Programmable Thermostat Giving You a Problem? Try These Quick Fixes

Adding a programmable thermostat to your HVAC system is a great way to save energy in your Delaware home. Programmable thermostats can be programmed to adjust inside temperatures according to your preference and scheduling. This allows you to reduce your energy costs while you and your family are asleep or away.

However, like any electronic device, they are susceptible to problems. If your programmable thermostat is suddenly giving you headache, try these quick fixes:

• Digital display issues. Programmable thermostats can operate either by batteries or by being electrically wired to your home’s HVAC system. If your unit runs on batteries and you’re having display and other starting issues, check your batteries. Batteries should generally be replaced every six months. Be sure to use high performance ones if possible. If your thermostat is electrically wired, inspect its wall plate attachment. A poorly secured unit could have caused a digital connection short.
• Heating and cooling issues. If there isn’t any hot or cool air coming from inside vents, inspect to see whether the circuit breaker was tripped. You may be able to fix a non-working system by simply resetting it. If this doesn’t work, shut your HVAC system off and wait five minutes. Turn it back on and switch your thermostat to the desired “heat” or “cool” setting.
• Programming problems. Read the owner’s manual before setting your programmable thermostat’s temperature programming, or before making any new setting changes. Some units operate on a 12-hour, AM/PM clock, while others operate on a 24-hour clock. Reading the instructions can prevent mixing up your heating and cooling times.

Most homeowners will find installing a new programmable thermostat a fairly straightforward project. However, if you are continuing to have issues with the unit correctly and effectively heating and cooling your home, contact your local HVAC technician for more specialized advice and a look at your whole system.

To learn more about the benefits of installing a programmable thermostat in your home, or to learn about other energy-efficient HVAC products and solutions, contact neighborhood experts at Sobieski Services. Our goal is to help educate our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC & plumbing systems).

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