Troubleshooting Your Thermostat

How to Troubleshoot/Test Your Thermostat

A thermostat is a heat-activated switch. It has a temperature sensor that causes the switch to open or close which in turn completes or disrupts the electrical circuit that runs your heating or cooling system.

Sometimes the most obvious solutions to a problem are the hardest to see:

• Is the thermostat set to “On” and for the appropriate setting?
• Does it need new batteries?
• Is it a programmable thermostat? If it is confirm that the overrides or settings are not programmed to an operation counter to what you are trying to do, in other words; set to cool if you are looking for heat, and visa-versa.
• Is it excessively dirty? Dust and dirt and other indoor pollutants can clog the thermostat. They can coat the inside and interfere with both electrical and mechanical components of the thermostat. Use a small brush, like a paintbrush, or a can of air cleaner for electronics, and bush or blow away the dust from the inside.

Shift the anticipator one way or the other may cause your furnace to click on or off depending on the direction and the result you are looking for. Have a friend listen at the furnace as you adjust the settings to hear when the unit turns on and off. When adjusting the settings, wait and hour or two for results before consulting a technician for further help.

If you are still having trouble with your thermostat after these steps, one of our technicians can help or it may be time to upgrade your thermostat. Call us at (206) 784-8101 or request service online.