When it comes to your home, having a working heating and cooling system is essential. HVAC systems help provide you with comfortable living conditions throughout the year, whether that means providing you cool air during the summer or warm air during the winter. Your thermostat is a vital part of your HVAC system, which is why it needs to be replaced from time to time. If you don’t know when you should replace your thermostat, here are eight signs that it’s time to replace it.

1. Your Thermostat Is Old

Thermostats can last a long time, but if you’ve had yours for around 35 years, it might be time to have it replaced. Not only will this allow you to get a new, digital thermostat, but it can come with many more benefits than manual units. Some are compatible with smart homes or split systems, can be connected to laptops and cell phones, and give optimum efficiency.

2. Your Energy Bills Are Increasing

If you’ve noticed increasing energy bill costs, they could point to an inefficient thermostat that reads temperatures wrong. If your HVAC system is working overtime, the cause can often be linked back to your thermostat. If this is an issue with your thermostat, a professional technician can inspect your HVAC system and inform you if you need a new thermostat.

3. Your Thermostat Has Undergone Damage

Thermostats can undergo plenty of damage in their lifespans. Whether it be water damage, humidity damage, or even smoke damage, this can affect controls and sensors in your thermostat. Other damages, such as chewed wires or blunt force, are also signs to have your thermostat replaced.

4. Your Thermostat Doesn’t Respond When You Change Settings

When you change the settings on your thermostat, it should start working on making those temperature changes right away. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t responding, this is a sign that it needs to be replaced.

5. Your HVAC System Turns On or Off

If you notice that your HVAC system is turning on or off and making changes without your input, this is a major red flag that your thermostat needs to be replaced. Your thermostat is no longer correctly communicating with your HVAC system.

6. You Have a New AC Unit or Furnace

Sometimes when you install a new furnace or AC unit, your older thermostat may not be up to the job. Older thermostats can’t always handle a new HVAC system or be energy efficient. If you plan to have your furnace or AC unit replaced, consider having your thermostat replaced while you’re at it.

7. Your Thermostat Isn’t Located in the Right Place

Many people don’t realize that the location of a thermostat is crucial to it working properly. If your thermostat is across from a window where the sun shines on it, this can interfere with the temperature settings in your home. Your thermostat will think your home is warmer than it actually is, leaving the rest of your home chilly because the sun has warmed your thermostat. If you believe your thermostat is in the wrong spot, consider having a new one installed elsewhere in your home.

8. You’re Noticing Temperature Shifts

Sometimes thermostats become faulty, causing temperatures to change randomly. If your thermostat is guilty of doing this, call a professional technician to inspect your thermostat or consider replacing your thermostat altogether.

As winter approaches, you’ll want to check for these signs so that you can have your thermostat replaced early. If you do find that your thermostat needs replacing, F.H. Furr in Georgetown, DE, can help you with your thermostat replacement. Contact us today for more information!