Signs Of AC Thermostat Problems

The thermostat plays a big role in your air conditioner's operations and efficiency. If the thermostat malfunctions, the AC won't get the signals it needs to cool the house, and your house may remain in uncomfortable temperatures. Here are some of the signs that should tell you something is wrong with your thermostat.

AC Doesn't Start

Multiple problems can prevent an AC from starting, and a malfunctioning thermostat is one of them. When you switch on the AC, the thermostat sends signals to the AC mainboard so it can trigger the necessary operations. Thus, the AC won't start if the mainboard doesn't get the signals, which might happen if the connection from the thermostat to the mainboard is lost.

Room Temperature Is Uneven

Uneven room temperatures may also be traced back to problems with the thermostat. Uneven cooling typically occurs if the thermostat is not registering the true temperature of the house. For example, if the thermostat is located near a heat source, it will read a higher temperature that doesn't reflect the true temperature in the house. As a result, the AC may run for longer cycles and leave some areas of the house cooler than they should be.

Another case is if the thermostat is exposed to a draft, and it registers lower temperatures than the rest of the house. In this case, the AC will run short cycles that may not cool the house properly, leaving certain areas (other than those near the thermostat) warmer than they should be.

Room and Thermostat Temperature Mismatch

A malfunctioning thermostat may also lead to a mismatch between the thermostat's reading and the room temperature you are feeling. For example, you may be feeling hot or cold, despite the thermostat registering a comfortable temperature. In such a case, the thermostat is not sending the right signals to the AC's mainboard. Maybe the internal circuitry of the thermostat is damaged, or the battery is low.

AC Doesn't Cycle

A good AC should run until the desired room temperature is reached, stop, and then resume active cooling if the temperature rises again. However, your AC may run continuously, if the thermostat is not registering the temperature changes. Maybe the battery is low, or the electrical connections are loose.

Being an electrical device, you shouldn't try DIY repairs on the thermostat. AC problems have multiple potential causes. Your best bet at solving the problem is to contact an expert in AC repair in your area who is qualified to resolve the issue.