Uh oh. The heat\u2019s not working right … and it\u2019s one of those icy winter days in Calgary. But before you assume that your furnace is at fault, check to see whether you have a broken thermostat.<\/p>\n
If you spot any of the three warning signs below, there\u2019s a strong possibility that you need thermostat repair or replacement<\/a>.<\/p>\n In this scenario, your furnace isn\u2019t functioning and you see a totally black or blank screen on your thermostat. Just like the dreaded computer \u201cblack screen syndrome,\u201d this spells trouble. You\u2019ll have to get a qualified HVAC technician to inspect your digital thermostat.<\/p>\n Another possibility is when your furnace seems to have lost communication with your thermostat. It may be harder to pinpoint this problem, so try what we call the 5\u00b0 Test:<\/p>\n Now things get more complicated. Your thermostat seems to be working and so does your furnace. However, the temperature of your home just somehow doesn\u2019t match the setting on your thermostat.<\/p>\n There\u2019s a simple way to check this out. Buy a room thermometer at your neighbourhood hardware store or home centre. Place it near your thermostat, wait 5 minutes, and then compare the readings.<\/p>\n Do both devices show the same temperature? Great. If, on the other hand, there\u2019s a discrepancy, you may have a problem with your thermostat … but wait. You don\u2019t necessarily have a broken thermostat. Ask yourself one more question:<\/p>\n Sometimes a thermostat seems to start acting up just because of where it\u2019s been positioned. So check your thermostat\u2019s location. For example, suppose it is close to a sunny window or similar heat source or blocked by heavy curtains or furniture.<\/p>\n If that\u2019s the case, it can\u2019t sense your home temperature accurately<\/a> and therefore won\u2019t signal the furnace to start running. The problem is, even though your thermostat is nice and toasty, you will be freezing.<\/p>\n Once again, turn to your trusted HVAC experts for advice on where to mount your thermostat, for an accurate reading and a comfortable home.<\/p>\n Now you know the trouble signs to look for. However, you\u2019re still wondering how your thermostat got broken. And what should you do to fix it?<\/p>\n Here are the common causes of a broken thermostat, together with their solutions. (BONUS: Some are DIY fixes!)<\/p>\n Your thermostat might not be receiving the electrical power it requires to function properly for one of the reasons below:<\/p>\n The batteries are running out of juice.<\/strong> If your thermostat is battery-powered, batteries that are low — but not yet dead — can start causing trouble even before the \u201cLow Battery\u201d warning appears. Keep an extra set on hand and at the first sign of trouble, try replacing them. You may spare yourself a whole lot of hassle!<\/p>\n The breaker has tripped.<\/strong> If your thermostat is hardwired, check the breaker box for a trip. Even if everything looks normal, flip the thermostat\u2019s breaker on and off just to be sure. You\u2019ll be pleasantly surprised if this solves the problem. If the thermostat does not respond, or the breaker re-trips repeatedly, it\u2019s time to call a professional for help.<\/p>\n The wiring has gone bad.<\/strong> The wiring of an older thermostat sometimes becomes worn, damaged, or corroded, causing a thermostat malfunction. Once again, you\u2019ll want to contact a pro for assistance with this potentially dangerous repair.<\/p>\n Dust, hair, and debris are dangerous to any electronic appliance with delicate components \u2013 like a thermostat. Try cleaning the thermostat interior if you\u2019re experiencing problems.<\/p>\n Do you still have an antique … er … analog thermostat? If so, the anticipator might need adjustment.<\/p>\n Though this adjustment could take care of your thermostat short term, it\u2019s still important to mention the problem when you make an appointment for HVAC maintenance.<\/p>\n All good things must come to an end. If your thermostat is 10 years old or more, it could have simply reached the end of its useful life.<\/p>\n It\u2019s time to find a new thermostat as a replacement.<\/p>\n It\u2019s Knight to the rescue! You can trust our team for expert troubleshooting and repair of your broken thermostat.<\/p>\n And if your thermostat has reached the end of its days, we\u2019ll help you find a convenient, energy-efficient replacement. Ask us about programmable, zonable, and smart thermostat <\/a>options.<\/p>\n1. Your Digital Thermoset is Unresponsive<\/h2>\n
2. Resetting the Thermostat Doesn\u2019t Change the Temperature<\/h2>\n
How the 5\u00b0 Test Works<\/h3>\n
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3. Your Home Temperature Doesn\u2019t Match the Thermostat Setting<\/h2>\n
Is There a Problem With the Thermostat Location?<\/h2>\n
What Causes a Broken Thermostat?<\/h2>\n
1. The Thermostat Isn’t Getting Power<\/h3>\n
2. The Thermostat Interior Needs Cleaning<\/h3>\n
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3. The Thermostat Anticipator Needs Adjustment<\/h3>\n
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4. It\u2019s Time For a New Thermostat<\/h3>\n
Knight Will Take Care of Your Broken Thermostat<\/h2>\n