If your Pompano Beach home isn’t cooling or heating the way it should be, you may instinctively want to blame something in your air conditioner or heater. Sometimes, the problem is much smaller than an HVAC mechanical failure; you may have a faulty thermostat.

Can a Thermostat Go Bad?

Yes! Just like every part of your HVAC system, your thermostat has a limited lifespan. Thermostat parts can wear and become unreliable after years of use. Internal wires may fray or come loose or the tiny electrical parts that send signals to your system may burn out.

When this happens, your thermostat often starts to go haywire or even stop functioning completely.

How Long Do Thermostats Last?

On average, thermostats last about 10 years. Some may have a longer lifespan, or your thermostat could fry early due to an outside force like hard wear or frequent power surges. If you don’t remember when the thermostat was installed (or know that it’s been over a decade), old age is the most likely culprit for a thermostat on the fritz.

Watch for These 9 Signs of a Thermostat Going Bad

The first, most obvious sign is that your HVAC isn’t working the way it’s supposed to; usually, your house isn’t reaching the correct temperature.

But once you’ve noticed you have an issue, here’s how to tell it’s the thermostat at fault:

  1. The screen is dead. A thermostat with a broken display can indicate that your thermostat isn’t getting power. Try changing the batteries. If that doesn’t work, it’s likely a more serious problem with the device.
  2. The actual temperature doesn’t match the display. Check that your thermostat is still set at its usual temperature. If no settings have changed, but your room feels too hot or cold, your thermostat can no longer accurately read the room temp and needs to be replaced.
  3. Your AC or heater is stuck on. If you notice your HVAC switch on for a long time without stopping, try flipping the system to “off” on your thermostat. If it continues to run, your thermostat probably has bad wiring. If it does turn off at the switch, you may have a mechanical issue that requires AC repair.
  4. Your heating and cooling won’t turn on. A similar wiring issue could mean that your thermostat never tells your HVAC to run in the first place. Try switching from cooling to heating (or vice versa) to check if the other half of your HVAC system runs. If neither heating nor cooling runs, the problem is most likely your thermostat.
  5. Your HVAC is short cycling. While plenty of issues can cause the quick “on, off, on, off” rotation called short cycling, it may be a sign that your thermostat is going bad. This is especially true if it’s paired with another symptom on this list.
  6. Scheduled settings stop working. If you have a digital thermostat that can remember scheduled programs for heating and cooling, it shouldn’t forget them until you change the settings. Your schedule suddenly not working may point to a malfunctioning thermostat.
  7. Nothing happens when you adjust the settings. If you turn the temperature down on your thermostat, your air conditioner should kick on within a minute to cool your home. Usually, it’s far less than a minute. A broken thermostat may be unable to communicate a setting change to your HVAC system.
  8. Temperatures shift. Some malfunctions can cause your thermostat to constantly shift settings, resulting in sudden, erratic changes to the temperature in your home.
  9. Your thermostat is old. As we mentioned above, most thermostats have about a 10-year lifespan. If yours is near or past that estimated expiration date, it might simply be time for a new, dependable one.

Can a Faulty Thermostat Cause a High Electric Bill?

Yes! A faulty thermostat often can’t read the temperatures in your home correctly and may overwork your air conditioner trying to beat the Pompano Beach heat—even though the house is already cool! If you notice high energy bills, especially when the weather hasn’t changed drastically, call in a pro.

While many malfunctions can raise the bill, an air conditioner maintenance check can tell you which part of your system is causing the problem.

Call the Pros When You Notice Faulty Thermostat Symptoms

When you notice a problem with your HVAC, don’t wait for it to get worse and leave you sweating in the Florida heat. One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Pompano Beach offers thermostat repair and replacement to the surrounding area, including Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, and Coral Springs.

Our experienced technicians replace thermostats of all kinds. Choose from the latest technology for a thermostat that will keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Call us at (954) 379-8260 or book online today.