Signs You Should Replace Your Thermostat
We usually know when our heating system is having trouble, but how do you know when the real issue is your thermostat? As an appliance, the thermostat is frequently taken for granted. Whether you have a traditional model or a smart thermostat, we don’t always appreciate how much impact a thermostat can have on our comfort or the efficiency of our furnace and HVAC system.
You should consider replacing your thermostat if:
- Your current thermostat frequently malfunctions or is broken
- Your heating system doesn’t respond to thermostat settings
- Your HVAC system is short-cycling
- You notice that the temperature readings on your thermostat aren’t correct
- Your system turns on when it doesn’t need to or shuts off before it’s reached the correct temperature
- Thermostat features (such as automatic scheduling and eco-mode) aren’t working or only word sporadically
Another reason to consider replacing your thermostat is if it is over ten years old. While basic thermostats will last a long time, smart thermostats and those with more programmable features tend to wear out around the 10-year mark.
It is important to note that while these are all signs that your thermostat may need to be replaced, they can also indicate issues with your HVAC system. We recommend scheduling an inspection with the HVAC team at Donmar Heating, Cooling & Plumbing if you are experiencing any of these problems. We can diagnose the issue and help you find the right solution that will genuinely solve your problem.
Ways Your Thermostat May Be Costing You Money
The top reasons your thermostat may cost you money are if it is broken, malfunctioning, or provides inaccurate temperature readings. Thermostats that are damaged or not working correctly tend to trigger your heater or AC to come on more often than needed. Not only does this make your home uncomfortable, but it costs you a lot of money in excess energy usage.
Your thermostat may also cost you money if it is not programmable or doesn’t feature vacation or eco-modes. Modern thermostats allow for a wide range of customizable heating and cooling that older or more basic models do not. For example, a smart thermostat with remote-control capabilities will enable you to check your home’s temperature and adjust your settings when you aren’t there. This means you won’t be paying for heating and cooling when you aren’t actually there to enjoy it.
Review our blog to learn more about how your thermostat may cost you money.
The Benefits of a Smart Thermostat
If you have determined that it is time to replace your thermostat, you may wonder if replacing it with a new, smart thermostat is worth the extra expense. Generally, yes, upgrading to a smart thermostat is almost always worth the cost. This is for a few reasons, but the primary one is that you will have ultimate control over your HVAC system with a smart thermostat.
Some of the benefits of upgrading to a smart thermostat include the following:
- Greater customization and control over your heating and cooling system
- Intuitive scheduling technology that passively learns your heating and cooling routines without you having to do anything
- Eco-, away, and vacation modes that help you reduce your energy consumption while away from home
- Remote control and Wi-Fi features that enable you to control your HVAC system when not at home
Generally, those with a smart thermostat run their systems less than those who do not have smart thermostats. Consequently, homeowners who upgrade to smart thermostats see immediate savings on their monthly energy bills, especially if they have the intuitive features turned on.
If you’ve recently installed a smart thermostat or want more information on how a smart thermostat can help you save money, review our blog here.
Do you have more questions about thermostats? Call Donmar Heating, Cooling & Plumbing at (703) 457-8676 or send us a message online. We are standing by.