what would make a thermostat to stop working

Down below, you can find the most common reasons that can stop a thermostat from working:

Full Answer

What would cause a thermostat to stop working?

You can also try these five hacks to make it happen faster:

• Replace the batteries inside your thermostat. They could have been zapped.
• Reconnect the system to your smart devices. Uninstall and reinstall the app.
• Clear the way for a good connection. Clean debris from your circuit breaker and fuses.
• Stiffen up. Look for loose screws in the electrical terminal and tighten the ones you find.
• Get an upgrade. ...

Why is my thermostat not working?

Why is My Digital Thermostat Not Working?

• Common Causes of Digital Thermostat Issues. Wiring issues with your home’s digital thermostat can cause the screen to go blank or even completely cut off power, among other things.
• Thermostat Services Improve Home Comfort and Safety. ...
• Contact Novak for Thermostat Repair and Installation Services. ...

Why is my heating system not working?

What to Check First If Your Heater Isn’t Working

• Check the Furnace Power Switch. Some furnaces have an on/off switch that is frustratingly easy to switch off by mistake. ...
• Look at Your Fuse Box That Powers Your Heater. ...
• Check the Batteries in Your Thermostat. ...
• Replace the Air Filters. ...
• Notice Any Odors. ...
• Heater Isn’t Working? ...

How to troubleshoot a thermostat?

• The HVAC system keeps turning on and off on its own.
• The system gives you consistently wrong temperature readings.
• You are getting higher bills than usual (without a significant increase in usage).
• Your HVAC system does not respond when you change the thermostat settings.
• Your thermostat is short-cycling.

How do I fix an unresponsive thermostat?

If the thermostat is still unresponsive, make sure the breaker is shut off and remove the cover. If it looks dirty inside, use canned air or a soft artist brush to clean away accumulated grime that may be affecting its functionality. Then look for issues like loose wiring or terminal screws and tighten them up.

Why did my thermostat suddenly stop working?

If your thermostat is not working, change the batteries, make sure it is turned on, the thermostat is set to the correct mode, check the power supply and airflow. If your thermostat is still not working, the best thing to do is call an HVAC professional! They will be able to help you diagnose and repair the issue.

What is a common problem with thermostat?

A common thermostat issue that usually results in the temperature never reaching what you have it set for. Grime can build up inside a thermostat. When this happens, the thermostat doesn't correctly gauge the temperature of the air in your house. Older thermostats can be cleaned by dusting inside the cover.

Is there a reset button on a thermostat?

Reset the Thermostat Common methods for resetting a thermostat include installing the battery backward for five seconds, pushing a recessed reset button with a pin or paper clip, or shutting off the breaker to the thermostat for 30 seconds.

How long should a thermostat last?

a 10-yearAs with any system, eventually, your thermostat will become outdated. Modern home thermostats tend to have about a 10-year lifespan but are usually replaced sooner due to innovations in the market. Non-programmable thermostats have become outdated and replaced by programmable (or learning) thermostats.

Can overheating break a thermostat?

Overheating can cause serious damage to the valve as well as the thermostat housing and the hoses and gaskets that are a part of your car's cooling system. Excessive heat can cause things like hoses, gaskets and even metal thermostat housings to warp and lose their original shape.

Can dust affect a thermostat?

Dust can also create an insulating layer on the sensor that prevents the thermostat from reading the temperature correctly. The good news is that opening most thermostats to clean them isn't too difficult or time-consuming. A paintbrush or a can of compressed air can remove layers of caked-on dust.

Why won't my thermostat turn on after changing batteries?

What is this? Sometimes, the thermostat won't work because you might have improperly installed the batteries. Double-check the battery compartment to ensure that you have installed them in the correct orientation. If you see that you have made a mistake, realign the batteries to place them in the required orientation.

How much does a thermostat cost?

Thermostat Costs The national average cost is $175. The thermostat will run between $15 and $300, depending on the type and its features. A licensed electrician can typically set one up in fewer than two hours at a rate of $65 to $100 per hour.

How do I reset my thermostat manually?

Here are the step-by-step reset instructions:Turn your thermostat off by switching it to the off position.Find the breaker that powers your HVAC system and turn it off.Wait 30 seconds and turn the breaker back on.Turn your thermostat back on.

How do you reset a thermostat?

A common way to reset almost any thermostat is to hold down the reset button for 5+ seconds. Alternatively, try resetting battery-powered thermostats by flipping the battery directions around for 5s, then flip them back. If all else fails, switch off the power at the circuit breaker for a couple minutes.

