Troubleshooting The Most Common Thermostat Problems

Thermostat Not Reaching Set Temperature 

If you’re experiencing thermostat complications, you may be dealing with a thermostat that doesn't reach the proper temperature. This may be caused by the following:

Broken or Damaged Sensors

Thermostats work with the help of multiple sensors. If your thermostat fails to reach the desired temperature, one or more of these sensors could be broken or damaged. This issue could result in a temperature reading that is higher or lower than what you initially set the thermostat to. Unfortunately, fixing a damaged sensor is pretty tricky. On most occasions, the whole thermostat is replaced. Contact an HVAC professional if you believe you have a broken or damaged thermostat sensor.

Poor Thermostat Location

The location of your thermostat can also lead to issues with the temperature reading. For instance, if your thermostat is near a fireplace, the temperature reading may be higher than the rest of the home. The same applies for thermostats located in cold spaces. The thermostat may register a reading that is far lower than the rest of the property.

Dirty Equipment

A thermostat unit can also experience problems when it needs a good cleaning. Over time, dust, dirt, and lint particles can find their way inside your unit, possibly blocking sensors or causing other issues. That can also result in an incorrect temperature reading.



One way to fix this involves removing the thermostat cover and cleaning inside the equipment. To do this effectively, use a soft tip brush or cloth to wipe away dirt and other particles. Be very careful when doing this as there are delicate wires that could easily get damaged.

Another one of the leading thermostat problems involves a thermostat setting that doesn’t match the home's actual temperature. If your unit can’t read the right temperature, it will also have a hard time regulating your HVAC system. Here are the common causes of this issue:

Dirty Thermostat

Once again, your thermostat could use some cleaning. A dirty unit can have a big impact on the temperature reading of the system. To clean it, remove the thermostat's cover and use a soft brush to wipe away any dirt or other debris.

Possible Corrosion

If corrosion has taken place in your unit, the electrical components may not be working properly. To fix the problem, try using an electronic contact cleaner. However, if you have an older thermostat, you may be better off replacing it.

Poor Installation

It’s essential that a thermostat is installed correctly. If they’re placed too close to the ground, or in an area that doesn’t show the actual temperature of the home, you could run into some problems. A thermostat should never be installed next to a fireplace, in a cold area, or too close to the floor.

Thermostat Won't Change Temperature

On some occasions, a thermostat may not allow you to change the temperature. This is an annoying issue to deal with. Here are some reasons why this may be happening:

Unit Is Locked

The majority of digital thermostats have a lock feature. Homeowners use this to prevent others from making adjustments to the temperature. If your unit isn't changing the indoor temp at all, this lock setting could be enabled. Turning this feature off could solve the problem.

It’s In Auto Mode

When thermostats are in Auto mode, some models won’t allow you to change the temperature manually. The unit will work based on the settings and programming you provided. You’ll need to change the mode of the unit to Heat or Cool/AC if you would like to adjust the temperature manually.

Thermostat Not Working 

Is your thermostat not working at all? While it could be due to an old and aging unit, there are also other causes to consider. Take a look at some common reasons your thermostat isn’t working:

No Power

There simply may not be any power going to your thermostat. This could be caused by a poor connection, blown fuse, dead batteries, or a tripped circuit breaker. If all of these areas look good and your unit should be receiving power, the issue lies elsewhere.

Loose Wiring

Loose wiring can also result in a thermostat that doesn’t power on. This is especially true if you have an older unit. To diagnose the problem, examine the inside of your thermostat to check for any loose wiring. Look for any wires that are corroded or detached. If you notice any problems, contact an HVAC provider for assistance.

Now that you understand some of the common thermostat troubleshooting solutions, you’re ready for any thermostat issue that comes your way!