205-655-2396 If your HVAC system isn’t keeping your home comfortable, your first thought might be a broken AC or furnace, but the real problem could be your thermostat. A faulty thermostat can cause issues, from uneven temperatures to a system that won’t turn on.
For homeowners in Birmingham, Trussville, and nearby parts of Alabama, it’s important to spot the early warning signs before your comfort (or your energy bill) takes a hit. Below, we’ll walk through common thermostat issues, what you can do about them, and when to call Wilbur’s for help.
Why Your Thermostat Matters for Home Comfort
Your thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system. It tells your heating and cooling units when to turn on, how long to run, and what temperature to maintain. If something’s wrong, your system can’t do its job correctly, no matter how new or efficient your equipment is.
In homes around Birmingham and Trussville, a faulty thermostat can lead to stuffy rooms in the summer, cold spots in winter, or a system that runs nonstop. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on how your thermostat is working and know when something feels off.
Common Signs Your Thermostat Is Failing
Not sure if your thermostat is the problem? Here are some common warning signs that it may be failing:
- The HVAC system won’t turn on or off: If your system doesn’t respond when you adjust the thermostat or keeps running nonstop, the thermostat may not send the right signals.
- Room temperatures feel off: Uneven heating or cooling in different areas of your home could mean the thermostat isn’t reading the temperature correctly.
- The display is blank or unresponsive: A screen that’s blank, flickering, or won’t respond to touch or buttons may point to a wiring issue, dead batteries, or internal failure.
- Short cycling: If your HVAC system turns on and off every few minutes, the thermostat might be misreading the temperature or failing to hold a setting.
- Wrong temperature readings: When the thermostat’s reading doesn’t match the actual room temperature, it could be time for a replacement or recalibration.
- Unexplained energy bill increases: A malfunctioning thermostat can cause your system to overwork, driving up your energy usage without you realizing it.
Basic Troubleshooting Steps to Try
Before calling in the pros, there are a few simple things you can check to rule out minor issues:
- Check the power: If the display is blank, try replacing the batteries or checking your breaker box to see if a circuit was tripped.
- Ensure it’s set correctly: Double-check that the thermostat and the desired temperature are set to the right mode (heat or cool).
- Clean around the thermostat: Dust and debris can interfere with sensors. Gently clean around the unit with a dry cloth.
- Test the temperature reading: Compare the thermostat reading to a thermometer nearby. If there’s a big difference, it might need to be recalibrated or replaced.
- Reset the thermostat: Some models have a reset option that can clear out glitches. Check the user manual for instructions.
If none of these steps fix the problem or you’re unsure how to do them, don’t worry. Wilbur’s is just a call away.
How a Faulty Thermostat Affects Your HVAC System
A faulty thermostat can cause your HVAC system to run too often, not enough, or not at all. That means your home won’t stay comfortable, even if the system works fine. It can also lead to short cycling, higher energy bills, and extra wear on your equipment, increasing the risk of breakdowns and repairs.
Schedule a Thermostat Inspection with Wilbur’s
If your thermostat isn’t working like it should, Wilbur’s is here to help. Our family-owned team has served Birmingham and Trussville homes for 45 years with honest, responsive service you can trust. We’ll check your system, explain what’s wrong, and get things working again without guesswork.
Contact Wilbur’s today to schedule a trusted thermostat inspection in Birmingham, Trussville, or nearby areas.
