Thermostat not reaching set temperature?
There is little more frustrating than a dysfunctional AC system in the heart of summer. And the frustration intensifies when dealing with a TEXAS summer. Thus, make sure your system is in full-swing. Sometimes the issue boils down to a simple thermostat tweak. Hence, if your thermostat is not reaching set temperature, here are a few ways to fix it:
Give the thermostat a thorough cleaning
A build up of dust and dirt can interfere with the integral parts of a thermostat. It’s not easy for unwanted debris to infiltrate the temperature reader; however, a build up will happen over time if not cleaned.
So, remove the cover of your thermostat, grab a soft bristled brush and clean away! The cover should just slide off; if it doesn’t, refer to the manufacturer’s manual. Once the cover is off, gently brush to ensure no damage is done. Brush the metal coils and contact plates. Some spaces may be so thin that you might need to squeeze a tissue in between to properly remove dust and dirt.
Make sure the thermostat is level
Something so simple that you probably didn’t even bother to consider is a tilted thermostat. A tilted thermostat can of course result in an imbalance of the thermostat’s mercury distribution. Mercury is crucial in creating an accurate temperature read.
To fix this issue, grab a level device and adjust your thermostat to a balanced position. Make sure there is proper adhesion between the thermostat and the wall to ensure this doesn’t happen again.
Where is your thermostat located?
Another mistake Garland, TX homeowners often make is placing the thermostat in a vulnerable part of the home. Direct sunlight can tamper with or trick the thermostat’s temperature gauge into thinking the room is warmer than it actually is. To get an unbiased read, place your thermostat in a central location within your home, where sunlight will not reach it.
Check the anticipator
Now, for an adjustment that requires a little more work. Not much more, but a little more. The anticipator is a part located inside the thermostat that precisely controls when the system turns on and off. It basically looks like a clock. The anticipator, or “hand” can be adjusted to make the system operate for “longer” or “shorter”.
If the system is switching on/off too frequently, adjust the anticipator by moving it to the “longer” setting. On the other hand, if it is running for too long, adjust it the opposite way. Give the HVAC system a few hours to see if the modification worked. The same goes for the other proposed tweaks.
Seek a professional opinion
If after all that you still have a problem with the thermostat not reaching set temperature, it may be time to get a professional to take a look at it. An HVAC expert will quickly be able to determine if the issue relates to the thermostat or if it stems from the actual AC unit or furnace.
Experts at AC Repair Garland will give your HVAC system an in-depth look. We specialize in all things heating and cooling. There isn’t a problem we can’t solve!
It may be time for a replacement
One possible outcome or solution is to replace your thermostat with a new one. There are all sorts of innovative thermostat options available to homeowners, including your typical electromechanical version, but also newer electronic or “Smart” thermostats. An upgrade would be wise and worthwhile.
Contact AC Repair Garland today at (469) 229-7740 to ensure your system is prepped for the long, hot summer! Also, please visit our blog for additional HVAC input.