The Ultimate Guide to Thermostat Calibration

A thermostat is an essential component of your home heating and cooling system. Its primary function is to regulate the temperature inside your home, ensuring it remains comfortable and energy-efficient.

One crucial aspect of a thermostat’s performance is its calibration — the accuracy with which it reads and controls the temperature. Over time, a thermostat can lose its calibration, leading to energy wastage and uncomfortable living conditions.

In this blog, we will discuss how to check your thermostat’s calibration and how to calibrate both smart and mechanical thermostats for optimal performance.

How to Check Your Thermostat Calibration

Before calibrating your thermostat, it’s essential to check if it’s accurately reading the temperature. To do this, you’ll need a reliable thermometer to compare to your thermostat’s temperature reading. Here’s how:

1. Turn off your heating or cooling system to prevent any fluctuations in temperature.

2. Place the thermometer near your thermostat, ensuring they are both at the same height and away from any direct sunlight or drafts that could affect the reading.

3. Wait for at least 15 minutes to allow the thermometer to adjust to the room’s temperature.

4. Compare the thermometer’s reading to the temperature displayed on your thermostat. If the readings differ by more than a degree or two, your thermostat may need calibration.

How to Calibrate a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats are designed to be more accurate and energy-efficient than their mechanical counterparts. However, they can still lose calibration over time or due to software glitches. Follow these steps to calibrate a smart thermostat:

1. Consult your thermostat’s user manual to see if it has a built-in calibration feature. If so, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to calibrate your thermostat using this feature.

2. If your smart thermostat doesn’t have a built-in calibration feature, you can try resetting it to its factory settings. This will often correct any calibration issues.

3. If the above steps don’t work or your thermostat continues to display inaccurate temperature readings, contact the manufacturer or a professional HVAC technician for further assistance.

How to Calibrate a Mechanical Thermostat

Mechanical thermostats, such as the older mercury-based models, can lose their calibration over time due to wear and tear or dust buildup. Follow these steps to calibrate a mechanical thermostat:

1. Remove the thermostat’s cover, exposing the internal mechanism.

2. Locate the calibration screw or adjustment lever, usually found near the temperature-sensing coil or bimetallic strip. Consult your thermostat’s user manual if you’re unsure where to find this.

3. Using a small screwdriver, gently turn the calibration screw or move the adjustment lever until the thermostat’s temperature reading matches the thermometer’s reading. Make minor adjustments and allow time for the thermostat to adjust to the new setting before rechecking the temperature.

4. Once the thermostat’s reading matches the thermometer’s reading, replace the cover and test your heating or cooling system to ensure it’s functioning correctly.

Final Thoughts

Regularly checking and calibrating your thermostat can help ensure that your home remains comfortable and that your heating and cooling system operates efficiently. By following the steps outlined in this blog, you can maintain your thermostat’s calibration and prevent unnecessary energy wastage.

If you’re not comfortable calibrating your thermostat yourself or if you continue to experience issues, feel free to work with us at Legacy Heating & Cooling. We offer high-quality thermostats to help you efficiently control the temperature in your home. Call us to get a free quote today!