Signs Your Furnace's Thermostat Might Be Bad And The Repairs It Could Need
Posted on: 16 January 2020
If your home seems chilly and your furnace is running, there might be a problem with the thermostat. Your heating system has multiple parts, such as the furnace, thermostat, and ducts. If any of those parts malfunction, it affects how well your furnace warms your home. Here are signs your thermostat could be bad and the repairs that might be needed.
Signs A Thermostat Might Be Bad
When a thermostat is bad, it may be completely dead or it may cause erratic temperatures in your home. It may cause your furnace to not cycle on or it may cause it to not cycle off. A faulty thermostat can make it difficult to be comfortable in your home in the winter, and it may even drive up your power bill. If you think something is wrong with your thermostat, call a repair service to check it out and make repairs if they're necessary.
Dying Or Dead Batteries Can Cause A Malfunction
If you have a digital thermostat, the batteries should be changed once a year to make sure your thermostat and furnace work properly. Before you call a heating repair service, change the batteries to see if that helps the thermostat work as it should.
Dust May Interfere With Normal Function
If the thermostat is full of dust, the dust can interfere with its operation. Pull the faceplate off the front and look for dust buildup. You might be able to clear dust with canned air, a small brush, or a cloth. Just be careful not to pull a wire loose.
Bad Wiring Or A Bad Anticipator Requires Repairs
The anticipator is an electronic part in the thermostat that helps control the furnace. If it or the wiring is bad, you'll probably need a heating system repair service to make repairs. The service can test each wire individually to see which one is bad. Wiring can be tightened or replaced if necessary, but if your thermostat is old, it may be time to replace the entire unit. A thermostat may not last as long as your furnace, so you should consider if it's worth making repairs or if you can take advantage of the service call to upgrade your thermostat to a better model that lets you program it for energy savings.
Some of the same symptoms as a thermostat malfunction can also indicate problems with your furnace rather than the thermostat. For that reason, calling a repair service at the first sign of problems is a good idea. That way, you'll stay comfortable and you won't do further damage by operating your furnace when it has bad parts. Look for a furnace repair company for more information.
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