Fluctuation in performance of heating systems can make your home feel uncomfortably warm or too cold. If you have a problem with your heating system it is worthwhile looking at the thermostat first before calling out a professional. Problems may persist with heating systems that are dated but if your system is fairly new it is more cost effective to check the thermostat first.

The following article is a guide to troubleshooting your thermostat.

Initial Checks

Before you start to check your thermostat there are a few other factors which could cause a reduction in performance.

• If your system has a remote sensor to control it make sure the correct battery type is being used. Lithium batteries offer the best support as they will need changing infrequently.
• If your thermostats timekeeping is erratic it may be caused by your choice of batteries. Alkaline batteries are not as effective as lithium.
• If your batteries are running low constantly try to avoid regularly checking the thermostat for readings and avoid using the backlit function for long stretches of time.
• Inspect the filters to make sure they are all clean from any build up of dust or grime.
• Check all of the hoses running to and from the units of your system for any excessive wear.
• If the above checks are fine move onto the electrics of the thermostat. Check the manufacturers instructions first for more information.
• Many problems are caused by wear and tear of components that can be replaced. Inspect the wiring and the transformer.

Troubleshooting

After you have ruled out the above checks its time to move onto the thermostat itself.

• Start by placing a room thermometer near to your thermostat. Take down read outs on an hourly basis to compare the output. Carry on taking readings whilst attempting to repair other components so you can monitor the effectiveness of any work carried out.
• If you want to inspect the workings any further youll need to remove the cover. Even though thermostats use a low voltage power source it is still strongly advised to disconnect power to the unit and the thermostat itself before removing the cover.
• Remove the screws from the casing and with the cover removed feel for any drafts of cool or warm air emanating from the wall space. If there is air passing through further insulation may be required to prevent drafts.
• Many problems with thermostats are caused by build ups of dust and dirt. There are two areas in particular to check.
• The first, the anticipator is usually found in front of an arcing printed scale. The anticipator is a small metal tab that can be pushed to the left or right by hand. Try pushing the tab in both directions without applying to much pressure. If the problem does lie with the anticipator this step should resolve it.
• The last place to check is the contacts of the thermostat. Dont touch the contacts yourself or with any kind of metal implement as this will cause electrocution. Instead, use a soft brushed paint brush to remove any obstructive dust.

If after attempting these steps your thermostat is still not functioning properly contact a professional.