Gone are the days of the printed number dial thermostats. Today's models are all digital. What happens if your digital display suddenly goes blank? Take a look at the possible causes and what you need to know about repairs.
Before you worry that your on-the-fritz thermostat will cost you in expensive repair bills, start with the simplest answer. Even though some thermostats use the home's electrical system as the primary source of power, others are battery-operated.
If your thermostat uses batteries, check the power source first. Open the battery compartment, remove the batteries, and replace them with new ones. Does the thermostat's digital display turn on? If it does not the batteries aren't at fault. Read on for information on other potential problems and what to do next.
Again, some thermostats don't use batteries. Models wired into the home's electrical system can turn off if a circuit breaker trips or a fuse blows. Like anything else that uses electricity in your home, an overloaded circuit will cause problems for this type of device.
If you have too many electrical devices on one circuit, adding a digital thermostat (or anything else that draws electricity) will cause an overload. Not only will you need to repair the thermostat or reset the breaker, but you'll also need to reduce the number of appliances or devices on the same circuit. Failure to do so will most likely result in a repeat problem.
Along with an overloaded circuit, breakers can trip due to a short circuit, ground fault, arc fault, or another similar electrical issue. The tripped breaker stops the flow of electricity and reduces the risk of a fire or shock hazard.
A circuit breaker that repeatedly trips or doesn't work correctly (the circuit won't turn on), requires professional evaluation. You might have a problem with your electrical system or the thermostat itself. If the thermostat draws too much power or has a wiring issue, an HVAC technician can evaluate and repair or replace it.
An overload or tripped breaker isn't the only potential reason behind a blank digital thermostat screen. A loose wire can cut the electricity to the unit. Several different points exist where a wire issue can affect a thermostat. If your model is hardwired to your home's electrical system, the issue likely has little to do with the thermostat itself.
The connection between the thermostat and the electrical line might be loose. An HVAC professional can evaluate the wiring and look for loose the connections. The same goes for connections within the unit.
Is your thermostat old, worn, or damaged? According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), a thermostat can last for 35 years. Even though this is an average lifespan, some models can last for more or less time. The overall lifespan depends on several factors, such as the quality of the unit.
Before you assume your older digital thermostat requires replacement, talk to a professional. An HVAC technician will need to examine the unit and rule out other issues, such as circuit or wiring issues. If the expert can't find another cause for the blank screen, a replacement is the next step.
What type of thermostat should you replace your older model with? The answer to this question depends on how you use your thermostat. If you only turn the heat or air conditioning on and off or up or down, a basic digital model will do. But if you need to program your thermostat or you want to monitor the indoor air temperature from work, a smart device is the best option.
Do you need a new thermostat? Contact Action Plumbing & Heating Maintenance for more information.