A properly functioning thermostat is essential for maintaining consistent home comfort. While homeowners may focus more on their HVAC systems’ health, the thermostat’s role in preserving comfort and energy efficiency should not be overlooked. However, older thermostats can lead to several HVAC issues that impact your home comfort and bills.
In this blog post, the comfort specialists at Wade Heating & Cooling discuss some common ways that older thermostats can harm your HVAC system and increase your home’s energy costs.
HVAC Turning On & Off Randomly
When your HVAC system turns off and on at odd intervals, this is a phenomenon known as short-cycling, and your thermostat may be the culprit behind it. Older or failing thermostats can cause severe issues, including:
- Startup failures: Sometimes, outdated thermostats simply won’t communicate with the HVAC unit, preventing it from starting up when you need it.
- Shutdown failures: On the other hand, an older thermostat may fail to signal when it’s time to shut off your HVAC system, leading to energy waste.
- Delayed activation: If there’s a delay between setting your desired temperature and feeling any change, it could be due to a communication issue between the thermostat and the HVAC unit.
These behaviors aren’t just a cause of discomfort — they can lead to significant increases in your energy bills as well.
Inconsistent Temperatures
Older thermostats can also make it difficult to maintain consistent temperatures in your home, further worsening discomfort and energy waste.
Temperature Not Changing After Adjusting
In some cases, homeowners may set their thermostats to the desired temperature and feel no change — even after hours have passed. This is most common with outdated units that struggle to interpret temperature changes or relay the correct signals to your HVAC system. You might adjust the settings repeatedly without ever reaching your desired temperature, causing unnecessary energy use and frustration.
House Temperature Not Matching Settings
Older thermostats may display one temperature while the actual temperature in your home is different. If your thermostat can’t measure or maintain the temperature you set, it can lead to an indoor environment that’s too hot or too cold, no matter how many times you adjust your system. This discrepancy not only causes severe discomfort but can also inflate your energy bills as your HVAC system works overtime to satisfy your comfort demands.
5 Common Thermostat Issues
Outdated thermostats are more susceptible to various problems that can impact your HVAC system’s performance and energy efficiency, including:
- Improper placement: A thermostat placed in direct sunlight, near drafts, or near heat-producing appliances may read temperatures incorrectly.
- Dirty components: Dust and debris inside the thermostat can interfere with its sensors, leading to inaccurate temperature readings.
- Failing batteries: Some models require batteries, and low power can disrupt functionality, making it harder to control your HVAC system.
- Outdated technology: Older thermostats may not have the precision or functionality of modern smart thermostats, making temperature control less effective.
- Incorrect wiring: Faulty or aging wiring can cause the thermostat to lose connection with the HVAC system, preventing it from sending the right signals.
Get Your Thermostat Fixed in Pittsburgh
If your home is experiencing inconsistent temperatures, high energy bills, or an HVAC system with a mind of its own, your thermostat may need repair or replacement. At Wade Heating & Cooling, we offer the expert thermostat repair and replacement solutions you need to ensure lasting comfort and energy efficiency in your home. With 24-hour repair services and over 40 years of local experience, you can count on us for the convenient, quality solutions you need to keep your home comfortable when it counts.
Book thermostat repair or replacement in Pittsburgh by calling or contacting our team online today.
