Many homeowners believe that the furnace is the most important appliance for heating their homes in the winter. But few even consider the thermostat. This device is just as important because it tells the furnace what to do, such as when to cut on the heat and what temperature to target. Devices that are old, in the wrong place, or need to be recalibrated can start sending the wrong messages to the heating system and cause it to run erratically or not at all. You must care for your thermostat to keep your household comfortable and save on your energy costs.
Choose a Central Location
Unfortunately, not all construction contractors consider where to put the thermostat when they build homes. Builders place these devices in locations where it is difficult to get an accurate reading, such as near a sunny window or in a drafty hallway. Temperatures in the home become uneven. Rooms near the thermostat can be a comfortable 75°F while bedrooms in the back of the house are so cold that you need thick blankets.
If your device is in a drafty location, it may never shut off because the sensor is tricked into thinking that the house is constantly cold. All is not lost if you figure out that your thermostat is in the wrong place. You can call an HVAC professional to move it to a central location in your home, such as an interior wall away from vents and heat sources, to make readings more accurate.
Keep Dust Away
Dust can cause a thermostat to malfunction. A thick layer can make thermostat sensors give inaccurate readings, which can cause your furnace to short cycle, turning on and off in rapid succession. Short cycling puts significant wear and tear on heating equipment because starting a furnace places significant strain on internal components and burns more energy than if the machinery were to just run steadily. From time to time, pop off the thermostat cover and spray away the dust with a can of compressed air. Or have an HVAC technician do this.
Upgrade if Necessary
Some homes still use old mercury thermostats that rely on a sliding lever for temperature adjustment and a mercury bulb to detect changes in the indoor temperature. If you have one of these old-fashioned devices, you cannot benefit from the same savings as homeowners who have modern models. These older thermostats lack the scheduling and optimizing features that help with cutting energy costs. Many homeowners prefer smart models that can facilitate energy savings.
Make sure to schedule regular HVAC inspections. During these service calls, an HVAC technician will check your thermostat along with your heating and cooling equipment to make sure it functions at its peak. These inspections help you save money on utility bills, avoid unnecessary repairs, and stay comfortable when the cold really hits. When you need smart thermostat services in Dallas, TX, contact Dallas Plumbing & Air Conditioning.
