It's convenient to have your Amazon smart thermostat running throughout your home. But what if your thermostat starts to short cycle? What is the reason behind this? We did our research to help you with this, and here's what we found!
Your Amazon smart thermostat has short cycles due to the following reasons:
- Loose connections
- Dirt buildup
- Uneven
- Poor calibration
Common thermostat issues can be solved by resetting and checking the real cause will tell you how to apply a solution.
It's a hassle at home when your HVAC system is not working efficiently. By checking the instructions below, you can determine the issue behind your Amazon smart thermostat short cycling. With that said, let's dive right in!
How To Fix A Short Cycling Amazon Smart Thermostat
A short cycle is when your HVAC system turns on and off multiple times. Frequent short cycles will make your HVAC work harder. It will cause tension in the electrical and lubrication systems of your unit.
Thus, it shortens your unit's lifespan. Short cycles increase your energy bill, and you won't have a comfortable indoor temperature.
Loose Connection
Your thermostat has a short cycle issue can be due to loose wirings.
Make sure that the wires are correctly and firmly connected. Follow the manual instructions, and the color marks of the wires help you tap each wire to the correct network.
Ensure the wirings are not entangled or bent, and tighten every screw using the correct screwdriver. Replace any damaged wires using your unit's replacement guide. If needed, you can also replace the whole unit.
Dirt Buildup
Dirt buildup or any debris can cause short cycling to your thermostat. It can also affect energy efficiency, and you can experience fluctuating indoor temperatures due to clogging.
Clean your thermostat. Turn off your thermostat breaker and carefully remove the cover. Inspect the inner elements. Use a soft brush or canned compressed air to wipe off traces of dirt and dust.
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Thermostat Not Level
A tilted or unevenly installed thermostat body can cause temperature inconsistencies. Adjust your thermostat to its sitting level using a carpenter's level above and below your thermostat.
Poor Calibration
A rammed thermostat anticipator can cause short cycling. Adjusting the anticipator will not take long. You can do it yourself if you're familiar with the model.
Locate the heat anticipator. It is usually a small disc at the center with calibration marks.
The tag can read "LONGER" or LONGER CYCLES." Its calibration marks have a lever arm with an indicator for adjustment settings.
Move the lever nearer to the "LONGER" tag by one step if the furnace has multiple short cycles.
Resetting Amazon Smart Thermostat
Resetting your thermostat is the go-to solution to most common thermostat problems. Carefully remove the unit faceplate from the wall plate. Re-install it after waiting for a few seconds.
Perform a semi-reset if the hard reset cannot fix the problem. It deletes all the data on your unit, excluding the HVAC configurations.
Follow the steps below:
- Go to your smart thermostat.
- Hold down the Up Temperature and Mode buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds until you see the sign rEs on display.
- Then, press the Mode button for 5 seconds until the unit restarts.
Common Issues With The Amazon Smart Thermostat
Your thermostat controls your heating and cooling system. If a unit is not running efficiently, it can cause inconvenience to the other units connected to it.
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Learn the different common thermostat problems and their solutions below:
Your Air Suddenly Stops Working
Go to your thermostat and make sure the display is on. Check any possible reasons for the lost power, such as old batteries, faulty breakers, or fuses.
After confirming the power source, check the inner elements of your thermostat. Turn off the breaker first before opening your unit.
Inspect any dirt or debris buildup. It slows down the normal function of your unit. Clean it with a soft brush or a can of compressed air. Afterward, check the wiring connections.
Ensure the wires are not bent or pushed down too much. Screw the wiring connections tightly. In case of further damage, consider a unit replacement.
Not Reaching The Set Temperature
Your thermostat can have dirty or damaged sensors or be in a poor location for it to not reach the temperature setting. The sensors manage the turning on of your HVAC.
Dirt can bar the sensor signal. Clean the sensors with a soft brush. A damaged sensor needs professional assistance.
If your unit is under direct sunlight, exposed to heat from the vent, or is at a nearby old window, these can be why your temperature setting has issues. Re-install your thermostat so it can read accurate temperatures indoors.
Not Allowing You To Change The Temperature Setting
Your thermostat won't let you change your temperature setting because of a locked unit, power issue, or faulty wiring.
Check if you set your unit under the child lock settings, auto mode, or automatic lock settings. Sometimes, it can be a breaker problem. Replace the batteries or check your breaker condition.
Faulty wiring can also cause this to happen. The thermostat may not respond due to damaged wiring, no matter how you press the buttons or control the settings.
Inspect your wirings of loose connections, disconnected wires, or worn-out wires. Tighten the loose wires and replace the destroyed wires. You may ask for experts to do it for you.
How To Maintain Your Thermostat
A thermostat usually lasts around ten years. It's one of the most sought systems at home.
Homeowners have their thermostats running almost throughout the year in any season. It is one of the top energy consumables of households.
There are ways to save energy and maintain your thermostat to experience comfort at its best:
- Adjust your thermostat to 10 to 15 degrees a day. Generally, it is advisable to set your thermostat to 68 degrees during winter and 78 degrees during summer. Adjust it lower at night or when no one is using the room.
- Smart thermostats these days are user-friendly. Setting your thermostat according to the setting you want and in auto-mode saves you a lot of adjusting work.
- Putting your thermostat in a ventilated area is a plus. Never block your HVAC systems as well. Maximize the cold air from outside and open your windows during the cold season.
- Keep a cleaning schedule for your HVAC systems. A dirty unit can lead to different issues that may cause you more money or hassle you every time.
- You may fix minor HVAC or thermostat problems, but never try to handle it all. Call for professionals to tend to your major HVAC problems.
Do's And Don'ts For Your Thermostat
Remember these tips to save money with your thermostat and keep your unit functioning well. There may be habits of yours that make you pay more energy bills.
Learn some saving ways and tips to keep your thermostat going for a long time:
- Never be tempted to set your thermostat to extreme heat temperatures. You may think it will warm your house quickly, but it will not; your furnace will work the same, and you may overheat your home.
- Do not adjust your thermostat every hour. It will turn your furnace or aircon on and off, and it will cause inefficiency. Also, it will strike up the energy bill. Be diligent in adjusting your temperature, especially when you're away or at night, or have it in auto-mode.
- Consider having a smart thermostat. It is user-friendly and allows you to manage your HVAC in an organized and convenient way.
- Clean your thermostat regularly. A dirty thermostat can increase your energy bill by 7 %. Make sure not to break or damage any parts of the thermostat while cleaning. Disinfect or simple wiping should be done every week. Have it checked and cleaned once or twice a year.
- Use other ways to cool or warm you. For example, use a fan to help you cool off during summer and adjust your thermostat to a mild or middle setting. Wear cardigans or layers of clothes during winter to help you warm up at home.
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To Finish
Your Amazon smart thermostat has frequent short cycles because of loose wirings, dirty thermostats, not sitting even, or poor calibration.
Carefully inspect your unit and clean it with a soft brush or can compressed air. Then inspect every loose or faulty wiring and tighten or replace it.
Install your thermostat in even placement. Recalibrate it as needed.
Discover more about Amazon smart thermostats in these posts:
How To Install Amazon Smart Thermostat Without C Wire [Step By Step Guide],