How do I know if my thermostat needs new batteries?

When the batteries are nearly depleted, a low battery indicator will appear on your thermostat's display. Some thermostats feature a light in lieu of an on-display indicator. At this point, your batteries may have another month or two of life remaining, making it a good time to change your batteries.

Why would a thermostat go blank?

When your screen is blank, it could indicate you need to replace the batteries. It that is the case, you typically need AA alkaline or 3-volt lithium batteries, but see what type is currently powering the thermostat and simply replace them. Most thermostats display a low-battery symbol when the juice is running low.

How do I fix an unresponsive Honeywell thermostat?

How to Troubleshoot A Faulty Honeywell ThermostatDisconnect all the wires connected to the thermostat. ... Remove the device from the wall plate.Remove the batteries and wait for five minutes.Replace the batteries and reconnect the wires.Turn on the system and wait for five minutes.

Why did my Honeywell thermostat stop working?

There are a number of reasons why your Honeywell thermostat may not be turning on. For example, your thermostat may need new batteries. Or, there could be an issue with the wires inside the thermostat. The thermostat may also be confused, in which case it may require a factory reset.

Why won't my thermostat turn on after changing batteries?

What is this? Sometimes, the thermostat won't work because you might have improperly installed the batteries. Double-check the battery compartment to ensure that you have installed them in the correct orientation. If you see that you have made a mistake, realign the batteries to place them in the required orientation.

Power

Your thermostat’s issue may not be with the device itself at all. In many instances, it’s the power source causing the device to work improperly or not at all. If you’re having power issues with your thermostat, have an HVAC technician check the power going to it to ensure there won’t be any future issues once it’s installed.

Thermostat is Old

If your thermostat is more than 10 years old, it could be nearing the end of its lifespan. On top of this, older thermostats have outdated technology. This means it won’t offer the smart programming features that a modern one can.

Thermostat is in a Bad Location

Is your thermostat installed in an area where it gets a lot of direct sunlight? This is a bad idea because it causes the thermostat to read the temperature as hotter than it is. Not only does the constant direct sunlight cause exterior wear and tear on the unit, but it also forces your home’s HVAC system to work harder than it needs to.

Programming Issues

Modern thermostats have a variety of functions never seen before in HVAC technology. If there are any issues with these components of the software used to run the it, a professional will need to remedy the issue.

Call Us Today

If you’re having issues with your HVAC system’s thermostat, contact us as Lunsford Air Conditioning & Heating. We have years of experience helping residents in the Escambia county, FL, area get their HVAC in good working order.

The Thermostat's Power Source Is Failing

You head over to your thermostat and notice the screen is dark. More than likely, this means there's no power getting to it. First, ensure the power switch is fully engaged. If so, remove the cover and replace the battery. If this doesn't do the trick, look for a blown fuse or tripped breaker.

The Thermostat's Connections Are Loose

Your thermostat relies on a few essential electrical connections to get the job done. When a thermostat senses a problem, each individual connection allows it to send power to the necessary component for the solution. Most basic thermostats include a heating connection, cooling connection, and fan connection.

The Thermostat Is Dirty

Thermostats, like many other electrical appliances, will malfunction if they're allowed to get too dirty. Dirt, dust, and debris can pose problems for both electrical and mechanical components, causing your thermostat to fail. Turn off the power source and remove the thermostat's cover.

The Thermostat Isn't Level

Does your thermostat's temperature readout not match the room's actual temperature? This could be because the thermostat itself isn't level on the wall. Thermostats that feature a mercury bulb must be level to operate. To fix this, turn off the power supply and unmount the thermostat. Use a level to ensure it's perfectly level when remounting.

The Thermostat Is Installed in the Wrong Spot

Maybe your thermostat is properly communicating with your HVAC system, it just never seems to keep up with your home's needs. A thermostat installed in an improper place in your home can sense an inaccurate picture of your home's environmental needs.

When to Replace Your Thermostat

There are two main reasons you would need a different thermostat. First, your thermostat could simply be in need of replacement because of age. Like most components of a home, thermostats eventually get old and go bad.

When to Call a Professional

If you've tried these simple troubleshooting tips to no avail, it may be time to call in a professional. From electrical knowledge to in-depth knowledge of different HVAC systems, an experienced HVAC technician will have all the tools and know-how needed to get your thermostat up and running without a hitch, no matter the problem.

Loose Wire Connections

Like other machines, thermostats can have loose or broken wire connections. Over time, the wires that run from the device to the panel box can become faulty, leading to a malfunction.

