How to Tell if My Thermostat Is Accurate

If your thermostat is calibrated incorrectly, it will provide the wrong reading of your home’s temperature. Good thermostat accuracy is important in keeping your home at a comfortable temperature. Over time, everyone’s thermostat can experience issues with accuracy, which is why it’s good to know how to tell if your thermostat is accurate.

Determining a thermostat’s accuracy

There are several ways to determine if your thermostat is accurate. However, one of the simplest methods involves taping a thermometer onto the wall next to your thermostat. Leave the thermometer like this for about 15 minutes before checking it. A difference of about two to three degrees Fahrenheit between the thermostat and the thermometer usually isn’t that big a deal. If your thermostat’s reading is way different, though, you’ll likely need to have it fixed.

Fixing your thermostat

There are many things that can cause issues with thermostat accuracy. One of the first things you may want to try is cleaning your thermostat. Simply remove the cover to your thermostat and wipe away any dirt and dust with a Q-tip. After doing so, put the cover back on and test the thermostat’s accuracy again. If this doesn’t work, you may have to adjust the thermostat settings.

Recalibrating a thermostat will depend on the type of thermostat you have. Certain thermostats feature a mercury vial that ensures temperature control. If you have one of these thermostats, you can simply adjust the placement of your thermostat until it appears accurate. For other types of thermostats, you may need to move the heat anticipator or adjust the calibration screw, both of which usually require some more involved experience with HVAC systems.

To determine if your thermostat is accurate, you must first determine what kind you have. Most homes feature either manual thermostats, programmable thermostats or smart thermostats. If you’re unsure of what kind of thermostat you have, check the user manual or consult with a trusted HVAC professional.

When to replace your thermostat

If an HVAC technician determines your thermostat is beyond repair, it’s time to start looking for a new one. While replacing your thermostat might seem annoying, it offers the perfect opportunity to update your system.

For example, if you haven’t yet invested in a smart thermostat, you should consider updating to one of these. Smart thermostats make it much easier to control the temperature of your entire home. They can also help you save money on energy bills.

When to call a professional

If you’re having trouble telling if your thermostat is accurate, it’s best to contact a professional. While cleaning your thermostat is fairly easy, you could make a mistake trying to calibrate one on your own.

Ensure thermostat accuracy by contacting the experts at Cassel Air Conditioning & Heating Service today. We provide fair prices on heating and air conditioning repairs, installations and maintenance. We’re open every day of the week and will travel within 30 miles of our office in Fair Oaks, CA for service. Reach out today to schedule your appointment.

Categorised in: Thermostats

This post was written by Writer