{"id":3080,"date":"2021-07-19T17:32:52","date_gmt":"2021-07-19T21:32:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hbmcclure.com\/hbhome\/blog\/7-ways-to-tell-your-thermostat-is-broken\/"},"modified":"2025-04-21T11:09:42","modified_gmt":"2025-04-21T16:09:42","slug":"7-ways-to-tell-your-thermostat-is-broken","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hbmcclure.com\/hbhome\/blog\/7-ways-to-tell-your-thermostat-is-broken\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Ways to Tell Your Thermostat Is Broken"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t
\n
\n
\n
\n

\"\"If your house doesn\u2019t cool down\u00a0in the\u00a0summer or warm up on winter nights, your thermostat might be to blame. We often have a knee-jerk reaction to blame the HVAC system, but\u00a0various\u00a0thermostat issues\u00a0can cause your system to malfunction.<\/p>\n

A bad thermostat decreases the efficiency of the rest of the system, causing it to consume excess energy and increase utility bills. HB Home Service Team put together this handy guide to help you understand why your house thermostat is not working and some steps you can take to fix it!<\/p>\n

There are 7 symptoms that can help your identify if you have a\u00a0 bad thermostat:<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0The\u00a0Thermostat Has No Power<\/h3>\n

An\u00a0unresponsive display is a\u00a0sure sign of thermostat failure.\u00a0A blank screen indicates dead\u00a0batteries, a tripped safety switch or a major malfunction in the thermostat’s components.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0The\u00a0AC or Furnace Won\u2019t Turn On<\/h3>\n

The thermostat is the central control of your HVAC system, and malfunctioning can prevent the AC and furnace from turning on. This problem can be due to bad wiring connecting the thermostat to the AC and heater, or a thermostat that has reached the end of its life. Replacing a faulty thermostat will restore function and prevent further strain on your heater and AC.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0The\u00a0Heater or AC Won\u2019t Turn Off<\/h3>\n

The thermostat monitors when the desired temperature is reached and signals the AC or furnace to shut down. If the system keeps running even after the room is cool or warm enough, the thermostat might need recalibration. Check if the thermostat is set to “auto,” which means continuous air circulation, and change it to \u201con\u201d so the fan only operates when the AC or furnace is on. If the problem persists, call a professional to diagnose and fix the thermostat.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0The\u00a0Thermostat\u00a0Reading\u00a0Doesn\u2019t Match\u00a0the\u00a0Room Temperature<\/h3>\n

Temperature sensors signal the thermostat to turn on the HVAC system. Damaged or worn-out sensors can result in a lower or higher temperature reading than the actual room temperature. In case of damaged sensors, call a professional to repair them.<\/p>\n

Additionally, dust, dirt and lint can accumulate over time and block the sensors. Remove the cover and clean the inside with a soft brush. The location of the thermostat can also affect the temperature reading. If it’s in direct sunlight or near a vent, you may need a technician to relocate it for more accurate readings.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0The\u00a0Thermostat Doesn\u2019t Respond<\/h3>\n

When you adjust the temperature setting on your thermostat, it should respond almost immediately.\u00a0If your home’s thermostat is not working, it might be due to dead batteries, a circuit breaker short or bad wiring. Remove the cover and check for loose or corroded wires. If you spot these issues, contact an HVAC technician.<\/p>\n

6.\u00a0The HVAC System Is\u00a0Short Cycling<\/h3>\n

Short cycling\u00a0occurs\u00a0when your HVAC turns off before completing a full cycle of heating or cooling. A\u00a0short-cycling\u00a0HVAC will almost never reach your desired temperature, leaving your house feeling uncomfortable. Short cycling also\u00a0consumes\u00a0a lot of electricity and wears out HVAC components much quicker than a system that can complete full cycles.<\/p>\n

Check the AC’s air filter for dust, debris and lint buildup, and change any dirty filters. If the system keeps short cycling, it might be due to other malfunctions that a professional technician can diagnose and fix.<\/p>\n

7.\u00a0The\u00a0Thermostat Forgets Programmed Settings<\/h3>\n

A programmable thermostat is designed to remember your\u00a0preferences\u00a0and schedule. It\u00a0shouldn\u2019t \u201cforget\u201d your settings until you decide to change them. So,\u00a0if the thermostat can\u2019t seem to stick to your schedule, it might be\u00a0unreliable and require a replacement.<\/p>\n

How to Test the Thermostat in Your House<\/h2>\n

You can run a system test on your smart thermostat by navigating to the settings, selecting the \u201cTest\u201d function and following the instructions. For a mechanical thermostat, one person should stand by the thermostat and another by the heater. Turn on the heat on the thermostat and increase the temperature. You should hear a sound from both the thermostat and the furnace, and whichever doesn’t make a sound has a problem.<\/p>\n

How to Fix a Thermostat<\/h2>\n

If you have a faulty HVAC system, start by inspecting the thermostat settings and ensuring they are programmed correctly. You can also:<\/p>\n