DIY Steps to Test Your Thermostat

It can be a major problem if your HVAC system is unable to circulate air at a comfortable temperature. Hot air can be a major drag when you are trying to sleep. You shouldn’t have to rely on cooling bed materials to get you through that pleasant Bay Area night. However, there are a few things you can do to test the home thermostat on your own.

Before Checking the Thermostat

Before you consider testing the thermostat, you should check whether the switch is set to cooling or heating. Sometimes, a quick change of direction is all that is needed. All you need to do is flip the switch and see how it goes. The second thing to check is the batteries. It is quite possible that the thermostat simply ran out of batteries.

Type of Thermostat

You need to check the type of thermostat you have. Programmable thermostats usually have a problem with the temperature setting. You need to determine why the thermostat is not allowing you to enter the correct temperature. You should not try and tackle other issues, such as the thermostat not working or problem with the air conditioner or furnace.

This can be indicative of a problem within the unit. You should call the professionals even if there is no evident change in the temperature setting after you have adjusted it.

Steps to Test the Thermostat

You need to maneuver through the settings and find Test if you have a smart thermostat. You should read and follow all test instructions.

Standard Thermostats

You would need someone to help you with standard thermostats. Ask the person to stand beside the furnace while you set the thermostat. If you turn the thermostat to heat, the helper should feel the furnace getting warmer. Both the thermostat and furnace should make a clicking sound when you turn up the heat. There is a problem if both or any one of the units don’t make a clicking sound. You should call the professionals to have the problem fixed in this case.

Mechanical Thermostats

Generally, the only problem with mechanical thermostats is that they may have gathered dust over time. Maybe all you need to do is give it a thorough dusting by removing the cover and clearing out the debris using a cloth. You should consider replacing batteries in the unit as well. Make sure you change batteries at least once yearly.

Invest in a New Thermostat

There are plenty of choices if you think it is time to get a new mechanical thermostat. The US Department of Energy has recommended a setting that is 7 – 10 degrees lower than what you usually keep for eight hours a day if you have a programmable thermostat. This can usually be done when you are away at work.

However, you can also keep the setting low when you are most active in the house. This could be while you are cooking or cleaning. You can always throw a sweater during cold weather or wear a tank top during hotter months. This exercise can help you save as much as 10% on your electricity bills annually.

You should consider replacing your existing thermostat with a smart one. This will give you greater control over the temperature and your utility bills.