We rely on our HVAC systems to deliver treated air throughout our homes and when the system doesn’t work, it’s natural to assume that it’s a major problem. But, sometimes the actual cause doesn’t need a major repair and it’s a simple issue to solve. You can think of the thermostat as the “brain” of the entire HVAC system because it controls how it works. As the user, you program the thermostat and it relays your instructions to the system to deliver heat or cool down your home. If the problem that you’re experiencing is related to a fault in the thermostat, it may be easier and less expensive to fix.
A Brief Thermostat Primer
An older manually operated dial thermostat would be turned to the desired temperature and you needed to remember to alter it throughout the day. This was a very inefficient way to control an HVAC system because people would forget about it from season to season. Heating and cooling a home when the home is empty is a great way to waste energy and empty your bank account.
The advent of a thermostat with a built-in timer changed the game. Now, people could set their temperature to change at certain times during the day or night. The system could lower or raise the temperature when people were sleeping or returning from work. This was a more efficient method, many people still use this type of system, but it still lacks some finesse when you’re looking for optimal energy efficiency.
The latest innovations in thermostats are smart units that are operated via a WiFi connection. The system can be programmed like a timer unit but adjustments can be made remotely in real time from anywhere with an internet connection. An app on your favorite mobile device can be used to control many aspects of the system and monitor the performance.
Modern thermostats are a marvel, but they can be vulnerable to certain issues that can affect the entire HVAC system. If you choose a non-professional to work on your heating and cooling equipment they can reach the wrong conclusions. They may come to the wrong conclusion and advise you that an expensive repair is needed. But, in reality, the real cause could be a minor fault related to your thermostat.
3 Thermostat Issues that May Look Like Other Problems
When you consider that the thermostat is a small and relatively inexpensive part, it’s astonishing how it can affect the entire HVAC system. But, as we mentioned in the introduction to this article, this is the brain and any errors here will affect other key components. Let’s take a look at three thermostat related issues which may look like other problems that can be expensive to fix. They are:
1. Short-Cycling
When the air conditioner is called upon to deliver treated air the compressor is engaged to change the pressure of the refrigerant. The increased pressure makes the refrigerant hotter to change it from a liquid form into a gas. This then releases the gathered heat from your home to the evaporator at the outdoor unit to effectively cool your home.
This is a cyclical process, but each cooling cycle should be completed before the system is shut-off. If the HVAC system is turning on and then off again rapidly it is known as short-cycling. There are a number of possible causes for this, including a poorly sized HVAC system, a failing compressor, a clogged air filter, a lack of refrigerant, and more.
Short-cycling is bad for your HVAC system because it places additional strain on the compressor. The compressor is an expensive component and if it fails, a replacement is needed. Another consequence of short-cycling is that the on and off again operation will drive up your energy bills.
Some of the causes of short-cycling can be expensive to fix if the diagnosis is wrong. But, in some cases, the cause can be traced back to the thermostat. If the temperature sensor is at fault, it can start up the cooling cycle too early before the desired temperature is reached. This is an easy fix for a local certified and licensed HVAC specialist.
2. Blower Fan Problems
The treated air created by the HVAC system is distributed throughout your home via the ductwork in many homes. This network of ducts delivers the treated air to the vents to make the rooms warmer or cooler in accordance with the temperature set at the thermostat. The treated air is pushed through the ductwork by the blower unit fan.
If you notice that the blower fan will not start or it won’t stop this is a problem. The blower may run constantly, it may not start, it may not complete a heating or cooling cycle at all. The treated air that you’ve paid for is not reaching the desired areas and your energy bills will rise. A person without formal HVAC training may misdiagnose this problem as a broken blower unit or a misaligned fan and this can be an expensive repair. But, the problem could be related to your thermostat if the wiring between the unit and the blower has been damaged.
3. Uneven Cooling Performance
If you notice hot and cold spots throughout your home it can be annoying. The most common cause is leaky ductwork that allows the treated air to escape before it reaches those areas. Locating and fixing ductwork leaks can be an expensive proposition. In fact, it’s often easier and less expensive to replace the ductwork system. But, this is intrusive and it may not be necessary if the root cause is the thermostat.
If your thermostat has developed a faulty connection it can become confused about the running times of your system. The thermostat may believe that the desired temperature has been reached and shut-off the HVAC system too early. In some cases, it may be possible to clean the thermostat to remove dust that may be affecting the sensor.
In Conclusion
There are many HVAC system problems that can be misdiagnosed by a handyman that lacks formal training and expertise. In some cases, this can lead to an expensive repair that may not be necessary. If you have a problem with your heating and cooling equipment, contact your local HVAC professional today.