Knowing When It’s Time to Replace the Thermostat

Signs a Thermostat Needs Replacement

Heating and air conditioning are some of the great innovations of the modern era, especially for those living in Texas. Unfortunately, living in the era of AC also magnifies any faults or issues. Faulty thermostats can easily leave the whole family sweating or shivering, so it’s best to address the problem immediately. These are a few signs that it’s time to replace your thermostat.

Increased Energy Costs

Higher energy bills are never a good sign; they’re usually one of the most obvious signs that something is wrong. At the same time, we expect rates to increase and higher usage in certain seasons because it’s obvious when something is wrong.

A thermostat’s job is to understand the current and desired temperature and turn the system on or off based on that information. If it cannot read the temperature properly or communicate with the rest of the system, inefficiency often translates to higher monthly costs.

Malfunctions can cause this, but so can outdated thermostats. Most last about ten years, but leaps and bounds in recent technology mean that many have been upgraded before then.

Higher energy bills, especially with other concerns like inaccurate temperature readings or an outdated thermostat, merit professional attention for your HVAC system.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

While a thermostat is not a thermometer, it still relies on accurate temperature readings to do its job correctly. A thermostat that cannot perceive the room’s actual temperature will not be able to regulate the environment properly, potentially causing other issues as it trips through its tasks.

These discrepancies are not always obvious. The best way to verify the issues is to use an indoor thermometer to check the room’s temperature. You can do this in multiple areas, but focus on the space near the thermostat.

If the thermostat’s temperature is greater than three degrees above the average thermometer, this becomes an even bigger issue. Sometimes, replacing the thermostat’s batteries and cleaning its sensors can solve the problem, but more serious technical issues require a professional’s attention.

Short or Incomplete Cycles

Short cycling refers to an issue in which the HVAC system cannot complete a full cycle. Sometimes, this happens as a safety precaution, such as when air filters are heavily clogged, but other times, it relates back to a faulty thermostat directing the system to turn “on” and “off” repeatedly.

This happens for several reasons, including:

• Aging thermostats
• Wiring damage
• Connection issues
• Manufacturer defects
• Incorrect system use

Short cycling can quickly lead to larger problems, like higher utility costs and greater damage to the HVAC system (including complete failure). Because thermostat repairs are generally cheaper and easier to perform, it’s better to nip the issue in the bud and address it as soon as possible.

About The Bosworth Company Kerrville

The Bosworth Company has been in business since 1949, and its Kerrville branch has served the Hill Country region for over 15 years. It prioritizes the customer experience, from offering a 24/7 live answering service to thoroughly vetting every one of its highly trained professionals. Call The Bosworth Company Kerrville today for reliable, modern solutions for your thermostat troubles in Kerrville, TX!

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