Knowledge Builders

why is my new thermostat not working

by Keanu Hill Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Down below, you can find the most common reasons that can stop a thermostat from working:

  • The batteries are out of date. This is the simplest explanation for why your room thermostat is giving you problems. ...
  • Alkaline battery corrosion. White and flaky residue on the contacts indicates an alkaline leak from the battery. ...
  • Debris build-up. Just like any high-touch point in the house, your thermostat needs regular cleaning. ...
  • Incorrect location and settings. ...
  • Burned wires. ...
  • Internal wiring failure. ...

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.Sep 1, 2022

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 new hot water heater not working?

  • Turn off the breaker to the water heater's circuit in the service panel.
  • Remove the access panel for the upper heating element on the water heater.
  • Remove the insulation and the plastic safety guard, being careful not to touch any wires or electrical terminals.

More items...

Why is my Honeywell thermostat not turning on?

  • 1.1 1) Thermostat In Delay Mode
  • 1.2 2) Dying Batteries
  • 1.3 3)Power Cut Off from Your Heating System 1.3.1 Furnace or heat pump turned off
  • 1.4 4)Malfunctioning Reverse Cycle Valve
  • 1.5 5)Incorrect Thermostat Wiring
  • 1.6 6)An Error with The Circuit Control Board Unit
  • 1.7 7)Thermostat Not Well Placed

Why is my central heating not working?

  • No warm air delivery at all. If you turn your central heating system on and set it to the desired temperature but it doesn’t deliver any air, you’ll have to ...
  • Air isn’t warming to the set temperature. ...
  • Large fluctuations in temperature. ...
  • Filters are dirty or blocked. ...
  • Pilot light does not ignite. ...

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What would cause a new thermostat to stop working?

An issue with the high voltage wire may be the cause of a malfunctioning thermostat. If there is a problem with the high voltage wire, the thermostat will not be able to signal the HVAC system properly. A high-voltage wire that is damaged, loose, or disconnected causes thermostat problems.

What to do after installing new thermostat?

After replacing the thermostat, refill antifreeze. Leave the radiator cap off, and start the vehicle. Wait five minutes to allow all of the antifreeze to circulate throughout the engine. Turn off the engine, and allow the engine to cool.

What happens if you install a thermostat wrong?

Potential consequences of improper installation could include: Electric shock. Blowing a circuit breaker. Damaging the thermostat unit, the electrical system or even the AC/furnace unit itself.

Why is my new Honeywell thermostat not working?

If your Honeywell Thermostat isn't turning on, make sure to first try new batteries. If that doesn't work, check the thermostat for any loose wires and check your circuit breaker. If all else fails, you can perform a hard reset on the Honeywell Thermostat to set it back to factory settings.

How do I know if I installed my thermostat correctly?

How to test if the thermostat is properly installed?Step 1 – Turn off HVAC power. ... Step 2 – Remove the thermostat cover. ... Step 3 – Remove wires from terminals. ... Step 4 – Turn HVAC power back on. ... Step 5 – Test other wires. ... The display. ... Incorrect temperature. ... Strange behavior.More items...•

How do you test a new thermostat?

0:200:48How to quickly test a car thermostat - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe car thermostat can be tested by putting it into boiling water and seeing if it opens. This isMoreThe car thermostat can be tested by putting it into boiling water and seeing if it opens. This is what the thermostat looks like before it's open.

Can a thermostat be wired wrong?

The connection of the wiring from the thermostat to the indoor unit control board could be incorrect or a wrong thermostat could be have been installed for the system. It only takes one wire that is incorrectly installed to not allow the system to work properly.

What are some of the common mistakes when installing a thermostat?

4 Mistakes You May Be Making With Your ThermostatNot Using a Programmable Thermostat. ... Not Programming the Thermostat Properly. ... Bumping the Temperature Up/Down to Quickly Heat/Cool Home. ... Not Maintaining the Thermostat.

Can I replace my thermostat with any thermostat?

Most replacement thermostats are compatible with all common systems. However, if your system is unique, finding a replacement thermostat may be difficult.

Why is my Honeywell thermostat not turning on the heat?

