On average, thermostats last about ten years. After that, they might start causing issues that reduce your HVAC system’s efficiency and make it harder to maintain a comfortable temperature in your St. Simons Island, GA home. Here’s a look at common issues that result from having an outdated thermostat.
1. Reduced Efficiency
Smart thermostats have features, such as energy-saving modes, programmable schedules and energy reports, that help you run your HVAC system more efficiently. Old thermostats don’t have any of these features and rely on manual adjustments, making them less precise.
2. Damaged Wires
Outdated thermostats are more likely to have loose connections and faulty or frayed wires. As a result, the thermostat struggles to send messages to the HVAC system, leading to increased AC service calls.
3. Anticipator Issues
Older thermostats have an anticipator, which tells your HVAC system to shut off right before it reaches your setting. This keeps the system from overheating your home. Temperatures continue to rise or fall shortly after the HVAC system shuts off, so the anticipator needs to be precise.
Unfortunately, outdated thermostats often have old anticipators that shut off at the wrong times. Your HVAC system might rapidly turn on and off without reaching the right temperature or deactivate when your house is already too warm.
4. Dirty Components
Over time, dust builds up inside outdated thermostats. This makes it harder for thermostats to communicate with your HVAC system. Dense layers of dust can “insulate” the wires and produce incorrect temperature readings.
Upgrading to a smart thermostat resolves these issues and gives you access to modern features, such as voice controls and geofencing. Contact The A/C Guys for heating and cooling installation in St. Simons Island, GA. We’ll replace your old thermostat with a newer and more efficient model.
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