When Is the Right Time to Replace the Thermostat?

Signs That Thermostat Replacement Is a Good Idea 

In terms of size, the thermostat is a very small part of the air conditioning system that keeps the home cool. In terms of importance, the thermostat is an essential component. Most homeowners know little about their heating and cooling systems except for adjusting the thermostat when the temperature is uncomfortable. 

The thermostat is the central control for the heater and air conditioner, and as such, it is responsible for controlling when they turn on and off to reach the temperature it’s set at. When the thermostat starts having problems, it can lead to many issues, some of which needlessly waste money. Instead of wasting money or suffering from an uncomfortable indoor temperature with a malfunctioning thermostat, homeowners should learn the signs that the thermostat is failing and may need replacement. Here is a brief guide sharing signs that indicate the thermostat should be replaced. 

High Energy Bills 

The thermostat is the control mechanism for the entire central heating and cooling system. When the thermostat is malfunctioning, these bills can be noticeably higher. This is because thermostats that fail to read the temperature correctly can cause the system to overwork and use more energy than necessary, raising heating and cooling costs. 

To keep utility bills under control, homeowners should make an effort to track their expenditures to catch issues with their thermostat or HVAC system before more unnecessary energy costs can occur. Not only will monitoring energy bills help budget for the upcoming month, but it can also be an early sign that something is wrong. If the homeowners notice that bills are higher than usual, the thermostat may be to blame. Replacing a faulty thermostat can reduce the cost of heating and cooling. 

Wrong Temperature Readings

Thermostats read the temperature of a space and tell the system when to cycle on and off to have the home’s temperature reach the set temperature on the thermostat. Since reading the temperature is essential to a thermostat’s operation and functionality, it’s critical they can read the home’s temperature correctly. 

Homeowners should take the time to test the thermostat periodically. The process is simple and only requires equipment that many already have on hand. The only thing needed is a reliable indoor home thermometer. Hang the thermometer next to the thermostat so that the temperatures should be the same, and check the reading. They should display the same temperature reading or at least be very close. If the difference is more than two degrees, the thermostat is not reading correctly, and an HVAC technician should be called to determine if a replacement is needed because incorrect readings can contribute to discomfort and high energy bills. 

The System Is Short Cycling 

Short cycling is another sign that a thermostat may need to be replaced. Short cycling refers to the condition where the HVAC system turns on and off too often and doesn’t run for the normal length of time as it was designed to do. This symptom is often a sign that the thermostat is not reading the temperature correctly or that it’s installed in the wrong spot where the sun or drafts can affect the cycle. 

Short cycling can cause discomfort, waste energy, raise energy bills, and put more wear and tear on a heating and cooling system. So, it’s important to resolve the issue quickly as soon as homeowners notice their system turning on and off too frequently. Replacing the thermostat may be the best solution to restore home comfort and reduce energy costs.  

About Elite Comfort Systems

Elite Comfort Systems is a family-owned and operated company that has been serving Brentwood and the surrounding areas for over a decade. They offer upfront pricing, easy scheduling, and fast, on-time service. Call them today for thermostat installation and repair services in Brentwood, CA.

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