If the thermostat’s display is dark, a lack of power may be the issue. Try replacing the batteries, then check for a blown fuse or tripped breaker in the electrical panel. If the thermostat is still unresponsive, make sure the breaker is shut off and remove the cover.
What would cause a thermostat to stop working?
There simply may not be any power going to your thermostat. This could be caused by a poor connection, blown fuse, dead batteries, or a tripped circuit breaker. If all of these areas look good and your unit should be receiving power, the issue lies elsewhere.
How do I reset my thermostat?
Here are the step-by-step reset instructions:
- Turn your thermostat off by switching it to the off position.
- Find the breaker that powers your HVAC system and turn it off.
- Wait 30 seconds and turn the breaker back on.
- Turn your thermostat back on.
How do I know if my thermostat is broken?
7 Ways to Tell Your Thermostat Is Broken
- Thermostat Has No Power. …
- AC or Furnace Won’t Turn On. …
- Heater or AC Won’t Turn Off. …
- Thermostat Doesn’t Match Room Temperature. …
- Thermostat Doesn’t Respond. …
- Short Cycling. …
- Thermostat Forgets Programmed Settings. …
- Thermostat Replacement Services.
How do you troubleshoot a thermostat?
Here are four steps to troubleshoot a thermostat that every homeowner should know.
- Reset the Thermostat. Like any other electronic device, sometimes a digital thermostat needs a reset to get it working properly again. …
- Clean Out Dust and Corrosion. …
- Test the Power and Wiring. …
- Adjust the Heat Anticipator.
How do I fix an unresponsive thermostat?
If the thermostat is still unresponsive, make sure the breaker is shut off and remove the cover. If it looks dirty inside, use canned air or a soft artist brush to clean away accumulated grime that may be affecting its functionality. Then look for issues like loose wiring or terminal screws and tighten them up.
How do you check if a thermostat is working?
Check the screen: Check the screen of the thermostat and make sure that it is lighted. A blank or unlighted screen could indicate a thermostat failure. Check the batteries: Many modern thermostats rely on battery power to operate. If the screen is blank or unlighted, a battery change could solve the problem.
Do I need to reset my thermostat after changing batteries?
The device will not, therefore, work even after changing the batteries until you replace the blown fuse or the circuit breaker (that supports the HVAC system) has been reset. Open up the fuse box and install a new fuse or flip the relevant circuit breaker switch back ON and see if the thermostat will start functioning.
Why is my thermostat not calling for heat?
The most common reasons for such a problem are a dirty filter, thermostat malfunction, pilot ignitor, wrong settings, or low battery issue. In such a case, all you would have to do is clean the device, double-check the thermostat settings, or replace the batteries.
How do I test my home thermostat?
How to Test an Old Thermostat
- Step 1: Turn off HVAC power. This can be done by switching the furnace to the off position if your system has an on/off switch. …
- Step 2: Remove thermostat cover. …
- Step 3: Remove wires from terminals. …
- Step 4: Turn the HVAC power back on. …
- Step 5: Test other wires.
How do I know if I need a new thermostat?
Signs You Need a New Thermostat
- Heating or cooling system will not turn off or on.
- The temperature reading is incorrect.
- Recent spike in your energy bill.
- Frequent temperature fluctuations.
- Thermostat is 10 years old or older.
Do thermostats go bad?
Thermostats don’t typically have a set lifespan for maintenance, repair, or replacement (unlike air conditioners that need a tune-up every year). Still, you can generally expect your thermostat to last at least 10 years. After a decade, thermostats may start malfunctioning.
What happens when a home thermostat goes bad?
The thermostat is unresponsive to your adjustments: It doesn’t turn on your HVAC systems when you adjust the temperature, or the display doesn’t change when you press buttons. Your HVAC system won’t turn on: Defects in the thermostat’s wiring may disrupt the usual signals it sends to your HVAC equipment.
Can I replace a thermostat myself?
Can I do it myself? An experienced DIY-er can install most programmable thermostats and some smart thermostats. Don’t forget to turn off the breaker to the HVAC equipment!
How long should a thermostat last?
about 10 years
But, just how long will a thermostat last? They generally last about 10 years but can last longer depending on the make, model, and type of thermostat. Over time, these systems start to age and a thermostat may malfunction because of normal wear and tear, dust accumulation, wiring issues, and rusting.
Will low batteries affect thermostat?
Having a low battery can cause all kinds of bad readings on the thermostat, which means the thermostat may kick on when it’s not supposed to, the room temperature may be incorrect, and the central system may not work at all.
How do you know if batteries are bad in a thermostat?
The most obvious sign that you need to change your thermostat batteries is when the thermostat literally tells you the batteries are about to die! Most programmable models will now flash a low battery warning, usually about a month or two before the battery completely dies.
How do I know if my thermostat has a battery?
Gently slide the thermostat housing up and off the wall mount plate. If it doesn’t slide up/off or up/back-tilt, you can probably just pull it off. Look at the back of the thermostat to see what kind of battery is required. You may need a screwdriver to carefully pry the battery out or to remove the cover.
How often should thermostat batteries be changed?
about once every year
Replacing the batteries of your thermostat is a simple and easy home maintenance task you can carry out yourself when necessary. As a rule, thermostat batteries will need to change about once every year. If you periodically change them, you shouldn’t have any problems maintaining control of your thermostat.
