How to Fix an Air Conditioner Thermostat
December 23, 2021
You are outside on a hot Florida day, and all you can think about is getting inside where the air is cool. You open your door and rush over to turn on the air conditioner. You set it to cool and wait for the magic to happen. Unfortunately, the air conditioning never comes on. You need air conditioning, and you need it as soon as possible.
There are many reasons why an air conditioner will not come on. One of them is that the thermostat is simply broken. You can do a few things to troubleshoot and fix a broken thermostat.
It Needs Batteries
Some thermostats require batteries. The unit should give you a warning if the batteries are low. Be sure to get new batteries when you see the warning, or you may end up without power when you need it most.
The Thermostat is in the Wrong Place in the House
When a person is in the market for a new home, they look at the style, structure, and repairs needed. They rarely look at the placement of the thermostat, but it is important.
A thermostat should never be exposed to sunlight. If it is, it will read the temperature as warmer than it is. It should not be close to any other heat source in the house. It should not be placed on an outside wall.
If It is not placed correctly, an HVAC technician will have to come out and reposition it. This can be very expensive. If you are in the market for a house, and you see a mispositioned thermostat you should request that it be repositioned before you purchase the home.
It is Dirty
Dirt often builds up inside of a thermostat. When it is dirty, it will not properly read the temperature in the house. Carefully wipe the contacts off with a piece of paper and dust the cover. This needs to be done delicately, or you can damage the unit.
It Needs to Be Replaced
Air conditioning thermostats will have to be replaced from time to time. If you have an older thermostat and it breaks, you may want to look for a high-tech replacement. There are thermostats that you can turn on from your phone these days. You can walk into a home that is the perfect temperature for you.
Computer Problems
Computers are a modern convenience that makes our lives easier. Most of the mechanical equipment in your home is computerized, and your thermostat is no exception. If a thermostat is not programmed correctly, it can cause problems.
You can consult your owner’s manual to find out if your thermostat has been programmed incorrectly. If you are not the one who purchased the unit, you can look for the manufacturer’s information and give them a call. In some cases, there may be a problem with the software.
If tinkering with a thermostat yourself does not work, you can always call an AC repair company. There is likely to be something wrong with the wiring. Wire replacement is best handled by a professional. Living without air conditioning is not an option in Florida. If you take good care of your thermostat, your home will be a comfortable place to seek refuge from the sun.