When your home isn’t heating or cooling properly, your thermostat might be the culprit. While furnaces and air conditioners tend to get the blame, a faulty thermostat can cause just as many problems—and often goes unnoticed. Fortunately, many thermostat issues can be fixed with a few simple steps.
At Affordable Comfort, we’re all about empowering homeowners with the knowledge to make smart decisions. Here’s a straightforward troubleshooting guide to the most common thermostat issues we see in homes across the region.
Common Thermostat Problems (And How to Fix Them)
The Thermostat Has No Power
Symptoms: The screen is blank or unresponsive.
Quick Fixes:
- Check the circuit breaker to see if a fuse has blown.
- If it’s battery-powered, replace the batteries.
- For hardwired thermostats, remove the faceplate and inspect the wires for loose connections.
The Room Temperature Doesn’t Match the Setting
Symptoms: The thermostat is set to 70°F, but the room feels much warmer or colder.
Quick Fixes:
- Ensure the thermostat isn’t located near heat sources like lamps or windows.
- Clean the inside of the thermostat—dust buildup can interfere with sensors.
- Calibrate your thermostat (some smart models offer this option in settings).
Heating or Cooling Won’t Turn On
Symptoms: The system doesn’t respond to changes in the thermostat settings.
Quick Fixes:
- Double-check that the system switch is set to “Heat” or “Cool” appropriately.
- Inspect the wiring behind the thermostat. If anything looks disconnected, consult the manufacturer’s wiring guide.
- If your thermostat controls a heat pump, make sure the reversing valve is working correctly.
Short Cycling (System Turns On and Off Frequently)
Symptoms: The system keeps turning on and off rapidly without reaching the set temperature.
Quick Fixes:
- This could be caused by incorrect thermostat placement (e.g., near a vent).
- A dirty air filter or improperly sized HVAC system could also be the cause—check both.
- Smart thermostats might need a firmware update.
Unresponsive Buttons or Frozen Touchscreen
Symptoms: Nothing happens when you press buttons or tap the screen.
Quick Fixes:
- Try a reset—refer to your manual for the right button combination.
- If the problem persists, it may be time for a replacement.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried these troubleshooting tips and your system still isn’t working properly, it’s time to schedule a professional diagnosis. Thermostat issues can sometimes be a symptom of a deeper problem in your HVAC system.
At Affordable Comfort, our licensed technicians are ready to help. We offer same-day service in most areas and can quickly determine whether your thermostat is the problem—or if there’s something else going on.
Pro Tip: Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
Still using an old manual model? Upgrading to a smart thermostat can improve efficiency, lower energy bills, and give you more control over your comfort. If you’re unsure which one to choose, check out our upcoming post: “Nest vs. Ecobee vs. Honeywell: Which Smart Thermostat Is Best for Your Home?”
Need Help Right Away? Contact Affordable Comfort today to schedule a service call. Whether it’s your thermostat or something deeper in your HVAC system, we’ve got you covered.
