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You are in Georgia. Visit Alabama. Visit Tennessee.

You are in Georgia. Visit Alabama. Visit Tennessee.

You are in Tennessee. Visit Georgia. Visit Alabama.

You are in Tennessee. Visit Georgia. Visit Alabama.

You are in Tennessee. Visit Georgia. Visit Alabama.

You are in Alabama. Visit Georgia. Visit Tennessee.

You are in Alabama. Visit Georgia. Visit Tennessee.

You are in Alabama. Visit Georgia. Visit Tennessee.

5 Common Thermostat Problems Affecting Your Home’s Comfort


Is your Atlanta area home difficult to keep comfortable despite your best efforts? Before you call the heating or air conditioning repairman, take a look at your thermostat to determine if it may be suffering from one or more of these five common problems.

Problem #1: Thermostat is placed in direct sunlight

Is your home freezing all year round? Then you may have this common thermostat problem.

Watch your thermostat throughout the day and see if it comes in direct sunlight at any point, especially when your home is uncomfortable. Thermostats in direct sunlight can give false readings of high temperatures, which causes your heater to shut off prematurely or not turn on at all and your air conditioner to continue to run.

Problem #2: Thermostat is too close to heat sources

This common thermostat problem is similar to the first, in that in usually manifests itself as an unusually cold home. Just as direct sunlight can cause false high readings by your thermostat, placement too close to a heat source like an oven, stove or fireplace will cause your thermostat to register higher temperatures.

Problem #3: Thermostat is not in a central location

Is one side of your home always warmer or cooler than the rest? Then you may have this thermostat problem. For optimum comfort, it is recommended that your thermostat is placed in a central location (usually a hallway). This allows for the most even temperature distribution.

Hot and cold spots can also be caused by a variety of other problems. If your home has consistently uneven temperatures, you may want to consider zoning your home.

Problem #4: Thermostat is dirty

Over time, dust can accumulate on the inside of your thermostat. A buildup of dust and debris causes the contacts inside to give inaccurate temperature readings. You can fix this common thermostat problem simply by removing the plastic housing and brushing away the dirt with a very soft brush.

Problem #5: Thermostat is old, inaccurate or broken

Thermostats are small and hardy products that can last for years, but occasionally they do need to be replaced. If your home’s thermostat still uses mercury, you may want to consider upgrading to a more accurate digital model. By purchasing and using a new programmable thermostat, you could save money.

Your home’s discomfort may not always be a result of one of these common thermostat problems, but they can be a good place to start. If you still need help diagnosing and repairing your Atlanta air conditioning or heating system, contact Coolray online today or call (770) 421-8400.

Coolray has been providing expert air conditioning services to Atlanta and the Southeast since 1966 and has locations in Marietta, Newnan, Suwanee, Nashville and Birmingham, AL.

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