Even with Calgary’s mild summers, staying cool during the hottest weather can be tricky . A programmable or “smart” thermostat takes the guesswork out of cooling your home, letting you specify times and temperatures precisely. This keeps your household more comfortable — and saves money on your energy bills.
Like any appliance, programmable thermostats may sometimes need attention. If your AC isn’t working properly, these troubleshooting tips will help you determine whether your thermostat is the problem.
- SettingsCheck the thermostat’s settings. In summer, set it to “cool” rather than “heat”. Make sure the date and time are right and that the programmed schedule is correct.
- Display and powerIf the digital display is blank, the unit may be switched off or disconnected. Check if the thermostat’s power switch is in the “on” position. The thermostat’s connections may be affected if it isn’t mounted properly on the wall plate.
- Fuses and circuit breakersCheck the circuit breakers and fuses in your electrical box. If a circuit breaker has been tripped, flip the switch to power the system back up. If a fuse has blown, you can obtain a replacement fuse from your local hardware store. Take along the old fuse to ensure you get the right type.
- BatteriesSome programmable thermostats use batteries instead of external power. Replacing these may solve the problem.
- LocationIf your thermostat is located in a cold spot, it may not respond properly to the real temperature of your home.
- Other systems
Test your thermostat by turning on your heating, switching from “cool” to “heat” and setting the thermostat to a high temperature.
A faulty thermostat may need to be replaced. If your thermostat seems to be working correctly, your air conditioning may have a problem. A properly certified HVAC engineer will be able to investigate further.
With 50 years experience in home comfort solutions, Arpi’s Industries Ltd. can help you with any further questions you have about smart thermostats and other HVAC-related home comfort topics. Contact us today to learn more.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Calgary, Alberta about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about programmable thermostat and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide. Image courtesy of Shutterstock