To recap, if your Honeywell thermostat won't turn on heat, start your troubleshooting with the wiring. Check and fix loose/pinched wires. If that doesn't work, replace the batteries, change the location, and check that the circuit breaker is on. You can also perform a factory reset as the last resort.

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.

Is there a reset button on a Honeywell thermostat?

0:201:17How do I reset my Honeywell Home Thermostat? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOkay on a Wi-Fi smart thermostat we'll start with the menu button we'll scroll down to preferences.MoreOkay on a Wi-Fi smart thermostat we'll start with the menu button we'll scroll down to preferences.

How long does it take for AC to turn on after changing thermostat?

It usually takes about 30 minutes, so sit tight until then. 5. Switch on the AC system at the thermostat.

Do you have to flush coolant after replacing thermostat?

The cooling system is recommended to be flushed out anytime the thermostat is replaced if the coolant has not been changed or flushed recently. A thermostat does not always require the coolant to be flushed out and would be an additional charge for parts and labor.

What are some of the common mistakes when installing a thermostat?

4 Mistakes You May Be Making With Your ThermostatNot Using a Programmable Thermostat. ... Not Programming the Thermostat Properly. ... Bumping the Temperature Up/Down to Quickly Heat/Cool Home. ... Not Maintaining the Thermostat.

Should you change water pump when changing thermostat?

The answer is absolutely because the thermostat itself can be damaged if there is an episode of overheating and, of course, a water pump failure is often associated with overheating.

1. Incorrect Thermostat Placement

As your thermostat reads the ambient home temperature, its placement plays a crucial role.

2. Lack of Thermostat Maintenance

Regular cleaning of your thermostat is as important as your HVAC system’s maintenance. Your thermostat can cause frequent short cycling of your cooling/heating equipment if not properly maintained. This results in your home temperature never actually reaching your preferred settings.

3. Malfunctioning Sensors

A thermostat relies on its sensors to give the correct readings. If you notice your thermostat is displaying inaccurate readings or your HVAC unit is struggling to maintain your desired settings, it is likely a sensor issue.

4. Thermostat is On Auto Mode

Some thermostats do not allow manual temperature changes if set on auto-mode. When your thermostat is not picking up the commands you’re giving, don’t just panic yet!

5. Incorrect Calibration

If you notice that your thermostat is not correctly sensing your home temperature, it might be due to calibration loss. This can occur due to debris accumulation inside the thermostat, something accidentally bumping into the device, or power loss.

6. Old Thermostat

Like any other appliance, thermostats have a lifespan and need to be replaced after that period. While all devices are different and the lifespan varies depending on various factors, the average life expectancy of thermostats is ten years.

7. Thermostat is Locked

Digital thermostats have a lock or range control feature to prevent others from making any unnecessary temperature changes.

DIY Thermostat Fixes

If you're like most homeowners, your thermostat is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your home. It's responsible for regulating the temperature and keeping you comfortable all year round. But what do you do when your thermostat isn't working?

A Bad Thermostat Control Board

If your thermostat is not working, it could be because of an issue with its control board, which communicates with the HVAC system to ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently. The thermostat control board sends signals to turn the cooling and heating functions on and off.

Dead Batteries

One of the most common reasons why thermostats are not working is because the batteries are dead. If the batteries in the thermostat are dead, the thermostat will not be functional. You will then need to replace the batteries in the thermostat. If the thermostat is still not working, you may need to call a professional for help.

Poor Wiring

The malfunctioning thermostat may be due to faulty thermostat wiring. If the thermostat wiring is loose, dirty, disconnected, or bad, the thermostat fails to function properly.

Thermostat Not Programmed Correctly

The thermostat is an essential device in your home. If a thermostat is not programmed correctly, you'll experience thermostat problems. The thermostat could be working against the homeowner due to faulty programming.

Faulty High Voltage Wire

An issue with the high voltage wire may be the cause of a malfunctioning thermostat. If there is a problem with the high voltage wire, the thermostat will not be able to signal the HVAC system properly. A high-voltage wire that is damaged, loose, or disconnected causes thermostat problems.

Bad Thermostat

If your thermostat is not working, one of the possible reasons may be a bad thermostat. Just like all mechanical devices, a faulty thermostat is a fluke that sometimes just happens.

