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Reasons Your Thermostat Isn’t Reaching the Right Temperature

Mark J. Biel • Oct 18, 2022

When your home is difficult to heat or cool, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you need an  HVAC repair. Sometimes, your thermostat could be to blame for your indoor discomfort. It may be a small piece of equipment, but it controls the operation of your HVAC system. When it malfunctions, the rest of the system could become inefficient. 

Here are possible reasons your thermostat isn’t reaching your desired temperature. 

You Have the Incorrect Thermostat Size

Thermostats come in various sizes to meet different cooling and heating demands. If yours is too small for your living space, it might not reach your desired temperature. You can solve this problem by getting a thermostat appropriately sized for your home. You can always consult professionals if you are unsure which one to get. At R.A. Biel Plumbing and Heating, we can help you choose the ideal thermostat for your needs. You can also count on us for your HVAC maintenance and repairs. 

Your Thermostat Lost Wifi Connection

Smart thermostats require an internet connection for updates and bug fixes. Your thermostat could fail to respond to remote commands if it’s not connected to the wifi. Sometimes, resetting your router could do the trick. Turn off the router and wait for around a minute before turning it back on. 

If the problem persists, check your thermostat’s user manual, which could be available online. You might need the assistance of an HVAC repair technician if you are experiencing difficulties troubleshooting the issue.

The Settings Might Have Changed

Your thermostat’s settings might have changed without you noticing it. It’s common in homes with kids who love to play with thermostat controls. Even when set to “on,” it doesn’t mean that your living space will receive warm or cool air. The “on” setting means that the fan is running. For your HVAC system to deliver conditioned air, set your thermostat to “cool” or “auto.” During the colder months, set it to “auto” or “heat” to keep your spaces warm and cozy. 

You Need to Replace Your Thermostat’s Batteries

Does your thermostat need batteries to operate? It’s a good idea to replace your thermostat’s batteries if you’ve been finding it hard to keep your spaces at a comfortable temperature. You’ll know the batteries are running low if the device isn’t responding or shows no display. If the thermostat still doesn’t work after replacing them or your HVAC system continues to perform poorly, contact a professional. They’ll know if you need a new thermostat, repairs, or  air duct cleaning.  

Your Thermostat Isn’t Receiving Power

If you have a thermostat that runs on electricity, it will stop working if it doesn’t receive power. When this happens, your living space could become uncomfortable. You’ll know your thermostat has lost power if the display is blank or you can’t see the status on the screen. Another indication of this problem is when your furnace and condenser are not running. If your furnace and thermostat aren’t receiving electricity, contact professionals. 

There’s a Loose Electrical Wire

Loose electrical connections could also cause issues with your thermostat and HVAC system. It’s best to leave this issue to skilled professionals for your safety. Attempting to fix the wiring yourself could increase the risk of injury or cause further damage to your equipment.  

Technicians know where to look and can easily determine if the wires are connected properly. They will also test your thermostat to see if it is working correctly. If the wires are loose, the thermostat’s display could be affected. 

The Circuit Breaker Has Tripped

Another common reason the display of a thermostat disappears is a tripped circuit breaker. If your thermostat’s screen is blank, check if it is on and if there is a blown fuse in the electric box. Upon checking the fuse box, see to it that your HVAC system’s circuit breaker is on. 

Your Thermostat Isn’t in the Right Location

You must carefully consider your thermostat’s location because it reads the temperature of its surroundings. If you place it in parts of your home where it can get extremely hot or cold, you will get inaccurate readings. 

Avoid placing your thermostat near an appliance that radiates heat because your heater might not turn on. The same issue can occur if it’s somewhere that receives plenty of sunlight. When you put your thermostat in a drafty location, your AC might not run even if other parts of your home are uncomfortably warm. You can consult an experienced  HVAC maintenance  and installation technician to determine the ideal place for your thermostat. 

You Have a Frozen Thermostat

You might encounter problems navigating a smart thermostat’s touch screen if there is an issue with the static electricity surrounding it. It can cause the thermostat’s display to freeze and prevent it from delivering the data updates you need on the screen. As a result, the thermostat will fail to reach your temperature settings. If this is the case, you can try rebooting your thermostat. Turn the equipment off for a few seconds and turn it back on to see if it addresses the problem. 

You Need a New Thermostat

Your living space could become too cold or hot with inaccurate thermostat readings. Get a portable indoor thermometer to confirm if the temperature on your thermostat is correct. The thermostat’s sensor might not work correctly if the readings are incorrect. This issue could result from improper use, aging, or manufacturing defects.

Have you noticed that your energy bills are increasing? A malfunctioning thermostat will cause your HVAC system to perform poorly. It will cause your heating and cooling equipment to work harder than it should, resulting in increased energy consumption. The more the unit cycles per hour, the more electricity it uses. After an inspection, an HVAC technician could tell if your thermostat needs repair or a replacement. 

Leave your HVAC repair and maintenance needs to R.A. Biel Plumbing and Heating. We also specialize in air duct cleaning, evaporative cooling, and sheet metal fabrication. Call us at  (505) 327-7755  or fill out our  contact form  to schedule a service. 

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