What Causes HVAC Thermostat Problems In The Summer?

Your HVAC system is vital to your comfort and health throughout the year. The thermostat is one of the most important components of this system, especially during the summer. If you start noticing air conditioning issues, you may think that something is drastically wrong. But, the thermostat can actually be the cause of many issues, including some of these most common ones.

The air conditioner stops working all of a sudden

Although this may seem like an emergency, you should check the thermostat before calling an HVAC repair company. If the display isn’t coming on, that means the thermostat may not be getting power and cannot signal the air conditioner. A blown fuse, tripped breaker, or dead batteries can cause this issue.

Once you have eliminated the possibility of a power issue (and if you feel comfortable enough), turn off the thermostat breaker. From there, you can remove the cover and look at the inner components.

• Check for debris like dust and dirt first.
• If you find any, gently clean the parts with a can of compressed air.
• Next, check the wires and other parts for damage.
• If you see any damage, you can look at the owner’s manual to see how to replace broken wires.
• If all else fails, an HVAC technician can replace the thermostat. It is advised that you do not do this yourself because it can be dangerous.

The temperature in the room doesn’t reach the thermostat setting

This air conditioning issue can be a result of dirt and debris buildup on thermostat components. The above cleaning tips can help fix the problem. Sometimes the installation of the thermostat can be the root cause or a rough bump that has knocked the thermostat unlevel. If the component is mechanical, the anticipator within it could be stuck. You can fix this by finding the part (a circular dial with an arm) and pushing the arm gently in one direction.

The thermostat is in a bad location

When this HVAC component is not placed in a good location, it can cause many issues. The temperature in a room will not meet what is set on the thermostat, especially if it is exposed to direct sunlight. It needs to be able to accurately gauge the temperature in a room, so if it gets too hot or cold, it may not work.

You can relocate the thermostat if it is giving you issues. Try placing it in a central location in the building, like a hallway, to get a better temperature reading. If you still experience uneven cooling, call an HVAC company for help. They will be able to see if larger issues are the cause.

Poor installation

As stated above, if a thermostat isn’t installed correctly, your HVAC can have problems. If just a few wires are loose or placed incorrectly, the control board or even the transformer can be damaged. System zoning and switching over to programmable thermostats can help you save money and deal with inconsistent temperatures. But if done the wrong way, they can cause even worse problems.

Short-cycling or continuous running

Short-cycling issues happen when the system turns on and off rapidly or at irregular intervals. If the thermostat isn’t level or if it is dirty, this can cause short-cycling. The anticipator can also be the culprit and can be fixed easily. If your air conditioner is running constantly, it could be caused by many issues. The thermostat can create this problem if it is faulty or programmed incorrectly. Keep in mind that these issues can be caused by bigger problems too.

The thermostat is old

Thermostats are made to last for years, but even if they are not broken, they will need to be replaced at some point. If your thermostat uses mercury, it should be replaced with an updated model. You could have parts within this component replaced, but this will only help it so much. Getting a new thermostat has many benefits like increased efficiency and cost savings. There are many options available, including digital and analog, and even those with alarm reminders to change the HVAC filters.

Get help with your air conditioner issues from Allen’s Tri-State

Allen’s Tri-State in Amarillo, Texas has the experience to help you with all of your HVAC. We offer Residential and Commercial HVAC services throughout the Texas Panhandle and Tri-State area. You can reach us at (806) 376-8345 or Send Us an Email to learn more about our installation, repair, and maintenance services.