Over time, the wires may become frayed or damaged, which cuts off the thermostat's communication with the system from time to time. A licensed HVAC technician can inspect the system and tell you if you have a broken thermostat or if another component is causing the problem.
Power problems are one of the most common causes of thermostat failure. Whether your thermostat is wired to the mains or runs on batteries, a lack of power will stop your thermostat from accepting commands and communicating with your HVAC system.
This can happen if there is a power surge or if the thermostat is connected to a faulty electrical circuit.
Thermostats, like many other electrical appliances, will malfunction if they're allowed to get too dirty. Dirt, dust, and debris can pose problems for both electrical and mechanical components, causing your thermostat to fail. Turn off the power source and remove the thermostat's cover.
The average cost of a new thermostat, including installation, ranges in price from $50 to $500 or more based on several factors including the type of thermostat, labor costs, the complexity of the installation, and more.
Yes, a dying battery in your thermostat can have an impact on your HVAC system. If your thermostat's battery is low, it can cause your HVAC unit to function erratically or potentially not at all. Your thermostat plays a huge role in how your HVAC unit functions as it regulates the temperature of your system.
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 most common reasons for a blank thermostat screen are dead batteries, a power outage, a tripped circuit breaker, faulty wiring, or a failed thermostat. The screen will be completely dark and unresponsive when there is an issue with power reaching the thermostat.
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.
Blown head gaskets can happen when an engine severely overheats due to a faulty thermostat, clogged radiator, leaking water pump, radiator, radiator hose or heater hoses or when the coolant in the cooling system is not changed per the O.E.M.'s scheduled maintenance.
This is an easy problem to solve yourself by simply removing the plastic outer casing and, with a very soft brush, delicately brushing off its coil and contact surfaces. It is most effective to clean the thermostat first at its lowest setting, then again at its highest setting.
Wiring can shift and come loose over time. When the wiring between the thermostat and the air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump comes loose, it will break the connection and leave you cold. Wiring defects can also cause the system to misread temperature settings.
Additionally, a faulty thermostat can cause your heater to overheat, which can be a fire hazard.
To fix a broken thermostat, you should check and adjust the settings, replace the batteries, clean the thermostat, check the wire connections, and reset the circuit breaker.
If you drive with a bad thermostat, your car could overheat, causing severe and expensive engine damage. And while it's technically possible to drive without a thermostat, we don't recommend it. Your car will not reach an acceptable operating temperature, resulting in higher fuel consumption and excessive engine wear.
Car thermostat replacement time is 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the make of the car. It will cost you around $190 to $350, including labor. Thermostat repairs usually take more time, requiring extra time to diagnose and analyze the vehicle's thermostat. It can take up to 2 hours.
You Notice Erratic Temperature Changes
If you notice sudden and erratic temperature changes from cold to hot or hot to cold, then it could be a sign that your thermostat has stopped working correctly. Get your vehicle inspected if you notice these extreme temperature changes in your vehicle interior.
Over time, dust, dirt, and lint can find their way into the thermostat housing and block the sensors. To fix this problem, remove the cover and clean the parts inside using a soft-bristled brush.
Dim Display: A dim or faintly lit display is often a telltale sign that the battery is running low and needs replacement. HVAC System Malfunction: A failing thermostat battery can cause your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to operate erratically or not function at all.
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.
There are multiple factors at play when you have a thermostat issue. Only an HVAC professional can diagnose the root of AC repair problems and offer technical solutions for them.
Installation typically takes about 1 hour.