no reason to expect a thermostat to hold up like this. For a thermostat, ten years tends to be an average lifespan.
This is another situation where the thermostat will need to be replaced. However, once it is, your system should be back up and running quickly.
Call Campbell’s When Your Thermostat is Not Reaching Set Temperature
If your thermostat isn’t working, you can try to do some work on it by yourself. However, the issue may not be immediately clear, and many solutions require the attention of professionals anyway.
At Campbell Comfort Systems, we have the professionals you need with experience in thermostats not working. We can diagnose your problem, fix it, and have your HVAC system running again without you having to worry about it at all. If this sounds like something you need, schedule your appointment today.
Keep your home comfortable! Book online now and let the professionals at Campbell Comfort Systems take care of your thermostat problems!