4 Indicators of a Malfunctioning Thermostat

The thermostat can be blamed for many heating and cooling issues, including uncomfortable temperatures in your home. However, most people may assume that the air conditioner is the main reason behind these issues. While sometimes the AC may be the issue, in other cases, thermostat problems can make your cooling system malfunction. That said, regular thermostat inspection can play a crucial role in making sure that your AC is working as it should. For this reason, you should hire an AC repair technician to inspect the regulator and fix any problems present. Below are some problems that might indicate a failing thermostat.

Short Cycles

Short cycling in an air conditioner is usually triggered by loose wiring in your thermostat. A short cycle happens when the AC shuts down or turns on too fast, failing to reach the desired room temperature. That said, the repeated on and off will negatively affect the moving parts in your AC. Additionally, your AC might short cycle due to a blocked or dirty air filter, an undersized system, leaking refrigerant, electrical issues, or a frozen evaporator coil. So, it will be best to hire an air conditioner specialist to inspect the entire unit and fix the exact issue.

Uneven Cooling Or Heating Of Your Home

The temperature in every room in your home should be balanced. Unless the air conditioner has zoning capacities and the temperatures are programmed to be different in every room. A malfunctioning thermostat can make your cooling system short cycle. As a result, the rooms closer to the temperature regulator get more cool air while rooms far from it are neglected.  

The Air Conditioner Unit Won't Turn On

An AC system that fails to turn on is another major indicator of a malfunctioning thermostat. In many instances, this may be caused by a wiring problem. The thermostat has wires that convey signals to the air conditioner. Therefore, in case there is something wrong with the wiring system, there will be no communication between the thermostat and the cooling unit. Engage an AC technician as soon as you realize your unit is not turning on. 

Inaccurate Thermostat Readings

There might be a problem with your temperature regulator in case the readings displayed on it don't match the current room temperature. Sometimes this may happen if the thermostat is placed near a source of heat. Regardless, it is advisable to have an experienced AC professional check it out. They will determine whether the regulator needs fixing or replacement.

Thermostat issues vary in severity. In some cases, you will only need to replace the batteries or clean the regulator. However, some problems might be complex and indicate bigger issues with your air conditioner. If this is the case, get in touch with an air conditioning repair professional as soon as possible.


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