Thermostats provide households with ultimate control over their boiler usage. However, when the thermostat stops working and the boiler won’t turn on, it can be frustrating. Understanding the root causes of thermostat issues can save you time and money and get your heating back up and running as soon as possible.
We understand thermostats can be difficult to diagnose, so we will explore five common reasons your thermostat might not be working and break down what you can do to fix them.
One of the simplest reasons a thermostat might stop working is that is dead or low batteries. Many thermostats, although not all, rely on batteries to power their displays and internal controls.
If the batteries are drained, the thermostat screen may go blank or become unresponsive. Thankfully, this is an easy fix and doesn’t require professional help from an engineer. Replacing the batteries and resetting the thermostat often resolves the issue instantly.
Sometimes, the problem lies not in the thermostat itself but in its settings. It’s easy to accidentally set the thermostat to the wrong mode, such as “cool” instead of “heat,” or input an incorrect temperature.
Programmable or smart thermostats can also override manual inputs based on pre-set schedules. If your boiler system isn’t responding as expected, double-check the settings to ensure the thermostat is operating in the correct mode and at the desired temperature.
Thermostats are connected to your boiler system through wiring that can become loose, corroded, or damaged over time due to frequent use. Similarly, wiring can become loose due to poor installation by an engineer. This can cause the thermostat to lose its connection to the system, leading to inconsistent heating or cooling, or the inability to turn the boiler on at all.
Dealing with wiring requires professional help from a qualified engineer to ensure that it is done safely. Attempting to repair or replace wires without proper expertise can be hazardous, so it’s best to leave this task to a qualified technician.
Dust, grime, and other debris can accumulate inside your thermostat, especially in high-volume areas in the house. This is particularly common in older units or homes where the thermostat is exposed to high humidity or dirt. When dirt blocks the sensors, the thermostat may provide inaccurate temperature readings or fail to communicate effectively with your boiler system.
Cleaning your thermostat with a soft brush or cloth can remove debris and allow the thermostat to connect to the boiler. We recommend regular maintenance cleaning to avoid future potential issues.
Like any appliance or technology, thermostats can’t live forever and eventually stop working. Older models may also struggle to function accurately and efficiently, leading to problems. If your thermostat is outdated or showing signs of failure, upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient model can be a smart solution.
Newer thermostats not only perform better but often include advanced features such as smart connectivity, remote control via mobile apps, and better temperature accuracy.
When dealing with a non-functioning thermostat, a few basic troubleshooting steps can help. Try resetting the thermostat, checking your circuit breaker, or cleaning the unit to address minor issues. However, if these steps don’t resolve the problem or if you suspect wiring or system-related issues, it’s time to call a professional.
At Home Care Heating, our qualified technicians inspect thermostats to help ease your boiler worries, identifying and addressing the root cause of the problem and implementing fixes to get your heating back up and running smoothly.
