If you wake up to a cold house, don’t panic. Many home temperature problems can be traced back to the thermostat, not your heating system itself. So before you assume your furnace is caput, walk through the following steps to test your thermostat.
Batteries
Check the display screen. Your solution may be spelled out right there. Is the battery icon flashing or backlit? You just need to replace the batteries!
Is the screen blank altogether? Your thermostat may be wired straight into your home’s electrical system and something is preventing it from receiving power. Inspect the wiring.
Calibrate
Compare the temperature reading to how warm the room actually feels. If there’s a noticeable discrepancy, your thermostat may need to be recalibrated. This is a simple process and should be outlined in your manufacturer’s guide.
Clean
Go behind the cover. Your thermostat may be dirty or require a simple adjustment. Carefully remove the cover of your thermostat, using the manufacturer’s instructions if you’re not sure what to do.
With a soft brush, clean away any dirt or dust residue. Dust or dirty particles can interfere with a thermostat’s ability to provide accurate readings. Look for signs of corrosion, common especially if your thermostat is on the older side. If you find any, remove it using electronic contact cleaner.
Heat Anticipator
If you notice drastic temperature swings, the problem may be the heat anticipator. The heat anticipator a small lever that moves along a calibrated scale signaling your furnace to turn off when a room approaches the desired temperature. Move it lower if the room becomes too hot or too cold and one level higher if it’s turning off and on too frequently.
Still haven’t found a solution? You may need to replace your thermostat or schedule a home heating inspection. If that’s the case, restore your home comfort and
contact Bonfe today.