Thermostat Not Reaching Set Temperature? Try These Tips!

Your thermostat serves as the control center of your HVAC system; so, when it malfunctions, keeping your home comfortable can quickly become impossible. And when a problem occurs during the height of an Arizona summer, it’s not just unpleasant; it can be downright dangerous.

Even though a thermostat is relatively small in size, it plays a big part in keeping you warm during the winter and comfortably cool during summer. But like any piece of equipment, your thermostat can run into unexpected issues. Luckily, there are plenty of tips for troubleshooting thermostat problems that can help you pinpoint what might be going on – and how to know when it’s time to contact an HVAC repair team.

If you’re having problems with your thermostat not reaching set temperature, there are many different factors that could be at play. Here’s what you need to know to deal with a troublesome thermostat as quickly and effectively as possible.

Why Isn’t My Thermostat Reaching the Set Temperature?

First, let’s quickly cover some of the most common reasons why a thermostat isn’t reaching the set temperature.

Initially, you might not even realize the thermostat problem. In fact, you might just notice that you’re always feeling too hot or too cold in your home. Many of our HVAC customers simply assume that they’re overthinking the issue – that is until they realize that their thermostat is to blame.

Some of the most common thermostat issues include:

• The thermostat is broken, not properly level, or dusty
• The thermostat needs to be recalibrated
• There is loose wiring causing a thermostat issue
• The thermostat is not in an ideal location in your home
• Your HVAC system isn’t large enough to serve your home effectively
• Your furnace or A/C is having problems
• There are airflow issues due to dirty vents or ducts

Let’s take a closer look at each of these potential causes of thermostat problems, and what our team can do to help you tackle them.

The thermostat is broken, not properly level, or dusty.

When your AC or furnace won’t reach set temperature selections made on your thermostat, it could be the thermostat itself creating a problem.

Here’s how:

• A dusty thermostat is more than just a quick chore to put on your list, it could be why you’re experiencing temperature problems inside your home. Because thermostats are extremely sensitive, and can easily be damaged, it is often best to have a professional manage the task. Our technicians can carefully clean off your thermostat without affecting the overall integrity of the equipment in any way.
• If your thermostat is not level, it can prevent the device from obtaining a correct temperature reading. This means that even if it’s 80 degrees in your home, your thermostat might be erroneously reading the temperature at 70 degrees – which could be why you have an AC not reaching the set temperature. Correct thermostat installation is essential for the functionality of the pin connection between the backplate and thermostat. We can dismantle your thermostat and reinstall it safely, remedying the issue.
• You may also have a thermostat with a broken part, in which case, replacement is generally the best bet. Trying to figure out how to repair a broken thermostat isn’t very cost-effective, and depending on the issue, could be pretty complicated. Instead, it’s usually ideal to have our team install a new thermostat. We can help you choose one that suits your budget, preferences, and needs.

The thermostat needs to be recalibrated.

Sometimes, your furnace or AC system won’t hit the thermostat temperature because the thermostat isn’t correctly calibrated. This can be a common issue with new thermostats, and also often occurs after a power outage or when the thermostat’s batteries are running low. Also, older thermostats may need to be regularly recalibrated over time.

We can test the calibration to determine if a correct can be made, or if a full replacement is necessary.

There is loose wiring causing a thermostat issue.

Even a single loose wire can wreak havoc on your thermostat, affecting the display and preventing it from accurately showing or reading your set temperature. The good news is that our HVAC technicians can remedy this issue fairly easily. When we open up your thermostat, we’ll be able to identify whether it’s an issue due to corroded wires, dust build-up, or something else entirely.

The thermostat is not in an ideal location in your home.

Is your thermostat installed in a spot that tends to be cooler or warmer than the rest of your home? If so, it’s going to be very challenging from the thermostat to get a temperature reading that’s representative of your home’s overall climate. It will seem like you have a faulty thermostat when really you just have one that’s been poorly placed.

If you have a thermostat located near a window, exterior door, fireplace, kitchen, space heater, or even a room with multiple lights, you may want to consider relocating it. Ideally, your thermostat should be on an interior (not exterior-facing) wall.

Your HVAC system isn’t large enough to serve your home effectively.

The fact of the matter is that not all HVAC systems are created equally, and a small system simply can’t do the work needed to cool or heat a large home. Here in Arizona, HVAC systems have to be able to take on the intense demands of our hundred-degree-plus summers. This means that it’s not uncommon for homeowners to realize that the original system installed by the builder isn’t actually adequate for their property.

Or, you might end up with this issue if you have recently added on to your home, converted a space or enclosed a sunroom, or created any additional workload for your HVAC system in any way. Depending on your specific situation, one of our experienced technicians may suggest either adding a supplemental heat and cooling source or replacing your HVAC unit altogether.

Your furnace or A/C is having problems.

Valley residents are often all too familiar with A/C problems, but a malfunctioning furnace can be an equally-pressing issue. Even if it seems like your thermostat is the culprit, it could actually be the system as a whole that’s facing a problem.

Our Phoenix A/C repair technicians start with a thermostat evaluation, but we’ll also assess your system as a whole. This means that we’ll spot any faulty part, so you don’t end up having to call us back in another week or two. Also, regular maintenance and tune-ups can be a proactive way to prevent issues, so you can avoid the expense and hassle as much as possible.

How to Fix a Thermostat That’s Not Reaching Set Temperatures: Contact Howard Air

At Howard Air, our Phoenix HVAC repair team is experienced in thermostat inspections and diagnoses, with the skill to pinpoint the source of the problem and repair it as needed. In many cases, thermostat issues require only a simple, inexpensive fix. Other times, a thermostat not reaching set temperatures is just a sign of a far more serious problem.

There’s no reason to spend another minute feeling uncomfortable in your home, whether it’s the middle of another scorching summer in AZ or during one of our pleasantly mild (but nevertheless chilly) winters. Howard Air is one of the leading providers of HVAC repairs in Phoenix, serving the needs of Valley home and business owners alike. Let one of our friendly technicians take a look at your thermostat and inspect your system, so we can make sure that any problems are resolved and you save as much time, hassle, and money as possible.

When you need thermostat repairs in Phoenix or have any kind of problem with your furnace or AC systems, contact Howard Air to partner with a team you can trust.

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