Optimizing Thermostat Settings for Improved Home Comfort and Savings

When it comes to maintaining a comfortable home environment, one often overlooked aspect is the optimization of thermostat settings. By fine-tuning your thermostat settings, you can not only enhance your home’s comfort levels but also improve energy efficiency and save money on your energy bills. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of optimizing thermostat settings for home comfort, energy efficiency, and cost savings. We will provide advice on ideal thermostat settings for both warmer and cooler months, and emphasize the importance of professional HVAC maintenance from Best Home Services to keep your system functioning optimally.

The Importance of Optimizing Your Thermostat Setting

Optimizing your thermostat setting is a straightforward yet effective strategy to maintain an optimal indoor climate while enhancing your home’s energy efficiency. Fine-tuning your thermostat to align with the specific requirements of the changing seasons enables your HVAC system to operate at its best. This not only ensures that your living spaces remain consistently comfortable but also plays a significant role in reducing overall energy consumption.

In an era where homeowners are increasingly conscious of their carbon footprint and the rising costs of energy, the ability to control the efficiency of your HVAC system through thermostat settings is invaluable. It allows for a more intelligent use of energy, ensuring that heating or cooling is provided precisely when and where it’s needed, thus avoiding wastage. The strategic adjustment of temperatures based on occupancy and time of day can lead to substantial savings on utility bills without sacrificing comfort.

Moreover, this optimization contributes to the longevity of your HVAC system. By preventing overuse and unnecessary strain on the system, you ensure that it operates within its intended capacity, reducing the likelihood of breakdowns and costly repairs. In essence, optimizing your thermostat setting is not merely about immediate comfort or savings; it’s an investment in the sustainable operation of your home’s heating and cooling systems, ensuring they serve you efficiently for years to come.

Ideal Thermostat Settings for Warmer Months

In the heat of Florida summer, maintaining a balance between comfort and energy efficiency becomes a paramount concern. The key to achieving this balance lies in setting your thermostat to the sweet spot of approximately 76-78 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re home. This temperature is recommended to keep the indoor environment comfortable without overworking your HVAC system, promoting energy efficiency. When the house is empty, raise the thermostat setting a few degrees. This ensures that energy is not wasted cooling an unoccupied space, while the temperature remains within a range that won’t cause heat-induced damage to the interior or discomfort upon your return.

Installing a programmable thermostat can significantly enhance this strategy. By automating the temperature adjustments to coincide with your typical comings and goings, you alleviate the burden of manual changes and ensure consistent energy-saving practices. For instance, programming your thermostat to increase the temperature just before you leave for work and to start cooling your home shortly before your return can offer a seamless transition between energy-saving modes and comfort modes.

Such strategies not only contribute to a more sustainable usage of energy resources but also align with the broader goal of reducing your home’s carbon footprint. By adhering to these recommended settings during the warmer months, you can enjoy a comfortably cool home environment while also maximizing your energy savings potential.

Navigating Thermostat Settings During Cooler Months

During the cooler months, achieving a comfortable yet energy-efficient home environment demands thoughtful thermostat management. To conserve energy without compromising warmth, a setting of approximately 68 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended for times when the household is active and awake. This temperature strikes a balance between maintaining a cozy atmosphere and not overburdening the heating system, which helps  energy. When the house is unoccupied or the family is asleep, lowering the thermostat by 5-7 degrees can result in significant energy savings. This reduction leverages the natural drop in temperature during nighttime and periods of absence to decrease energy usage, while still maintaining a baseline of comfort that prevents the home from becoming uncomfortably cold.

Installing a programmable or smart thermostat can simplify the process of adjusting temperatures according to your daily routine and seasonal changes. For instance, setting the thermostat to automatically lower the temperature during work hours or at night and to warm up the house before you wake up or return home, ensures that you are greeted with warmth without unnecessarily heating an empty space. This automated approach not only optimizes energy usage but also supports a seamless transition between energy saving and comfort, tailored to your lifestyle.

Adapting your thermostat settings to the cooler seasons is an effective strategy for managing your home’s energy consumption. It allows you to enjoy the warmth and comfort of your home during the colder months, all while keeping energy use in check and minimizing your heating costs.

