Do you know how old your thermostat is at this very moment? If not, you may not have a clue that you’re sitting with an outdated thermostat until the heating system has a problem or your heating bills skyrocket.

With that in mind, here are a few indications that it’s time to retire the old thermostat and replace it with a new one (like the Nest Learning Thermostat). These use smart technology to learn your temperature preferences and automatically program the system for maximum efficiency.

Here’s more from Comfort Systems of Montana.

Get a New Thermostat If Any of This Sounds Familiar

Compared to a jump in your energy bills and repairing (or replacing) an HVAC system, installing a new thermostat is affordable. You could just pick one like the Honeywell Home RTH221B Programmable Thermostat. This easy-to-use model costs less than a rechargeable toothbrush and allows you to schedule up to a week of temperature adjustments.

So, how do you know it’s time to start shopping for an old thermostat replacement?

Your Thermostat Uses Old Technology

One surefire sign that you have an outdated thermostat is old technology. Does it still have an analog dial or another manual control? If you have an old thermostat manufactured before 2005 that contains mercury, switch to a modern device that’s less hazardous.

Temperatures Aren’t Accurate

Over time, the bimetallic strips in old thermostats wear out, causing inaccurate temperature readings.

Does the HVAC run constantly or force you to make constant setpoint adjustments? You could save on energy costs by investing in a smart thermostat like the Ecobee 3 Lite Smart Thermostat that you can control with your phone.

Short Cycling

Short cycling means your HVAC system turns on, but shuts down before completing a cycle. A malfunctioning thermostat is a common culprit behind short cycling.

The Thermostat Is Unresponsive

Changing the thermostat settings should immediately trigger a response. If you don’t hear clicking noises or the equipment starting up (or stopping), there’s an issue.

Suddenly High Energy Bills

Old thermostats can cause your heating and cooling system to overwork, driving up the bills. If something prevents it from accurately sensing the temperature, the system could run continuously and consume massive amounts of power. Often, this is a faulty heat anticipator, which, if faulty, can’t do its job of triggering the furnace to shut down.

It’s Unresponsive

Dead batteries are a surprisingly common reason for an unresponsive or blank thermostat. Still, if replacing the batteries doesn’t work, something else is happening. The best way to deal with faulty wiring or parts in an old thermostat is to get a new one.

Hot and Cold Spots

When a thermostat works properly, the temperature throughout your home will be consistent. An old thermostat can cause hot and cold spots, most likely due to a malfunctioning sensor.

Trust Comfort Systems of Montana for Thermostat Installation

Do you need help replacing an old thermostat, from choosing the suitable model to installing it? Comfort Systems of Montana is available at (406) 522-1114 for premium service in the Bozeman, MT area.