Thermostat repairs or replacements never seem to make it to the top of your list of priorities. But they should be, especially because you never know when you’ll need your thermostat to truly be on top of its game.
Fortunately for many Houstonians, the weather stays on the warm and humid side even throughout most of the winter. However, every now and then, the temperature has a mind of its own and can drop to dangerously low levels. We’re used to seeing this type of weather up north or in other parts of the United States. But when it comes to the Gulf Coast, Houston simply isn’t built to handle icy conditions.
As many saw during the Valentine’s Day freeze of 2021, low temperatures and small amounts of snow caused the city to shut down. Roads were too icy to travel on, public transportation came to a halt, and homes and businesses everywhere struggled to stay warm. Some homeowners noticed a shutdown in power. Others had the alarming thought that they should have made their thermostat repairs and replacements sooner!
Nothing can be done about power outages beyond your control. However, you can ensure your thermostat is working properly year-round with regular maintenance and care. Yes, it can be a hassle to set aside time and finances to get the job done. But when winter strikes, you’ll be thankful you did.
3 Reasons You Should Have Your Thermostat Checked Before Winter
Push your thermostat replacements or repairs aside, and you could run into a few issues down the road.
Your Thermostat Could Act Up When You Need It Most
Take a look at a complete possibility this upcoming winter season. Temperatures drop, and you’re prepared to hunker down and work from home for the next few days. You have plenty of snacks to get you and your family through, you’ve double-checked your internet connection, and extra clean blankets are ready to go. But you can’t quite figure something out. It feels cooler inside than what your thermostat is reflecting.
It’s day one of freezing temperatures. You take a look at your agenda and remember that you forgot to schedule your thermostat maintenance! You’ve had it on your to-do list, but you just never got around to making the time. And now you’re paying the price.
An ill-working thermostat during the colder months can cause:
- You or your loved ones to get sick
- Allergies to flare up
- Pipes to freeze or burst
Especially if you have young children, eldery citizens, or even pets, it’s critical to ensure your thermostat is working properly.
AC Experts Will Be Busy With Other Repairs
Let’s continue with the scenario above. You’ve realized your mistake and are now frantically trying to get a hold of someone who can help.
What’s the problem? Other people just like you have run into the same issue and also need help. Phone lines are jammed up, and it seems like every HVAC professional in the area is booked solid for the next few weeks! Well, you were not at all prepared for this type of worst-case scenario. This can leave you feeling hopeless and left out in the cold more than you’d like. Even when an HVAC problem is considered an emergency, it may be hard to reach a reliable technician who can put your case first and solve the issue quickly. It’s truly best not to leave any HVAC scenarios up to chance.
As HVAC experts, we know that our schedules can easily be filled with appointments, especially during the coldest and hottest months of the year. Stay ahead of the curve by scheduling thermostat repairs and replacements ahead of time, outside of the regular winter season.
Stress & The Bill For Repairs Start To Add Up
When you leave thermostat repairs and maintenance up in the air, it leaves less time to prepare financially when there is work to be done. This can be especially stressful when you have holiday gifts, meals, and other purchases coming up. Of course, you occasionally have other emergencies that take priority. However, when and if you can avoid it, saving up twice a year for routine maintenance reduces your chances of dipping into funds you weren’t otherwise planning to spend. Additionally, knowing you have a set amount of money set aside for your HVAC needs can reduce the stress on your mindset and bank account.
Top 4 Problems With Your Thermostat & Potential Quick Fixes
Problems with your HVAC can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure. But before you skip directly to panic mode, take a look at some potential solutions to the most common thermostat problems others face every year.
1. The Temperature Inside Vs. On The Thermostat Fail To Match Up
You’ve noticed each room in your home feels stuffy, stale, and too cold. You remember setting the thermostat to a warmer temperature, but it doesn’t seem to be working. This is one of the most common issues homeowners face and can be a real pain when it happens.
A few things you can do to ensure it’s properly set up is cleaning the thermostat free of any dirt or debris. Second, shield the thermostat from direct sunlight as it can throw off the temperature monitor. You should also remove any other sources of heat nearby (such as a lamp or appliance) to resolve the issue.
2. It’s Time To Update Your Thermostat
Older thermostats can technically work for a very long time. However, the longer they function, the harder they need to work to remain useful. Connectivity, proper readings, and sensitivity all diminish over time. Also, certain parts and other components may be difficult to find and replace as the years go by. As technology advances, older equipment slows down or halts production completely. This can leave you with the need to buy a new thermostat anyways if your old one becomes too complicated to maintain.
