Though we’ve recently enjoyed one of our warmest years on record, Louisville is no stranger to ice and snow come winter. Bundling up and staying indoors can be a great way to beat the cold, but that experience isn’t quite as cozy if you’re struggling to make your thermostat work!
When you can’t seem to get enough warmth from your HVAC system, there are a few troubleshooting strategies worth trying, including some basic heating maintenance tips. Here’s what you should know.
Check the Settings
Before you frantically call for HVAC services, check the settings on your thermostat. You’d be surprised at how many requests for an emergency heating tune-up turn out to be minor issues!
Make sure your device is programmed to your desired settings, especially if you live with anyone else who adjusts the thermostat. If you have a programmable thermostat, you may have to perform manual adjustments until the system learns your desired schedule. Check your owner’s manual for more information.
Perform a Reset
Like any other digital device, thermostats sometimes need a quick reset to flush out minor glitches. This is even more important after an unexpected power outage, which can sometimes disrupt the connection between your thermostat and your HVAC system.
You can check your owner’s manual to see how to reset the device, but some of the most common methods include holding down a designated reset button or flipping the battery backward for a few seconds.
Test the Power and Connections
Power issues can sometimes make your thermostat faulty.
If your thermostat uses a battery, try replacing it. This can sometimes fix blinking, dim, or blank displays.
Make sure the device’s power switch is engaged, if applicable.
Don’t forget to also check for a tripped breaker, especially if you may have overloaded a circuit. Flip the breaker back to the “on” position to see if it jump-starts your thermostat. In some cases, the thermostat itself may have blown a fuse, which you can check for by removing the housing to look inside.
In some cases, corroded wires or loose connections can cause a thermostat to fail. If you suspect this is the case, contact an expert for heating maintenance in Louisville. DIY electrical troubleshooting can be a huge safety risk, so don’t try it at home unless you have a background in electrical work.
Clear Away Dirt
Dust and debris may seem like a minor problem, but enough of it can wreak havoc on an electrical device.
If your thermostat is malfunctioning, turn off the system’s power and do a quick cleaning. Remove any dust on or inside the thermostat’s housing with a microfiber cloth or compressed air.
Get Expert Heating Maintenance
If these basic troubleshooting tips haven’t solved the problem, it might be time to schedule professional heating maintenance. An experienced technician can help you check for electrical issues, readout problems, shoddy installation, and other red flags. They can also help you decide when it’s time to replace an older thermostat.
That’s where the team at One Choice Mechanical comes in. As the trusted resource for the Louisville area’s heating, cooling, and air quality needs, we’ll be happy to find a fix! Enjoy our 24/7 service and peace-of-mind guarantee by scheduling service today.