Air conditioners don't break down very often, especially the newer models. When a call comes in about a busted AC the first place we check isn't always the AC unit itself, but the thermostat! Many common AC problems can be remedied by adjusting a couple things on the thermostat, things you can probably do yourself!
The most common thermostat problems include open connections, loose wires, dust and dirt on the electronics, and bad batteries.
- First thing's first: remove the thermostat cover with a screwdriver.
- Then use a small soft paintbrush to dust off the components, including the wires and metal plates. Make it a note not to touch anything with your hands, oils can do major damage to the more sensitive electronic pieces.
- Turn the thermostat to its lowest setting and clean the coil inside with the brush.
- Now turn the thermostat to its highest setting and clean the coil again.
- Return the thermostat to its normal settings.
- Look for a small metal tab near the arcing printed scale. That's the anticipator. Move it in both directions and check for any loose or disconnected wires, and make sure to tighten them up if you find any.
- If you have a digital thermostat, check the batteries. You'll need an appropriate level of power for the thermostat to function properly, so make sure to use the lithium batteries, not the cheap ones.
- Use a level to make sure the thermostat is level on the wall. If a thermostat isn't level then the anticipator we mentioned before may be out of position. If it isn't level, then loosen the screws that fasten the thermostat to the wall, make the adjustments, and tighten it back up.
- Screw the cover back on, you're done!
If you've done all this and your AC still isn't getting to where it's supposed to be, then you may have a larger problem with your system (assuming it's not just a clogged filter). Give us a call today for any AC or thermostat questions, concerns, or repair scheduling.
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