is your attic well-ventilated?

If the temperature in your home is not regulating properly, there is a strong possibility the thermostat is not working right. The thermostat could need to be replaced, but there is also a possibility it could be repaired. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the thermostat on your own. In order to do that, it helps to know what could be causing the thermostat not to work right.

Loose Wires

If you are lucky, the fix could be as simple as jiggling a couple of wires. They can become detached overtime and need to be put back in place. All it takes is an angry teenager slamming a door hard enough to shake the wall to knock the wires loose. Just make sure you turn the power off before adjusting the wires to avoid being shocked.

It is also possible that a screw came loose, so use a screwdriver to tighten all the screws and replace any that may have gone missing. Again, make sure the power is off before you take off the cover to work on your thermostat, for your own safety.

The Power

It is entirely possible the thermostat is not getting enough power. The problem could be a dead battery or a tripped circuit. Replacing the battery and checking the circuit breaker could make the problem go away. At the very least, it is a good idea to make sure lack of power is not the issue before you call an HVAC technician to examine your thermostat and HVAC system for you.

Location

Your thermostat might not be in the right place to accurately read the temperature of the whole house. It also needs to be straight and flat on the wall. If it is tilted at an angle, it may not be getting an accurate reading. It also may not work properly if it is not located near a return air duct.

Dirt

Thermostats do get dirty from time to time. Dirt buildup can make it hard for a thermostat to do its job. Taking the cover off (after turning off the power) and giving the thermostat a good dusting could resolve the issue. Use a toothbrush or a small paintbrush to wipe away the dirt and dust from the inside of the thermostat.

If you have made it through this list of steps with no luck getting your thermostat to work properly, you should call an HVAC expert such as Chappel's Heating & Cooling. He or she should be able to diagnose why your thermostat is not working properly and, whether it can be repaired or needs to be replaced.