Convinced that his thermostat needed replacement, we recently received a call from a homeowner in Brookline. There are actually many scenarios that can affect your thermostat’s ability to provide an accurate reading, including dirt, accidental bumping or an abnormally high humidity level. This can lead to the thermostat reading a temperature that is actually several degrees off.
Determining If Recalibration Is Necessary For Accurate Thermostat Reading
The first step is to confirm that the temperature is indeed off. Stick a thermometer to the wall a few inches from the thermostat and wait fifteen minutes. By comparing the two readings, you will know if there is any discrepancy. If the difference is more than one degree in either direction, recalibration may be necessary.
You should first clean the thermostat, removing the cover, and gently wiping and removing dirt from around the edges and top. You can then gently brush around the connections. Do not use a vacuum attachment, as this can damage the thermostat’s wiring.
Some thermostats come with a calibration screw that can be found in the center of a curled piece of thin metal. Using a wrench, you can turn the screw in either direction until the contacts open. After a second, try reclosing the switch’s contacts. Then you can test with the thermometer to see if this simple recalibration has worked.
Know When To Call In The Experts
Not all thermostats are designed to be recalibrated by the homeowner. When in doubt you should call in a professional, which is exactly what this Litchfield homeowner did. A service technician was able to quickly recalibrate the thermostat, saving the customer the cost of purchasing a new one.
The post Brookline, NH Homeowner Find His Home’s Thermostat Needs Recalibrating appeared first on Joyce Cooling & Heating Inc. – Nashua, NH.
