As the temperature drops, it’s important for your home to have a functioning thermostat that accurately measures the temperature. If your thermostat is not working correctly, it could be causing you to spend more on heating bills or allow your home to get too cold, causing discomfort. Therefore, it’s important to test your thermostat and ensure that it gives you accurate temperature readings. In this ultimate guide, we take a look at all the steps you need to take in order to test your home thermostat.
Step 1: Calibrate Your Thermostat
The first step to testing your thermostat is calibrating it. This is particularly important if your thermostat is old or hasn’t been calibrated before. An uncalibrated thermostat can give you inaccurate temperature readings, so it’s essential to make sure it’s accurate.
Here’s how to calibrate your thermostat:
1. Turn off the heating or air conditioning.
2. Place a thermometer next to your thermostat.
3. Wait for 15 minutes.
4. Compare the temperature on the thermometer with the temperature on your thermostat.
5. If there is more than a one-degree difference, adjust your thermostat until it matches the thermometer.
Step 2: Check the Power Source
If your thermostat is battery-powered, check the batteries to ensure they are in good condition. If the batteries are dead, your thermostat will not work correctly. In some older models, the power source may be a fuse or a circuit breaker, so check these as well.
Here’s how to check the power source of your thermostat:
1. Open the thermostat cover.
2. Check the batteries to ensure they are installed correctly.
3. Replace the batteries if necessary.
4. Check the fuse or circuit breaker if your thermostat is not powered by batteries.
Step 3: Test the On and Off Switches
Once the thermostat is calibrated and the power source is verified, test the on and off switches. These switches control the heating and cooling systems in your home. If the switches are not working correctly, your thermostat will not provide accurate temperature readings.
Here’s how to test the on and off switches:
1. Turn on the heating or air conditioning system.
2. Set the thermostat to the desired temperature.
3. Wait for a few minutes and check if the heating or air conditioning system is working.
4. Turn the system off and check if it turns off.
Step 4: Test Your Thermostat Sensors
Most thermostats come with sensor probes that help to measure the temperature in your home. These probes can wear out over time or become damaged, leading to inaccurate temperature readings. It’s important to test your thermostat sensors regularly to ensure they’re functioning correctly.
Here’s how to test your thermostat sensors:
1. Turn off the heating or air conditioning system.
2. Locate the sensor probe on your thermostat.
3. Use a hair dryer to heat up the sensor probe for one minute.
4. Observe the reading on your thermostat. It should increase by a few degrees.
5. Use an ice pack to cool down the sensor probe.
6. Observe the reading on your thermostat. It should decrease by a few degrees.
Step 5: Clean Your Thermostat
Dirt and dust can accumulate around your thermostat and affect its performance. You should clean your thermostat regularly to ensure it’s working correctly. A clean thermostat will give you accurate temperature readings and help you save money on your heating bills.
Here’s how to clean your thermostat:
1. Turn off the heating or air conditioning system.
2. Remove the thermostat cover.
3. Use a soft-bristled brush to remove any dirt or dust around the thermostat.
4. Use a can of compressed air to blow away any debris that’s hard to reach.
5. Wipe the thermostat with a soft cloth.
Conclusion
Testing your home thermostat may not be the most exciting task, but it’s essential to ensure accurate temperature readings and save money on your heating bills. Follow these steps to calibrate your thermostat, check the power source, test the on and off switches, test your thermostat sensors, and clean your thermostat. By doing so, you’ll have a functioning thermostat that will keep your home comfortable during the winter months.