How to Know it’s Time to Replace the Thermostat

The thermostat in your home has a pretty important job. It tells the HVAC system when to run and when to shut off. It plays a big role in making sure your home is always comfortable.

Like many other things in your home, a thermostat will eventually need to be replaced. At Triple T, we want you to know how to spot a failing thermostat and how to choose one that will meet your needs. We want our customers to be comfortable.

According to This Old House, a home thermostat can last up to 35 years before experiencing failure. What often happens is that a homeowner wants to upgrade their thermostat.

Three Signs Your Thermostat is Failing

These could also be signs of other issues, but an easy check (and less expensive thing to replace) is the thermostat.

• The Temperatures in Your Home are Uneven. – When you’re colder in one room than in another, or your home is hot in summer and cold in winter, your thermostat could be malfunctioning.
• The System Doesn’t Shut Off or Doesn’t Turn On. – This could be a sign that there’s an issue with the thermometer.
• The Display Doesn’t Light Up. – While this could just be a battery issue and clear up after inserting a new one, it could also be a sign that the thermostat is wearing out. You should also check the connections of the wires.

Manual vs. Programmable vs. Smart Thermostats

When you realize you need a new thermostat, it’s important to understand the differences between the various types. You’ll also want to understand what each type is compatible with.

A manual thermostat is typically installed in older homes, or in apartment buildings. They have very simple controls. They work well with air conditioning systems and many furnaces, whether they are gas or electric.

A programmable thermostat has a few different features. it can be programmed to regulate temperatures throughout the day. You can set a schedule for the temperatures to be raised or lowered.

A smart thermostat allows you to control your thermostat from a smartphone, computer or tablet. These are also called remote energy management thermostats. Some of these are learning thermostats, capable of creating a schedule based on how you use it.

There are several steps you can take to check out the thermostat to see what the problem is, but if the problem isn’t with the batteries, you may want to have a professional replace the thermostat if you’re not confident in your skills.

• Check the switches. If a switch is broken or has worn out, it will affect how your thermostat works.
• Look for loose wires. If the wires are loose, you’ll need to replace the thermostat.
• Check the inside for dust accumulation. Take off the cover of your thermostat, and if there’s a lot of dust, use compressed air to move the dust out.

If you’re finding that your home doesn’t have a comfortable temperature as it previously had, contact our trained technicians and we’ll figure out if it’s your HVAC system is acting up or if it’s a thermostat issue.

Contact us by calling 801-798-7711​.