The thermostat is a simple device, but it’s an integral component of any home heating and cooling system. If the device is off kilter, so too will be your comfort, plus you may incur uncomfortably high energy bills.
If your home comfort and energy bills could use a little adjusting, make sure your thermostat is set up to work correctly, and avoid these common problems:
- Sunlight – Direct sunlight affects the accuracy of temperature readings. Ghost readings caused by sunlight will activate the cooling and heating systems unnecessarily and increase your energy bill.
- Vents – Your thermostat should not be near an air-supply outlet. The airflow from a supply outlet is of temperature already and may cause your heating and cooling systems to short cycle (quick and repeated on and off).
- Central location – The best location for your device is a central location that’s easily accessible but avoids the pitfalls of direct sunlight and being near a supply outlet. If the return grille is nearby, that’s fine, since the return grille is the destination for conditioned and unconditioned air. Once the temperatures of the air mixes have stabilized and reached the thermostat setting, the heating or cooling system will shut off.
- Debris – Dust and debris can accumulate inside the thermostat components and block sensitive electronics from performing accurately. If you suspect this is an issue, carefully remove the cover plate and use a can of pressurized air to clean away any dust and debris. Don’t use a cloth, as you may damage parts.
- Age – If you have an old manual thermostat, consider replacing it with a new digital model. Basic digital thermostats are inexpensive, easy to install and are easy to read and adjust.
For more expert advice about your thermostat issues, please contact us at Indoor Solutions, Inc. today.
