Faulty thermostat systems are among the most common HVAC problems experienced by commercial property owners in Minneapolis, MN. The thermostat should always be the first thing you check when you start having a hard time with your HVAC, as it’s the most accessible part of the system. It could simply be programmed improperly or at the wrong setting.
Here’s a quick overview of how you can check your thermostat, and when to replace your thermostat if you’re having commercial HVAC issues.
Programming a thermostat
First and foremost, it’s important for you to understand how to program the thermostat so you can do some simple troubleshooting on your own without having to call out an HVAC technician every time you experience a minor problem with your system. Sometimes problems with thermostats happen because people using them do not understand methods of proper operation.
Therefore, you should spend some time learning about how the system should be operated. Read a guide, or ask your technician for some instructions when they’re on site for installation or maintenance. Make sure anyone else who will be using the system, including tenants or employees, is also educated in programming the system so they don’t accidentally cause any malfunctions. On commercial properties, not everyone should have access to the thermostat—try to keep the circle of people using it small so there’s less of a chance something will go wrong.
Know the warning signs
If you’ve checked the thermostat’s programming and all the settings are correct but the unit still isn’t running properly, there’s still a chance something within the thermostat is wrong, and it could be the wiring. A technician may be able to make some wiring repairs to make sure the thermostat is able to communicate with the HVAC system, but in some cases a replacement of the thermostat may be necessary.
One phenomenon that could very well be a sign of wiring problems is short cycling. You might notice the unit turning off very soon after starting, and before the heat or cooling in your building has reached the desired levels. This could be a problem with wiring, or it could also be indicative of other electromechanical issues.
When wiring is the possible issue or the thermostat simply doesn’t work, it’s best to have a professional technician come out and take a look. While you might be able to troubleshoot some of the programming, the odds are not as high that you will be able to handle wiring or mechanical issues yourself, so you should leave it to the pros so as not to make matters worse.
Replacing a thermostat will allow you to select a more advanced model with features that can help your system run more efficiently, and also smart features that allow you to control it remotely from an internet-connected device.
For more information about some of the most common signs of faulty thermostat systems and help with knowing when to replace your thermostat, contact Air Climate Control, Inc. to speak with a commercial HVAC technician in Minneapolis, MN.