Your thermostat isn’t working, and now you’re trying to figure out why. Is it something simple you can fix? Or is it time to call your local HVAC company? At Thiele Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re here to help you sort it all out.
In this blog, we’ll walk through the most common thermostat problems, give you a few easy troubleshooting tips you can try on your own, and help you understand when it’s time to contact us for a professional thermostat repair that will get your home back to normal.
How to Tell If Your Thermostat Is Going Bad
Before we jump into troubleshooting, let’s take a moment to make sure we’re actually looking at a thermostat issue. You might already suspect that your thermostat is to blame, but let’s double-check for the most common warning signs first. That way, you don’t waste time chasing the wrong problem.
- The screen is blank or unresponsive.
- Your heating or air conditioning system won’t turn on or off correctly, no matter how you adjust the settings.
- The actual room temperature feels far different from what your thermostat says.
- Your HVAC system keeps short-cycling, starting and stopping frequently instead of running normal heating or cooling cycles.
- Buttons or touchscreens don’t respond or freeze up entirely.
- Humidity levels feel too high or too low, even if you have a smart thermostat meant to help regulate them.
- The air inside your home feels stuffy, dusty, or stale, which can point to thermostat or HVAC issues affecting your home’s indoor air quality.
If one or more of these apply to what you’re seeing, there’s a strong chance your thermostat is at least part of the problem. The good news? Many thermostats can be fixed with some simple thermostat troubleshooting steps—and that’s exactly where we’re headed next.
8 Reasons Why a Thermostat Stops Working and What You Can Do About It
Thermostat acting up? Here’s what could be going on and a few ways that you can help:
1. The Batteries Are Dead
Sometimes it’s the simplest things. If your thermostat screen is blank or flashing, your batteries might have given out. Many thermostats run on AA or AAA batteries, and when those die, the whole system can stop responding. Swap them out and see if your thermostat comes back to life. If you’re unsure where to find the battery compartment, check the owner’s manual for a quick guide.
2. Incorrect Settings
It’s easy to overlook a simple setting error. Double-check that your thermostat isn’t set to the wrong mode — for example, accidentally set to “cool” when you need heat, or vice versa. Also, make sure your desired temperature is set correctly. Sometimes, switching it back to the right mode for the season is all it takes to help your system work properly again.
3. Tripped Circuit Breaker
Your thermostat and HVAC system rely on power. If a circuit breaker trips, power may be cut off entirely. Check your circuit breaker panel and reset any tripped breakers to restore power to your heater or air conditioner.
4. Dirty or Dusty Thermostat
Dust can build up inside your thermostat over time and interfere with sensors or buttons. Carefully remove the cover and gently clean the inside with a soft brush or compressed air. Avoid touching wires while cleaning.
5. Wiring Issues
Loose, frayed, or disconnected wiring can prevent your thermostat from communicating with your HVAC system. When your thermostat can’t send the right signals, your heating and cooling system may struggle to respond to changes in temperature or adjust properly to outdoor air conditions. If you suspect wiring issues, it’s safest to call a professional HVAC contractor to inspect and repair the connections.
6. Aging or Outdated Thermostat
Like any piece of technology, thermostats can wear out over time. Older models may lose accuracy or fail altogether. If your thermostat is 10–15 years old (or older), it may simply be time for a thermostat replacement.
7. Placement Problems
If your thermostat is installed in a poor location, such as near windows, direct sunlight, vents, or drafty areas, it may sense inaccurate temperatures and cause your HVAC system to operate incorrectly. A qualified HVAC contractor can help you determine what to do next.
8. Software Glitches
Smart thermostats can sometimes experience glitches or software errors that throw off schedules, temperatures, or communication with your HVAC unit. When that happens, it can contribute to indoor air quality problems if your system isn’t running properly or controlling ventilation and air purification the way it should. Restarting the device or updating the software may resolve some of these issues.
Let Thiele Handle Your Thermostat Repair
At Thiele Heating & Air Conditioning, we know how frustrating it is when your thermostat refuses to cooperate. You’ve got enough to worry about without sweating (or shivering) inside your own home. That’s where we come in.
We’ve been helping Indianapolis homes stay comfortable since 1883. Our certified, highly trained HVAC technicians know heating systems, air conditioners, and the thermostats that control them inside and out. When you call us for a thermostat repair, we don’t just swap parts and hope for the best. We carefully inspect both your thermostat and your entire HVAC system to get to the root of the issue and make sure everything operates the way it should.
Here are just some of the thermostat repairs we handle almost every day:
- Replacing sensors that no longer read temperature correctly.
- Repairing or replacing faulty wiring and loose connections.
- Reprogramming smart thermostats that are glitching.
- Installing updated models when your current thermostat is outdated or broken.
- Calibrating your thermostat to ensure accurate temperature readings.
- Resolving communication issues between your thermostat and your heater, furnace, or AC.
We move fast to get your thermostat fixed in the most cost-effective way possible. And if your thermostat is too far gone or you’re ready to upgrade, we can help you choose and install a new thermostat, too. Whether you want a simple replacement or a smart thermostat to help improve your home’s energy efficiency, we’re ready to help.
Your thermostat isn’t just about comfort—it plays a big role in your home’s air, proper ventilation, and even indoor air quality. When your thermostat isn’t working, you may also have poor indoor air quality or higher humidity levels that affect your health and well-being. A properly working thermostat helps control energy savings, maintain your home’s indoor air quality, and keep your family breathing clean, fresh air.
Whatever your thermostat issue, Thiele Heating & Air Conditioning is here for you. We’ll help you regain control of your home’s comfort and safety—summer, winter, or any season in between.
Make an Appointment for Your Thermostat Repair in Indianapolis Today
Don’t let a broken thermostat stress you out any longer! We’ll diagnose the problem, make any needed thermostat repairs, and get your home’s heating and cooling up and running again.
And if you’re also concerned about your home’s indoor air quality, we can help there, too. We offer professional air quality testing and a full range of indoor air quality solutions that work alongside your HVAC system to reduce indoor air pollution.
We’re proud to serve homeowners throughout the Indianapolis area. Give us a call or fill out our online form to schedule service.