Think of your HVAC system as the body of your home comfort, and the thermostat as its brain. This small device on your wall is in constant communication with the rest of your system, telling it when to heat, when to cool, and when to take a break. It is not rocket science, but understanding how this small brain works is key to getting the most out of your furnace and air conditioner.
At Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, we find that an educated customer is a comfortable customer. This guide will take you through the basic function of your thermostat, how it regulates both your heating and cooling systems, and why keeping it in prime shape is an important aspect of home maintenance.
In essence, a thermostat is a temperature-sensing switch. It performs two basic functions:
This is the foundation for all of your heating and cooling cycles in your house.
Something that is quite remarkable about a thermostat, it can silently switch between two entirely different units, as if they are actually in two entirely different homes, quite frequently sharing the same middle point on your wall, operating both units.
When you set your thermostat to "heat" and the temperature in the house drops below your set point, the thermostat signals for heat by sending a message to your furnace's control board. The control board begins a sequence of events:
Once the thermostat's sensor registers that your home has reached the desired temperature, it starts a signal to shut off the gas valve and the cycle is complete.
When the thermostat is set to the "cool" position and the temperature exceeds your set point, the cycle works in reverse:
Once the house has reached the set temperature, the thermostat directs the system to shut off, and the cycle is finished. The efficiency of your furnace and air conditioner are directly proportional to the accuracy and functionality of this process.
Even something as simple as a thermostat can develop issues that affect your home's comfort and energy bills. Your HVAC system can't perform its job efficiently if your thermostat isn't working properly.
Advanced technology has changed the face of thermostats. Advanced smart thermostats do more than just read temperature; they learn your routine, provide an ability to change it from afar, and bring you information about your energy usage. They even give you reminders for maintaining your equipment when an air filter should be replaced, among many other things.
This upgrade can be a worthwhile investment in the long-term effectiveness of your furnace and air conditioner system, giving you greater control over your comfort and reducing energy expenses on your bills.
Although a thermostat is a fairly simple device, installation and calibration are very important. In the wrong place or wired improperly, your thermostat can cause a multitude of problems, from inaccurate temperature readings to excessive cycling and needlessly wearing out your HVAC equipment.
A certified technician from Ultra Air Heating & Cooling can ensure your thermostat is properly placed, wired correctly, and calibrated to provide the most accurate and efficient control over your furnace and air conditioner system.
This is often due to the wrong positioning, sunbeam exposure or a dirty sensor. Try cleaning the inside of the unit and ensure it's not exposed to direct heat or drafts. If still troublesome, it will need professional recalibration.
The "auto" setting is most efficient and widely used. It tells the fan to run only when the system's heating or cooling is actually operating. The "on" setting keeps the fan running constantly, which can help circulate air but uses more energy.
A thermostat's compatibility is dependent on your HVAC system's wiring. A professional would be able to tell you which thermostat is best for your air conditioner and furnace, and then install that thermostat correctly.
Most digital thermostats with batteries will display a low battery warning. A good rule of thumb is to replace them once a year, or as soon as the low-battery indicator appears.
Yes, a new, properly calibrated thermostat can make your system last longer. By preventing frequent on-and-off cycling and causing the system to run at its most efficient level, it wears out your furnace and air conditioner less.
Don't let a faulty or out-of-date thermostat have a negative influence on your home's comfort and efficiency. Getting to know and regulate this small device properly is one of the finest ways of keeping your air conditioner and furnace system running well.
For professional thermostat installation, thermostat repair, and professional consultation, trust the experts at Ultra Air Heating & Cooling. We'll put you in charge of your home's comfort. Call us today at (919) 348-9399.
At Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, we find that an educated customer is a comfortable customer. This guide will take you through the basic function of your thermostat, how it regulates both your heating and cooling systems, and why keeping it in prime shape is an important aspect of home maintenance.
The Thermostat's Basic Function
In essence, a thermostat is a temperature-sensing switch. It performs two basic functions:
- Read the Temperature: It reads the temperature of the air surrounding it through a sensor (a bimetallic strip in old models or an electronic thermistor in new models).
- Send a Signal: It then compares the actual temperature with the temperature you have set. If the two temperatures aren't the same, it sends an electrical signal of low voltage to your HVAC to turn on or off.
This is the foundation for all of your heating and cooling cycles in your house.
How It Controls Your Furnace and Air Conditioner
Something that is quite remarkable about a thermostat, it can silently switch between two entirely different units, as if they are actually in two entirely different homes, quite frequently sharing the same middle point on your wall, operating both units.
The Heating Cycle (for your Furnace)
When you set your thermostat to "heat" and the temperature in the house drops below your set point, the thermostat signals for heat by sending a message to your furnace's control board. The control board begins a sequence of events:
- The Inducer Motor: A small fan starts to operate to clear out any leftover gas and to draw in fresh air.