Device is Old

Thermostats don’t usually have a specific lifespan; however, many experts agree that they can last for at least 10 years. As the internal components age and wear away, the device may start malfunctioning or even shut down unexpectedly. If your thermostat is more than a decade old, consider replacing it with a smart model.

Settings are Wrong

If your thermostat isn’t working as expected, chances are you’ve set it to facilitate heating or cooling incorrectly. Its set points could be wrong, or the temperature settings aren’t appropriate for the current season.

Thermostat is in the Wrong Place

Finally, thermostats are very sensitive gadgets. How someone installs them directly influences their function. If your thermostat is in a place that’s often receiving direct sunlight, it may assume the temperature is higher than it really is in your home.

How to know if furnace is anticipator?

If you don’t know what an anticipator is, open up the cover of the thermostat and look for a metal tab that sits on a scale which is usually marked as “shorter” and “longer”. It can be set to “longer” when the heat cycle continuously switches on and off, or when the furnace doesn’t seem to be reaching the preferred temperature. Changes can be made if the temperature is still not comfortable.

Do you have to level a thermostat?

Those that have invested in a smart thermostat or modern devices do not have to worry about leveling their thermostats, but for those with mechanical thermostats it is one of the most common causes of misreadings. Because most of the older thermostats have a mercury switch in them, they need to be perfectly level when installed. A slight tilt, either way, could result in an uncomfortable experience at home.

Do smart thermostats run off batteries?

There are a number of different thermostats available in the market, so before you go ahead and wrench out the panel in your wall, make sure you know where the batteries are located. Modern thermostats or “smart thermostats” don’t come installed with batteries, so you might need to call in an expert. However, most systems still run off of batteries. A simple replacement of the worn out cells can have your home feeling as snug and cozy as ever.

Why is my thermostat not working?

4 Reasons Your Thermostat Display is NOT Working and How to Fix It. 1. Thermostat Batteries Died and Need to be Replaced. If your thermostat is blank, the first thing you should do is check the batteries . Chances are, the batteries have died and the thermostat simply can’t power on. Replace the batteries and see if your thermostat turns on.

How long does a thermostat last?

While all thermostats are different, the average device has a life expectancy of about 10 years. Give your local HVAC professionals a call — they will advise you on whether or not your thermostat needs to be replaced.

What causes a breaker to trip?

Typically, thermostats are connected to a home or business via the main electrical system. Sometimes, the thermostat or another source of electricity can cause the breaker to trip (similarly to how a hair dryer can trip the breaker for example).

What to do if your safety switch sensor goes off?

If you notice that the sensor has gone off when you check the safety switch, call your local HVAC professionals for an inspection.

Where is the safety switch on an air conditioner?

For your air conditioning system, start by checking the safety switch, which is installed in the drain pan.

Is a thermostat a small device?

Your thermostat is a small but important device.

What does it mean when a thermostat is troubleshooting?

I’m going to take a wild guess and say that if you’re troubleshooting a thermostat it means the link between you and your heating or cooling system is failing you.

What can bring down a thermostat?

Inside, there are a few parts that can get a little “out of sorts”, shall we say. Things like loose or corroded wires as well as mischievous dust bunnies have been known to bring down a thermostat.

What happens if you make contact with a heater?

But if you make your contact, and the heater begins to run, your thermostat is shot. All you can do now, is replace it.

How to tighten a loose wire?

Do any wires feel loose or look like they”re not connected any more? Tighten those babies up! Use a screwdriver to check that screws are securely in place. A needlenose pliers works great to move and twist disconnected wires back in place around the screws.

How to get a thermostat to snap free?

Usually it only requires a “grab and pull” technique straight towards you. You may need to gently pry or push a button or clip to let it snap free.

How to test a thermostat?

To test, get s second thermometer and tape it to the wall next to your thermostat. Give it a few minutes and then compare it.

Do mercury thermostats need to be cleaned?

Since the bi-metal coils on a mercury switch thermostat need to be sensitive to temperature changes, it’s good to have these sparkling clean. You should check coils or strips for dust and grime.

How to fix a thermostat that stops working?

Check to make sure your thermostat is getting power. Take off the cover and gently clean the wires with a soft brush or compressed air. Tighten any loose wires or replace them if they are corroded.

What happens if your thermostat doesn't work?

Your thermostat is obviously key to your comfort. If it doesn’t operate properly, your heating and cooling system can’t work correctly. Also, you will be at risk of having a very high energy bill as well.