Gone are the days of the printed number
dial thermostats. Today's models are all digital. What happens if
your digital display suddenly goes blank? Take a look at the possible
causes and what you need to know about repairs.
Before you worry that your on-the-fritz
thermostat will cost you in expensive repair bills, start with the
simplest answer. Even though some thermostats use the home's
electrical system as the primary source of power, others are
battery-operated.
If your thermostat uses batteries,
check the power source first. Open the battery compartment, remove
the batteries, and replace them with new ones. Does the thermostat's
digital display turn on? If it does not the batteries aren't at
fault. Read on for information on other potential problems and what
to do next.
Again, some thermostats don't use
batteries. Models wired into the home's electrical system can turn
off if a circuit breaker trips or a fuse blows. Like anything else
that uses electricity in your home, an overloaded circuit will cause
problems for this type of device.
If you have too many electrical devices
on one circuit, adding a digital thermostat (or anything else that
draws electricity) will cause an overload. Not only will you need to
repair the thermostat or reset the breaker, but you'll also need to
reduce the number of appliances or devices on the same circuit.
Failure to do so will most likely result in a repeat problem.
Along with an overloaded circuit,
breakers can trip due to a short circuit, ground fault, arc fault, or
another similar electrical issue. The tripped breaker stops the flow
of electricity and reduces the risk of a fire or shock hazard.
A circuit breaker that repeatedly trips
or doesn't work correctly (the circuit won't turn on), requires
professional evaluation. You might have a problem with your
electrical system or the thermostat itself. If the thermostat draws
too much power or has a wiring issue, an HVAC technician can evaluate
and repair or replace it.
An overload or tripped breaker isn't
the only potential reason behind a blank digital thermostat screen. A
loose wire can cut the electricity to the unit. Several different
points exist where a wire issue can affect a thermostat. If your
model is hardwired to your home's electrical system, the issue likely
has little to do with the thermostat itself.
The connection between the thermostat
and the electrical line might be loose. An HVAC professional can
evaluate the wiring and look for loose the connections. The same goes
for connections within the unit.
Is your thermostat old, worn, or
damaged? According to the International Association of Certified Home
Inspectors (InterNACHI), a thermostat can last for 35 years. Even
though this is an average lifespan, some models can last for more or
less time. The overall lifespan depends on several factors, such as
the quality of the unit.
Before you assume your older digital
thermostat requires replacement, talk to a professional. An HVAC
technician will need to examine the unit and rule out other issues,
such as circuit or wiring issues. If the expert can't find another
cause for the blank screen, a replacement is the next step.
What type of thermostat should you
replace your older model with? The answer to this question depends on
how you use your thermostat. If you only turn the heat or air
conditioning on and off or up or down, a basic digital model will do.
But if you need to program your thermostat or you want to monitor the
indoor air temperature from work, a smart device is the best option.
Do you need a new thermostat?
Contact Action
Plumbing & Heating Maintenance for more information.
