Can Home Thermostats Go Bad?

Can Home Thermostats Go Bad?

February 15, 2021


Home thermostats are manufactured to have a high level of reliability and efficiency as they control the temperature in a home. Each season, most residents heavily rely on the device to ensure they can remain comfortable in their home and feel more at ease. As a homeowner, it's important to know if thermostats can go bad and the most common issues that can start to occur.

Can Home Thermostats Go Bad?

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

You may find that your thermostat temperature doesn't seem to match the temperature in your home. Even as you adjust the temperature, the HVAC system may fail to make your home as cool or as warm as you desire. A professional technician will need to inspect the parts to determine if the issue can be repaired or if the product needs to be replaced.

The temperature may also fluctuate at random times and doesn't remain stable after you programmed it. This can lead to a higher energy bill that can prevent the home from feeling comfortable. If you have a mechanical thermostat, remove the cover and gently dust, and clean the parts to remove dirt and grime accumulated, which can affect the reliability of the device.

The Thermostat Unexpectedly Stop Working

You may approach your thermostat to adjust the temperature and find that the screen is entirely blank. If a thermostat has reached the end of its lifespan, it can unexpectedly shut off and fail to operate. If you own a mechanical thermostat, try replacing the batteries to determine if it restores its operation and allows the screen to light back up. If the thermostat still won't turn on, it's time to hire a technician to inspect it.

The Heater Won't Turn On

You may also notice that the heater won't turn on after several minutes of adjusting the thermostat. This is often due to a wiring defect that prevents electrical signals from transferring to the HVAC system. Consider removing the cover on the thermostat to adjust the wires and check to see that everything is connected to each mounting screw.

The HVAC system may also continue to run and fail to turn off after adjusting the settings. Try to turn the thermostat up or down five degrees before hearing a click. Wait five minutes before checking the supply registers to determine if any air is blowing out air. If the problem continues, contact a local technician to perform an inspection.

CALL US TODAY

Feel free to reach out to our team today to learn more about if home thermostats can be defective and the different issues they may encounter. We can perform an inspection on your thermostat and take the necessary steps to restore its operation or replace it entirely.


See all articles

Proof We’re the Best HVAC Company Straight From Our Customers

  • Mini-Split Installation That Exceeded Expectations
    Gwen Anderson
    Jake is amazing! We reached out to get a quote for a mini-split system to cool our server room, and Jake exceeded our expectations. He recommended a more cost-effective solution that has provided us with incredible results. His out-of-the-box thinking and thoughtfulness are so impressive. I had six other HVAC companies provide quotes, but Jake was the only one who made sustainable and well-considered suggestions. The office staff is also super friendly and helpful!
  • Came Right on Time for Our
    Dominique Haffery
    We just had Master Mechanical service our AC units before it gets too hot! This way we know they are operating efficiently! I used to be scared to pay money for these things but it truly saves money in the long run! Master Mechanical was able to come out quickly, give me a shorter window then most companies do in this trade, came right on time, communicated the whole way! They are professional and experts at their craft! Highly recommend!!!
  • A Great Company for Complicated HVAC Problems
    Eric Williams
    Jake did an excellent job helping me solve a complex problem that no one else could help with - I needed a new thermostat installed for a unique 120V water chiller AC system, and all other HVAC companies refused to work on it. Jake was on time, friendly, informative, and had it done in less than an hour. Highly recommended!
  • Saved $1000 With a Second Opinion on AC Repair
    Kris
    I’m glad I called Master Mechanical for a second opinion. They saved me $1000 over the quote for the same repair from another HVAC company. They were professional on time and fixed my unit same day. They also weren’t pushing upsales. They did let me know my options, but unlike the other company, Master Mechanical didn’t try using scare tactics to get me to buy additional services. Master Mechanical will be my first choice going forward and I’ve already recommended their services to family members as well.
  • Repaired My Boiler Instead of Pushing an Unnecessary Replacement
    Kathleen Ferraro
    I am so grateful to Master Mechanical for repairing my old boiler. Danny Chee is very knowledgeable and was able to figure out the problems and repair them. Plus he is a very nice, polite person. He made sure everything was working correctly before leaving, even after 5:00. The people on the phone, Paul and a woman whose name I can't recall, are professional and helpful. I received texts and emails confirming appointments and letting me know when Danny was on his way. They could have sold me a new boiler but instead fixed the old one at a fraction of the cost. I highly recommend them and will continue to rely on them in the future.