Signs Your Thermostat Needs to Be Recalibrated
Your thermostat plays a critical role in maintaining the comfort of your home by controlling the temperature settings of your HVAC system. If it’s not functioning properly, it can lead to uneven heating, higher energy bills, and unnecessary wear on your furnace or air conditioner. One common issue that may arise is the need for recalibration. At Ashton Heating & Cooling, we’ve compiled a list of signs indicating your thermostat may need to be recalibrated.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings: One of the most apparent signs of a faulty thermostat is when it displays a temperature that doesn’t match how the room actually feels. For example, if your thermostat says the room is 21°C, but it feels much colder or hotter, this could indicate that the sensor is out of sync and needs recalibration.
HVAC System Running Constantly: If your heating or cooling system seems to be running non-stop, even after reaching the desired temperature, the thermostat may be misreading the room’s temperature. A miscalibrated thermostat can fail to accurately sense when to turn off the system, leading to unnecessary operation and energy waste.
Short Cycling of HVAC System: Short cycling occurs when your furnace or air conditioner turns on and off too frequently without completing a full heating or cooling cycle. This frequent cycling can cause stress on your HVAC system, leading to higher energy consumption and potential wear on the equipment.
Inconsistent Temperatures in Different Rooms: A thermostat that needs recalibration may struggle to maintain consistent temperatures throughout your home. You might find some rooms are too hot while others are too cold. If certain areas of your home feel much different than others, it could be a sign that the thermostat is not properly detecting the actual temperature.
Unresponsive Thermostat: Recalibration may be required if your thermostat is slow to respond when you try to adjust the temperature or if the system doesn’t kick on as expected. A thermostat that doesn’t react immediately to temperature changes can signal that it’s not calibrated correctly or functioning optimally.
Higher Than Usual Energy Bills: If your energy bills have suddenly spiked without a noticeable change in usage, your thermostat may be to blame. A thermostat that isn’t calibrated correctly could cause your system to run inefficiently, using more energy than necessary.
How to Fix a Miscalibrated Thermostat
- Check for Dust or Debris: Sometimes, dirt inside the thermostat can cause it to misread temperatures. Cleaning it may help restore accuracy.
- Professional Calibration: If basic troubleshooting doesn’t work, it’s best to call an HVAC professionalto recalibrate the thermostat properly.
Not sure if your thermostat is calibrated correctly? Contact Ashton Heating & Cooling today to schedule a thermostat check-up or HVAC service. Let us help you keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient year-round!
