Understanding AC Thermostats: Types, Common Problems, and Ideal Settings for Efficient Cooling

Thermostats are crucial for keeping our homes cozy throughout the year. They manage our heating and cooling systems, ensuring the AC functions correctly. However, despite their importance, many people misunderstand how they operate. Some believe that lowering the thermostat a lot will cool the house quicker, but that’s not accurate. Let’s explore AC thermostats to understand how they work, the various types, common issues, and the best settings to keep your home cool while conserving energy.

What is an AC Thermostat?

An AC thermostat is a device that connects to your air conditioner to keep your home at the temperature you want. It works like a switch, turning the AC’s compressor and fan on and off to reach that temperature. But it’s not like a gas pedal—it won’t make your AC cool faster if you lower it. Instead, it tells the system to keep working until the temperature you set is reached.

Thermostat technology has greatly advanced. Earlier versions relied on mercury switches, whereas today’s thermostats are digital or artificial intelligence, and programmable, offering more accurate control over your home's climate.

Here are the benefits of thermostat technology advancements:

Energy Savings: Smart thermostats are projected to reduce energy consumption for cooling and heating by 8% to 15% in 2024.

Homeowner Savings: Homeowners who installed thermostats in 2023 reported an average savings of 10% on heating bills.

Commercial Building Efficiency: Smart controls have enabled large commercial buildings in California to reduce HVAC energy consumption by 27%, resulting in annual savings of $65,000.

Learning Capabilities: Advanced thermostats with learning features can lower peak energy demand by 15% and reduce HVAC usage by 12% to 23%.

Global User Satisfaction: In 2023, 67% of global users experienced improved energy efficiency due to thermostat advancements.

Source:            Gminsights  

Types of Air Conditioner Thermostats

Mechanical Thermostat

Mechanical thermostats are the most basic type and are often found in older homes. They work by cycling the air conditioner between set temperature ranges. While they’re inexpensive, they lack precision and energy-saving features. These thermostats operate by using a bimetallic strip that expands or contracts as temperatures rise or fall, triggering the AC system.

Electronic/Digital Thermostat

Modern digital thermostats provide more accuracy than mechanical ones. They allow you to set exact temperatures and often come with error codes to help diagnose any issues with your AC. The precision of digital thermostats helps in optimizing energy usage, making your home more efficient. They are often programmable as well, allowing you to set specific temperatures for different times of the day.

Programmable Thermostats

Programmable thermostats take energy efficiency to the next level. They allow you to automate your temperature settings based on your daily schedule. For instance, you can set the thermostat to a higher temperature when you're not home and have it cool down before you return. Some models even offer multi-zone connectivity, so you can control the temperature in different rooms separately. This can lead to significant energy savings, especially in large homes.

How Does a Thermostat Control an AC?

Contrary to popular belief, a thermostat is not a throttle but a switch. Its job is to turn the air conditioner’s compressor and fan on or off as needed to maintain your desired temperature. When the indoor temperature rises above the thermostat's setting, it sends a signal to the AC to start cooling. Once the room reaches the set temperature, the thermostat signals the AC to shut off.

One common misconception is that lowering the thermostat drastically will cool the room faster. In reality, this just makes the AC work longer, not quicker. The rate of cooling depends on the AC's capacity and external factors like the outdoor temperature and insulation of your home.

Diagnosing Common Thermostat Issues

1: Unresponsive Thermostat

An unresponsive thermostat is one of the most common issues homeowners face. If your thermostat isn't working, the first thing to check is the batteries. Many digital thermostats run on battery power, and a simple battery replacement could solve the problem. If that doesn’t work, check for any error codes displayed on the thermostat, which could indicate a more complex issue requiring professional assistance.

2: AC Won’t Cool or Heat

If your AC isn’t cooling or heating as expected, the thermostat could be the culprit. First, ensure that it's set to the correct mode (cooling or heating). Next, try adjusting the temperature to see if the system responds. If nothing changes, it may be time to call an HVAC professional to inspect the system.

3: Inconsistent Temperatures

Inconsistent temperatures in your home can be frustrating. This issue is often caused by short-cycling, where the AC turns on and off too frequently. It could be due to an improperly calibrated thermostat or an AC unit that’s too large for your home. Either way, a professional HVAC technician should diagnose and resolve this problem.

Impact of Thermostat Settings on Heat Gain

Did you know that improper thermostat settings can lead to more heat entering your home? The larger the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the more heat your home experiences. This makes your AC work harder to maintain your desired temperature, leading to higher energy consumption.

For example, if you set your thermostat to 20°C when it's 35°C outside, your AC will struggle to keep up with the cooling demand. It’s better to maintain a more moderate difference in temperature to reduce the strain on your system.

Best Practices for Efficient Thermostat Use in Summer

To get the most out of your thermostat while keeping energy costs down, follow these best practices:

• Maintain Consistent Temperatures:

 Try to keep your thermostat at a steady temperature throughout the day. Constantly adjusting it up and down can make your AC work harder.

• Daytime Setting:

 Set your thermostat to 26°C during the day. This is a comfortable temperature for most people and will prevent your AC from overworking.

• Nighttime or When You’re Away: 

Increase the temperature by 3°C when you're sleeping or not home. A slight increase in temperature can save you a lot of energy without sacrificing comfort.

• Vacations:

 If you're going on vacation, set the thermostat to 31°C. You don’t want to turn it off entirely because it will take more energy to cool the house when you return.

When to Call for Professional Help

While many thermostat issues can be resolved with basic troubleshooting, there are times when it’s best to call a professional. If your thermostat is unresponsive, your AC is short-cycling, or the temperature is wildly inconsistent, it’s time to bring in an expert. Regular professional maintenance can extend the life of your thermostat and HVAC system, ensuring they both run efficiently for years to come.

Conclusion

Thermostats are a key part of your home’s cooling system. Knowing how they work, the different types, and how to use them well can keep you comfortable and help save energy. By setting your thermostat the right way and fixing common problems quickly, you can keep your home cool and make sure your AC works well during the summer.

For more insights on optimizing your energy use and saving money, check out our blog posts on the Benefits of Smart Thermostats and How to Save Money on AC!

• Benefits of Smart Thermostats
• How to Save Money on AC