It's that time of year again; it's getting warmer outside and you're probably thinking about turning on the AC soon. But before you do, make sure your thermostat is working properly! But how do you test a home thermostat? Here are a few methods for testing yours.
Just Turn it On and Let it Work
One way to test your thermostat is to simply turn it on and see if it cools the room down. If the room doesn't seem to be cooling down, or if the temperature isn't consistent, there may be a problem with your thermostat.
Curious how all this magic happens? Read Understanding How Thermostats Work.
Get an Indoor Thermometer
Another way to test your thermostat is to use a thermometer. Place the thermometer in the room and turn on the AC. After a few minutes, check the thermometer to see what temperature it's reading. The temperature should be lower than when you started. If it's not, there may be a problem with your thermostat.
Use a Multimeter
If you want to get a little more technical, you can use a multimeter to test your thermostat. This is a more advanced method, and if you're not sure how to use a multimeter, you should probably just stick to the first two methods. But if you're experienced with this tool, it can help you check the voltage.
There you have it: three methods for testing your thermostat. So before you turn on your AC this summer, make sure your thermostat is in working order! Otherwise, you might just be wasting energy (and money).
What to Do if You Notice an Issue
The first thing you should do is contact a professional. While there are DIY troubleshooting guides online, it is possible that you'll do more harm than good. If you're not experienced with electricity, it's best to leave it to the professionals.
Our Atlanta heating and air repair professionals will be able to diagnose the problem and let you know what needs to be done. They might need to replace your thermostat or they might just need to make a simple adjustment. In any case, they'll be able to get your AC up and running in no time!