1. If you don't have a 'smart thermostat', you can clean it by removing the cover and using a very soft brush (a small paintbrush works well) or compressed air to dust the contact points. You can also slip a new dollar bill or piece of paper between contact points and move the paper very lightly back and forth.
If your thermostat has them, you can clean the switch contacts with a Q-tip moistened with some rubbing alcohol. After you have cleaned the inside of your electromechanical thermostat, it's a good idea to use a leveling device to make sure it is exactly level on the wall.
Just like any piece of mechanical equipment, it needs to be clean in order to work well. Dust and dirt accumulate on surfaces throughout your home and can even accumulate inside your thermostat, interfering with its sensors.
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.
Run a piece of paper between the contacts to dislodge any debris that is caught deep in any crevices. You can also clean difficult-to-reach areas by using compressed air to blow away debris. In cases where there's a lot of dirt, grime or corrosion on the contacts, use a small amount of rubbing alcohol to clean them.
To tackle items with significant corrosion, submerge your rusty tools or knives in a bowl of white vinegar and let them sit overnight or as long as 24 hours. Once they have had a good soak, remove them from the vinegar and scrub the rust off with steel wool, a scouring pad, or a wire brush.
Rub the surfaces with a little isopropyl alcohol to ensure they're as clean as possible. Check the screws holding the wires for the thermostat and tighten any that look loose. Don't forget to periodically replace any batteries that you find inside the housing as well.
Remove the Cover: Gently remove the Honeywell Smart Thermostat cover. In most models, it's as simple as unclipping or unscrewing the cover. Dust Removal: Use a soft brush or canned air to carefully remove dust and debris from the inside components.
To clean the TempSensor, we recommend: Using a towel with gentle soap and water to rub the needle and cord.
Erratic changes in temperature
If this happens, it is probably due to temperature confusion caused by the failing thermostat. One of the bad thermostat symptoms related with the temperature is overcooling. It's the opposite of overheating: the engine never reaches operating temperature.
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.
Frequency of cleaning or replacing the thermostat cartridge
Ideally, you should clean your thermostatic cartridge at least once a year. If you notice frequent fluctuations in temperature or water flow, you should inspect the cartridge regularly and possibly clean it for maintenance.
Dust, nicotine buildup, and other dirt inside can all affect your thermostat's performance. Some thermostats open easily so that you can clean the inside. Others will require that you unscrew the faceplate.
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.
If you don't have a 'smart thermostat', you can clean it by removing the cover and using a very soft brush (a small paintbrush works well) or compressed air to dust the contact points. You can also slip a new dollar bill or piece of paper between contact points and move the paper very lightly back and forth.
The average lifespan of a Honeywell thermostat is typically around 10-20 years, depending on various factors such as usage, maintenance, and environmental conditions. With proper care and regular servicing, a Honeywell thermostat can last even longer.
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.
As with any system, eventually, your thermostat will become outdated. Modern home thermostats tend to have about a 10-year lifespan but are usually replaced sooner due to innovations in the market.
A thermostat leak is usually caused by movement in the coolant rubber hose, damaged housing, and a worn seal. The common symptoms of a thermostat housing leak are a stuck thermostat valve, an illuminated low coolant warning light, and the P0128 or P0125 code.