A thermostat is a device that displays the current temperature and allows you to adjust it to your liking. As such, this is the control point that determines when and how much heat the furnace will produce. However, like every other electrical device, the thermostat may wear down over time and begin to act up. When this happens, you will keep adjusting the temperatures, but the thermostat will remain unresponsive, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere. You should thus contact an HVAC contractor to evaluate your system and fix the thermostat for maximum indoor climate control. Below are likely reasons your thermostat is malfunctioning.

Broken or Damaged Sensors

Your thermostat may malfunction when the sensor goes bad. In most cases, this happens when the sensors' seals fail to withstand severe material contraction when temperatures are freezing. As a result, moisture will bypass the damaged seals and penetrate the sensor, causing it to fail. When this happens, you will have a higher or lower temperature reading that differs from the set point. If this is the case with your device, you must replace it with one that can withstand low temperatures to prevent sensor damage. 

Poor Thermostat Location

If you install the thermostat in the wrong spot, it may act up. This includes placing the device around heat-emitting appliances, registers, or direct sunlight. As a result, the thermostat may sense the temperatures on these surfaces, causing it to short cycle. In the end, this creates an uncomfortable atmosphere as the furnace does not attain the set temperature. Also, since short cycling accelerates the rate of wear and tear and expends a lot of energy, you should contact an HVAC contractor. They will help you position your thermostat in a spot with infrequent temperature fluctuation to detect room temperature accurately.

Dirty Thermostat

Over time, dirt, dust, and lint particles can infiltrate the furnace, blocking the thermostat sensors. Consequently, dirt build-up can impair its calibration, leading to improper readings. In addition, grime can corrode the contacts on the thermostat, restricting proper current flow to sustain its operation. As a result, you will have an unresponsive device that may fail to turn on. However, you can prevent this by cleaning your thermostat regularly to prevent temperature disparity or device failure. 

Loose Connections

A thermostat depends on several electrical connections to function properly. However, these wires may become faulty or disconnect from the power panel. As such, the thermostat may fail to send the right signals to the furnace for heat production. More so, your device will operate at a low voltage, reducing its service life. Thus, you should contact a heating contractor to tighten the screw terminals holding the wires to maintain a firm connection.

Note that a defective thermostat will disrupt your ambiance and increase energy bills. Therefore, you should employ the services of an HVAC repair expert to routinely service your system and ensure it operates at peak functionality.

Reach out to a local HVAC company for more info.