The Role of Professional HVAC Maintenance in Thermostat Optimization

Ensuring your HVAC system operates at peak efficiency isn’t just about adjusting the thermostat—it also involves regular professional maintenance. A well-maintained system can respond more accurately to thermostat settings, providing the desired comfort level without unnecessary energy expenditure. Scheduled check-ups with Best Home Services’ qualified HVAC technicians play a crucial role in this optimization process. They can detect and rectify any discrepancies in the system’s operation that might hinder its efficiency, such as clogged filters, leaking ducts, or issues with the thermostat itself.

During these maintenance sessions, technicians can also calibrate the thermostat to ensure its readings are accurate, a step that is essential for maintaining the balance between comfort and energy usage. Misreading can lead to the system working harder than necessary, increasing wear and tear and energy consumption.

Additionally, the HVAC professionals at Best Home Services can offer advice on the optimal placement of thermostats to avoid false readings caused by heat sources or drafts, further refining the system’s efficiency. They might also suggest upgrades or adjustments to your system that could enhance its compatibility with your thermostat, such as installing zoning controls or updating to a smart thermostat if you haven’t already done so.

Regular HVAC maintenance thereby becomes an indispensable ally in thermostat optimization, ensuring that each adjustment to the temperature setting translates effectively into comfort and savings, without straining the system. By investing in professional care with Best Home Services, homeowners can achieve a harmonious balance of efficiency and comfort, making their homes more energy-smart and welcoming, regardless of the season.

How Adjusting Your Thermostat Can Save Money on Energy Bills

The strategic adjustment of your thermostat is a powerful tool for managing your home’s energy usage, with direct benefits for your wallet. By making small, thoughtful changes to the temperature settings according to the season, you can achieve considerable savings on your energy bills. During the winter, lowering your thermostat by 5-7 degrees for eight hours a day, such as when you’re out of the house or asleep, can lead to significant reductions in heating costs. Similarly, in the summer, setting your thermostat a few degrees higher when the house is unoccupied or during cooler night times can decrease cooling expenses.

These adjustments harness the principle of reducing energy consumption during periods of less demand, thereby minimizing the workload on your HVAC system. This not only extends the life of your HVAC equipment but also contributes to substantial cost savings over time. For instance, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply adjusting your thermostat 7-10 degrees from its normal setting for 8 hours a day. This approach to thermostat management proves that comfort and efficiency can coexist, offering a smart way to cut down on energy costs without compromising on your home’s comfort.

Embracing Smart Thermostats for Ultimate Optimization

Smart thermostats represent a significant advancement in home energy management, enabling homeowners to fine-tune their living environment with unprecedented precision. These devices go beyond simple programmability; they adapt to your lifestyle by learning your routine and adjusting temperatures accordingly. This intelligent automation ensures your home is always at your ideal comfort level while conserving energy when you’re away or asleep.

The ability to control these thermostats remotely through a smartphone app adds a layer of convenience, allowing for adjustments on the fly, whether you’re stuck in traffic or heading home early. Not only does this enhance energy efficiency, but it also paves the way for substantial savings on utility bills. With features designed to provide detailed energy usage reports, smart thermostats give you insightful feedback on how to optimize your settings further. By integrating such advanced technology into your home, you embrace a smarter, more sustainable way of living that aligns with both your comfort preferences and financial goals.

Get in touch with the HVAC professionals at Best Home Services for expert thermostat guidance and maintenance, and to discuss other options for reducing energy use and energy bills.

Smart Thermostats –How to Take Control of Your Home’s Temperature

Ever felt too chilly or hot at home? With smart thermostats, you can regulate your home’s climate effortlessly! These advanced gadgets promise a multitude of benefits such as energy conservation, lower energy expenditures, and straightforward usage. By learning and adapting to your preferred temperatures, they help keep your living spaces consistently cozy. Added perks like remote regulation and scheduled programming enable you to manage temperatures, even when you’re not present. Smart thermostats assure a cool summer, warm winter, all while curbing your energy costs. No surprise that they’re rapidly becoming a household staple.

An Introduction to Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats are not merely a technological novelty; they represent a shift in how we regulate our indoor climates. These devices are essentially highly sophisticated thermostats, enabling us to manage and monitor home temperatures with innovative technology.

