Does our thermostat need to be replaced?

With colder weather hitting Portland, we begin turning to our heating systems for comfort. You may be asking, “How do I know if my thermostat is working properly?” While thermostats may vary, many units show signs of decline after ten years.

Pay attention to your thermostat:

A faulty thermostat can impede proper heating during the winter months, as well as hinder cooling during the summer. There are a variety of reasons why your thermostat might start malfunctioning. Often, the un its have reached the end of their life span, and are experiencing wiring issues from wear and tear or have a large amount of dust accumulation within the console.

Air Conditioning or Heater does not turn on:

If the A/C or heating unit doesn’t start, this could mean there is a wiring issue inside the thermostat. Damaged wires can impede electrical signals, which prevent your heating and cooling system from turning on.  Defective wiring can be hazardous and problematic. Having our professional HVAC Maintenance Team assess the situation is always a good idea.

Temperatures vary between rooms:

If you notice inconsistent temperatures from room to room, this could also indicate that the thermostat is damaged. If the HVAC relies on a zoning system, temperatures are expected to differ. If this is the case, reconfigure the settings to obtain comfort.

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Heating or cooling unit won’t turn off?

Does the HVAC unit run continuously, despite having been turned off? This could be a sign of frayed wiring in your control system. Our HVAC team at Green Box Mechanical can examine your thermostat for defective wiring and check to ensure the control system is running correctly.

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When should you replace your thermostat?

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If you are experiencing any of the above issues, it might be time for a new control system.  However, trying the following troubleshooting ideas may help you determine if a new thermostat is necessary.

Ensure the thermostat is set to “heat” during the colder months and “cool” during the summer months. Check to make sure the unit is set to “auto” instead of “on.”

Replace the batteries on electric units and check power.

Clean the thermostat by removing the cover and any dust with a cloth.

Adjust the temperature up and down by 5 degrees, making sure the HVAC unit and supply registers respond correctly.

If none of these troubleshooting tips work, or you don’t know where to start, it is time to call in the experts. Our HVAC team is here to help you test your thermostat or any other HVAC needs you may have to keep your home comfortable.