- The Ignitor: The ignitor gets hot bright red or an electronic spark is created to ignite the gas.
- The Burners: When the burners are lit, they begin to generate heat.
- The Blower Fan: As the heat exchanger warms up, the thermostat activates a second signal to ignite the blower fan, which pushes the warmed air through the ducts in your house.
Once the thermostat's sensor registers that your home has reached the desired temperature, it starts a signal to shut off the gas valve and the cycle is complete.
The Cooling Cycle (for your Air Conditioner)
When the thermostat is set to the "cool" position and the temperature exceeds your set point, the cycle works in reverse:
- The Compressor and Condenser: Your thermostat contacts your outdoor AC unit, which activates the compressor and the condenser fan. The compressor circulates refrigerant, and the condenser coil releases heat to the outside.
- The Blower Fan: The thermostat also activates your furnace's blower fan (which is used for both heating and cooling) to pull hot air from your home over the indoor evaporator coil.
- The Air Handler: The evaporator coil removes the heat and moisture from the air, and the cooled, dehumidified air is circulated through your ducts.
Once the house has reached the set temperature, the thermostat directs the system to shut off, and the cycle is finished. The efficiency of your furnace and air conditioner are directly proportional to the accuracy and functionality of this process.
Typical Thermostat Problems and Their Impact
Even something as simple as a thermostat can develop issues that affect your home's comfort and energy bills. Your HVAC system can't perform its job efficiently if your thermostat isn't working properly.
- Dead Batteries: This is the most common and easiest problem to fix. If your digital thermostat screen is dark or flashing a low-battery indicator, a simple battery replacement is likely all that's needed.
- Improper Location: When your thermostat is located in direct sunlight, near a vent, or even next to a heat source like your television, it will not give the proper reading. It will cycle your furnace and air conditioner in an inefficient manner and at times wrongly.
- Dirt and Dust Build-up: A dust build-up can block the temperature sensor inside the thermostat's housing if allowed to build up over time. If cleaned lightly, this usually resolves the problem.
- Wiring Issues: Loose or corroded wires can cause intermittent problems or complete loss of communication between the thermostat and your HVAC system. This must be diagnosed and repaired by a professional for safety.
The Rise of Smart Thermostats
Advanced technology has changed the face of thermostats. Advanced smart thermostats do more than just read temperature; they learn your routine, provide an ability to change it from afar, and bring you information about your energy usage. They even give you reminders for maintaining your equipment when an air filter should be replaced, among many other things.
This upgrade can be a worthwhile investment in the long-term effectiveness of your furnace and air conditioner system, giving you greater control over your comfort and reducing energy expenses on your bills.
The Requirement for Professional Installation and Calibration
Although a thermostat is a fairly simple device, installation and calibration are very important. In the wrong place or wired improperly, your thermostat can cause a multitude of problems, from inaccurate temperature readings to excessive cycling and needlessly wearing out your HVAC equipment.
A certified technician from Ultra Air Heating & Cooling can ensure your thermostat is properly placed, wired correctly, and calibrated to provide the most accurate and efficient control over your furnace and air conditioner system.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is my thermostat showing the wrong temperature?
This is often due to the wrong positioning, sunbeam exposure or a dirty sensor. Try cleaning the inside of the unit and ensure it's not exposed to direct heat or drafts. If still troublesome, it will need professional recalibration.
2. Should I set my fan on "on" or "auto"?
The "auto" setting is most efficient and widely used. It tells the fan to run only when the system's heating or cooling is actually operating. The "on" setting keeps the fan running constantly, which can help circulate air but uses more energy.
3. How do I know if my thermostat is compatible with my system?
A thermostat's compatibility is dependent on your HVAC system's wiring. A professional would be able to tell you which thermostat is best for your air conditioner and furnace, and then install that thermostat correctly.
4. How often should I replace the batteries in my thermostat?
Most digital thermostats with batteries will display a low battery warning. A good rule of thumb is to replace them once a year, or as soon as the low-battery indicator appears.
5. Can a new thermostat extend the life of my HVAC system?
Yes, a new, properly calibrated thermostat can make your system last longer. By preventing frequent on-and-off cycling and causing the system to run at its most efficient level, it wears out your furnace and air conditioner less.
Upgrade Your Comfort and Control
Don't let a faulty or out-of-date thermostat have a negative influence on your home's comfort and efficiency. Getting to know and regulate this small device properly is one of the finest ways of keeping your air conditioner and furnace system running well.
For professional thermostat installation, thermostat repair, and professional consultation, trust the experts at Ultra Air Heating & Cooling. We'll put you in charge of your home's comfort. Call us today at (919) 348-9399.