When the winter period begins, everyone will be up and down trying to find ways to keep themselves and their loved ones warm. And that’s where you expect your thermostat to function at its optimum. However, the thermostat can disappoint you at this time when the temperatures won’t stay consistent.
There are several causes for your thermostat to malfunction and keep changing the temperature unrelentingly on its own. The main and most common cause is that your thermostat is on program mode. All you have to do to fix this is to raise or lower the temperature as you want it to be then press the keep button once.
This article outlines other reasons why your thermostat keeps changing temperature on its own and how to fix them.
Your Furnace May Contain Dirty Filters
Dirty filters cause the furnace to work harder, and it can even prevent it from coming on at all. Dirty filters can also make your furnace run for longer periods before they can heat or cool the house creating a bigger strain and more annoyance for you and your family.
Fortunately, fixing this problem is quite easy. Open up your furnace, then find the filter and order for replacement. After replacement, take out your old filter and clean the dust area before inserting a new one. Make sure you replace your air filter regularly, even if your furnace isn’t working.
Your thermostat Isn’t Calibrated Properly
If your thermostat is not calibrated properly, it may cause you to feel warmer or colder than what the thermostat is set at. To fix this problem, you must take the time to calibrate your thermostat to fit your preferences and avoid an uncomfortable home environment. Make sure you follow the instruction manual to ensure that you are doing the calibration properly.
Your Thermostat Maybe Broken
Sometimes, your thermostat may be broken beyond calibration. You’ll notice malfunctioning if your heater turns on and off inappropriately. When the heater turns on and off inappropriately, it’s a clear indication that it’s broken.
Another sign of a non-responsive thermostat is when it’s turning on and off improperly. To resolve a broken thermostat issue, it’s best to contact your local HVAC company to fix your device, depending on the problem. You can also replace the broken thermostat yourself or get it replaced by a professional.
It’s Too Cold Outside
Sometimes, if it is very cold outside, then this can affect how hot the house feels. When the heater turns on for a long time and does not turn off, then you’ll likely experience cold spots throughout your home. The cause of this issue is the lack of circulation in your home.
Sometimes, winter can be intensely cold with plummeting temperatures. Your heat pump may experience a loss of airflow, which can result in cold spots. Make sure your heat pump is getting enough circulation and that there are no leaks within the system. Also, make sure your filter is clean for optimal heating performance.
Your Home May Not be Adequately Insulated
Warm temperatures can escape from your home if it’s not properly insulated. The best way to remedy this is to have adequate insulation installed. Make sure you feel the interior ceilings, walls, and floors. If these surfaces are warm and dry during winter, then you’re on the right path. But if they’re damp or cold, you’re losing heat through your under-insulated areas.
Pilot Light Problems
Pilot light problems are pretty common with old heating units. Make sure the pilot is burning by checking that flame is visible at all times of ignition. If it’s not, you’ll need to call a professional for repairs. You can fix this vice on your own by turning the gas off for three minutes then wait for that time to pass.
When you see your pilot light out, flickering, or you notice a suspicious color, then look further to see if you have other signs of overheating. Flickering pilot light or strange color may be an indication of excess carbon monoxide. As a result, you’ll need to immediately call your gas provider or a professional for repairs.
A Cracked Heat Exchanger
Your pilot light is not lit, and you can tell that the gas is flowing through it. For instance, you’ll smell a strong odor of natural gas or propane. These are signs that indicate problems with your heat exchanger. You need to inspect these parts because sometimes they crack when exposed to excessive pressure inside the furnace.
Make sure you properly evaluate the situation. If the heat exchanger looks warped or cracked, you need to call a professional as replacing it yourself can be risky due to carbon monoxide leaks. Checking your heat exchanger regularly to make sure it works appropriately will help prevent any major issues from occurring.
Lack of Venting Due to Lower Belt
If you notice that your furnace isn’t shooting out hot air, the issue could be a lower belt that has snapped or broken down. When this happens, it’s necessary to call a professional as replacing this part of the machinery requires some work and expertise.
Replacing belts isn’t difficult, but not everyone is comfortable with the procedure. As such, it’s best to work with a professional who can ensure that you’re not going to sustain any damage due to the procedure.
Damaged Ball Bearings
Ball bearings help to fasten the furnace in place. When these bearings are worn out, it’s necessary to replace them. This is one of the most common causes of a furnace malfunctioning, so you need to ensure that your bearings are in place and haven’t been worn out over time.
Incorrect Furnace Size
When your furnace isn’t the right size, it can malfunction in a number of ways. The most common sign that your furnace is the wrong size is that it doesn’t produce heat. In many cases, when technicians find out that they need to upgrade from an 80% furnace to 90%, it’s recommended that you do this immediately. A small furnace may also lack the power to heat your home effectively, especially if it’s currently running all day.
A Frozen Outdoor
If your outdoor unit is frozen and covered in ice, it can’t function properly. Homeowners with an outdoor furnace need to ensure that they keep it free of ice at all times. If the panel is shut off, technicians will typically use a heat trace cable. This cable ensures that the pump doesn’t freeze and keeps water flowing throughout your entire system.
Make Your Feel Warm and Comfortable During Cold Season
As you can see, there’re a number of reasons that can make your thermostat. However, you can find a way to fix this problem yourself without stressing too much. And if the problem looks bad enough, you can leave it to the professionals to make your home more comfortable.
