Thermostat batteries can die, and that may be why your AC is not working properly. It may not be obvious at first, that’s why you need to check your thermostat battery life. Otherwise, you may experience discomfort and a whole host of other issues in your home.
There are several indicators that your thermostat batteries are running low. To help you better determine if it is the issue, Fairway Heating & Cooling experts have created a list of concerns to look for to minimize your stress.
Do All Thermostats Use Batteries?
Most thermostats, both programmable and manual, use batteries. However, modern versions are smart, and some programmable thermostats are hard-wired. Even with the new devices, some of them have backup batteries. So, it’s good to check on them in case they stop working.
How Long Do Thermostat Batteries Last?
Depending on the kind of batteries you have, they can last for up to eight months. But if you have a digital thermostat, they may last up to a year. Some digital options have an indicator light that warns you weeks before you need to replace the batteries.
Signs Of A Dying Thermostat Battery
Here are several symptoms of a faulty thermostat with a dying battery:
- Thermostat Is Unresponsive
If your thermostat is not responding or the display is frozen, that is a sign that its battery may be dying. For instance, if you detect physical changes in your environment and the monitor does not reflect that, this may be a sign of a problem. Should this occur, change the batteries and reset the system. Then, your system should begin to work normally.
- Temperature Dysregulation
As soon as the batteries lose power, the AC will turn on and off at odd times or incorrectly regulate the temperature based on your programmed settings. If you notice that your settings are mismatched with how your home feels, check the batteries.
If you are uncertain whether they are still functional, you can purchase a cheap tester to evaluate them. But when in doubt, you’re better off changing them.
- Incorrect Temperature Readings
When the thermostat is reading the temperature incorrectly, that’s a sign of a dying battery.
- Malfunctioning Interface
Modern thermostats, particularly smart thermostats, are considerably more complex with a wide variety of programming options. Although they are beneficial, they may cause some technical glitches. While most operate based on wiring, some are battery-powered. So, if you have the ladder, the interface failure may be a wiring problem or a defective battery.
- AC Runs Continuously
When your thermostat batteries are low, your AC will not function well. Specifically, if the AC runs continuously and doesn’t shut off when the set temperature is reached, it may indicate a dying thermostat battery, incorrect signaling, or mis-calibration.
- AC Won’t Start
Since your thermostat signals the AC to start, dead thermostat batteries may be the culprit. If it still doesn’t turn on after replacing them, consult an HVAC professional.
Troubleshooting Your Thermostat
- Change Batteries
The first thing to do when fixing your thermostat is to replace the old batteries with new ones.
- Check Breaker Box
If your thermostat still isn’t working, it may be due to a tripped circuit breaker. Once you identify the breaker responsible for your thermostat, flip the switch, and it should turn on.
- Check The Safety Switch
Once you’ve checked the batteries and the breaker and the thermostat doesn’t turn on, check the AC safety switch (in the drain pan). The safety switch may be why your system is malfunctioning. If you are uncomfortable doing so, call an HVAC expert.
- Your Thermostat May Be Broken
Once you’ve tried these steps and are still experiencing difficulties, it may be that your thermostat is too old or broken and needs to be replaced.
Call Experts At Fairway Heating & Cooling
Serving the greater Tampa Bay, Florida area, Fairway Heating & Cooling professionals can assist you with any of your HVAC concerns. We prioritize customer satisfaction and understand the importance of family and finances.
When you’re having difficulty with your AC in Tampa, feel free to contact us now to speak with one of our representatives or to receive a quote.
