You check the wall, and the screen says it is 72 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you are sweating through your shirt because the air feels much hotter than the number on the display. This happens more often than you might think. Thermostats are sensitive electronics that can easily get confused by the environment around them. If the device is getting the wrong information, your air conditioner will turn off too soon or run until your house feels like the Arctic. Taking care of your thermostat is the easiest way to stay comfortable without wasting money on electricity you do not actually need.
The Dangers of Ghost Heat and Bad Placement
Your thermostat is constantly reading the air temperature in its immediate vicinity. So, if it is mounted in a spot that gets direct sunlight, it will think the whole house is boiling. This “ghost heat” from a sunny window or even a nearby lamp can trick the sensors into running the AC for hours after the rest of the rooms are already chilled.
If your thermostat is located near the kitchen or a bathroom, talk to a professional about moving it to a different location. The steam from a boiling pot of pasta or a hot shower can mess with the humidity readings. To get the most accurate reading, this device needs to be on an interior wall away from drafts, windows, and heat-generating appliances so that it can feel the true average temperature of your home.
Dusting the Device
Even if your thermostat is in the perfect spot, a layer of household dust can trap heat against the internal components. Older thermostats with mechanical parts or even modern ones with open vents can get filled with pet hair and lint over time. When the sensors are buried under a layer of gray fuzz, they cannot react quickly to changes in the air. This leads to your house overshooting the temperature you actually want.
You can solve this by removing the cover if it’s designed to be opened and using a soft brush or a can of compressed air to gently blow away any debris. If you have an older model with a small glass bulb, making sure that bulb is level is also a huge factor in whether it clicks on at the right time. A clean and level thermostat reacts instantly to the air. This keeps your cooling cycles short and efficient.
Replace the Batteries
Many people forget that their thermostats run on batteries even if they are wired into the wall. Low power can cause the screen to fade or the internal clock to lag. If the batteries are weak, the system might lose its programming. This means your AC could stay on all night when you wanted it to save energy. Replace the batteries every single summer before the first heatwave hits to ensure the signal between the wall and the furnace is strong and clear.
Keeping your thermostat in top shape is one of the easiest ways to take control of your home’s comfort. You can help your air conditioner last longer and keep your monthly energy costs from spinning out of control. If you live in Pueblo, CO or a surrounding area and need thermostat services, make your first call to R Buck Heating.