Think of your thermostat as the brain of your home’s heating and cooling system. It’s what keeps things running smoothly, making sure your house stays at just the right temperature. But just like any piece of technology, thermostats don’t last forever. A failing thermostat can throw your whole HVAC system out of whack, leaving you too hot, too cold, and constantly adjusting the settings without any real change.
So, how do you tell if you have a bad thermostat? There are some clear signs your thermostat is broken that every homeowner should know. If your home’s temperature never feels quite right or your energy bills are creeping up for no reason, your thermostat could be to blame. Let’s break down the most common symptoms of a failing thermostat and what you can do about it.
1. Your HVAC System Won’t Turn On or Off
One of the biggest signs your thermostat is broken is when your heating or cooling system just won’t respond. If you set your thermostat to heat your home, but the furnace doesn’t turn on, that’s a red flag. The same goes for your air conditioner — if it’s set to cool but nothing happens, your thermostat could be failing to send signals to your HVAC system.
Before you panic, check the basics:
- Dead batteries: If you have a battery-powered thermostat, pop in some fresh ones and see if that fixes the problem.
- Wiring inside: Loose or corroded wiring could be interrupting the connection between your thermostat and your HVAC system.
- Temperature settings: Double-check that the thermostat is actually set to heat or cool and not just sitting on “off” or “fan.”
If your system still won’t turn on or off, you may have a malfunctioning thermostat that needs repair or replacement.
2. The Temperature on Your Thermostat Doesn’t Match Your Home
If your thermostat reading says one thing, but your house feels completely different, this is also one of the most common symptoms of a failing thermostat. A faulty thermostat might be misreading the room’s actual temperature, causing your system to run too much or not enough.
This can happen for a few reasons:
- Old or broken sensors: Over time, thermostat sensors wear out or become less accurate.
- Poor placement: If your thermostat is in direct sunlight or near a heat source, it might think your home is warmer than it really is.
- Wiring issues: Damaged wiring can cause communication problems between your thermostat and your HVAC system.
If you’re experiencing this issue, it might be time to call Apollo for a new thermostat installation in Northeast Ohio. A smart thermostat can provide more accurate readings than a mechanical thermostat and adjust to your household’s routine for better efficiency.
3. Your HVAC System Short Cycles
Does your HVAC system turn on and off more often than usual? This is called short cycling, and it’s a common sign your thermostat is going bad in your house. A bad thermostat can send mixed signals, making your system stop and start constantly, which puts unnecessary strain on your HVAC unit.
Short cycling can lead to:
- Higher energy bills
- Uneven heating or cooling
- Increased wear and tear on your HVAC system
If you notice this happening, you might need a thermostat replacement to keep your system running efficiently.
4. Your Thermostat Has a Blank Screen
A blank screen on your thermostat usually means one of three things:
- Dead batteries: This is an easy fix; just swap them out.
- Power issues: If it’s a hardwired thermostat, check your circuit breaker.
- A broken thermostat: If there’s no power at all and the problem persists, your thermostat may need to be replaced.
A modern thermostat, like a programmable or smart thermostat, can provide more reliable performance and energy savings compared to older manual thermostats.
5. Your Energy Bills Keep Climbing
If your utility bills are higher than usual, but you haven’t changed your heating or cooling habits, this can be one of the symptoms of a failing thermostat. A thermostat failure can cause your HVAC system to work overtime, using more energy than necessary.
Signs that your thermostat might be causing your energy bills to rise:
- Your furnace or air conditioner runs longer than usual
- Your home never reaches the desired temperature
- Your thermostat settings seem off
Upgrading to smart or programmable thermostats can help lower your energy bills by adjusting to your schedule and improving overall efficiency.
6. Some Rooms Are Hot, Others Are Cold
If one room in your house feels like a sauna while another feels like a freezer, this is one of the most common symptoms of a failing thermostat. A malfunctioning thermostat may not be regulating temperature correctly, leading to uneven heating or cooling.
To fix this:
- Test different thermostat settings to see if it makes a difference
- Check the wiring to make sure there’s a secure connection
- Consider a thermostat replacement if the problem doesn’t go away
Installing a new thermostat can help balance out your home’s temperature and improve comfort.
Should You Fix or Replace Your Thermostat in Akron & Northeast Ohio?
If your thermostat is acting up, you might be able to fix it with a simple battery swap, wiring check, or thermostat settings adjustment. But if the issue keeps coming back, a replacement may be the best option.
When to Repair
- The batteries are dead, and replacing them solves the issue.
- There’s a loose connection, and a quick fix restores normal operation.
- The sensors just need cleaning with a soft brush or dry cloth.
When to Replace
- The thermostat is more than ten years old.
- The screen is blank, even with fresh batteries.
- Your HVAC system short cycles or won’t turn on.
- You want to upgrade to modern thermostats for better control.
Need a New Thermostat? Call Apollo in Akron & Northeast Ohio!
If you’ve noticed any of the signs your thermostat is broken, don’t ignore them. Small issues can quickly turn into bigger problems with your HVAC system, leading to higher energy bills and an uncomfortable home. Whether your thermostat needs a simple fix or a full replacement, Apollo’s expert technicians are ready to help. We offer satisfaction-guaranteed service, so you can trust the job will be done right the first time.
Apollo provides honest, upfront pricing, so there are no surprises when the work is finished. Plus, our team takes pride in tidy service, making sure we leave your home just as clean as we found it. If you’re dealing with thermostat troubles or need help with your cooling services in Northeast Ohio, give us a call at 330-800-5171. We’ll make sure your home stays comfortable all year long!
