Programmable thermostats are popular because of their energy saving features. These types of thermostats allow homeowners to create heating and cooling programs that best suit the lifestyle of the resident. Occasionally, they need maintenance or replacement. If your programmable thermostat isn't working, use these troubleshooting tips.

1. Check batteries

Try replacing the batteries. Even though there may be a "low battery" indicator feature, it might not detect it soon enough. You should aim to replace the batteries once every six months to ensure consistent operation. First, turn the thermostat to the "off' position. Remove the front cover to locate the battery compartment. In most cases, the unit will take AA batteries. Replace them with high-performance batteries. Secure the front cover and turn the unit back on. If the unit is still not functioning properly, try the next option.

2.  Examine the fuse

Remove the front cover again and locate the fuse in the unit. If the filament is not intact, that means the fuse is broken and needs replacement. Fuses are inexpensive. Bring it to a hardware store so you can replace it with the correct size. Install the new fuse, put the front cover back and test the operation again.

3. Try both systems

If the air conditioning isn't working, check to see if the furnace is still functional If the furnace is not working, try running the air conditioning. As you do this, adjust the temperature up and down to see if the system responds. If one or the other works, the problem is probably not with the thermostat, but with the HVAC system itself. You'll need to contact an HVAC technician to further investigate the cause and solution.

4. Replace the thermostat

If you do step 3 and find that the thermostat doesn't work with either the furnace or the air conditioning system, then it's likely that the programmable thermostat itself needs to be replaced. Review your original purchase receipt and manufacturer's information to see if it's still under warranty. Contact the manufacturer for return instructions and to find out if there is any recall on the product. Contact an HVAC professional (such as Ice Age Mechanical) to install the new programmable thermostat.

A programmable thermostat is only as useful as its ability to allow the homeowner to program temperature settings according to the day and/or time. If it isn't working properly, going through these steps should help you pinpoint the problem and find the right solution.