The Thermostat Is Unresponsive If your thermostat display is dark or blank, even with fresh batteries and no issues with your circuit breaker, your thermostat may be broken. Another indicator is if nothing is changing on the screen when you press buttons.
Get an Indoor Thermometer
Another way to test your thermostat is to use a thermometer. Place the thermometer in the room and turn on the AC. After a few minutes, check the thermometer to see what temperature it's reading. The temperature should be lower than when you started.
A malfunctioning thermostat will have trouble keeping your home's temperature at the right setting. If there's something wrong with the motherboard, it may change its own settings at random. You can test the thermostat by lowering the settings to see if the problem persists.
A bad thermostat can often be diagnosed by using the coolant temperature gauge. If the engine runs much cooler than normal the thermostat is likely stuck in the open position or if the engine overheats it could be stuck in the closed position.
In most cases, installing a new thermostat is a relatively simple do-it-yourself project that can result in improved comfort and convenience and one that can help you save energy.
The malfunctioning thermostat may be due to faulty wiring. If the device's wires are loose, dirty, disconnected, or bad, the thermostat won't function properly.
On average, most thermostats last about 10 years, depending on the model, usage, and proper maintenance. However, many people decide to replace their unit sooner to take advantage of new energy-saving technologies.
Replacing a Thermostat. You'll pay between $15 and $300 for the unit in addition to labor ($65 to $100 per hour) to replace an old thermostat with a new one. However, installing a brand-new thermostat is more involved and, therefore, more expensive.
Absolutely. While it may seem like a small part of your HVAC system, the thermostat plays a crucial role in ensuring your home stays cool and comfortable.
Yes, many smart thermostats are designed for DIY installation, and manufacturers typically provide step-by-step guides and videos. However, if your HVAC system is older or lacks proper wiring (like a C-wire), the installation might become more complex, and you may need professional help.
So, can a thermostat go bad and cause problems for your HVAC system? The answer is yes, especially if your thermostat doesn't signal your HVAC system to turn off. Once your home has reached the desired temperature, your thermostat normally signals the HVAC to turn it off.
Pay attention to how often your heating system cycles on and off. Frequent cycling could be a sign of thermostat problems as it struggles to maintain the desired temperature. If the system stays on for extended periods without adequately warming the house then the furnace might be working inefficiently.
A malfunctioning thermostat has a harder time maintaining a setting, and may quickly shift temperature settings with no warning. If your central air has a difficult time maintaining the set temperature, even after lowering a setting for a test trial, it could be the thermostat.
Most modern thermostats will have a clearly marked reset button inside the panel. It's usually small and recessed, so you might need a pointed object like a paperclip to press it. For those wondering specifically how to reset air conditioner thermostat models, the process is generally the same.
Your thermostat instruction manual can tell you exactly how to change a thermostat. Installing the thermostat yourself is an easy task that will typically take about an hour from start to finish.
You can typically just replace the outdated thermostat with a new thermostat – assuming the latter is compatible with your HVAC system. There are a few things you should know, however, when upgrading your thermostat.
Installation typically takes about 1 hour.
A bad thermostat can be detected when your AC or furnace is not turning on, your HVAC systems are not turning off, the thermostat not responding, your HVAC system is short-cycling, the room temperature not matching the temperature displayed on the thermostat, and the programmed setting resetting themselves.
If you have an older HVAC system, you can optimize and extend its life by getting a thermostat upgrade. This will reduce further wear and tear, thereby eliminating the need for constant repair and other maintenance costs.
If your wires are connected but your thermostat still isn't working properly, that means it's time to hire a professional. They'll open the thermostat and test the wires individually to see which one is faulty. Since messing with wires is dangerous, you'll want to contact a certified HVAC technician.
One of the lesser-known issues is the polar opposite of overheating. Overcooling happens when the engine does not reach the right temperature for its normal function. In this scenario, the thermostat is stuck open and overflows the radiator with coolant, drastically reducing the engine life cycle.
High temperature readings
The main symptoms of a failing thermostat are related to engine overheating. It can be easily noticed because the temperature gauge in the vehicle will probably read unusually high. This can be caused by the valves being stuck in a closed position.