No matter the cause, it’s vital to understand why your heating and cooling system is malfunctioning if you live in Northern Illinois. One of the main reasons homeowners experience HVAC system issues is that the home thermostat malfunctions or simply needs recalibration. Knowing how to test a thermostat is the first step in determining whether or not it’s the reason for your HVAC woes.
Read on for some helpful tips on testing your thermostat at home and find out how long thermostats typically last, warning signs your thermostat is bad, and more.
How To Test a Thermostat at Home
The first step to testing a thermostat at home is to know how to check if the thermostat is working. Start by turning it on to see if your heating or cooling system kicks in. The thermostat sends a signal to the system whenever it’s turned on or if the temperature is adjusted.
If nothing happens once you turn it on or tweak the temperature, follow these steps to test the thermostat further:
- Use an indoor thermometer: Place an indoor thermometer in the room, then turn on your heat or AC. Wait a few minutes, then check to see if the thermometer’s temperature is higher or lower than when you started (this will depend on whether you use heating or cooling to conduct the test). If the thermometer reading doesn’t change based on the settings you changed on the thermostat, there could be an issue with your thermostat.
- Use a multimeter: A multimeter helps you check the voltage running to your thermostat and can be a great way to determine whether there’s an issue. Here’s how to test thermostat wires with a multimeter: Turn off the power to the thermostat, then set the multimeter setting to AC volts. Touch the red probe to the R (red) terminal on the thermostat and the black probe to the C (common) terminal. You should get a reading of around 24 volts, meaning power is going to the thermostat. If the reading is lower than 24 volts, contact us for help.
- Run a system test: If you have a smart thermostat, read the owner’s manual to find out how to run a system test. Follow the instructions on the screen to run through the test and record the results.
- Clean your thermostat: Thermostats can get dirty, causing the internal components to malfunction. If you have a mechanical thermostat, carefully remove the cover and clean the parts using a soft cloth, a cotton swab, or a soft-bristled brush.
- Replace the batteries: Sometimes, issues with your thermostat could be due to dead batteries. Remove the cover and replace the old batteries with new ones, then turn the thermostat on and adjust the settings.
How Long Do Thermostats Last?
Most thermostats last around 10 years on average. The service life of your specific thermostat depends on what type you have, how well it has been cleaned and maintained, and the general wear and tear. Make sure your thermostat is professionally installed to ensure a longer service life.
Here are some factors that could impact the longevity of your thermostat:
- Location: If your thermostat is near a window, exposure to direct sunlight could cause it to work harder and impact its functionality. Excess exposure to humidity and moisture may also affect its service life. Thermostats installed near a drafty window can malfunction and lead to inefficient or uneven heating and cooling.
- Installation: Loose or faulty wiring can cause your thermostat to malfunction. Make sure your thermostat is professionally installed per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Maintenance: Clean the inside of your mechanical thermostat at least once every six months. If it uses batteries, change them at least once every eight months to a year.
- Usage: The more you use the thermostat, the sooner it will wear out. Consider getting a digital or smart thermostat with fewer moving parts that you can adjust remotely via a smartphone app.
Signs a Thermostat Is Bad
It’s important to recognize the signs that your thermostat is faulty. Look for these warnings that could indicate it’s time to replace your thermostat:
- If your furnace or air conditioner won’t turn on when you use the thermostat, it could be related to the system, a wiring problem, or other issues. Check the circuit breaker for the thermostat to confirm that it hasn’t tripped.
- If you adjust the temperature setting and there’s no change in the indoor air temperature, it could be due to the thermostat.
- When the HVAC runs constantly without stopping, it might be due to a thermostat issue.
- If your thermostat has no power, it could be because of dead batteries, a wiring problem, or a broken thermostat.
- A thermostat that loses your pre-programmed settings requires new batteries, re-wiring, or it’s faulty.
- Any thermostat that is 10 years old or older may need replacement due to age or general wear and tear.
Can a Faulty Thermostat Cause a High Electric Bill?
Yes, a faulty thermostat can cause you to end up with a high electric bill. If your thermostat is malfunctioning, it creates inaccurate temperature readings that can cause your HVAC system to run longer than it needs to.
A malfunctioning thermostat may also cause short-cycling, which occurs when your HVAC system constantly turns on and off, resulting in higher energy consumption as the system stops and restarts. Sometimes, a faulty thermostat can get stuck in the “on” position, leaving your HVAC running non-stop.
Considering Replacing Your Thermostat? Contact the Professionals at G&R Heating and Air
If you’re concerned about your thermostat, don’t hesitate to call the pros at G&R Heating and Air for help. Our family-owned and operated business is fully dedicated to providing our Northern Illinois customers with fast, reliable service. If you’d like to schedule a thermostat inspection or get a free second opinion, contact us today.
