When it’s time for thermostat replacement, the signs may be quite apparent or very subtle. Either way, a malfunctioning or just plain outmoded thermostat can be costing you money in excess energy use and making your home a little (or a lot) less comfortable than it ought to be.
Like any device, a thermostat has a finite service life. Here are some signs that the time for thermostat replacement is finally here.
- Thermostat actuates at wrong temperature setting. If your thermostat’s set for 68 degrees but actuates when the actual room temp is 75, the unit’s temperature sensor is probably out of whack. Some thermostats incorporate an option that allows you to fine-tune the sensor up to 5 degrees and bring the unit back into synch with room temperature. If the discrepancy is more than 5 degrees, however, time for thermostat replacement.
- Quick on/off cycles. If the furnace or A/C turns on and off quickly, false temperature readings could be originating from a nearby exterior door opening and closing or direct sunlight on the unit. A very over-sized furnace or air conditioner will also cycle rapidly. However, that problem would be obvious from day one. Once you eliminate both possibilities, replacing the thermostat becomes the most likely remedy.
- Both the furnace and A/C won’t activate or both run continuously and won’t cycle off. If the thermostat is set to the correct function in Auto mode and the temperature setting is correct, that pretty much rules out other causes. You’ve probably got a bad thermostat.
- Thermostat is obsolete. While furnace and air conditioner are upgraded over the years, often the home thermo is not. Old-fashioned thermostats mechanically operated by an internal mercury switch are energy-wasters and also very inconvenient as all temperature settings must be made manually. Upgrading now to a digital programmable thermostat will save enough in lower utility costs to pay for itself in one year plus automate temperature changes for greater comfort and convenience.
Ask Paitson Bros. about new options for thermostat replacement. We’ve been helping Wabash Valley homeowners enhance energy savings and indoor comfort since 1922.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Terre Haute, Indiana about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about thermostates and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 812-645-6859.
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Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922