Efficient and reliable air conditioning is critical for a comfortable, healthy space during the hot season. As such, you must be keen to spot any issue that may signify that the cooling system is failing.
The AC features a network of components that must work together to cool a space effectively. So if one critical part, such as the thermostat, becomes inefficient, you will notice a significant difference in the performance of your air conditioning. Discover some signs of a faulty thermostat and learn what to do.
High Energy Bills
Suppose you notice a sudden spike in your energy bills. In that case, an inefficient air conditioning unit is the most likely cause. And while other factors, such as dirty filters, may contribute to the high-power usage, the thermostat should be your first concern.
The thermostat is like the brain of the AC. This component determines when the AC runs and when to shut off. Therefore, the cooling system will likely run longer than necessary if the thermostat malfunctions or misreads the temperature. As a result, you’ll see a spike in energy consumption and bills.
Uneven Cooling
If the cooling effect is not uniform throughout the space, it could be due to an issue with the thermostat’s calibration. The miscalibration means the AC will not run enough to reach the desired temperatures.
Consequently, some areas in your room are cooler than others. This inconsistency means you must inspect the thermostat and recalibrate it if necessary.
Moreover, a clogged thermostat may be to blame if you notice discrepancies between the thermostat readings and the actual temperatures. When debris sticks to the thermostat, it prevents it from sensing temperature changes accurately.
In such a case, gently clean the thermostat with a brush while paying attention to the contacts. But don’t attempt this if you are unsure of what you’re doing. Contact your local professional for help in such cases.
Short Cycling
As mentioned, the thermostat dictates when the air conditioning system runs and shuts off. Therefore, if the thermostat malfunctions, you may notice that the AC turns on and off too frequently.
Short cycling is when the AC starts a cooling cycle, then goes off without completing it. This problem can cause further parts to break down, resulting in a premature need for an AC replacement.
Short cycling mainly occurs when the thermostat is installed near heat-producing appliances. The reason is that the thermostat senses the additional heat and automatically shuts off the AC. In that case, your HVAC contractor can move the thermostat to a different area, away from direct sunlight.
A wrongly calibrated anticipation may also cause the AC to short cycle. If so, you must adjust the thermostat’s anticipation level accordingly.
Note that other issues, such as dirty filters, leaky refrigerant, and incorrect AC size, may cause short cycling. Therefore, don’t automatically assume that the thermostat is to blame; consult an expert for inspection and diagnosis.
Above are some signs that your AC thermostat needs a checkup. Some issues result from poor installation and dirt buildup. On the other hand, some problems may be due to dead batteries or the wrong thermostat position. And in some cases, the thermostat may be old and worn out.
Whichever the cause of the thermostat problem is, don’t wait to address the issue. Contact a qualified HVAC technician to inspect and diagnose the system before it causes more significant issues.
You can trust us at Steele Brothers Heating, Inc., for quality services. Our HVAC contractors are knowledgeable, experienced, and certified to handle all your HVAC needs. The contractors will immediately inspect, identify, and rectify the issues to restore your air conditioning system’s efficiency. Contact us for a consultation.
