How the Thermostat Can Change Your Air Conditioning System

The thermostat is one of the most important parts of your home’s heating and cooling system. It is the brain that tells your HVAC system when to run, how long to run, and when to shut off. If you still have an older slider model you might be due for an upgrade. Air conditioning repair in Cupertino, CA for a new thermostat can dramatically change the functionality of your system.

How Does the Thermostat Work?

The thermostat works by measuring the average temperature in the home. To be most effective it should be centrally located on an interior wall away from air vents, hallways, windows, doors, and direct sunlight. It should also be placed in a high-traffic area instead of tucked somewhere out of the way. If you have an outdated thermostat or a poorly placed thermostat, it will never be able to properly calibrate the internal temperature of the home. And without precise calculations, your HVAC system will never run efficiently.

What Difference Do a Few Degrees Make?

When it comes to running your heating and cooling system, a few degrees can make a significant difference in comfort and efficiency and you will end up paying for the wasted energy. Unfortunately, the problem tends to snowball over time and the inaccuracy of the thermostat will only increase. A faulty thermostat may be to blame if the system short cycles or runs nonstop. It can also cause the living space to feel warmer or cooler than it should. Or you might suddenly experience a system failure. This is why it is important to take care of the problem quickly and get a repair or upgrade your thermostat as soon as possible.

How do You Troubleshoot a Thermostat?

The first thing to do is check thermostat temperatures. At times, what seems like a broken cooling system may simply be the result of someone other than yourself adjusting the settings. When checking the thermostat there are two temperatures to check—the set point temperature or desired temperature, and the room temperature or the current temperature of the space around you. If the set point is above the room temperature this should kick on the furnace. If the set point is below the room temperature it should turn on the air conditioning. If the room temperature reading seems off, check it with a thermometer and use the owner’s manual to recalibrate the readings.

What Upgrades Should I Consider?

If it is time to upgrade your thermostat there are two types to consider—a Wi-Fi thermostat and a smart thermostat. There are slight differences. A Wi-Fi thermostat is basically a programmable thermostat that connects to the internet and can be programmed from anywhere in the world. It is a simpler upgrade that gives you control over your heating and cooling from your phone. A smart thermostat takes things one step further. Like Wi-Fi thermostats, these connect to the internet and can be controlled by other smart devices. But they also start to learn your patterns with time, specifically how you like to heat and cool your home. And a smart thermostat will start to make suggestions for better efficiency to help save you money.

Contact Pelle Heating & Air Conditioning if you are ready to upgrade your thermostat. With a fairly simple air conditioning repair in Cupertino, CA you can improve comfort and efficiency.