If you've been cranking the thermostat up and down, but failing to achieve a comfortable temperature, you may need to reset the thermostat for your
Like any other electronic device, sometimes a digital thermostat needs a reset to get it working properly again. Resets are most often needed after a power outage, as the sudden shutoff can prevent a digital thermostat from sending signals to your HVAC system properly when the power comes back on.
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.
Inconsistent home temperatures and high energy bills are telltale signs your thermostat may need calibration. Thermostat calibration, as well as boiler maintenance, are essential components of HVAC systems. Properly calibrating your thermostat ensures more precise temperature control and energy efficiency.
They must also be calibrated after an extreme temperature change (e.g., after measuring a hot food first and then a frozen food, or after a thermometer is dropped). All calibrated thermometers should be accurate within 2 degrees (plus or minus 2 degrees).
Turn on the heat on the thermostat and increase the temperature. You should hear a sound from both the thermostat and the furnace, and whichever doesn't make a sound has a problem.
Some of the most common thermostat issues include:
The thermostat is broken, not properly level, or dusty. The thermostat needs to be recalibrated. There is loose wiring causing a thermostat issue.
A thermostat can be recording the wrong temperature for a variety of reasons: Your thermostat's sensor is malfunctioning. In some cases, a sensor can be recording the wrong temperature. A simple recalibration can often do the trick.
Resetting your Honeywell Thermostat can fix common issues like inaccurate temperature readings, scheduling problems, and unresponsive buttons.
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.
The Lifespan of a Thermostat
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.
First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.
Many computers, especially older models, have user accessible "reset" buttons that assert the reset line to facilitate a system reboot in a way that cannot be trapped (i.e. prevented) by the operating system, or holding a combination of buttons on some mobile devices.
One easy thing you can do to check the accuracy of your thermostat is to do a temperature check. See what your thermostat reads. Then use a portable indoor thermometer to compare the temps. Another good way to do the temperature check is to download one of the many free apps that allow you to check indoor temperatures.
If the temperature is set to 74°F but the thermometer shows 78°F, you will have to recalibrate the thermostat to account for this 4-degree deviation. Even with older AC units or furnaces, you might have to recalibrate your thermostat from time to time.
If your thermostat is not reading correctly, it might be due to a dirty or faulty sensor. A quick fix could be to gently clean the sensor with canned air to remove any dust buildup. However, if problems persist, replacing the thermostat could be the next step.
There are a number of reasons why your air conditioner might be running but not cooling. It could be an issue with the thermostat, the compressor, or the evaporator coils. Or, it could simply be clogged with dust and debris, which is preventing it from working properly.
To find it, you should first turn off your HVAC system to ensure safety. Remove the thermostat cover by either snapping it off or unscrewing it, depending on the model. Most modern thermostats will have a clearly marked reset button inside the panel.
Clean the Thermostat. Sometimes, when the room temperature doesn't match the thermostat setting, the problem could be dirt buildup on its interior parts. A dirt coating around the inner components may create excess heat and cause the thermostat to give the wrong readings.
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.
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.
Locate the sensor, which is a small, round component usually positioned near the bottom of the thermostat. It may be labeled as “sensor” or “thermistor.” Using a soft brush or a can of compressed air, carefully clean the sensor to remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated on its surface.