Your Home Thermostat
While your HVAC system is a big system and the heavy hitter on your electric bill, but the effective function of the entire system is dependent on your thermostat.
For many families, thermostat wars are part of sharing a home. While it’s a tiny device, the thermostat has an incredible amount of power. It controls heating, cooling, home comfort, and, if it’s Smart, can control those things for you even while you’re away from home. A properly working thermostat is crucial since an improperly functioning thermostat guarantees that your HVAC won’t work correctly, either.
IN AN ODD SPOT
If your thermostat is located in a poorly ventilated area, near a sunny window, or somewhere else where the temperature reading is inaccurate, it will fail to perform as efficiently as it could. In a situation such as described, it’s worthwhile to have it moved. Otherwise, it will just continue to function poorly.
TROUBLESHOOTING
When your air conditioner stops working, the first thing you should do is go to the boss--the thermostat and look to see if it’s working.
If the screen isn’t displaying for you, that means the thermostat isn’t talking to your cooling system. If the batteries aren’t dead and the breaker hasn’t tripped in your electrical service panel, it’s something else.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can turn off the breaker and take the cover off the thermostat. You’re looking for one or more of these:
Dirt (dust, soot, mold, etc.)--Clean this the same way you would a computer component, with a soft brush or a can of compressed air
Anything loose, such as terminals, screws, or wiring--screw them back down
Corrosion--most people decide to replace the thermostat rather than try to repair it themselves.
ON BUYING A NEW ONE
If your thermostat needs to be replaced, whether you choose a traditional, programmable, or Smart unit, it’s worth weighing the cost against what the thermostat does and what it’s going to cost you if it doesn’t operate properly.
If you choose a Smart option, Best Reviews offers their two cents on which ones they feel are the best here.
If your electrical service is tied to one of the more austere energy pricing tiers, it’s very well worth your money to get a Smart thermostat, since you can control and monitor it while you’re away from home.
Also, if you have a Nest Thermostat and you’re with Salt River Project, they will give you $75 PLUS $25 more in credit for each thermostat in the following summer seasons. Read more about this sweet deal here.
Your thermostat has power which belies its tiny size and seeming insignificance. It’s worth the time and money to make sure it’s working the way it should and bringing comfort to your home and family. If you’re having a problem with it, or even if you think it might not be working right, it’s worthwhile to get it fixed.
When you need heating or refrigeration service, maintenance or repair, call us at Affordable Comfort A/C and Heating 602-574-1205.
