How to Troubleshoot House Thermostats
Eventually, your HVAC system will probably malfunction. Most HVAC units last between 15 and 20 years, but they may have minor malfunctions before this. The problem could be with either the HVAC unit or the thermostat. The best place to start looking for the problem is troubleshooting the thermostat, as this is the source of the problem a lot of the time. After you troubleshoot your house thermostat, if the problem still can't be identified, it may be necessary to contact a licensed HVAC technician. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Check the location of the thermostat. If it is located in a drafty hallway, near a window or near another heat source like an oven, these may be the cause of your malfunctioning heating system. The thermostat will have to be relocated if this is the cause. The ideal spot is a centrally located spot that is not near a window, isn't exposed to direct sunlight and isn't exposed to an external heat source.
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Turn off the power to the HVAC unit by turning the breaker off in the circuit breaker panel.
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3
Remove the thermostat cover from the thermostat. Either it will pry off or you'll have to remove a few screws before taking it off. Look for a cold or warm air draft coming from within the wall cavity. If this exists, you may need to caulk or add extra insulation around the opening.
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Dust out the inside of the thermostat. Compressed air in a can works great for blowing out dust, or a regular feather duster will work. Check the wires for corrosion. If they are corroded, remove them from the terminal. Strip any corroded wire back with a wire stripper and cut off the corroded part. Reconnect it to the terminal.
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Turn the power back on to the HVAC unit and make a jumper wire, which is a short piece of wire that is stripped on both ends. Connect it to the "Y" and "G" terminal. If your fan kicks on, your thermostat is most likely faulty. Replace the thermostat and the problem should be fixed.
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Consult a qualified HVAC technician if none of the above suggestions fixed the problem. It is most likely an internal problem with the HVAC unit.
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Tips & Warnings
Check the HVAC filter when troubleshooting problems with the HVAC system. A lot of times a dirty and clogged HVAC filter will cause the HVAC system to malfunction.
Always make sure the power is off to the HVAC unit when connecting or disconnecting the thermostat. If certain wires accidentally touch together, this may damage the HVAC unit.