Therefore, not only can replacing your older thermostat save you from future repairs and maintenance, but it can save you energy in the long run. Even better news is that you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on a new smart thermostat. You can find some for $100 or less online and in stores.
If you’re worried about installing your new thermostat yourself, you can call an HVAC technician to help you out.
3. Calibration For Your Thermostat Is Necessary
Do you remember the last time your thermostat was calibrated? Internal sensors are greatly responsible for giving a proper temperature reading. If it’s uncalibrated, chances are you’re getting an incorrect temperature adjustment throughout your home. This can leave your home feeling unevenly cool or warm throughout. Call a professional to recalibrate your thermostat and bring it back in working order.
4. The Thermostat’s Display Doesn’t Work At All
Technology comes with positive and negative attributes. When it comes to your thermostat, the touch or digital display giving out falls under the negative category. You may be familiar with this scenario. You go to check your thermostat and adjust its setting. However, when you check the display, there’s nothing there. It’s either blank, fading in and out, or completely nonresponsive. This is super frustrating and can lead you to doubt whether your HVAC system is working at all.
Without a working display, it’s impossible to adjust or alter the thermostat as needed or know what’s wrong. If your thermostat is set perfectly for summer, you now face a new problem when it comes to transitioning into the winter months. Have it looked at immediately by an HVAC technician to ensure it’s working to the best of its ability.
Thermostat Repairs And Replacements FAQ
Take a look at some of the most common questions we get about thermostat repairs and replacements.
How Much Does It Cost To Repair A Thermostat?
Unlike shelling out cash for an entire HVAC replacement, it’s more affordable than you might think to make regular thermostat repairs. Costs can range from $50 to $500, but most homeowners spend about $200 on their thermostat repair bill. It’s always best to have an HVAC professional take a look before you attempt to fix anything yourself. You could end up spending more than necessary without the experienced eyes of an HVAC technician.
How Can I Repair My AC Thermostat?
It is possible to completely replace your own AC thermostat. However, it’s advised that you do so carefully and with proper safety equipment.
For a simple gas furnace and air conditioning thermostat, you should first locate your breaker for the AC unit and turn the power off. Then, take the front panel off of your thermostat and expose the wiring. Take a picture of the inside to remember how it’s set up for later use. Pay close attention to the colors of the wiring and the labels inside the panel where they match up.
You’ll then remove the wiring and replace your new unit by matching up the same colors or labels as they appeared before. The main idea is to rewire your new thermostat exactly as the old one looked. When you’re done rewiring your new thermostat, replace the front panel, and turn the breaker back on. Also, be sure to securely anchor it to the wall.
Test your new thermostat in cool and heat mode to ensure it’s working properly. Be patient and give it a few minutes to turn on fully. If you have any doubts about replacing or repairing your thermostat, call the HVAC experts.
Is There Another Reason My Thermostat Display Is Blank?
Ensure the circuit breaker is placed in the “on” position. You can also change the batteries if you think that may be the problem. The panel to replace your batteries should be located at the bottom of the wallplate. Your thermostat will require two fresh AA batteries. Try not to mix and match different brands of batteries or use older ones you think may work. Do not use batteries that look corroded or otherwise unusable even if you’re certain they’re new. If you’re still having trouble after you’ve replaced the batteries, turn the AC unit off and attempt to restart it again.
Is A Smart Thermostat Worth The Money?
Smart thermostats can be beneficial in a number of ways. To start, they’re not as expensive as you might think compared to replacing your entire heating or cooling system. A complete HVAC replacement costs an average of $7,000. You can purchase a smart thermostat for $300 or less.
As far as benefits go, a smart thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature throughout the day. It can also detect when your home is occupied or not, which means it can help you save energy whenever you’re away. Additionally, smart thermostats have the benefit of being controlled via a mobile or other remote device. This means you can hop on your phone, laptop, or tablet and control its settings no matter where you are.
Use The HVAC Experts With Over 30 Years Of Experience In The Houston Area
Year after year, Houstonians wait to have their thermostat serviced. It doesn’t regularly get cold in Houston, but a failing thermostat can cause a number of problems when it does. You have a few choices to prevent this from happening. It’s advised that you schedule routine HVAC maintenance in the spring and fall. Doing so can save you the headache of having to deal with HVAC issues during the hottest and coldest months of the year. This can also help you plan financially to avoid a surprise bill when problems arise.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to schedule thermostat repairs or replacements. Winter is not the time to be behind on any thermostat issues. Are you located in the Houston area? Trust the HVAC experts with over 30 years of experience. We’ve seen it all! Which is why we’re confident that our team of technicians can handle whatever HVAC problems you have in a timely manner.
Have an emergency? We’re available 24/7 and offer free estimates.