You’re home one day when the weather outside is either too cold or too hot. You’ve got your thermostat set to provide the level of heating or cooling you and your family need to feel comfortable. Usually, that would be the end of the story: the HVAC system would turn on and you’d have the comfort you need. But if you don’t feel comfortable in your home, it might be an issue with the heater or AC that requires calling for AC repair in Baldwin County.
It isn’t always the air conditioning or heating system at fault. Your thermostat may lurk behind the trouble. Thermostats are not only control devices, they monitor the temperature in your home and turn the HVAC system on and off based on their readings. Let’s look at several ways a thermostat can malfunction and lead to discomfort.
Programming Errors
If you have a programmable thermostat, the issue may be as simple as an incorrect setting. For example, you might have accidentally programmed the thermostat to run at the wrong temperature or scheduled it to turn off during certain hours. Double-check the settings to ensure they align with your comfort needs. If you’re unsure how to adjust them, consult the thermostat’s manual or reach out for professional assistance.
Thermostat Miscalibration
Over time, thermostats can lose their accuracy in reading your home’s temperature. A miscalibrated thermostat might think the temperature is higher or lower than it actually is, leading to it instructing the HVAC system to shut down too early or run for too long. If you suspect you need AC repair, a technician can test the thermostat’s accuracy and recalibrate it if necessary.
Thermostat Mislocation
The placement of a thermostat plays a critical role in its performance. If it’s installed in a spot with uneven temperatures—such as near a window, in direct sunlight, or close to a vent—it can cause the system to turn on and off unnecessarily as it picks up what are called “ghost readings.” This results in uneven comfort throughout your home. Relocating the thermostat to a more central location can resolve this problem, and you’ll need professionals to do this.
Aging Thermostat
Like any other component of your HVAC system, thermostats have a lifespan. Older models may become less responsive or fail entirely, causing your system to cycle improperly or not respond at all. If your thermostat is more than 10 years old, it might be time to consider replacing it with a more reliable and efficient model.
Consider Upgrading to Wi-Fi or Smart Thermostat
If your current thermostat is outdated or lacks advanced features, upgrading to a Wi-Fi or smart thermostat can dramatically improve your comfort and efficiency. These modern devices offer features like remote control, learning your temperature preferences, and energy-saving recommendations. Plus, they integrate seamlessly with smart home systems, giving you ultimate control over your indoor climate.
Call the Peaden Pros!
If you’re experiencing discomfort and suspect your thermostat is the culprit, our Peaden Pros are here to help. Our technicians can diagnose thermostat issues, provide repairs or calibration, and install modern thermostats to keep your home comfortable year-round. If they find out that you need AC repair rather than a thermostat adjustment, they can easily deliver the work you need.