HVAC issues are more than just a headache. During the extremes of the sweltering summer months or frigid winter months, having a properly working HVAC can be a matter of safety. If your HVAC system has been on the fritz lately, the repairs may not be as dire as you might think. In fact, many seemingly significant HVAC issues are caused by a thermostat that isn’t working correctly. To help you determine your best course of action, the HVAC professionals at Bloomington Heating & Air are providing some signs that may mean it’s time for a new thermostat.
Whether it’s installing a thermostat or providing AC repairs, Bloomington Heating & Air delivers quick, efficient, and reliable HVAC services. Schedule an appointment today!
System Turning Off & On
The thermostat’s main job is to communicate to your HVAC system. If the thermostat isn’t functioning properly, you might notice the AC turning off and on in shorter cycles. This is typically caused by frayed or old wiring, which will require a new thermostat and perhaps new wiring to be installed.
Faulty Temperatures
If the thermostat is reading sixty degrees Fahrenheit, but it feels much warmer than that, it may not be an issue with your AC’s cooling. If you have access to another thermometer, such as an outdoor one, use it to test the temperature inside. If it’s off by more than a couple of degrees, check the thermostat’s batteries first. If it doesn’t require batteries or changing them is ineffective, it’s time to contact an HVAC company near you.
Rising Utility Bill
It’s not uncommon for energy bills to go up as the months start becoming warmer. Still, if you’re noticing a steep or unexpected increase in your bill, especially if you compare it to the previous year, your HVAC system may be to blame. An HVAC technician can perform HVAC maintenance and let you know if it’s an old thermostat or something else.
Takes Awhile To Turn On
If you set the thermostat lower and take more than a few minutes to kick on, it could be another issue with the thermostat not communicating correctly with the HVAC system. This could also be an issue with the thermostat’s batteries, so make sure to check them before calling a professional. You can also try turning the thermostat completely off for a few minutes and then turning it back on to see if it helps to reset the system.
Thermostat Is Over 10-Years Old
A thermostat that is older than 10-years most likely needs to be replaced ASAP, whether it seems to be working properly or not. A faulty thermostat can create other HVAC issues, so it’s important that your system uses a newer model. If you’re unsure how old your thermostat is, an HVAC technician can help you determine if it’s worth upgrading or keeping for a while longer.