Signs That You Need a New Thermostat

It’s a lot of work to take care of home maintenance, but it’s essential if you want to keep your home systems operational. There are few systems that affect your comfort and safety at home as much as your HVAC system. Unfortunately, there are a lot of ways that your HVAC can break down, particularly if you don’t maintain it well. Your thermostat is what controls your home’s heating and cooling, and if it isn’t in good working order, you may find that your system doesn’t operate effectively or at all. If you’re concerned about your thermostat, keep reading for signs that you may need a new one.

What are some signs you need a new thermostat?

It’s important for homeowners to be aware of the most common signs that you need a new thermostat. One of the most obvious signs that something is wrong is a sudden increase in your energy bills. Though sometimes higher utility bills can be a result of your power company raising rates or the temperature starting to change, a faulty thermostat may also be keeping your system in use for longer than necessary. If your home is too hot or too cold, that can also be an indication that something is wrong.

When it’s working as it should, your thermostat should respond immediately when you adjust the temperature. However, if you’ve adjusted the temperature and the thermostat is still unresponsive, that is definitely a cause for concern. It should also concern you if the display appears completely blank or the temperate readings are inaccurate. Those are both reasons to call your local HVAC technician as soon as you can.

Keep in mind that thermostats have an average life span of about 10 years. If you’re experiencing ongoing issues with a thermostat that’s over a decade old, you may want to think about a replacement. HVAC systems have a similar life span, so it might be wise to upgrade your entire system at the same time. You should also make sure you have both your thermostat and HVAC unit inspected annually and change the filter at least once every 90 days. This kind of care and maintenance will help protect your system and extend its life span.

How else can you control your indoor climate?

There are a lot of things you can do to control the temperature inside your home. If you need to replace your thermostat anyway, you should consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat is a Wi-Fi-enabled device that works with home automation to allow you to control your HVAC system through a smart speaker, mobile phone, or web portal. Many smart thermostats also make use of an algorithm to track your habits and adjust accordingly. This can make a big difference in your quality of life and help you cut down on your energy costs.

Don’t forget to make time to inspect your windows and doors. Cracks and crevices can let in outdoor air, which can affect the indoor climate. The change in temperature will also force your HVAC system to work harder, which can result in higher utility bills at the end of the month. It’s a smart idea to give any exterior windows a thorough examination at the start of every season. You can fix small imperfections on your own, but if you need more substantial repairs, it’s best to call a professional.

It’s not easy to keep your home at your desired temperature, but there are a lot of things you can do to maintain your ideal indoor climate. Ensuring that your HVAC and relevant components like your thermostat are operating at peak efficiency is a good place to start. There are several red flags that can indicate a problem, so keep an eye out for them and call a technician if you suspect something may be wrong. A programmable thermostat is another useful upgrade, but you should be aware that none of your investments will work as planned if you don’t keep your home in good condition.