SpecyfyAC and heating repair
Home / Thermostat not working

Independent guide

Thermostat not working

Blank screen, wrong reading, or no response. Start with the basics.

Check these first

  1. Thermostat is on, set to Cool or Heat, and has working batteries.
  2. Check the breaker: switch it off and on once.
  3. Check the air filter.

Still not working? That's a job for a pro.

When to call a pro

The problem is still there after these checks. Anything inside the unit is a job for a pro.

Questions

Why is my thermostat not working?

First check that it is set properly and showing the right room temperature. If the screen is dead, the batteries may be worn out. If new batteries do not help, the thermostat itself may need to be replaced, and an HVAC professional can do that.

Source: energy.gov

Why is my thermostat blank?

A blank screen on a battery-powered thermostat often means the batteries need replacing. If fresh batteries do not bring the screen back, the thermostat may need to be replaced entirely, which is a job for a professional.

Source: energy.gov

Do thermostat batteries need replacing?

If your programmable thermostat runs on batteries, yes. Replace them about once a year. Some models show a warning when the batteries are low, so do not ignore a low-battery message. Not every thermostat uses batteries, so check your model.

Source: energystar.gov

Why does my thermostat seem to read the wrong temperature?

Heat from nearby lamps or a TV can fool the thermostat into thinking the room is warmer than it is, so the AC runs longer and more often. Keep heat-giving devices away from it. If the reading still looks wrong, call a technician.

Source: energy.gov

Describe the problem

Step 2 of 5 · about 30 seconds

What kind of system is it?

Prices on our pages come from the sources linked next to them. How we work

Start 2-minute check