Troubleshooting a Home Furnace and Air Conditioning Thermostat

Your home is your sanctuary, but a living space that is hot when you want it to be cool, or cold when you want it to be warm, disturbs that sense of comfort and tranquility.  Luckily, the solution to this problem could be as simple as a malfunctioning thermostat.  Before you call in a professional, try these simple steps:

1. Evaluate the location of your thermostat.
   

   A lamp or other heat source directly above the thermostat can cause it to misread the room temperature as higher than it actually is.  Drafts could cause the thermostat to register a lower-than-actual temperature.  If this is the case, find a way to correct the environment around the thermostat, or consider moving it to a more suitable location.

2. Clean the thermostat.
   

   An older, mechanical thermostat can get dirty after years of use, and that dirt can affect its function.  You can clean this type of thermostat by using a can of compressed air (like the ones used to clean keyboards).  Also, clean the contacts by slipping a piece of paper in between and moving it very gently back and forth.

3. Adjust the anticipator.
   

   If the problem is how often your air conditioner or furnace cycles on and off, try a minor adjustment to the anticipator – a flat metal pointer inside the unit.  To increase frequency of the cycles, move the pointer slightly higher on the scale; to decrease the frequency of the cycles, move the pointer slightly lower.  You should notice a difference after a few hours.

4. Check the batteries.
   

   Electronic digital thermostats have a low-power light, indicating that it is time to put in fresh batteries.

Additionally, you can try calibrating your digital thermostat.  Check the room temperature with another thermometer to see if the thermostat is indeed registering the temperature incorrectly.  Lastly, you can check the wiring to make sure all the connections are in tact.  (Be sure to turn off the power first.)

Of course, you can always contact your heating and air conditioning professional.  IAQ happily serves the Denver Metro area.  Our knowledgeable, courteous experts are available whenever you need us.

Don’t suffer another minute!  Call IAQ today!