While there are rare cases where a thermostat might temporarily unstick due to changes in temperature or pressure, this is not a reliable or permanent solution. If you suspect your thermostat is stuck open, it's best to have it inspected and replaced if necessary to ensure proper engine operation.
Turn off your air conditioning system. Locate the reset button on the thermostat's circuit board. Use a soft bristle brush to gently remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated on the thermostat components. Press and hold the reset button for 5-10 seconds until the display goes blank.
You can try removing the batteries and installing them backwards for 10 seconds, then putting them back in correctly. Sometimes when a digital thermostat is not operating properly this will reset the little board inside. If that does not help the thermostat has taken a power spike and will have to be replaced.
A thermostat may periodically stick due to wear or damage, debris or sludge buildup, incorrect or low coolant, or faulty temperature sensors or wiring. These issues can cause inconsistent engine temperature regulation.
Turn your thermostat to the 'off' position... Then venture off to your home's breaker box. Find the breaker to your HVAC system, flipping it 'off'. Make sure the breaker is flipped all the way 'off,' then wait for 30-seconds. Turn the breaker 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.
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.
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 heating and cooling system.
Locking your Google Nest thermostat prevents people from changing settings or changing the temperature outside of a restricted range with the thermostat.
Most homeowners spend between $112 and $311 to repair a thermostat. Exact costs range from about $50 to $500, with a national average of $212. The price may will depend on factors like the model you own and whether it has a warranty.
However, if the thermostat is not working properly, it can lead to several issues, including inadequate cooling.
If the thermostat is still unresponsive, make sure the breaker is shut off and remove the cover. If it looks dirty inside, use canned air or a soft artist brush to clean away accumulated grime that may be affecting its functionality. Then look for issues like loose wiring or terminal screws and tighten them up.
This could be due to electrical problems, a software glitch, or physical damage. Some thermostats have a lock feature to prevent unauthorized changes. If this feature is enabled, you'll need to unlock the controls before you can adjust the temperature settings.
Switch the thermostat to the off position. Locate the breaker that powers your HVAC system and turn it off. Wait 30 seconds and turn the breaker back on. Turn your thermostat back on and confirm it has reset properly.
You can try to clean or knock on a thermostat to get it unstuck. However, that's only a short-term fix you should not rely on. Remember: a stuck thermostat is terrible news for your engine, regardless of whether it's stuck open or closed. So, the best thing you can do is replace your stuck thermostat with a new one.
Standard thermostats: Enlist a friend or family member to assist, Position one person by the thermostat and one person by the furnace. Slowly turn the thermostat from off to heat and increase the temperature. Both the thermostat and furnace should make a sound.
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.
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.