Thermostat Problems That Can Affect Your A/C

When it comes to home HVAC systems, a thermostat is the brains of the operation, controlling your equipment to deliver comfort in your Massachusetts home.

While thermostats don’t require much care to keep them running, they do occasionally present issues that could affect the performance of your central air conditioner.

5 Thermostat Issues To Watch For

Here are five reasons why your thermostat could impact the performance of your A/C this summer.

1. It’s not in the right place – Install a thermostat in the wrong place and it could cause your system to get the wrong read on your in-home temperature. Put it in direct sunlight, for example, and it will read the house as much warmer than it is, causing your air conditioner to keep running (the same will happen if your thermostat is installed too close to a heat source during the winter.

   Ideally, a thermostat is centrally located away from direct sun light and heat sources; if it isn’t, it’s a good idea to move it (contact us for help – it’s not a DIY task).

2. It’s dirty – When grime accumulates inside a thermostat, it can’t correctly gauge the air temperature of the house. Older thermostats can be cleaned by simply dusting inside the cover. To clean the contacts, use a piece of paper and move it between the contacts in order to get the grime off. Don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself? Call us.
3. It needs new batteries – Most newer thermostat models use batteries, and those batteries wear out over time. See your owner’s manual to see what kind of batteries you need and how to replace them.
4. It isn’t programmed properly – Most modern thermostats are little computers; that means they can do some neat tricks, like being controlled from a cell phone. But it also means that they can be a little more complicated to set up. Spend some time learning how your thermostat works so you can troubleshoot problems and save more money along the way.
5. It isn’t properly installed – D.I.Y. may seem like a tempting way to save a few bucks, but a modern thermostat can get pretty complicated to set up. If you see loose wiring or notice that your thermostat isn’t performing the way it should, it’s a good idea to let an HVAC pro take a look. If there’s a problem, an expert technician will identify and address it right away.

The Bottom Line

If you experience these problems, or any other problems with your thermostat or air conditioning system this summer, don’t try to fix it yourself: contact the pros at Tom Fricker Complete Heating & Cooling.

Our experts work quickly and neatly to your COMPLETE satisfaction, fixing problems and suggesting solutions you can live with. From installations and maintenance to cooling repairs, Tom Fricker Complete does it all.

Contact Tom Fricker Complete Heating & Cooling today to learn more about thermostats and air conditioning installation and maintenance in Middlesex and Norfolk County, MA!