If your HVAC unit is not working properly, one of the first things to check is the thermostat. It is essential to the unit’s normal functioning and if it tends to be faulty, the cooling or heating will be affected and you would be considering to call in an air conditioning repair service. So, let’s take a look at some tips that you should keep in mind.
Signs Of A Failing Thermostat
HVAC System Not Turning On
The first sign of a faulty thermostat is your air conditioner unit not turning on. The reason is that if it is faulty, it will not allow the unit to turn on cooling or heating since it cannot detect the temperature properly. Replacing the thermostat is inexpensive and you should immediately get it replaced. Furthermore, upon making changes to the thermostat you notice that the unit is not responding accordingly, you might have a problem on your hands.
Variation In Temperatures
If you notice that the temperatures in your house vary from room to room. It means that something is wrong. Usually, the wall thermostat will change the settings or will turn the unit on and off automatically. This will cause some areas to freeze while others to sweat. Moreover, the room that is the farthest to the AC unit will not receive a fair share of air.
The Unit Will Not Cool
Upon turning on the unit, if you notice that the AC is not throwing cool air, the thermostat might not be working properly. The reason is that the compressor will not engage and therefore, cool air will not be produced. You should understand that air conditioning units are complicated and require each component to be working perfectly. Although the thermostat is a minor component as compared to others, it still holds major significance.
Thermostat Troubleshooting
First, check the screen of the thermostat. It should display the temperature. If the temperature on the screen is different than what you see on the remote or not showing at all, it means that the thermostat is not working.
Then, check the thermostat settings. Make sure that the settings along with the temperature are right. The AC unit should be adjusted to either heating or cooling. If you have adjusted the high temperature when it is hot outside, the cooling system won’t engage. As a result, you might assume that something else is not working properly.
Additionally, check the circuit breakers as well. If they are tripped, the unit will not turn on. If that is the case, reset the breakers and try turning the unit on again.
Other Problems To Consider
Check The Compressor
If your ac unit fails to throw cool air, it might be that the compressor is not working properly. Amongst the most important components, the compressor happens to be the most important. It is designed to turn hot air into cool air. Compressors rely on refrigerant gas to produce cool air. If the gas level is low, the compressor will not engage. Instead, it will put extreme stress on the compressor reducing its life and leading to additional electricity costs.
Check The Air Filter
Next, you should check the air filter. Air filters are designed to purify the air. If they are dirty or clogged, you will need to clean them. As a general rule of thumb, you should clean the filters at least once a month. However, it mainly depends on the area where you live. If the area is full of dirt and dust, you will need to clean it more often.
In addition to that, air filters have a life as well. There will come a time when you will need to replace them. Although they will work for years before they are replaced, you are going to need a new set sooner or later.
Final Word
In the end, diagnosing a faulty thermostat is not a big problem. Simply follow the tips mentioned above and make sure the thermostat settings are right. If that does not solve the problem, contact a professional AC repair service VA to solve the problem because, in some case, there could also be another problem in addition to a faulty thermostat.