Moving beyond the manual temperature adjustment that traditional thermostats offer, smart thermostats provide an enhanced level of control and automation. They come packed with features such as sensors, wireless connectivity, and ingenious software that enable these devices to learn your preferences and respond by adjusting temperatures accordingly.

What distinguishes smart thermostats is their capability to recognize and adapt to your everyday routines, like your departure for work or bedtime. This takes away the tedious task of temperature adjustment every time you leave or retire for the day since the smart thermostat efficiently does it for you, ensuring optimal temperature at all times.

A significant bonus feature of smart thermostats is remote access via smartphone apps. Now you can manage your home’s temperature even when you’re not there. Forgot to reduce the heating before heading out for a vacation? No worries. Simply launch the app and manage the temperature from your current location.

Smart thermostats represent a leap forward in home temperature regulation. They bring the triple advantage of automation, convenience, and energy efficiency, thanks to their learning capabilities and remote access features. If you’re looking for a more intelligent way to regulate your home’s temperature, it is worth exploring the option of a smart thermostat.

Energy Efficiency and Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats offer a multitude of advantages in energy efficiency that can significantly help you cut down your ecological footprint and lower energy costs. These groundbreaking gadgets are programmed to learn your routines and your preferences, and to identify your lifestyle patterns. This allows them to fine-tune the indoor climate for optimal energy efficiency.

By monitoring your day-to-day activities and modifying the temperature accordingly, these intelligent thermostats ensure energy isn’t squandered on heating or cooling during times when you’re not home or asleep. They have the ability to automatically lower the heat or AC when you depart for work, and to initiate a warm-up or cool-down phase prior to your return. This means you always come back to a comfortable setting without needless energy use.

Another feature of these thermostats is their ability to detect when the house is vacant, subsequently adjusting the temperature to an energy-conserving setting. This not only eliminates energy waste in an uninhabited house, but also aids in further reducing energy excess.

What’s more, these thermostats regularly provide detailed reports on energy usage and tips on enhancing energy efficiency. These insights enable you to make informed energy decisions and spot areas with potential for more energy savings.

On balance, the benefits in terms of energy efficiency make smart thermostats a good acquisition for any homeowner. Using advanced technology and sophisticated learning algorithms, these devices help you decrease your energy consumption, lower your carbon emissions and eventually cut down on energy bills. With an intelligent thermostat, you can ensure your home is comfortable while remaining environmentally responsible. Get in touch with the HVAC pros at Best Home Services to discuss your options.

Lower Your Energy Bills Smart Thermostats

As energy costs fluctuate, particularly during seasons of extreme weather, maintaining manageable bills can seem a daunting task. Integrating a smart thermostat into your household can alleviate such concerns. By harnessing the capabilities of these intelligent gadgets, you can significantly pare down your energy expenditure. But how exactly do these devices help to curb your utility bills?

At the core, smart thermostats are engineered to fine tune your household’s energy consumption. Their artificial intelligence can familiarize itself with your routine and adapt accordingly. So, whether you’re napping, at work, or on vacation, these thermostats intuitively adjust the temperature. For instance, suppose your workday begins at 8 am. Recognizing this, your smart thermostat would automatically adjust your home’s temperature up or down to conserve energy. However, as your return time approaches, it would steadily crank the heat or AC back up, ensuring a comfortable, inviting ambiance without wasting energy.

The appeal of smart thermostats doesn’t end there. A core function of many of these devices is an ‘away from home’ feature. Automatically switching to a minimal power setting ensures no energy is wasted during your absences, optimizing power usage and further streamlining your expenses.

Smart thermostats go above and beyond by providing comprehensive energy usage analytics and potential energy-saving tips. These periodic reports offer a detailed insight into your power consumption patterns, empowering you to make data-backed decisions. Utilizing these reports can assist you in identifying key areas of power overuse, subsequently enabling you to make necessary adjustments and tighten up on wastage. This incremental optimization compounds over time, potentially leading to considerable savings.

In conclusion, having a smart thermostat in your home is an investment that reaps bountiful returns in the long run. By precisely regulating temperature, minimizing waste, and providing insightful usage analytics, these devices play a crucial role in energy conservation and bill reduction.

