HVAC and Thermostat Troubleshooting

Bird outside in winter

The thermostat is the first thing to check if your furnace won’t turn on or is not functioning correctly.

The thermostat is a heat-activated switch. It has a temperature sensor that causes the switch to open or close, which in turn completes or disrupts the electrical circuit that runs your heating and cooling system.

If you have a programable thermostat like Nexia,confirm that the overrides or settings are not programmed to an operation counter to what you are trying to do and contact our office today for program troubleshooting.

If you do not have a programmable thermostat, here are a few things to check:

  • Is the thermostat set to “ON” and for the appropriate setting?
  • Does it need new batteries?
  • Is it excessively dirty? Dust, dirt, and other indoor pollutants can clog the thermostat. They can coat the inside and interfere with both electrical and mechanical components of the thermostat. Use a small brush, like a paintbrush, or a can of air cleaner for electronics, and brush or blow away the dust from the inside. DO NOT attempt this if you are worried that you might damage any part of your thermostat.
  • Shift the anticipator one way or the other to cause your furnace to click on or off. Have a friend listen at the furnace as you adjust the settings to hear when the unit turns on or off. When adjusting the settings, wait an hour or two for results before consulting a technician for further help.

If you are still having trouble with your thermostat after these steps, one of our technicians can help, or it may be time to upgrade your thermostat. Call Vailes today at 540-942-0198 or request service online.

If you are in Fishersville, Stuarts Draft or Waynesboro, Staunton or any of the surrounding communities call us to day or request service online. We service all of the surrounding communities, check our service area page for more information on the communities work in or call the office if you don’t see your area listed.

Need Service?

Contact the experts at Vailes Home Services.

Call us at 540-942-0198!

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