Whenever your home in Hanford, CA, feels too warm, what’s the first thing you do?
Chances are, you always reach out for your thermostat to turn your air conditioner on and adjust its temperature settings. Thanks to this device, you can conveniently operate your AC.
However, your thermostat will eventually need replacement. When that time comes, consider replacing it before Visalia’s 24 days with above 100° F temperatures arrive this year.
But how do you even tell that your thermostat already needs a replacement?
This guide explains the answers and teaches you how to install a digital thermostat, so read on.
Signs You Need a Thermostat Replacement
Thermostats can last up to 35 years.
That’s especially true for analog thermostats, the most basic type. Since these devices are simple, they have fewer components prone to breakdown. However, they often get replaced before they fail by newer, more convenient, and energy-efficient models.
So, if you’ve been using an analog thermostat for a decade or longer, consider replacing it with a digital version. Digital thermostats have features that can help you reduce energy use and costs, such as programmability, advanced learning, and analytics. You can also monitor and control them remotely with your mobile phone.
Aside from having an analog thermostat, here are the other signs to replace or upgrade your old thermostat.
Incorrect Readings
Your HVAC thermostat measures and regulates indoor temperature by keeping it at a set point.
You can set whatever temperature you’re most comfortable with. However, we’ll use the U.S. Department of Energy’s recommended summer setting of 78° F to give you an example.
When you turn your AC on, your thermostat measures your home’s ambient temperature. If it’s above 78° F, the thermostat signals the AC to start the cooling cycle and lower the temperature.
Once the temperature is within your desired setting, the thermostat prompts the AC to stop cooling the air. The cycle restarts when the temperature rises again.
The Problem
A thermostat with a failed or broken internal sensor or thermometer can misread the ambient temperature.
In that case, there will likely be a discrepancy between the ambient and the thermostat’s temperature readings. For instance, your thermostat’s setting may be at 78° F, but even with the AC on, the temp feels more like it’s in the 90s.
Troubleshooting Tip
You can use a room thermometer to check the ambient temperature. Then, compare it with your thermostat’s reading. If there’s a significant difference, it’s a sign you need to get thermostat repair services or a replacement.
Erratic HVAC Cycles
Incorrect thermostat readings can cause your HVAC system to short cycle or turn on and off more often.
However, short cycling can also be due to problems with the AC or air ducts that require repairs. For instance, it can result from having an undersized or oversized air conditioner. You may also have leaky ducts, leading to inefficient cooling and causing your system to work harder to reach your desired temperature.
The best way to determine the cause of erratic AC cycles is to hire an HVAC expert for thermostat troubleshooting in Hanford, CA. They use specialized tools to diagnose issues and recalibrate thermostats. However, if yours is too old or has other problems (e.g., frayed wires), it’s more practical to replace it.
Random Changes to Settings
Suppose you have a manual, programmable thermostat and have input various settings into it. Your thermostat “followed” your instructions for the longest time without problems. But then, one day, it didn’t, and you discovered the settings changed (on their own) or disappeared.
If so, your thermostat’s electronics may have already failed. That indicates that you need to upgrade your thermostat in Hanford.
Unresponsive
Is your thermostat no longer responding to any action, no matter what buttons you press? If so, try changing the batteries first.
If that doesn’t help, contact a local HVAC company for help with your thermostat issues. And if you haven’t had HVAC maintenance in Hanford yet, consider scheduling an AC tune-up, too.
How to Install a Digital Thermostat
Installing a digital thermostat requires some electrical know-how, including wiring knowledge. You’ll have to disconnect the old thermostat from the wires and then connect the new one. You’ll also need tools like a screwdriver, wrench, wire stripper, pliers, and a drill.
Here are the basic guidelines and steps to install your new thermostat:
- Turn off the entire HVAC system by switching off its circuit breaker at the electrical panel
- Remove the old thermostat’s faceplate
- Snap a photo of the wiring to have a guide of which wires connect to which terminals
- Remove the old thermostat’s wires from the backplate
- Add a C-wire if your system doesn’t have one yet
- Use the new thermostat’s backplate as a guide for where to drill holes for the screws
- Securely attach the backplate with the screws
- Connect the wires to the new thermostat
- Install the new thermostat’s faceplate
After that, you can turn your HVAC system on and connect the new thermostat to your Wi-Fi. The exact steps for the Wi-Fi connection vary from one model to another, but you should find the instructions in your owner’s manual.
If you lack electrical know-how or are unsure of your DIY skills, consider leaving the installation task to an HVAC professional. They’ll first determine if your system is compatible with a digital thermostat. If so, they’ll promptly install your new thermostat and ensure it follows building codes.
Get a Digital Thermostat Today
Now you know that incorrect readings, erratic HVAC cycles, and unresponsiveness are some signs you need to replace your old thermostat. You also learned how to install a digital thermostat and why you’d want one in the first place.
So, if you’re ready to have your new digital thermostat professionally installed, let the HVAC experts at Comfort Now help! Our company has helped customers address their HVAC issues in Hanford and the surrounding areas since 2011. We have many 5-star reviews on Yelp and Angie’s List, which we believe reflects our high-quality services.
Contact us today to schedule your service! We look forward to helping you enjoy your new digital thermostat’s advanced energy-saving and convenience features.