Easy to Use Features of Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats not only offer noteworthy energy efficiency and substantial cost-saving advantages, but they are remarkably simple to operate as well. What sets them apart and makes them exceptionally user-friendly are their instinctive interfaces. The majority of these advanced thermostats are equipped with legible screens and straightforward navigation options. This design element ensures the ease of temperature modifications and the effortless accessibility of additional settings.

Furthermore, the compatibility of smart thermostats with voice control devices such as Amazon Echo or Google Home enhances their user-friendly nature. This allows for temperature adjustments within your living spaces through just a few uncomplicated voice commands, without requiring any physical contact with the thermostat. Such hands-free control is not merely a convenience, but also injects a touch of contemporary style into your household.

To add to this convenience, many smart thermostats come with an associated mobile app that grants you control over the thermostat regardless of your location. Whether you find yourself in a different part of the house or miles away from it, you can make simple temperature modifications, schedule settings, and monitor your energy usage with just a few taps on your smart device.

With regards to the installation process of smart thermostats, it is incredibly simple and trouble-free. Most models provide clear instructions that allow any individual, irrespective of their technical prowess, to install the thermostat single-handedly. Within minutes, you can have your intelligent thermostat installed and operational, ready to regulate your home’s temperature efficiently.

For professional advice on choosing and installing a smart thermostat for your home, get in touch with the Naples HVAC professionals at Best Home Services for a consultation today.

Is a Smart Thermostat a Worthwhile Investment?  

Throughout the year, Floridians often look for creative ways to stay cool without breaking the bank. While there are many ways to reduce your electric usage, we recommend installing a smart thermostat to keep you comfortable and save on energy costs!  

Are smart thermostats worth it? We think so! Keep reading to learn why from our team at Best Home Services.  

Key Takeaways: 

  • Smart thermostats offer a convenient way to change the temperature from a smart device 
  • They can learn your schedule and will automatically adjust the temperature accordingly  
  • Though more expensive than their traditional counterparts, their benefits outweigh this extra cost 

What are Smart Thermostats?  

A traditional thermostat allows you to adjust the temperature of your home via a control panel on the wall. On the other hand, a smart thermostat allows you to remotely control the temperature of your home, no matter where you are. Whether you are in your bed and don’t want to get up or you’re out of town and left your AC way too low, a smart thermostat keeps you in control. 

Climate control is the single most significant contributor to your home’s energy usage.   

Being able to remotely access your thermostat has many benefits including: 

  • Cooling or heating areas of the house that are most used  
  • Switching your HVAC on before you head home from work 
  • Turning the air on and off based on your schedule, the current weather, or who is at home  

In addition to high levels of customization, smart thermostats can provide key details into your home’s energy usage patterns, revealing how much power it takes to keep you and your family comfortable throughout the year. Some models even remind you to change your air filter, help diagnose problems with your HVAC system, and help you make more energy-efficient choices throughout the day.  

You may feel like all this will take a lot of time to set up, but don’t worry. You don’t have to program it at all if you don’t want to! The thermostat can learn your habits and preferences over time and will develop the perfect schedule for you over a couple of weeks. They are supposed to be smart after all! 

How Do Smart Thermostats Work? 

Smart thermostats have become more popular in the last few years, but are they worth the investment? Absolutely! Once you have experienced the convenience of adjusting your temperature from your smartphone or tablet—whether you are home or not—you won’t want to go back to a traditional thermostat.  

Of course, using your smartphone app is by far the easiest way to use these devices, but if you need to, you can use the touch-based interface on the device like its traditional counterparts. 

Can Smart Thermostats Really Save Money?  

How quickly a smart thermostat saves you money ultimately depends on your habits.  

Programming your thermostat correctly can save you almost $200 on energy costs in a year alone.  

Many smart thermostat models have “eco” or auto home/away features which will save money when you are at work or on vacation by automatically raising or lowering the temperature based on the ambient temperature outside.  

And of course, we can’t forget the convenience factor. Have you ever left your AC running because it was too inconvenient to get up and adjust it? With your smart thermostat controls, you can just pick up your smartphone and change the temperature from wherever you are. Nice!  

