If you have a programmable thermostat, you probably love that it reduces your energy bills on a regular basis. While it may seem like magic, these thermostats are more complex than normal thermostats and can break down on occasion. Sometimes there will be a major issue with it, but most problems are actually simple to identify and fix. Here are some of the most common issues that you should check for before calling in a professional.

  • Check the batteries. If your thermostat is hardwired into your HVAC system, don’t worry about this and skip to the next issue. However, if your thermostat does run off batteries, put in a new pair to make sure they aren’t the problem.
  • Look at the connections. Turn off your thermostat along with its power supply, and then remove the cover. You should see multiple wire connections that were established when the thermostat was installed. Some problems can be caused by connections becoming looser over time or falling apart completely. Check the connections and fix them as needed.
  • Confirm the issue is with the thermostat. If your problem is that the air conditioning is not turning on, it could be the air conditioner itself. To check if the thermostat is indeed working correctly, turn on your furnace and switch the settings of your thermostat to activate your heating system. If the heating works, it is time to call in a professional to look at your A/C.
  • Replace your thermostat. Some programmable thermostats may not be worth saving if they are old. Replacing your thermostat with a brand new one will likely solve any problems and may help your HVAC system perform better as well. If you’re committed to identifying your current problem, it is probably time to get professional help.

If you are interested in getting help with your Wichita home’s programmable thermostat, contact Comfort Systems.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Wichita, Kansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about programmable thermostats and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.