Thermostat Set To 72 But Reading 75: Why And How To Fix It?

Because it’s hot outdoors, you go adjust your thermostat. During the summer, a temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit makes your home cozy. Your thermostat, on the other hand, reads 75 degrees. It begs the question, what is causing the issue? If that is your problem, we have some solutions!

There are various possibilities for why your thermostat is giving you an inaccurate value. The issue could be as simple as bad weather outside.

However, it might also indicate serious issues such as leaking air ducts. Otherwise, the thermostat itself may require repair.

Technology cannot always be relied on. Something unexpected can happen at any time. Sometimes it happens for no apparent reason!

Guide To Troubleshooting A Thermostat

You must focus on the issue because there are various causes of an incorrect thermostat reading. Start by examining the current weather outside.

So, you must respond to the inquiry, “How hot is it?”

Your HVAC system may be working extra hard to lower the temperature in your home if the weather is exceptional. It can only lower the temperature to 72 degrees Fahrenheit because the outside temperature is too high.

In this instance, once the heat wave has passed, the measurements should revert to normal. It’s time to check the HVAC system and the thermostat if the weather is normal.

Examine Your Thermostat

Thermostats use a sensor to provide readings. So, if it starts providing you false information, it could be a problem with a faulty or broken sensor.

When this is the case, there is an easy way to know. You’ll need to use a separate thermometer to check the inside temperature.

If the thermometer gives you a different reading, it means the sensor is broken.

Unfortunately, the only way to solve this issue is to replace the entire thermostat. Thermostats are classified into two types: electromechanical and electronic. Each one employs a unique sensor.

They also feature a distinct installation process. So it’s not easy to do it yourself. As a result, it is preferable to buy a new thermostat outright.

We’ll begin by troubleshooting the basic parts first:

Verify The Battery’s Life

Lack of power can occasionally cause issues. Thermostats frequently require batteries. It is more likely to give you errors if the battery is low.

Most thermostats will alert you when the battery is low. Of course, that means a fresh set is required. However, people have a tendency to put things off.

After the low battery signal, the thermostat will continue to function for a month or two. As a result, the thermostat is using up its allotted power and time if you have delayed changing them.

Check your thermostat readings after changing the batteries.

Examine The Power Source

Thermostats can also be powered by the electrical system in the home. Instead of batteries, you must examine the power source. Check for blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers.

If this is the case, contact an electrician to resolve the issue. After you’ve resolved the electrical issue, your thermostat should display the right values.

Thermostat Placement

As previously stated, thermostats employ sensors to determine when to send a signal to your HVAC system. So its position is important. The readings can be influenced by external factors.

It may read a higher temperature if it receives a lot of sunshine. The same holds true in the opposite situation. When placed in a chilly environment, it will read a lower temperature than the setting.

It is critical to locate your thermostat in a convenient location in your home. This manner, it is not subjected to extreme heat or cold.

If this is the case, contact an HVAC specialist to have your thermostat relocated. If you have the necessary experience, you can move the thermostat yourself.

Examine Your HVAC System

The thermostat isn’t the only offender. An HVAC system is made up of numerous components. If one fails, the entire system will fail in some way.

As a result, it may appear to be an inaccurate thermostat reading. It may, however, be working hard to reach that 72-degree temperature.

The filter and ductwork are two components that influence the performance of your HVAC system.

Examine The Filter

The filter in your HVAC system lets air through. Whatever its efficiency, it captures airborne trash. If you don’t already know, you must change your filter every three months.

However, that depends on the time of year and your surroundings. Regardless, it could have been a while since you last changed the air filter. Neglecting to alter has drawbacks.

The movement of air is hampered by a blocked filter. Your HVAC system will therefore make an effort to lower the temperature to 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

It cannot, however, accomplish that if insufficient air is allowed to pass through the filter. Check to see whether the temperature reading decreases after changing or cleaning your filter.

Dripping Ductwork

If the issue continues, there may be a problem with the ductwork. More specifically, the system is leaking air somewhere. Mismatched thermostat readings are only one of the warning indicators, though.

There are a few indicators that there is a ductwork issue. An HVAC system that struggles to keep your house cool would be the first indication. Some spaces might never get cold.

Your AC runs nonstop as a result. A larger energy bill is the result of that. Last but not least, take air quality into account. Has anything changed notably?

In other words, has the amount of dust in your house increased? Additionally, pollutants and dirt from the outside may be absorbed by your HVAC system.

As a result, it has an impact on air quality in ways other than dispersing dust.

If you suspect a problem with your ductwork, contact an HVAC specialist.

Examine The Air Conditioning Unit

The last thing to look at is the air conditioner. A small clog near the condenser can cause problems. This component is critical because it is in charge of gathering all of your home’s heat.

It also radiates heat into the surrounding environment. However, if the condenser is obstructed, it cannot disperse the heat it accumulates. Instead, it will return the heat to your home.

It’s possible that’s why your thermostat never goes below 75 degrees.

Refrigerant Leaks

A refrigerant leak might occur in rare cases. It is a gas used by your air conditioner to chill the air inside your home. Your air conditioner will not cool as effectively if it runs out of coolant.

You can investigate by going outside and inspecting your refrigerant lines. There is a refrigerant leak if ice accumulates on the wires. Evaporator coils can also become frozen.

You cannot tackle this problem on your own. It will be necessary to hire a specialist to locate the leak and replenish your system.

What Is The Average Thermostat Lifespan?

Durability is a characteristic we consider while choosing a product. The machinery should last. Therefore, purchasing a high-quality thermostat is crucial.

But thermostats don’t necessarily have a life expectancy. They are not complex pieces of equipment. Other than changing the battery, not much maintenance is required.

A thermostat has a ten-year lifespan on average. It could go on even longer. However, equipment typically deteriorates with age. Parts will ultimately wear out no matter how well you take care of them.

After ten years, it’s time to think about replacing the thermostat. But only if the one you now own starts to break down.

How Can You Tell If Your Thermostat Is Working Correctly?

Battery and sensor issues may be the least of your concerns. Sometimes the entire thermostat is the issue. There are a few indicators that it is beginning to malfunction.

It’s all about how it reacts to your input. A properly functioning thermostat should respond instantly to any changes you make.

If your thermostat takes more than two minutes to respond to changes, it isn’t working properly.

In addition, faulty thermostats will be unable to turn on the air conditioner or furnace. It activates these gadgets by transmitting a signal via electrical cables. When the wiring fails, the thermostats fail to send the signal.

In the opposite situation, it’s also an issue. Maybe you’re attempting to turn off the furnace or air conditioner. Therefore, you click the OFF button. But the heater or air conditioner keeps working.

Incorrect calibration or bad wiring are the causes of this problem. Consider changing your thermostat if this applies to your circumstance.

How Much Does A Thermostat Replacement Cost?

The price to replace a thermostat varies by location. However, labor expenditures should cost you between $80.00 and $200.00. Costs for the thermostat and installation range from $140 to $350.

Overall, it can cost between $200 and $400.

Our Key Takeaway

As you can see, issues with thermostat readings can be minor or serious. It’s possible that the thermostat isn’t working properly. Otherwise, the HVAC system is at blame. Hopefully, your problem is as simple as replacing a battery.