Save on energy costs in Southwest Florida by calling Best Home Services to install a smart thermostat today!  

So, Do the Benefits Outweigh the Costs?  

All in all, the benefits of smart thermostats outweigh their cost. Not only do they provide the opportunity to make some energy-saving habit changes, but they also give you a behind-the-scenes look into your actual electric usage, which can be eye-opening.  

Regardless of your reason for giving smart thermostats a chance, it is a decision that you won’t regret! 

Go Smart with the Best  

While the initial investment may be higher than a traditional thermostat, the long-term savings will more than make up for it. Not to mention, smart thermostats are much more convenient and offer a host of other features that can improve your overall quality of life and help you save on energy costs year-round.  

Ready to install a smart thermostat? Call our 5-star rated team at Best Home Services for a quote today; 844-921-2833!   

The Benefits of a Smart Thermostat

Before the sizzling summer heat sets in, you should consider installing a smart thermostat to easily control the temperature in your Southwest Florida home. A smart thermostat can help your system be more energy-efficient, plus, there’s the added perk that you can control your system from your phone, wherever you are.  

 

Is a smart thermostat right for you?  Here are five great reasons to switch to a smart thermostat before our hot Florida summer begins!  

#1. Minimize Energy Costs  

 

One of the best reasons to upgrade to a smart or Wi-Fi thermostat is energy efficiency and subsequent savings on energy costs. With a smart thermostat, it is easy to program your HVAC to run less while you are away at work, so you’ll lose less energy since you won’t be cooling an empty house.  

 

You can program your smart thermostat to kick your AC on right before your family is scheduled to come home, so it’s nice and cool the moment you step out of the heat and walk in the door.  

 

 

You could save anywhere from 15-20% on cooling costs after you install a smart thermostat.  

 

 

#2. Track Your Energy Usage 

 

Most digital smart thermostats allow you to track your system’s energy usage. You can make a home energy profile that shows how your energy use has evolved over time and how changing your heating and cooling choices may help you cut your energy expenditures even further.

 

Learn More> Is Your AC Running Efficiently? 

#3. Control Your System Remotely 

 

A popular benefit that you can enjoy after installing a Wi-Fi thermostat is that you can control the temperature in your home remotely, no matter where you are. You can easily change the day’s cooling plan if you are leaving work early. You can also alter the entire timetable if you are traveling on vacation to keep your home warmer while you are away.

 

Further, if you have a vacation house to maintain, your thermostat can send you alerts when the temperature rises or falls below your set limits. Pretty nifty!  

 

#4. Create Smart Schedules 

 

Many homeowners are reluctant about getting a smart thermostat installed because they think it will be difficult to program or modify the schedule to suit their individual demands.

 

Scheduling heating and cooling with a smart thermostat is easier because you don’t have to adjust the day-to-day temperature yourself- it’ll already be programmed.  

 

 

Smart thermostats can monitor the weather, cooling your home during a heatwave or adding more heat when a cold snap sets in.  

 

 

Plus, most smart thermostats have movement detectors so they can tell when your family is home and active. Over time, the thermostat can learn your family’s patterns and will adjust the heating and cooling schedule appropriately. These thermostats are so “smart” that they can also use data to adjust the temperature schedules to account for seasonal dips and changes throughout your home 

 

#5. They’re Easy to Install   

 

If you have the right wiring, installing a smart thermostat is a breeze. While this is something that you could DIY yourself, we recommend calling our team at Best Home Services to ensure your new smart thermostat is compatible with your system and installed correctly.  

 

Take Control of Your Thermostat  

 

This spring and summer, stay cool and comfortable while spending less on cooling costs. Our 5-star rated team at Best Home Services is here to help you install your new smart thermostat and make sure it is programmed correctly so you can achieve that perfect cool! 

 

Ready to install a smart thermostat? Contact our team at Best Home Services today; (844) 921-2833! 

Why Isn’t My HVAC Working?

Don’t worry, we’re some of the best at figuring it out…   

 

Unlike most of the country, we use our air conditioners year-round here in Southwest Florida! So when they break down on a warm day during a Florida winter, it can be annoying, to say the least! 

