Florida heat doesn’t play around, and neither should your AC system.
When it’s hot and humid in Brevard County, your thermostat is the tiny yet mighty piece that tells your cooling system when to turn on, how long to run, and when to shut off. But what happens when that little wall-mounted gadget stops doing its job?
If your AC keeps running but isn’t cooling, or if it starts and stops every few minutes, your thermostat could be to blame. At American Air & Plumbing, we’ve seen how something as small as a faulty thermostat can quietly wear down a powerful AC system.
Here’s what’s really at stake, how to spot the signs, and what you can do to stay cool and in control.
Don’t let a tiny thermostat cause big system problems. Schedule a thermostat inspection and calibration with us today and keep your cool all summer long.
Florida Heat Means No Room for Thermostat Errors
Thermostats are often overlooked during AC troubleshooting. Most homeowners assume the problem lies with the system itself, specifically the refrigerant, coils, and filters. However, the thermostat serves as the control center. When it fails, the entire system suffers.
In our coastal climate, temperature swings, salty air, and heavy system usage can cause your HVAC to work overtime. A thermostat that gives inaccurate readings or fails to respond properly can cause:
- Compressor strain
- Short cycling
- Constant running
- Energy waste and rising bills
- Premature system wear
Let’s break down exactly how that happens.
Inaccurate Readings = Overworked System
Your thermostat uses an internal sensor to read the room temperature. If that sensor is off by even a few degrees, your AC can run longer than necessary or stop before your home is cool.
How this damages your system:
- The AC runs too long and struggles to reach the “goal” temperature that is wrong
- Components like the blower motor and compressor wear down faster
- You waste energy trying to fix a problem that isn’t real
Common symptoms:
- The room feels warmer or cooler than the thermostat says
- AC keeps running with little temperature change
- The thermostat displays inconsistent readings day today
Stuck Relays That Keep Your AC Running
The thermostat controls your AC using internal electrical relays that send signals to start and stop cooling. If those relays get stuck or fail, your AC might never shut off, even when your home is already cool.
How this damages your system:
- Your compressor stays on continuously, leading to overheating
- The system doesn’t get a rest cycle, causing early failure
- Frozen evaporator coils or high pressure can trigger system lockouts
What it feels like at home:
- Your AC runs constantly, even when it feels cool enough
- You have to turn off your system at the breaker manually
- Indoor humidity climbs despite the AC running nonstop
Short Cycling from Faulty Thermostat Signals
Short cycling is when your AC starts, runs for a few minutes, then shuts off, only to restart again soon after. A bad thermostat can trigger this by sending conflicting or rapid signals.
Why this is a big deal:
- Starting up is the most energy-intensive part of a cooling cycle
- Frequent starts and stops wear down motors, and the compressor
- Your home never reaches the set temperature, and indoor humidity stays high
You’ll notice:
- AC turns on and off every few minutes
- Inconsistent temperatures, especially in far rooms
- Higher power bills despite poor comfort
Unresponsive or Erratic Thermostat Behavior
Sometimes, the issue is more obvious. The thermostat just doesn’t respond. It may display a blank screen, exhibit delayed reactions, or completely ignore your input.
Signs it’s time for calibration or repair:
- Delayed cooling after adjusting the temperature
- The system doesn’t respond to thermostat commands at all
- The touchscreen or buttons are frozen or glitchy
- Display resets on its own
If your thermostat is behaving strangely or you find yourself constantly adjusting it to maintain a comfortable temperature, it’s time to have it professionally inspected. Give us a call!
Protect Your AC and Regain Control with Expert Thermostat Care
We don’t just work on the “big stuff.” Our team provides expert thermostat repair and calibration services throughout Brevard County.
When your thermostat is causing system strain or comfort issues, we can:
- Check internal sensors and temperature accuracy
- Repair faulty or stuck relays
- Calibrate the device for better responsiveness
- Reposition the thermostat if it’s in a poor location (like near a lamp or sunny window)
- Confirm proper communication between the thermostat and your AC unit
We’ll ensure your system runs smarter, not harder.
Member Tip: The Platinum Pledge Protects More Than Just Parts
Thermostat problems often go unnoticed until something breaks. That’s why our Platinum Pledge Membership includes two professional system checkups each year, which always include thermostat testing.
Membership benefits include:
- Two tune-ups per year
- Priority scheduling on service calls
- There are no trip fees even after hours or on weekends
- Discounts on repairs and parts
- Peace of mind that your thermostat is checked before problems start
AC Protection Starts with Accurate Control
Think of your thermostat as the brain of your AC system. When it sends the wrong signals, even the best equipment will struggle or, worse, break down early. And in Brevard County, we don’t have time for systems that don’t keep up.
Whether your system is short cycling, running constantly, or feels “off,” let us take a look. Our expert team will test, repair, and recalibrate your thermostat so it communicates clearly with your AC and delivers the comfort you’re paying for.
Don’t Let a Small Problem Turn Into a Bigger One
A malfunctioning thermostat won’t just leave you uncomfortable; it can slowly damage your AC system until a full repair is needed. Catching the problem early can prevent major issues, reduce wear and tear, and help your system run exactly as it should.
Call American Air & Plumbing today to schedule your thermostat repair or calibration. Let’s make sure the smallest part of your system isn’t causing the biggest headaches.
