The role of an air conditioning thermostat in most cooling devices such as air conditioners and refrigerators is an extremely important one. Not only does it help to keep temperatures in check, it also allows different users to customize them to their liking. For air conditioners, omitting the function of an air conditioning thermostat would mean the absence of satisfying temperature levels necessary for comfort and relaxation.
The Different Types of an Aircon Thermostat
Contrary to popular belief, the air conditioner thermostat usually comes in different types and is usually split into two categories: mechanical and electronic. There is also the programmable type that is usually found in more modern buildings and houses. While these air conditioner thermostat categories differ in type, they are still designed to perform one essential function — to control and maintain the unit’s cooling capacity at a desired temperature level.
- Mechanical Type - These thermostats are quite simple, common, and can be found in different buildings and hotels. It’s commonly marked in degrees Celsius and can be set easily to one’s own liking. This thermostat also doesn't switch on and off at a single temperature. Instead, it is known to cycle between small increments of temperatures on either side of the level that you set. Thermostats of this type also come at a relatively lower cost compared to electronic types.
- Electronic Type - While it comes at a slightly higher cost than its mechanical counterpart, electronic type thermostats are considered more accurate in temperature control (up to 0.5°C). Electronic types are commonly used and favored by establishments that prefer to have an automated building management system. The sensor used for electronic types is usually an NTC thermistor. True to its name, electronic types also have digital displays — either LCD or LED displays — for room temperature levels. This often includes the set temperature and sometimes even the outdoor temperature levels of a space. A more complicated system will have error codes that help the users to determine the fault that occurred in the system.
- Programmable Type - Considered to be the more latest iteration of thermostats, the programmable thermostat is a common favorite among more modern houses and establishments. This thermostat type possesses some of the basic features of a typical electronic thermostat. However, its features have been significantly improved and added with new features that prove to be valuable to some people. Among these features is the ability to set different temperature levels at different given times in a day and an intelligent energy-saving mode to conserve electricity.
Understanding the Common Signs of a Broken Aircon Thermostat
Since the aircon thermostat is essentially the unit’s main control panel, it is only important to keep it in tip-top shape. Dealing with a broken or damaged aircon thermostat is certain to give you different problems — and could even render your aircon unit ineffective to a fault. That’s why it is always recommended to keep a close eye on the common signs that might signal your thermostat is headed for a breakdown and act fast before it gets worse.
- The thermostat doesn’t turn on or is non-responsive - One common sign that your thermostat is headed for the repair circuit is if it begins to exhibit signs of instability. If you find that a couple of taps or clicks aren’t being properly read and acted on by the thermostat, then it might be in dire need of a fix.
- The air conditioner doesn’t cool or heat when turned on - If your aircon is having difficulty in cooling or heating your room when turned on, then it might be a sign of a faulty aircon thermostat. If you have tried switching your thermostat back and forth (and your air conditioner settings) to no avail, consider calling an aircon expert to help you diagnose the problem.
- The air conditioner is not consistent with its cooling and heating - If your aircon is able to cool or heat your room but stops midway before the desired temperature is even reached, then it might be another tell-tale sign of a faulty aircon thermostat. If you start experiencing this problem, you need to schedule an aircon maintenance with a service provider to prevent further damage in the thermostat or unit.
How To Fix a Broken Air Conditioner Thermostat?
- Change the batteries - Sometimes a faulty air conditioner thermostat is just the result of worn-out batteries. To save time and effort, check first if your thermostat is just asking for a quick battery change rather than a total maintenance fix.
- Dust it away - Another quick and easy fix that you can try when your aircon thermostat is acting up is some good dusting. Using a small paintbrush, you can open up your thermostat panel and start sweeping away some of the dust and dirt that have accumulated.
- Check the thermostat location - Make sure that your thermostat is not directly placed under the sunlight’s glare or heat. If it fails to work properly, check its location at your home and see if there’s something you can do by moving it away from direct sunlight or any other heat source.
The Verdict
While making these quick and easy fixes can be quite the time and money saver, you would still be better off getting the help of a professional air conditioner service provider to ensure that you prevent any further damage to your thermostat and air conditioner unit.
At Oasis Aircon Singapore, our highly skilled AC experts will make sure that your air conditioner unit stays performing at its best condition and for the longest period of time. Enjoy your time at home or focus on more tasks at work by letting our technicians do the job.
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