 

The good news is that whether the fix is easy or complex, our team at Best Home Services is here to help. But before you give us a call, our pros recommend trying these easy troubleshooting tips!  

 

#1. Is your AC unit plugged in and the breaker on? They need power to run.  

#2. Check the thermostat. Is it on and the batteries working?  

#3. Inspect your outdoor condenser. You may need to clear the area of leaves or weeds.  

#4. Is the filter clean? Think about it, when was the last time you changed the filter… 

 

 

If you’ve gone through this list or don’t have time to figure it out, don’t worry. You can call our local team of experts to come to solve why your HVAC unit isn’t working properly. But if you want to try to troubleshoot the unit, scroll down for more how-tos.  

HVAC Troubleshooting Tips  

 

If your air conditioning system is not working, there could be many reasons such as a dirty air filter, or low refrigerant. But before you panic, consider doing some sleuthing of your own; you might just find that what’s wrong with your HVAC is a very easy fix!  

 

#1. Is Your AC Unit Plugged In?  

 

This might sound silly, but stranger things have happened! If your air conditioner isn’t working at all, it might not be receiving any power at all! First, check your home’s main electrical panel to ensure that your system has a working supply of power, you might just need to simply reset a breaker. If that’s not it, check to see if the unit is plugged in.  

 

If the breaker seems to be tripping regularly, contact our experienced electrical technicians at Best Home Services, as this is likely an issue with your home’s electrical system and not your HVAC system 

 

#2. Check the Thermostat  

 

Another common culprit of an HVAC that isn’t working is the thermostat, but luckily that is a simple fix! Your thermostat might be turned off or its batteries might need to be replaced.  

 

Remember to check that your thermostat is set to “Cool.” We know that this seems too obvious, but trust us, we’ve seen it happen before! 

 

#3. Inspect the Outdoor Condenser  

 

If your air conditioner is running but isn’t blowing enough cool air to sufficiently cool your home, it’s time to inspect your condenser. The outside condenser unit may occasionally become dirty, blocked by weeds, grass, leaves, or pollen, and cease to operate effectively.

 

If this is the case, clear anything that might be in the way. We like to recommend a minimum of three feet of clearance around the unit for optimal airflow.  

 

After cleaning the outside condenser, let the AC run for a couple of hours and see if the airflow issues improve. If not, the problem might be elsewhere in the system and it’s time to call in an experienced technician from Best Home Services.  

 

#4. Is the Filter Clean?  

 

We cannot stress the importance of regularly cleaning or replacing the air filters in your HVAC unit enough. Dirty or clogged air filters will block the flow of cool air throughout your entire system and cause your HVAC system to work way harder than it needs to.  

 

Many HVAC units also have a built-in system that engages when the air filter is too clogged to prevent damage to your HVAC system, so if your AC won’t run at all, try changing the air filter first.  

 

Simple seasonal HVAC maintenance can reduce equipment breakdowns by as much as 95%! Contact Best Home Services to schedule your seasonal HVAC maintenance appointment today—844-921-2833! 

 

My AC Is STILL Not Working!  

 

If you’ve tried everything above, and you are still having issues with your HVAC, the problem is likely a little more complicated. It could be that:  

 

  • The air conditioning coils could be iced over, affecting the compressor, and restricting the airflow to your unit.  
  • The coils on either the indoor or outdoor units could be dirty. 
  • You could have a refrigerant leak. 
  • The drip pan could be full. 
  • The compressor has failed completely. 
  • Or more! 

 

HVAC repairs can be complex, so make sure that you call on a team that has the experience and expertise to get the job done right, like our 5-star rated team at Best Home Services 

Southwest Florida HVAC Maintenance and Repairs  

 

If your HVAC system isn’t working and the problem is too complicated for you to handle on your own, give our team at Best Home Services a call!  

 

We will send one of our knowledgeable AC service technicians out to your home ASAP to take care of the problem and get the cool air flowing throughout your home again!  

 

We’re on call 24/7 for all your HVAC problems. Schedule service or repairs with Best Home Services today844-921-2833! 

 

How Long Do Thermostats Last?

