"smart" thermostats

Programmable Thermostat on the Blink? Diagnose It With This Guide

Many people today are discovering the benefits of programmable or "smart" thermostats. A programmable thermostat can be a real help in saving money while keeping your home comfortable — but only if it's working properly.

Programmable Thermostat on the Blink? Diagnose It With This Guide

If you suspect that your programmable thermostat may be malfunctioning, there are some simple steps you can take to find out.

  • Check the displayIf the display is blank, the thermostat isn't working and may have been disconnected from its electricity supply.

  • Check the batteries or electrical connectionSome thermostats are battery-powered, while others draw electricity from your home's domestic electricity supply. The easiest way to find out if the cells in a battery-powered unit are dead is to replace them. For thermostats that draw electricity from an external source, ensure that they are properly connected.

  • Check the fuseThere will typically be a fuse to control the amount of power that a wired thermostat receives. If this fuse has blown, you'll need to replace it. Remove the fuse and take it with you to a hardware store so that you can get the right fuse to replace it.

  • Check the "opposite" systemThe "opposite" system is the system you're not currently running. If you're trying to diagnose why your air conditioning isn't coming on, for example, you would run your heating. Set your thermostat to a sufficiently high temperature and see if it turns your heating on and off as it should.If your thermostat works with your heating but not with your air conditioning, the problem may be with your A/C rather than the thermostat. You'll need to call in a suitably qualified service technician to identify and fix the problem.

If you have tried all the above and the problem still seems to be with your thermostat, it may need to be replaced.

At Air Assurance, our aim is to inform and educate customers throughout Tulsa and Broken Arrow on energy and home comfort topics (relating to HVAC systems). To find out more about the proper maintenance and use of your programmable thermostat, or for help with other HVAC issues, contact us today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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