When Should I Replace My Thermostat?

If you experience some problems with your central heating system on some of the cooler Rhode Island overnights over these next few weeks, the culprit may not be your furnace or boiler – instead, it could be that small, often-forgotten box on your wall: your thermostat.

Like any home comfort equipment, your thermostat has a “shelf life” – and when it fails, your home heating equipment won’t work. Be on the lookout for these symptoms, which often indicate a problem thermostat that will more than likely need to be replaced:

• The air is too warm/cool – If you have a furnace and you feel cool air coming from your vents in heat mode, it can be a sign that your thermostat isn’t properly engaging with your HVAC system. If you have boiler, the same holds true with your radiators and baseboards: if they’re not getting warm, your thermostat could be to blame.
• Your display won’t light – If have checked your thermostat battery and still notice that its display isn’t lit, this could be a sign that the thermostat has failed.
• Excessive cycling – If your heating system starts and stops (“cycles”) repeatedly, it could mean your thermostat is on the outs (of course, it could mean other things, too – which is why you should contact a heating professional to take a look).
• Equipment won’t start / won’t stop running – If your heating system won’t start – or won’t stop running – your thermostat could be at the root of the problem.

If you are experiencing any of the issues above, your thermostat may need to be replaced. To find out for certain whether your thermostat is to behind your heating problems, contact us – our expert heating technicians will diagnose your problem and either repair your thermostat or suggest replacement options based on your preference and budget.

Why should I hire a professional to install a thermostat?

It could be tempting to try to fix or replace a problem thermostat yourself, but be warned: today’s thermostats are part of a complex and integrated electronic system that includes your furnace or boiler, and all the parts in between. Just about any of the problems described above could originate anywhere in the chain of a heating system – which is why it takes an experienced, trained professional to diagnose a heating problem.

Also, not all thermostats work with all heating systems – a heating expert will know how to match the thermostat to your heating equipment so you can get the most from your system.

Having heating problems that you think could be the result of a faulty or failing thermostat? Contact us today to find out for sure. Our experts will assess the problem, and if you need a new thermostat we’ll make recommendations for a model that suits your system and meets your budget.