Problems with Your Furnace? It Could be Your Thermostat

There are few things as frustrating as a problem with your furnace in the middle of winter. But before you put all the blame on your furnace, you can do some simple troubleshooting to see if your thermostat is the real culprit. Read on to learn how or contact the Metro West Massachusetts HVAC experts at Nicholson Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning!

Check the Batteries

We recommend you check this first, because it is the easiest. If you have a digital thermostat, it has batteries. Some digital thermostats are hard wired and the batteries are only to save the “program” when the power goes out in your home. However, on many newer digital thermostats, the battery provides all of the power. That means if the battery goes out, your furnace will not work.

Clean your Thermostat

Just like everything else in your home, your thermostat can collect dust. A collection of dust inside your thermostat can cause it to malfunction. Fortunately, this thermostat problem is easy to fix.

1. Remove your thermostat’s cover. (For most thermostats, this is as simple as removing a few screws.)

2. Carefully and gently clean the internal components of your thermostat using a soft, dry brush or a can of compressed air.

Tighten the Connections

Another thermostat problem that can cause your furnace to malfunction is loose wiring. With your thermostat’s cover removed, tighten any of the screw terminals that may be loose. If a wire has come away from its terminal, replace it and tighten it. If you are unsure of where the wires should be in your thermostat, consult your owner’s manual or call a trusted HVAC professional.

Consider the Placement of your Thermostat

If your furnace is turning on and off frequently (known as short cycling), your thermostat could be in a bad position in your home. For example, if your thermostat is near a vent, the heat from the vent may cause it to register a higher temperature, which will shut off your furnace prematurely. You may experience a similar problem if your thermostat is near a window or heat source (like an oven, stove, etc.)

Still Having Furnace Problems?

If you’ve gone through this quick checklist of common thermostat problems and your furnace is still not quite working correctly, you may need to call in a reliable heating company in Framingham or the surrounding area. Reach out to us at Nicholson with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment with a heating repair specialist!