A Homeowner’s Guide to Thermostat Replacement

When was the last time you thought about your home’s thermostat? If you’re like most people you probably haven’t given it much thought since it was installed. Your thermostat is one of the most important parts of your home’s HVAC system and it is important to keep it running well.

Read this guide to learn the signs when it is time for a thermostat replacement.

Home Thermostats

Thermostats regulate the temperature inside your home. The thermostat is responsible for keeping the air temperature set to a specific temperature. It does this by sending electrical signals to the appropriate system that causes the heat or air to kick on.

Your thermostat can be tied to an air conditioning system, a furnace, or in many cases both. They can be used for an entire building, like an office building or zoned for different sections of a structure.

Typically thermostats are very reliable but now and then they fail. Keep reading to learn about the signs and catch a bad thermostat before it becomes a costly repair.

Shifting Temperatures

A malfunctioning thermostat will have a hard time keeping the temperature constant. One minute it may be cold and then the next it will become hot. This is one of the first signs that you need to replace the thermostat.

Older Equipment is Unsafe

How old is your thermostat? If you don’t know that may be a problem.

Older models of thermostats rely on a glass tube filled with mercury to operate. This is very similar to an old fashioned mercury-filled thermometer. When the glass breaks on these older models it can send mercury into the air and throughout your room.

Upgrade to a newer device with a digital model to avoid this situation. Digital units are more accurate and hold your room at a comfortable temperature.

Programmable Thermostats

An older type of thermostat operates like a mechanical device, turning the furnace or air conditioning on and off according to the temperature you set. Newer programmable thermostats adjust the temperature throughout the day automatically while you are away.

These programmable thermostats can save you money and cut heating costs. A recent EPA study shows that with proper usage a programmable thermostat can save homeowners anywhere between 10% to 30% on their energy usage.

A programmable replacement thermostat saves money when you program them to turn off during the day when you are not home or when you are sleeping.

Wrong Type of Thermostat

Sometimes homeowners simply have the wrong type of thermostat. This is a simple fix by replacing the thermostat with one that is specifically made to work with your unit. A heating and air professional can let you know if your thermostat is the correct type for your unit.

Getting a Thermostat Replacement is Easy

So if it’s been a while since you’ve taken a look at your thermostat pay attention to these signs. They may indicate that it’s time to replace your thermostat.

Before you Google “how to replace a thermostat,” call a team of professionals. We can conduct a full inspection and replace your thermostat replacement. Contact us today for all your heating and air conditioning needs.