People tend to grow accustomed to a certain thermostat setting within their home. This could be a cold 65 degrees or a toasty 80, depending on your personal preference. Either way, you’re probably going to notice when it feels hotter than what it says on the thermostat. This can be frustrating and stressful as you try to figure out what’s going on, or whether it’s all in your head. An inaccurate thermostat is actually a very common problem. The problem needs to be taken care of quickly by a HVAC contractor in Visalia, CA, as it can impact your system’s energy consumption and make your home uncomfortable. You can fix it, but you need to know what is causing the difference.
Here are some of the most common reasons why your thermostat has started reading the wrong temperature:
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The thermostat sensor is malfunctioning: The thermostat sensor itself could be the cause of the problem. It can become out of whack and read the wrong temperature. This can sometimes be fixed just by recalibrating the thermostat. If that doesn’t work, it probably means it’s time to replace the thermostat.
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Your thermostat is placed in a bad location: One of the most common causes of an improperly functioning thermostat is that it’s been placed in a less than ideal location. The thermostat could be affected by being located in direct sunlight, in the path of a draft or away from a central location within your home. Over time, these factors can cause it to give an inaccurate temperature reading. Try placing your thermostat in a central location, away from any drastically hot and cold sources.
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It’s getting old: Just like your oven or your car, your thermostat will inevitably begin to develop problems as it ages. Reading the wrong temperature is one of the most common problems. Your best bet is to have an HVAC contractor in Visalia, CA replace your thermostat with a newer model. Think of this as a plus, as most new thermostats have more advanced features, including programmable settings and environmentally friendly operating selections.
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The thermostat isn’t level: Many older thermostats are mercury based. They need to be completely level in order to read the correct temperature. A small tilt or accidentally knocking it out of position could leave you with an incorrect temperature. Don’t stress, as this is an easy fix. Just readjust the position on the wall to return everything back to normal.
If your thermostat is reading the wrong temperature, it’s crucial that you take the steps to fix it as soon as possible. A malfunctioning thermostat can take a toll on your system, because it will either be operating at too high or too low of a level. Your energy consumption could skyrocket as your home becomes too hot or too cold.
A professional HVAC contractor in Visalia, CA can help you get the temperatures in your home back to normal quickly—whether that means installing the thermostat in a new location or replacing it entirely. If you have questions about your thermostat or air conditioner, contact McGee Refrigeration today.