Setting your thermostat at the widely recommended 68 degrees but returning to a significantly colder home in the winter can be confusing and frustrating. You’ll find yourself asking, “Why is my house colder than the thermostat setting?”
As the leading name for air conditioner and heat pump installation in Houston, TX, it’s one of the questions we hear the most from homeowners here at BVS Home Experts. Unfortunately, there’s no one specific answer for this problem.
There are various reasons for the temperature differences you’re experiencing. It could be due to thermostat troubles, problems with the heat pump or furnace system, or a structural issue.
Thermostat Problems
If there’s an issue with the thermostat, it may communicate a reading different from what you can see on the screen to your HVAC systems. Some of the most common thermostat problems include the following:
Dirty Thermostat Sensor
A dirty thermostat sensor will send the wrong readings to your heat pump or furnace. This can lead to that imbalance between the numbers the thermostat is showing and how you feel inside your home. Thankfully, this is an easy fix.
You only need to clean the thermostat. While cleaning the sensor, avoid doing anything that can damage it completely. Don’t use a soaking wet piece of cloth or detergent during the process. A smooth, dry rag is enough to wipe down the sensor surface.
You should also check your owner’s manual for further guidance.
Power-Related Issues
Your thermostat will not work if it has weak or dead batteries. You can spot battery issues easily. Most thermostats will leave a battery notification on the screen. Replacing the batteries with an equivalent is usually enough to correct the problem.
Similarly, your thermostat will not work as well as it should if there’s an issue with the wiring. This is an electrical issue, so you’ll need to call a professional to evaluate the problem and possibly fix it.
Thermostat in the Wrong Location
If you’re asking, “Why is my house colder than the thermostat setting?” it’s a good idea to re-evaluate where you’ve installed the thermostat. You’ll almost certainly get inaccurate readings if it’s next to a heat-generating appliance or facing direct sunlight.
You should install your thermostat away from any doors and windows for optimum performance. You should also position it somewhere in the middle of your home to ensure the sensor picks up a temperature reading that reflects the reality inside your home.
Problems with the Heat Pump or Furnace
If you’re still wondering, “Why is my house colder than the thermostat setting?” after troubleshooting your thermostat, the problem may lie with your heating system. Some of the things that might lead to the temperature disparities you’re experiencing include the following:
A Dirty Filter
The filter in your furnace or heat pump traps airborne contaminants, keeping them from cycling back into your indoor space.
However, you’ll need to replace or clean the filter (depending on the type you have) from time to time. Otherwise, the thick layer of dirt will form a protective film on the filter, lowering the volume of air your heating system can process and deliver.
As a result, your home will feel colder than the thermostat readings, even when your heating system is working normally. Installing clean filters should correct the temperature disparity (if a dirty filter is the problem).
Damaged Components
Your heating system has many components, including flame sensors, blower motors, condensate lines, coils, and more (depending on your heating system). If any of these components has malfunctioned or suffered damage, your heating system will fail to deliver your desired temperatures.
Underpowered System
Did you install your heating system newly? You may have a system that’s too small for your home. An undersized system will take a long time to warm up your space and may never deliver enough warmth for your indoor space to reach the temperatures you’ve set on your thermostat.
If your heating system used to work optimally before now and you haven’t completed any home additions recently, the problem lies elsewhere.
However, if you confirm that you have an underpowered system, you may have to add another unit to share the heating load.
Installing a mini-split system to heat certain sections of your home is usually cheaper than replacing the entire central heating system – unless your warranty still allows a replacement.
Structural Issues
When there is no issue with your thermostat or the HVAC system, you’ll have to turn your attention to your home. Some of the things that can lead to the difference in temperatures between your thermostat and your indoor space include the following:
Inadequate Insulation
Your indoor space will struggle with reaching the set temperature if you’re losing conditioned air to the outside. Check your property for drafty windows and doors, and inspect your attic and crawlspace for decayed insulation material.
If your ceiling, walls, or flooring feels cold in the winter, that’s a sign you should call in the professionals to improve your home’s insulation and boost its R-value.
If you ignore the inadequate insulation for too long, your HVAC units will gradually become less efficient as components wear out.
Leaky Ductwork
Air from your air conditioning and heating systems must travel through your air ducts before spreading to the rest of your home. If there are any leaks in the system, you’ll lose a significant chunk of the heat from your furnace or heat pump before it can enter your indoor space.
If you suspect leaks in your ductwork, contact an experienced HVAC technician to confirm or disprove your suspicions.
Get the Answers You Need From Your Local HVAC Experts
Are you still wondering, “Why is my house colder than the thermostat setting?” Call the experienced team at BVS Home Experts to get definitive answers.
We’ll ensure you’re not exposed to the dangers of a faulty thermostat, carefully evaluate your heating system and home, and recommend fixes that will leave your indoor space feeling comfortable again.
Call BVS Home Experts in Houston, TX, today at (281) 809-6417 to schedule a consultation.
