Understanding the Thermostat on Your HVAC Comfort System

Understanding the Thermostat on Your HVAC Comfort System

Your heating/cooling system doesn’t need to be a mystery.

Once called a thermostat, and more often today called a controller, the little box on the wall is the brains of your comfort system.

Here, Lisa Crosley, President of Lifestyle Comfort Solutions, explains some simple facts to help you enjoy ultimate comfort.

Your Thermostat May Run on Battery Power

Lifestyle Comfort Solutions frequently responds to no-heat, no-cool calls where the problem turns out to be a dead battery in the controller.  The battery within the thermostat serves two purposes:  1) it powers the display; (2) it signals the circuit board to perform the desired service.

At your next maintenance check, ask your Lifestyle technician to show how to determine if your thermostat model requires batteries, and how to change them.  This is a simple DIY chore which may save you an unnecessary service call.

Replacing a Thermostat Involves Wiring

We understand a homeowner’s desire to save money.  However, upgrading your controller may not be the simple DIY task some might think. 

First, it’s critical that you understand the kind of heating/cooling system you have.

Today’s controllers may have between 2-8 wires—commonly 5 today.  The controller you purchase must use the existing wiring.

Beware.  Lifestyle Comfort Solutions technicians occasionally encounter thermostats which were improperly wired when first installed.  Tying into existing wiring is no guarantee of success.

Improper wiring can lead to catastrophic failure of the entire heating/cooling system.

Don’t Surrender the Benefits of Professional Installation

Contractor grade thermostats generally come with a 5-year warranty, while off-the-shelf models generally offer just a one-year warranty.

Set-up programming may be complicated and is best done by a professional technician who understands HVAC system operation.