When homeowners in Glenwood Springs, Aspen, or Vail, CO have problems with their cooling system, most are quick to blame the air conditioning unit. In the process they ignore the key role played by the thermostat and how it could really be the cause of the problem. Even minor thermostat problems can imitate more serious issues and they rarely advertise themselves with obvious warning signs.
Common Examples
Here are just a few circumstances where a faulty thermostat could be the cause of the problem:
- Wiring connection or WiFi interruption.
- Blank screen, possible your batteries need to be replaced.
- You experience a cooling system failure.
Let’s talk a bit about troubleshooting these issues and maybe avoiding an unnecessary and costly service call.
Air Conditioner Suddenly Stops Working
First make sure the thermostat display is lighted. If it’s not receiving power the thermostat can’t tell the air conditioner it’s time to turn on. Reasons it’s not getting power could include:
- Dead batteries
- Tripped breaker
- Blown fuse
Once you confirm power is getting to the thermostat, shut off the correct breaker so you can safely remove the cover. Closely examine the inner components looking for:
- A buildup of dirt or dust.
- Any debris on the mechanical and electrical components.
- Loose wire connections that need to be tightened.
- Any signs of corrosion.
Carefully clean the components with canned compressed air or a soft brush.
Short-cycling and/or Not Reaching Desired Temperature
Dirt and grime in the thermostat can also cause these problems so be sure to follow the same procedure mentioned in the previous step. Other causes to consider:
- Location, location, location…if the thermostat is in a poorly chosen spot it can’t accurately regulate the temperature.
- Bad locations include being in direct sunlight, close to an exterior door, or isolated in a spot far away from the living areas of the house.
- Changing the location of a thermostat almost always requires the skills of an HVAC technician.
Air Conditioner Maintenance is Vital
All the things we’ve talked about in this article are a reminder of why you should call now to schedule annual AC maintenance. Thermostat inspection is always a part of the AC maintenance provided by Climate Control Company. Finding potential problems with the thermostat in your Glenwood Springs, Aspen, or Vail, CO home is always better than you making an emergency call because your air conditioning has stopped working on the hottest day of the summer. There’s always great HVAC information available when you like when you like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
