Is your thermostat set to 72 degrees but the house is stuck at 78?
It’s one of the most aggravating dilemmas that can happen to a homeowner. The system is on. The fan is blowing. But the temperature isn’t changing.
Plus, it’s not an insignificant problem. Heating and cooling account for more than half of energy consumption in the average American household. So when your system falls short of the number on the thermostat, you’re literally paying to stay comfortable. Except… you’re not comfortable.
Here’s the good news:
Oftentimes, the solution is easy. Before scheduling a service call, there are a few things you can rule out on your own and some of them take less than 5 minutes.
Inside this guide:
- Why Your Thermostat Can’t Hit Its Target
- 6 Checks Worth Making Before Calling For Repair
- When It’s Time To Call A Pro
Why Your Thermostat Can’t Hit Its Target
Your thermostat controls your heating and cooling system. Think of it as the brains of the operation. Your thermostat does not heat or cool the air by itself.
It just tells the system what to do.
There are three reasons why your home is not reaching your set temperature:
- The thermostat is giving the wrong instructions
- Airflow is blocked somewhere in the system
- The equipment itself has a fault
Leaks and repairs are often split into three buckets. Buckets one and two are typically things you can handle yourself. However, bucket three is where HVAC repair companies make their money. Issues such as refrigerant leaks, dying capacitors and worn compressors require special tools and knowledge to repair safely. That’s why many homeowners call on trusted neighborhood experts like Keystone Comfort HVAC to properly assess and repair the problem.
Try the following tests first before making the call.
6 Checks Worth Making Before Calling For Repair
Check The Thermostat Settings
Sounds obvious, right?
You’d be amazed how frequently this is the cause. Someone hits a button by accident, the power dips, or one of those schedules you programmed back in November decides to turn on.
Take a look at these three settings:
- Mode. Should be set to “Cool” during summer months and “Heat” during winter months. (Not “Off” or “Fan”)
- Fan: Set it to “Auto” instead of “On”
- Schedule: Check that a saved program isn’t overriding your manual setting
That fan setting is deceptive. If you have it on “On”, then your fan is always blowing regardless if your system is heating or cooling. So it’s just circulating room temperature air through your home. Seems like it’s doing something…but it’s not.
Replace The Batteries
Lots of digital thermostats run on AA or AAA batteries.
Weak batteries can cause your thermostat to transmit a weak signal to your system. Display inaccurate readings or even nothing at all. Some thermostats will flash a low battery reading. Others won’t until it’s too late.
Changing batteries is inexpensive (only a few bucks) and takes only about 2 minutes. Get into the habit of replacing them yearly regardless of condition.
Check Where Your Thermostat Is Mounted
Here’s something most homeowners never think about…
Thermostats only measure air temperature at their location. Out-of-the-way locations easily deceive them.
For instance if you place your thermostat in direct sunlight near a lamp or close to the kitchen it will read hotter than the rest of your home. One located in a cold hallway or beside a drafty door will read colder. In either situation your system will shut off (or continue running) at an inappropriate time.
As you are doing this, remove the cover and brush off the inside with a soft brush. Dust can also affect the sensor.
Swap Out The Air Filter
This is the big one.
When your filter is dirty it restricts air flow. Your system can’t blow enough warm or cool air into your home without unrestricted air flow over the coils. It’s as easy as that.
The Department of Energy says replacing a dirty filter can lower air conditioner energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent
Clean your filter monthly. If the filter appears grey and dusty, throw it away. Most homes will need to replace their filter every 1 to 3 months. If you own pets or suffer from allergies, you may need to change it even more frequently.
Open Up Your Vents And Registers
Walk through every room in your house and look at the vents.
Any closed? Obstructed by a couch? Rug? Maybe even some curtains? Yup, it happens frequently. Usually after moving things around.
Here’s the thing…
Many homeowners think closing vents in rooms they don’t use saves money. It doesn’t. Closing vents causes pressure to build up in your ductwork which makes your system work harder. Leave them open and unobstructed.
Inspect The Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor unit needs room to breathe.
Debris such as leaves, grass clippings and overgrown bushes can restrict airflow and prevent it from giving off heat. Remove any debris and leave approximately 2 feet of space clear on all sides of the unit.
While you’re out there, check for:
- Ice on the copper lines or coils
- A tripped breaker in your electrical panel
- Loud buzzing, grinding or clicking sounds
If you discover a tripped breaker, go ahead and reset it one time. If it trips again, DO NOT TOUCH IT. That is likely evidence of an electrical issue.
When It’s Time To Call A Pro
You’ve gone through every box above… and your house still isn’t getting warm enough.
Now it’s time to pick up the phone.
Certain issues just can’t be handled as DIY projects. Refrigerants will require an authorized technician, and electrical issues can harm you if they’re not managed properly.
Call for repair if you notice:
- Ice forming on your refrigerant lines
- Warm air blowing when the system is set to cool
- The system turning on and off every few minutes (called short cycling)
- Hissing, grinding or banging noises
- A breaker that keeps tripping
Age is another factor. Components just wear out after 10 to 15 years or more. A reputable technician will be honest with you if repairing is worthwhile or if it’s time to begin thinking of a replacement.
Don’t wait. Little issues can become big(and costly) problems if left unattended.
Getting Your Home Comfortable Again
Just because your thermostat isn’t reaching the desired temperature doesn’t necessarily mean an expensive repair. In many cases, the problem can be easily remedied by you in one afternoon.
To quickly recap, before you call for help:
- Double-check your thermostat settings
- Replace the batteries
- Make sure the thermostat isn’t in a bad spot
- Swap out the air filter
- Open and clear every vent
- Clean around the outdoor unit and check the breaker
If none of that pans out, you’ve eliminated the simple solutions. That allows the technician to jump right to the heart of the matter and that saves time and money.
That’s a win-win.