Using a programmable thermostat to control the cooling and heating needs of your Southeast Michigan home is one of the best ways to wrestle control over your monthly energy usage and skyrocketing costs. But what do you do when the unit experiences a problem? Simply follow these troubleshooting steps:
- Switch out the batteries — The batteries in your programmable thermostat should be changed every six months. Units will typically alert you to when they’re low, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Replacement of the batteries will often fix whatever problems you’re experiencing.
- Check the fuse — Inside most thermostats, you’ll find a fuse. Within this fuse is a filament, similar to what you see in a light bulb. This filament controls power levels and can sometimes become detached. If you notice this problem, your local hardware store can get you a new one.
- Test heating and cooling — When either the heat or air conditioning isn’t operating properly, homeowners often have a tendency to immediately call a technician. Before you do, test both units to ensure that the problem doesn’t lie with a piece of equipment. If neither heating nor cooling are working, something is most likely wrong with the thermostat.
- Check for warranty before replacement — If the thermostat is the issue and you can’t fix it, it’s time for replacement. Before that, however, check to see if the unit is still under warranty. Searching for recall information is important, too. Perhaps the model you’re using has an industry-wide problem that the manufacturer is aware of.
- Follow installation directions — Installing a programmable thermostat is typically a do-it-yourself affair. Just be sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. This will help ensure proper operation of the unit and help maintain your home’s overall energy efficiency.
If you’d like more information on how to troubleshoot a programmable thermostat, or have other questions related to home comfort, don’t be afraid to ask the experts at Aladdin Heating & Cooling. We’ve been serving the HVAC needs of Oak Park, Bloomfield Hills, Grosse Pointe Woods, and all surrounding areas of Southeast Michigan since 1945.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Warren, Michigan about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about programmable thermostats and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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