The outdoor temperature won’t always be comfortable enough to go without your heating and cooling system. However, if your thermostat isn’t working properly, it can make for an unpleasant environment. Discover helpful thermostat troubleshooting from the experts at Galbreath Heating & Air.
Try a DIY Fix Before Calling a Professional
Don’t automatically jump to calling an HVAC technician if you have a faulty thermostat. Instead, try some simple tactics to get the equipment working again. If your efforts don’t do the trick and you’re in need of reliable heating or air conditioning, contact a professional to evaluate the system.
But how do you perform a DIY fix? Any HVAC expert will tell amateurs to try the following tips if their thermostats aren’t working properly. Chances are that your heating or cooling system won’t work unless you attempt basic thermostat troubleshooting, including the options below.
Replace the Batteries
A dead battery remains one of the most common reasons why thermostats fail. Thankfully, this problem has a simple solution. All you have to do is remove the cover and place new batteries in the designated spot.
If switching the batteries doesn’t resolve your issue, move on to the other items on this list for help.
Reset the Equipment
Your thermostat could abruptly lose its signal to your HVAC system. Resetting the system offers a quick fix, though you should check your owner’s manual to find the best way to reset your model. Common methods include:
- Pressing a labeled reset button on the thermostat
- Putting batteries in backward and then adjusting them
- Cutting off the thermostat’s power supply at the circuit breaker
Clean Internal Components
You might not think that thermostat troubleshooting involves cleaning, but this is one of the best ways to restore function to your HVAC equipment. Start by removing the cover of the thermostat and using a cloth or soft brush to eliminate any dirt and grime present. Debris blocks the electrical wires from sending signals, which could be the reason why your heater or air conditioner isn’t working.
Check for Loose Wiring
Whether you use a traditional or smart thermostat, it relies on electrical wiring to do its job. You don’t need a professional to check the wiring for you, but be careful when doing this on your own. Turn off the power to the system at the circuit breaker and then take off the cover.
Once you’ve removed the thermostat cover, you should find all of the wires it uses. Make sure they all fit into their respective cables before restoring power to the system.
Adjust the Settings
You might experience thermostat issues not because of problems with the system itself but rather the settings you’re using. The thermostat could be on “Auto” mode so it only kicks on at certain times. It’s also possible that you could have it set to a heat setting instead of cooling and vice versa.
Consult a Professional Technician
If your thermostat troubleshooting methods don’t have any success, it’s time to call an expert. Galbreath Heating & Air can restore your HVAC system so it works when you need it most. Call us at (912) 756-3102 to request service.
