Have you ever walked up to your thermostat to find it has gone blank? If you have, you may have assumed there is seriously something wrong with your HVAC system or furnace. The good news is that this isn’t usually the case. A blank thermostat is generally a sign of something minor. Our Austin HVAC repair technicians have included some of the most common reasons for a blank thermostat below.
Dead batteries. As with any other device that operates on batteries, they don’t last forever. It’s normal to have to replace your thermostat’s batteries every year, so if you haven’t in a while try this before you do anything else.
Check the circuit breaker or fuse. A blown fuse could be the issue, or the circuit breaker may have tripped. This is common when an electrical surge happens. Check the fuse and/or circuit box depending on your system, and flip the circuit breaker. If it continues to trip frequently or the replacement fuse blows, call in a professional to take care of the problem.
Loose or chewed wiring. Wiring for your thermostat is directly related to electricity, so this is something you won’t want to try yourself unless you are an electrician. The wiring for your thermostat can easily become loose due to vibrations in high-traffic areas of your home, and it isn’t unusual for mice or other rodents to chew on wiring located in attics or less visible areas. Loose or faulty wiring will result in a blank thermostat.
Tripped safety switch. Heating and cooling systems are equipped with safety switches that trip in the event of a potentially dangerous situation. If the condensate pan for your A/C or heat pump is full, the safety switch will trip as a precaution. There are other reasons the safety switch may be triggered; when it is, it’s an effort to protect your home. In this situation it’s best to have a certified HVAC technician inspect your system right away.
Of course a blank thermostat may not be related to any of the above; it could just be that it’s old and worn out. If your thermostat is blank and it’s several years old, consider replacing it.
For all of your Austin heating and cooling needs, count on the experts at Schneider Mechanical.