Whether it’s blazing hot out or bone-chilling cold, homeowners need a thermostat that’s accurate and that lasts. Faulty home cooling and heating systems can cause problems with your thermostat during winter and summertime and make it more than a little uncomfortable inside.

How long do home thermostats work and how often should you replace your thermostat once it goes bad? Homeowners living in Southwest Florida need to know the answers to these questions to stay cozy and comfortable indoors no matter what time of the year it is.

Arm yourself with the knowledge you need to ensure your thermostat is functional and reliable. The expert HVAC technicians at Best Home Services have put together this guide to cover the basics of home thermostats and their lifecycles.

Signs Your Thermostat Is Going Bad

Homeowners should know what to expect when it comes to their thermostat’s longevity.  You can usually expect a quality home thermostat to go faulty after the 10-year mark. Signs of aging from wiring problems and dust and debris can start to show before or after 10 years, though, depending on a few factors.

Let’s look at the most common signs of a bad thermostat, how you can address and resolve them, and how to know if you need a new thermostat:

  • Heating and cooling systems that won’t stop running: Wiring issues often first rear their heads when your heating and cooling system won’t stop running. Systems that are constantly running usually do so because of an issue with your thermostat’s wiring. You should always check with your thermostat’s user manual to see whether there’s a calibration process you can follow to fix your issue. If you recalibrate your thermostat and still have no luck, you likely need to start thinking about replacing it.
  • Thermostats that stop responding: If it feels suspiciously warm or cool inside, your first instinct should be to adjust your thermostat up or down. One of the biggest signs of a thermostat that’s going bad is a display that doesn’t light up when you try to adjust your temperature. If you notice that your temperature is incorrect even after trying to adjust your indoor temperature up or down, you either need to replace your unit’s battery or replace your thermostat altogether.
  • Units that no longer turn on: It’s typically a sure sign that your thermostat is going bad if your heating or cooling unit won’t turn on. You should normally be able to adjust your temperature and see your AC unit kick in immediately. Wiring issues are typically the biggest culprit behind thermostat units that no longer turn on. It’s recommended that you get in touch with a team of HVAC technicians that can diagnose the severity of your wiring issue and recommend the best options to move forward.
  • Your room temperature and thermostat temperature don’t match: Another near-certain way to tell that your thermostat is on its way out is by comparing the temperature in your room to the reading of your unit. Get your hands on a second thermostat and use it to verify whether the reading on your primary unit is accurate.

It’s always a good idea to keep your eyes out for the above signs that your thermostat is going bad. The thermostat in your home is essential to regulating your indoor heating and cooling; don’t dawdle in addressing and resolving the above issues by repairing and replacing your unit.

How to Troubleshoot a Faulty Thermostat

There are several troubleshooting steps you can follow before you call for professional help. Following a few DIY troubleshooting steps can help you avoid unnecessarily purchasing a new thermostat.

Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Keep your thermostat in the proper place and away from direct sunlight. Make sure there are no holes in your wall that can cause your room to get hotter or colder.
  2. Set your unit correctly and as the seasons change, especially since some thermostats don’t automatically switch between cooling and heating.
  3. A common troubleshooting step to determine if there is an issue is to turn the thermostat up or down by 4 degrees. If it’s winter, turn it up 4 degrees. If it’s summer, turn it down 4 degrees. As you do this, you should listen to confirm if your HVAC system kicks in to adjust to your new temperature.
  4. If your thermostat isn’t responding when you adjust it, press other buttons to light up your display or replace your batteries and try again.
  5. Remove all dust and debris you find in your unit. Dust builds up over time and can cause wiring issues with your thermostat.
  6. Test your circuit breakers by opening up the cover of your box and resetting them before you test your system again.
  7. Inspect your wiring after powering off your unit. Check that your wires aren’t damaged and re-attach them with a solid connection. It’s recommended that you contact a team of certified heating and cooling technicians to properly address issues with your unit’s wiring.

Gone through the above steps and still having trouble with your thermostat? It’s time that you get in touch with Southwest Florida’s premier source for heating and cooling system repair and installation. If you’re not trained in investigating and repairing faulty thermostats, it’s worth investing in the assistance of a team of professionals. Call Best Home services at (833) 263-3097 for efficient and reliable thermostat repair and installation service.