If you’ve ever woken up shivering in the middle of the night, or returned home from work to find your home hot enough to boil eggs in, you’ll know that an unreliable thermostat can be more than just an annoyance. Thermostats are a critical part of your gas central heating system and if they start to malfunction, your comfort – and indeed your wallet – can suffer.
Here we aim to provide you with some simple steps to troubleshoot your thermostat before you decide to call in a heating engineer. Regularly checking and correctly maintaining your thermostat not only ensures a comfortable home environment but also aids in reducing wasted energy costs.
**Step 1: Check If There Is a Power Issue**
The first step in diagnosing a misbehaving thermostat is to check its power source. Is the display on? If not, it’s possible that the problem lies not with the thermostat, but with your power supply. Inspect the power source; if batteries power your thermostat, it might be as simple as replacing them. For wall-mounted models, verify that the fuse or circuit breaker is operational.
**Step 2: Assess the Position of Your Thermostat**
If your thermostat is not responding accurately to the ambient temperature, location could be to blame. A thermostat should be placed away from direct sunlight, drafts, doorways, or any heat sources, as these can interfere with temperature readings.
**Step 3: Clean Your Thermostat**
Just like other household items, thermostats too need a good cleaning once in a while, especially if they are the older, mechanical type. Dust accumulation can interfere with the electrical and mechanical components. Simply remove the thermostat cover and gently use a soft brush or compressed air to clean the inside.
**Step 4: Check the Heat Anticipator**
This step applies to mechanical thermostats. The heat anticipator is a small device that informs the thermostat when to turn off furnaces before the desired temperature is reached, preventing overheating. If you have incessant cycling of your heat, the anticipator may be set incorrectly. Check your user manual on how to adjust the heat anticipator.
**Step 5: Review the Wiring**
Improper or loose wiring connections are a common thermostat-related issue. Make sure the wires are properly connected as indicated in your thermostat’s schematic diagram – but remember, any tampering with electricity should always be done with caution, and, if in doubt, always call in a qualified heating engineer.
Nevertheless, there’ll be times when a faulty thermostat may need replacement, particularly if it’s outdated or beyond a simple repair. However, since most thermostat issues are fixable, these tips should help you get your heating system back on track. By regularly examining and troubleshooting your thermostat, you can not only retain a comfortable indoor environment but also save on unnecessary energy expenditure.
The importance of the humble thermostat to your home’s comfort and energy-efficiency should never be underestimated. Recognising when your thermostat needs some attention is a key skill – and could save you a costly call-out fee as well.