Your thermostat is the messenger of your HVAC system. Its job is to receive information from you about the desired climate of your interior, measure the air temperature of your home, and communicate with the HVAC system to keep your home at a stable, comfortable temperature.
You probably don’t think about your thermostat much, but the role it plays in keeping your home comfortable is indispensable.
As with most things, the technology of thermostats change over time – and the functionality of a thermostat declines with age and use. Newer thermostats will tend to be more responsive, monitor temperature more accurately, respond more precisely, and can include features that allow you more control over your home temperature and energy costs.
Signs It’s Time for a Thermostat Replacement
Since your thermostat’s job is to tell your HVAC unit to turn on and off, many tell-tale signs it’s time to upgrade involve this basic function. Is your system cycling on and off irregularly? Perhaps failing to turn on or off? These can be indicators.
You may also notice inconsistent temperatures throughout your home or suddenly elevated energy bills, the temperature readings may be incorrect, or your thermostat may have a blank screen, even after you’ve replaced the batteries. The age of your unit may also be a consideration.
How do these things tell you it’s time for a change?
✖️ Sign 1: Constant Cycling
A thermostat that frequently turns your HVAC system on and off can indicate a problem. Consider – is your thermostat near an exterior door or in direct sunlight? Being located where it’s subject to temperature changes can be problematic.
If your HVAC unit is improperly sized for your space, this may also cause frequent cycling. But if neither of these factors is in play, it’s likely that your thermostat is misinterpreting temperature readings and sending incorrect signals to your heating or cooling system.
Constant cycling reduces your system’s efficiency and can cause premature wear and tear, so replacing your thermostat will not only keep you comfortable in the short term, but save your system in the long term.
✖️ Sign 2: Your Thermostat Is Analog or Not Programmable.
Analog thermostats are usually controlled by turning a knob or moving a slider. While these may work to operate your system, thermostats have come a long way from the analog days. Digital thermostats are much more accurate and allow more control over your temperature, allowing you to save more on your heating and cooling bills. Additionally, an analog thermostat is likely near the end of its optimal lifespan.
Other pros of programmable options?
- A programmable thermostat will allow you to save even more by allowing you to set a daily or weekly schedule that will automatically adjust temperatures to your needs.
- By aligning your HVAC system with your daily routine, you can easily reduce energy consumption when you’re not at home or when you’re asleep.
- Some programmable thermostats are wi-fi enabled so you can make adjustments while you’re away, allowing you to walk into your home after being away and find it at exactly the temperature you desire.
✖️ Sign 3: Inaccurate Temperature Readings
If you notice your thermostat’s temperature readings don’t align with the actual temperature in your home, something is clearly amiss. This discrepancy can lead to discomfort and inefficient usage. Inaccurate readings can have a variety of underlying causes, including sensor problems or calibration errors.
Typically, it’s advisable to replace the thermostat rather than trying to repair it, as the precise issues can be difficult to pinpoint and repair.
✖️ Sign 4: Spikes in Your Energy Bills
If your usage patterns haven’t changed, but your energy bills have steadily increased, your thermostat may be to blame. An old or malfunctioning thermostat can lead to inefficient heating and cooling, resulting in higher energy consumption. In this case, replacing your thermostat will allow you to regain control over your energy expenses and potentially see significant savings in the long run.
✖️ Sign 5: Unresponsive Controls
Your thermostat should adjust to input right away. If you’ve made a change to the thermostat settings and nothing’s happening, there may be internal wiring problems or other malfunctions that can be difficult to diagnose or repair. In most cases, replacing the thermostat will be the quickest and most effective way to restore reliable control over your heating and cooling.
✖️ Sign 6: Your Thermostat is Over 10 Years Old
If your thermostat has made it to double digits, it’s reached its average life expectancy. Of course, that doesn’t mean it will automatically stop working… but wear and tear coupled with technological advances mean that you likely aren’t getting the efficiency and functionality out of your thermostat that you should be.
✖️ Sign 7: Aesthetic Considerations
While not a functional problem, some homeowners may consider upgrading their thermostat for reasons of appearance or design. Perhaps a newer version may be easier to read, more streamlined, or have a better appearance within the room. Sometimes homeowners want an updated look that blends with their home interior after undergoing renovations.
As a bonus, you’ll probably enjoy enhanced features, as well as a fresh look.
Need HVAC Service? We’re Here for You
Replacing your thermostat when the situation calls for it can help your system run properly and boost your efficiency. If you have concerns about your HVAC system or questions about how to optimize its performance, we’re happy to help!
We have over fifteen years of experience and a passion for serving our community well. Working together, we can keep your home comfortable and protect your HVAC system for years to come.
Call us at 615-845-4648 or book online with us today.