The first cold snap of fall is a good reminder that your home's heating system will soon be working much harder. Before temperatures drop, take a few minutes to check your thermostat and make sure it is properly controlling your heating system.
If your thermostat is unresponsive, shows an incorrect temperature, or your heating system is not turning on as expected, contact the team via our online contact form or call (781) 512-7350 for help. Getting the issue checked early can make the transition into colder weather less stressful.
Check Your Thermostat Before the Temperature Drops
If your thermostat has been set to cooling mode for much of the year, check its settings before you need Heat. Make sure the thermostat is set to Heat rather than Cool or Off.
You should also check the temperature setting. A small adjustment can help you find a comfortable setting without making your heating system work harder than necessary.
Before the first cold snap, check these basic settings:
- Set the thermostat to Heat.
- Check the temperature setting.
- Make sure the display is working normally.
- Confirm that the thermostat responds when you adjust the temperature.
If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, review the schedule as well. A summer schedule may not make sense once your household starts using the heating system regularly.
Replace the Batteries if Needed
Some thermostats use batteries to power the display and controls. When batteries become weak, the thermostat may display a warning, become difficult to read, or stop working properly.
If your thermostat uses replaceable batteries, check them before the heating season gets busy. It is also helpful to keep the correct replacement batteries available at home.
Do not assume a blank or malfunctioning thermostat always needs new batteries, though. The problem could involve the thermostat itself, its wiring, or the heating system.
Check the Thermostat's Temperature Reading
Your thermostat uses a temperature sensor to determine how warm or cool the room is. If the thermostat is not reading the temperature accurately, your heating system may not turn on or off when you expect it to.
Compare the thermostat reading with the temperature in the same room. You can use a separate indoor thermometer for a basic comparison.
Keep in mind that the readings may not be the same. However, a noticeable difference that continues over time may be worth having checked.
Keep the Area Around the Thermostat Clear
Where your thermostat is located can affect the temperature it senses. Avoid placing lamps, electronics, or other heat-producing items directly beside it.
Furniture, curtains, and other objects should also not block the thermostat. The goal is to allow the thermostat to sense the room's normal temperature rather than the temperature of a small, unusually warm or cool area.
Before winter, look around your thermostat and make sure:
- Curtains or furniture are not blocking it.
- A nearby heater or appliance is not producing extra Heat around it.
- The thermostat is easy to see and adjust.
- The surrounding area is reasonably open.
Test Your Heating System
Once your thermostat is set to Heat, test the system before you experience a very cold day. Raise the temperature a few degrees above the current room temperature and give the system time to respond.
You should notice the heating system starts after a short period. If nothing happens, check the thermostat settings again before assuming there is a major problem.
If the system still does not respond, or if you notice unusual sounds, repeated cycling, or uneven heating, it may be time to have the system inspected.
Know When Your Thermostat May Need Replacement
Thermostats can become inaccurate or stop responding properly as they age. Older thermostats may also lack scheduling features that can make temperature control easier.
Some homeowners choose to replace an older thermostat with a programmable or smart model. Smart thermostats can allow homeowners to adjust settings through a phone and create heating schedules.
However, not every thermostat works with every heating system. The wiring and type of HVAC equipment in your home can affect compatibility.
If you are considering an upgrade, professional thermostat installation in Wakefield, MA can help ensure the thermostat is compatible with your existing system and properly configured.
Prepare Before the First Cold Snap
A thermostat may be small, but it plays an important role in controlling your home's heating system. Taking a few minutes to check the settings, batteries, temperature reading, and surrounding area can help you identify problems before colder weather arrives.
For Wakefield homeowners, fall is also a useful time to assess the overall condition of their heating systems. If your thermostat is not working correctly or your home is having trouble maintaining a comfortable temperature, do not wait until the coldest day of the season to look into the problem.
Get Help With Thermostat and HVAC Services in Wakefield, MA
If your thermostat needs to be replaced, calibrated, or installed, Mac Home Services can help homeowners determine what type of thermostat is appropriate for their HVAC system. Learn more about thermostat installation in Wakefield, MA or contact Mac Home Services online to discuss your needs.
Call (781) 512-7350 if you need help getting your thermostat or heating system ready for the colder months.