During the summer season, when the sun is blazing hot outside, it is your HVAC system that keeps your house cool and comfortable. Although it is rare for well-maintained HVAC units to experience any problems, sometimes some unexpected situations can pop up such as the unit not responding to the thermostat. We will discuss the reasons and solutions for you to troubleshoot the problem. For difficult-to-fix problems, hire air conditioning repair services.

Dead Batteries

While most modern thermostats tend to use power from the HVAC unit, many still come with separate battery packs that power up the thermostat. So, if you notice that your HVAC is not responding to the thermostat, it might be that the thermostat itself is not responsive and the HVAC unit is not able to receive any signals from it.

In such a case, the culprit tends to be the thermostat. You should keep in mind is that your HVAC unit doesn’t need to be the culprit each time. Before pointing fingers and asking an expert to open it up, you should try to diagnose the issue and determine the root cause.

That said, you should replace the batteries. To choose the right type of batteries, consult the user manual.

Loose Wiring Of The Thermostat

Loose wiring of the thermostat is a rare situation but not impossible. This usually happens when the HVAC unit has been recently maintained or installed. If you observe that the thermostat loses power regularly, it is a sure sign there is a problem with the wiring.

However, fixing the issue is not that easy. Approaching HVAC wires can be dangerous. You should do it only after turning off the unit. Make sure that you turn the circuit breaker off as well and turn off the unit from the main power supply.

Use a tool kit to access the thermostat and inspect the wires. If the wires tend to be loose, connect them again correctly. Furthermore, it might also be that the wires are burned. In this case, you will need to replace the wires.

Once you are done fixing the issue, turn on the air conditioner and check if the thermostat is functioning properly.

Wrong Location Thermostat

Believe it or not, most people are not aware of the fact that thermostats need to be installed in the right place to help keep track of the accurate temperature. As a result, they tend to install thermostats near other heat sources which leads to inaccurate readings. If you do that as well, your air conditioner won’t get the signal for the right temperature so it won’t respond when needed.

It might also be that it causes your HVAC unit to perform harder, which will put additional stress on the components leading to permanent damage. At the same time, the technician should not install a thermostat near a door or a window. The fluctuation in the temperature will also confuse the thermostat.

Be strategic when it comes to installing the thermostat as its accuracy will help you achieve efficiency and effectiveness.

Dirty Thermostat

Another reason your HVAC might not be responding to the thermostat is that the thermostat itself might be dirty and not able to receive any signals. With time, the HVAC unit along with the internal components can become accumulated with layers of dirt and dust that could impede its performance.

Keep in mind that thermostats also come with sensors that need to be clean for them to keep track of the temperature. If that is the case, you should try cleaning the thermostat by using a cleaner. However, only do that after shutting down the unit from the main power supply.

Another factor you need to keep in mind before cleaning the thermostat or the sensor is that these components are very sensitive. Do not use harsh tools or techniques as you can easily damage them. Simply use a soft cloth or a brush to do the job.

The Thermostat Is On Auto Mode

One common oversight while troubleshooting HVAC issues is the “Auto” mode settings. There is no doubt that the setting helps save electricity but some people use it for the wrong reasons as they are confused. The Auto settings on a thermostat simply mean that the HVAC unit will only run when it is needed. It will run based on your settings and turn off once the requirements are met.

This gives the impression that the thermostat is not working sometimes. So, if you notice that your HVAC unit is not clicking or throwing cool air, you should check the settings. Try adjusting the settings first to see if the problem is fixed.

Old And Outdated Thermostat

If your thermostat is constantly experiencing problems, it means it has most probably reached its maximum lifespan and needs to be replaced. This is usually the case if the HVAC unit is itself old as well or you have opted for an aftermarket thermostat. In either case, the outdated thermostat will not be able to perform properly.

As a result, you will need to replace the thermostat. It is also likely that your HVAC unit has turned old as well. This means you will need to replace the unit as well, especially if it has rust, cracks, damage, or continuously requires repairs and replacements.

Instead of spending money on repairs, you should invest it in a new unit. With a new, smart thermostat, you will be able to save more electricity and costs in the future. And make sure to have it installed by AC repair services McLean.

Malfunctioning Sensors

As mentioned earlier, the thermostat accuracy solely relies on the sensors. These sensors are solely responsible and designed to record the outside temperature and adjust the temperature of the HVAC unit accordingly. The sensors can malfunction due to external factors, which can lead to erratic temperature readings.

Then again, dirt and dust buildup can cause the sensors or the thermostat to malfunction. If you notice that your thermostat is suddenly acting weird, it means the sensors are having trouble recording or keeping up the temperature.

To fix the issue, try cleaning the sensors. If the sensors are accumulated with layers of dirt and dust, it most likely means the HVAC unit needs thorough maintenance as well.

The Thermostat Is Not Properly Calibrated

In the end, if nothing else works out, you might want to get your thermostat calibrated. Thermostats lose calibration if the HVAC unit has been recently serviced or installed. It is a common situation and there is no need to panic. If you have tools and know how to calibrate, you can do it yourself.

However, we will suggest hiring an expert who will do it for you. The reason is that improper calibration can lead to inefficiencies as well. That said, spending a few dollars in return for a perfect running HVAC unit should not bother you. And, once the calibration is done, verify the thermostat’s reading using a reliable thermostat.

Conclusion

The above-mentioned are the common reasons for an AC not responding to the thermostat. It could also be that the HVAC is trying to reach but the thermostat is not responding. And, to avoid such issues, schedule expert maintenance from air conditioning companies Chantilly.