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Why Is My Furnace Not Responding to My Thermostat?


woman setting temperature on thermostat

The relationship between your home's thermostat and the furnace is an important one. You set the temperature and expect the thermostat will tell the furnace what to do to make sure your home is warm and comfortable. But what happens when the two aren't getting along?

If you've ever set the thermostat and the furnace doesn't respond as expected, it might be time to call an HVAC technician to work out the differences. This article will identify four common thermostat problems, how to fix them, and when it's time for furnace repair. Keep reading to learn more.

  1. Check the Power Source Sometimes the problem between the thermostat and your furnace is as simple as replacing the batteries. Many digital thermostats use standard batteries to power their functions. Also make sure to check there is power at the furnace as well.

  2. Check the Settings Many digital thermostats come with pre-programed setback settings. Is your system running on a program? Check your thermostat for program settings and the temperatures they are set to. Most are set to drop to a temperature too low for our climate in the winter. Note: if you are using the setback feature, remember not to go more than 3 degrees Celcius lower than your daily average temperature.

  3. Faulty or Aging Wiring Your thermostat uses a wired connection to communicate with the furnace. These connections can loosen over time. If your furnace suddenly stops working, this could be the issue. In many cases, you can tighten up any loose connections on a low-voltage thermostat. If you aren't sure about your model's voltage, or if you are concerned about working with electrical devices, contact an HVAC professional to help. Wiring issues are a relatively low furnace repair cost compared to mechanical failures in the furnace itself.

  4. Outdated Software Many people now use "smart thermostats" that rely on your wifi connection and complex software to control the furnace. These devices are frequently updated via a software update. If your furnace suddenly stops working, check the app for your thermostat to see if your software is out of date.

It Might Be Time for Furnace Repair

If you've taken all of these steps to fix your thermostat and the furnace still isn't responding, it's time to look at the furnace itself. Our trained professionals have extensive experience with home furnace repair. We can inspect your furnace and make the necessary adjustments to fix the thermostat and furnace connection.

Know When to Make the Call

When is the right time to make a call for an HVAC technician? The easy answer is before something stops working and you need emergency furnace repair. Regular maintenance can prevent many issues with your thermostat and your furnace. If your thermostat is in working order and you still experience heating problems, we can help. Contact Mr. Furnace Heating and Air Conditioning in Winnipeg to identify the issues and make repairs quickly and efficiently.

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