Can a stuck thermostat fix itself?
Stuck thermostats typically happen only in vehicles. But, if your home thermostat seems like it is “stuck,” there are several reasons why you might be experiencing such a problem.
Your thermostat is not foolproof, which means that it can encounter all sorts of issues. Read on below to know more about home thermostats, the reasons why it gets stuck and how you can fix it.
Common types of HVAC thermostats
The following are the most common and popular HVAC thermostats that you can find today:
Non-programmable digital thermostats
These thermostats require manual changing or tweaking of the temperatures of the HVAC system each and every time.
Programmable digital thermostats
This type of thermostat lets you regulate or control the specific amount of energy that you are using during the day. You can do this by scheduling the specific time when you want the HVAC system to end or start and the particular temperature that you would like your home to be in. The temperature and time that you set will change only when the program is reset.
Programmable mechanical thermostats
These thermostats have become scarce these days since they are older models. These are non-digital programmable devices that offer basic HVAC user settings. Programmable mechanical thermostats are available at affordable prices.
However, it also means that these models have cheap construction. Thermostats of this kind also use a mercury switch for completing their circuits. This is the reason why this particular type of thermostat is already banned in several states.
Smart thermostats
Smart thermostats are much more complex compared to the three options above. These devices are made of several convenient features like touch screens, voice command options, zone control, and Wi-Fi compatibility while still letting you conserve the amount of energy that you use per day.
Common reasons why thermostats are “Stuck” and how to fix them
Your “stuck” thermostat just didn’t happen out of the blue. Here are some of the top reasons why air conditioner thermostat problems occur and what you can do to fix them.
Your thermostat is located in the wrong spot
Does your house feel cold all the time even if your thermostat is set to 70 degrees all throughout the year? This problem is probably because your thermostat is located in an area where it receives direct beams of sunlight. The result is that your thermostat usually displays a temperature that is higher compared to your home’s temperature. This is because the device itself is warm and not necessarily your house.
There are two different issues that can cause this. During the summer months, the thermostat causes your air conditioner unit to continue running even after it should have been turned off since the device detects that the house’s temperature is too warm. When winter comes, this will prevent the furnace from turning on since your house will seem warmer than it really is.
Obviously, you can fix this issue by just moving your thermostat. But of course, this is something easier said than done. You might need the help of a professional to assist you with the electrical aspects.
Your thermostat is not level
When your thermostat is not level, it will affect the performance of the device. As a result, the thermostat may cause your AC system to cycle off and on or it can just continue running at all times. Any of these situations are never good news for your consumption of energy, your utility bill, and your HVAC system’s life as a whole.
If it happens to be the case, particularly if you are using a mercury thermometer, there might be a need for you to get the help of an expert to correct the thermostat and make it work just the way you expect and need it to.
Your thermometer requires recalibration
Did you notice how your home’s temperature varies and tends to reach the extremes? It may indicate that you need to recalibrate the thermostat soon, specifically its heat anticipator. While this is something that you can do on your own, you can always get the assistance of professionals if you are not too comfortable with it.
You have a dusty thermostat
Can you still remember the last time that you bothered to clean your thermostat? If you haven’t been doing any cleaning for some time now, there is a big chance that the accumulation of debris and dust affects its ability to measure the room’s temperature in an accurate way. It is an easy and simple problem that you can fix by yourself.
All you need to do is just remove its plastic outer case then use a very soft brush to delicately brush off the contact surfaces and coil.
The most effective way is cleaning first the thermostat at the lowest setting and once again, at the highest setting. After you have done this, you can then reset your thermostat to the temperature setting of your choice and this must be set right.
Your thermostat has already reached the end of its life
If you already have an old thermostat and it no longer functions just how it should, it might be high time for you to get a replacement. Just so you know, mercury thermostats might not be as accurate as of the modern digital thermostats today.
Sure, while it will feel good to get the value of your money after getting several years out of the device, remember that nothing will last forever. You might be better off with a newer device that already has the necessary upgrades.
Call an HVAC expert to fix your “Stuck” thermostat
If you have tried all of the above solutions yet your thermostat still remains “stuck,” there is a big chance that your device experiences an additional or a completely different problem like damaged wiring. Since a stuck thermostat will not fix itself, an HVAC professional or good aircon servicing technician will be able to diagnose and address the issue right away.
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