Ways a Malfunctioning Thermostat Affects Your Heating

Does your HVAC system malfunction? You don’t have a clue what is causing the heating problems, do you? Then let’s inform you that your thermostat, the only part of the heating system you usually touch, can be held responsible for the poor performance of your HVAC system.

We cannot ignore the role a thermostat plays in heating operations, as it informs the heating system about the dropping temperature. Your heating system uses the information communicated by your thermostat to decide when to start up and when to shut off. Hence, a malfunctioning thermostat can severely affect your heating.

Problems a Malfunctioning Thermostat Might Cause

Before we discuss the thermostat problems, it’s important to learn what problems a malfunctioning thermostat might cause. The following are some of the ways that a bad thermostat impacts a heating system:

1) Short-cycling

When the temperature sensor of a thermostat doesn’t work properly, it can affect the heating cycles of your HVAC system. In the case of heat pumps, it forces the compressor to shut off before completing its cycle and then turns it back on after a few minutes. This process keeps on repeating resulting in higher energy bills, and a stressed-out compressor. The short-cycling happens when your thermostat detects frequent temperature changes in the room and sends faulty signals to the cooling system. The only solution to this problem lies in replacing the thermostat; otherwise, the components of your heating system will become overworked, resulting in additional repair costs.

2) Uneven Heating

If your thermostat is miscalibrated or connected defectively to the HVAC system, it will warm your home unevenly. You will notice that the rooms located far from the heating system will be colder while the rooms near to it will be warmer. The reason is the faulty thermostat which prevents the heat pump from running for longer intervals to circulate hot air evenly around your house.

3) Blower Fan Stop Running

Another problem a malfunctioning thermostat causes to your heating system is a malfunctioning blower fan; it either runs constantly or doesn’t start up at all. This problem arises when the connection between the thermostat and the HVAC system breaks due to one or more broken wires.

4) No Heating At All

If you find your HVAC system blowing air from its vents, but the air is not hot, then your thermostat has lost its connection to the heat pump’s compressor. So, a faulty thermostat can also be held responsible for no heating at all.

5) Fixing a Faulty Thermostat

Although a malfunctioning thermostat usually needs to be replaced or examined by a professional, you can try the following troubleshooting tips:

• Faulty Wiring: Replace the loose, old, disconnected, or faulty wiring of your thermostat.
• Cleaning: Clean dust and debris from your malfunctioning thermostat.
• Adjusting the anticipator: If you have a mechanical thermostat, adjust its heat anticipator using an amp meter.
• Change position of thermostat: Place your thermostat in a suitable area, away from heat-emitting sources.
• Check Compatibility: Ensure that the thermostat and your heating system are compatible. Replace thermostats if it’s short or high voltage.