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thermostat causes AC issues

Underlying Thermostat Causes of AC Issues, Part 2

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over the connection between certain air conditioner issues and your home’s thermostat. While some of these issues may not necessarily appear to be originating with your thermostat, a few sneaky concerns may lead to problems you had not expected in terms of cooling capacity and strain on your system.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we’re happy to provide comprehensive air conditioner repair and maintenance services that include any and all concerns taking place regarding your thermostat. In today’s part two of our series, we’ll go over several additional thermostat concerns that may lead to AC issues, plus how to deal with them in simple and easy ways.

Dirt or Buildups

Thermostats are not immune to buildups of dirt or grime, particularly within their interior components that work to not only gauge temperature, but also transmit information to the rest of the HVAC system using wiring. Luckily, these can be pretty easily cleaned and removed in most thermostat models.

Older models generally just require removal of the cover and dusting inside it. For contacts, use a piece of paper that moves between them to remove grime. For newer thermostats, consult ownership manuals or contact our team for cleaning information.

Installation Concerns

Particularly in cases where untrained homeowners attempted a thermostat installation without the assistance of HVAC professionals, there may be significant concerns. One of the key areas that often lacks here is wiring – most homeowners simply are not qualified to safely and properly connect and tighten wires in the right areas, and can cause damage and electrical issues throughout the home.

If you do not have HVAC training, do not attempt to repair or replace a thermostat on your own. Call our team for assistance.

Leveling Issues

A related installation issue, but one that may also take place over time in older homes even if installation was solid, is a thermostat that isn’t level. Older thermostats in particular, especially those made with mercury bulbs, require a level state to function properly. If you’re noticing issues and none of our other entries seem to be the source, check this area as well.

Programing Problems

Finally, modern programmable thermostats are fantastic innovations that allow homeowners far more control and comfort for their HVAC programs – but they’re not immune to potential concerns after many years of operation, just like other computerized systems. They may have been improperly programmed at some point, or could be experiencing wear in wiring or other component areas. This is an area where our HVAC professionals will be happy to investigate the issues and get to the bottom of things for you.

For more on thermostat issues and how they impact your AC, or to learn about any of our HVAC or plumbing services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric today.