Why Is My Thermostat Not Working?

Like all technology, traditional and smart thermostats rely on a power source, information input, and maintenance. Those three factors are at the root of most thermostat failures.

Thermostat Troubleshooting Basics

Not all thermostat issues fit neatly in a box. When in doubt, keep these three things in mind:

How to tell if thermostat is not working?

If you are noticing heating or cooling issues , this might mean that your thermostat is not working. One sign that might point to an issue with your thermostat is if your air conditioning unit is not reaching the set temperature. Similarly, if the unit keeps shutting off early or it is running all the time, then your thermostat might be the problem. Another common sign is if the display on the thermostat is blank.

Why is my thermostat off?

It might be possible that your thermostat is just set to the “off” position, which is easy to fix by switching it back on. If this does not work, you can also try resetting the thermostat. Another possibility is that something might be wrong with the power supply. There could be an issue with the batteries inside the unit or with your house’s electrical system.

How to fix a thermostat that is blown?

If you find that a breaker has tripped, then flip the circuit breaker for the thermostat back to the on position . Lastly, if your thermostat has batteries inside it, then you can replace the batteries to see if this fixes the problem.

Why is my thermostat messed up?

The calibration on your thermostat can get messed up if the thermostat is new or if you have had a power outage recently. If this is the issue, then recalibrating the thermostat should fix the problem. However, if this does not correct the issue or if you find yourself having to recalibrate the thermostat several times each year, then your thermostat might have gone bad or have another problem.

Why is my thermostat not sensing the temperature?

If your thermostat was installed crooked or in a bad spot, this can cause it to have trouble sensing the true temperature of the house. For example, if your thermostat is in the kitchen, this can cause it to think the whole house is warm. In reality, it might be just the room where the thermostat is located that is hot, while the rest of the house might be freezing cold.

Why does my AC keep clogging up?

If your air filter is clogged or the vents or ducts are dusty or dirty, this can block air from flowing through your HVAC system. This can keep the thermostat from reaching the set temperature. You can prevent this problem by signing up for regular AC maintenance.

How should a thermostat be installed?

When a thermostat is first installed, it should be level and should be placed flush against the wall. Otherwise, this can affect the thermostat’s ability to read the temperature of the room. Similarly, the internal parts of your thermostat can break down, loosen or gather dust over time. This can also keep the unit from working like it should.

Having Trouble with Your Heating or Cooling System?

Are you noticing your thermostat acting funky, is it not working, not displaying anything on the screen, or not communicating correctly to your heating or cooling system?

Checking the Thermostat

Here is a list of items to check for your thermostat and hopefully some of these easy fixes will get your thermostat up and working again.

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 happens if your thermostat is not working?

If the wiring is not properly connected, loose, or corroded, the thermostat will not function to its fullest capacity. After tightening wires that appeared loose or replacing any corroded wires, check to see if you can turn on your AC.

Why won't my thermostat communicate with my air conditioner?

In many cases, thermostats won’t properly communicate with their air conditioning systems because of a simple error in the thermostat settings.

How to tell if thermostat is in a poor location?

A good indicator that your thermostat sensors have been placed in a poor location is if the temperature on your thermostat appears much higher or lower than it feels in your home. (You can also purchase a hygrometer to place in your home, which reads the temperature and humidity of your home; they cost around $10).

Why does my AC kick on?

When your thermostat reaches a temperature higher than it is set for, your AC should kick on. If it still fails to turn on, this is not the issue. 6. The thermostat itself has defects. Last but not least, it’s possible that your thermostat itself has defects that are out of your control.

How to make AC not kick on?

First, make sure that your thermostat is set to “cool” and not “heat.”. If your settings aren’t on “cool,” your AC won’t kick on. If that looks good, the next thing to consider is if your fan is set to “ON.”. Instead, it should be set to “AUTO.”. If that doesn’t do the trick, you might consider trying to set your thermostat five degrees higher ...

Is there power for a thermostat?

There’s no or little power for the thermostat. Sometimes, installation isn’t necessarily the issue. Another significant aspect of ensuring that your thermostat is able to adequately communicate with your air conditioner is checking the power supply.

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