A smart thermostat functions the same way as other intelligent devices out there. The device enables its users to control their home’s temperature remotely through various devices, such as mobile or internet-connected ones. There are lots of benefits attached to using a WiFi thermostat at your home. One of them is that it helps to minimize energy costs while also helping you stay cool.
Apart from that, the device also enables you to control your home’s temperature remotely, setting it to your desired level. However, it’s worth knowing that smart thermostats also have their weaknesses. First, they are subject to security concerns. Also, they can break down as a result of a few factors. Recently, I came across a question regarding the devices on a few discussion forums. Here’s what it reads; why is my smart thermostat smoking?
If your smart thermostat starts smoking, it’s most likely because there’s a contact between its wires and your household line voltage. Secondly, a power surge can cause some of the device’s components to fail and start burning with smoke.
Undoubtedly, Smart thermostats can help to save money on your energy bill. However, the devices can also break down because of several factors. That said, the question is; how do you know when your home thermostat is faulty? In the rest of this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about faulty home thermostats.
Can A Home Thermostat Cause A Fire?
Home thermostats can undoubtedly cause a fire; however, that only happens in a few cases. For instance, when there is a power surge.
For example, in 2018, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled hundreds of thousands of SensiWi-Fi thermostats over fire risk. During that time, there were a few complaints of burn damage to the thermostat. The issues resulted from contact between the thermostat wires and household line voltage.
That said, the answer to the burning question is that home thermostats can cause a fire.
Furthermore, electrical surges can cause damage to equipment, such as your home thermostat. If this happens, the device could cause fire, resulting in a house fire.
Why Is My Thermostat Reading So High?
I understand; it can be pretty frustrating when home thermostats start giving false readings. If your thermostat reads so high, it becomes almost impossible to control the temperature effectively around your home. Also, incorrect readings of the device can cause your energy bills to skyrocket.
Several factors may be responsible for why your thermostat reading is so high. Let’s have a quick look at the most common causes below:
1. The Thermostat is old and needs replacement
If the thermostat is old, there’s a more and more of a chance that it will start having issues. One of the most common problems of old thermostats is that they stop functioning. However, if you’re lucky enough, the only sign you’ll see is “incorrect readings.”
Let’s face it; there’s no set lifespan for how long a smart thermostat can last. However, according to experts, the device might last up to ten years before developing issues. That said, if your thermostat is giving high readings, you need to check how long you’ve been using it.
If the device is around ten years old, you might have to consider replacing it with a new one. However, if you only just started using the home thermostat, it means old age isn’t the cause for its incorrect readings.
2. Thermostat sensor issue
Apart from having an old model, a smart thermostat may also give high readings if its sensor has become faulty or is failing. Before replacing the sensor, you might want to try these workarounds first.
First, clean the inside of the thermostat to remove dust and other debris. I recommend this solution because too much dust tends to reduce the sensor’s performance, influencing the thermostat readings.
If cleaning the inside of the thermostat doesn’t work, another workaround that you can try is to recalibrate the sensor. oThis will require a professional’s service. If this method also fails and the high readings persist, you may have to consider getting a new sensor for the thermostat, although buying a new thermostat may be about the same price.
3. Smart thermostat sensor location
If your thermostat sensor is new, but you still experience high readings on your thermostat, another factor that may cause this issue is the positioning of the device from where you’re using it.
If that’s the case, the best thing you can do is to get more thermostat sensors. However, while doing that, ensure you go for devices that work together for better results. Alternatively, you might have to contact a professional for better ideas on how you should position the thermostat sensor for effective results.
4. Thermostat Leveling issues
Some old thermostats will fail to give accurate readings if they are not perfectly level. If you’re using an old thermostat model and not perfectly leveled on the wall, you might have to adjust the device, installing it the right way. By doing that, you should get the correct readings on the device’s screen.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Bad Home Thermostat?
There are several signs that may indicate your home thermostat is breaking down. The first sign is when the device is giving incorrect readings, as earlier mentioned.
Another symptom that the thermostat is breaking down is when the AC system continuously stays on for a very long time. The same thing is also applicable to the heating system. If You find that the heater or A/C are not running at the expected times, you need to check the thermostat.
Furthermore, if your heating and AC system fails to turn on at all, this could also be a sign that your thermostat is misbehaving and breaking down. However, before concluding that your thermostat is the cause of the issue, try switching on the system manually to confirm that nothing is wrong with it.
Another symptom that your home thermostat is bad is when the thermostat itself fails to turn on. In this case, check and replace the batteries.. If it still doesn’t come up after that, the thermostat may be broken and it’s time to get a new one.