There’s a reason spring has always been a time of big changes. Whether you’re the type to set spring resolutions or engage in the ritual of spring cleaning, the return of greenery and wildlife is great for mood and motivation!

Where your home is concerned, spring is also the best time for something else: a thermostat upgrade. If your thermostat is getting on in years, asking about an upgrade during your pre-season HVAC tune-up is a smart move. Let’s take a look at why to replace your thermostat and how to tell when the time has come.

Average Lifespan of a Thermostat

Most modern HVAC systems will last anywhere from 15-20 years, depending on the type, make, and model you choose. Sometimes, you can get an even longer lifespan out of a unit with proper care and maintenance.

Your thermostat, however, has a shorter lifespan. Modern thermostats will only last around ten years. As with HVAC systems, you’ll only see this total lifespan with routine maintenance and care.

It may be tempting to delay a thermostat upgrade, but resist the urge!

Your thermostat is the heart of your HVAC system. It’s what allows you to translate your needs into something your air conditioner and heater can understand. When your thermostat doesn’t perform as well as it should, your system may struggle to keep up, become inefficient, and even raise your bills.

In addition, newer thermostats use more advanced technology for temperature regulation to keep you comfortable. Replacing an older model with a programmable or smart thermostat is a great way to take advantage of the latest industry innovations and get more out of your HVAC system.

Signs You Need a Thermostat Upgrade

If you’re getting close to the tail end of your thermostat’s useful lifespan, how do you know when to retire it? There are a few signs a new thermostat may be on the horizon for you:

Your HVAC System Keeps Shutting Off

Communication issues can wreak havoc on your HVAC system. If your thermostat keeps causing your HVAC to shut down for no reason, things can get frustrating fast.

Barring any faults with your HVAC unit, this error can happen when your thermostat’s wiring gets frayed, damaged, or corroded. The compromised connection can send the wrong signal to your entire system. A good cleaning can sometimes help, but this won’t always solve the problem.

The Indoor Temperature Reading Is Wrong

Your thermostat needs to be able to read your home’s temperature with accuracy. If it always registers the wrong temperature, it can affect your comfort. You may notice that your indoor temperatures are always a bit too warm or too cool for your liking, even though the thermostat’s reading suggests you should be in your comfort zone.

If you suspect this issue, grab a quality indoor thermometer to check. You can also try calibrating or resetting your thermostat according to your owner’s manual.

Your Energy Bills Have Spiked

High utility bills can happen for a lot of reasons, but if you don’t see any obvious culprits within your HVAC itself, your thermostat may be to blame. When your thermostat can’t read or maintain the temperature, it may prompt your system to stay on for longer. This can force your HVAC unit to use more energy than it should, causing your energy bills to skyrocket.

When Should You Buy a New Thermostat?

Let’s say you know your thermostat needs replacing, but you’re not sure when to do it.

We always recommend switching to a new thermostat whenever you’re replacing your HVAC system. Because there’s a huge range of thermostats available to pair with an even larger range of HVAC systems and model sizes, it’s crucial to find a good match. Doing so ensures proper communication, efficient functioning, and enhanced comfort.

However, if you are not planning to upgrade your HVAC system anytime soon, spring is the ideal time for a thermostat replacement. There are a few reasons for this.

First, you’ll often find HVAC equipment at a discount during the “off-season” periods of the year when the weather is temperate.

Businesses and manufacturers often have a surplus of extra HVAC systems, thermostats, and related devices ready to offload. However, fewer people use these systems during the spring, which means demand for thermostats will be lower, forcing businesses to lower prices to make sales.

Second, you’re more likely to get quick service from an HVAC company during the spring. With the high demand for winter heating equipment behind them and little demand (yet) for cooling equipment, most companies have a lighter schedule. This means you may not have to wait days or even weeks for someone to fit you in.

Third, if you’re taking good care of your air conditioning unit, spring is a time when you’re likely getting a pre-season tune-up anyway. The timing of these tune-ups is ideal for the reasons above, but they’re also a smart way to prepare your system for the high cooling demands you’ll make on it in the summer.

Because you’ll already need to make an appointment for maintenance, you’ll have the opportunity to talk with a technician about upgrading your thermostat. This is a good chance to ask questions, find out if they’d recommend an upgrade, and get advice on models that might work with your system.

Schedule Your Pre-Season Tune-Up Today

Ready to experience more HVAC uptime, comfortable temperatures, and better system efficiency? Talk to an experienced HVAC pro about upgrading your thermostat! With a spring upgrade to prepare you for summer cooling, you’ll be ready for anything Mother Nature has to throw at you.

If you have questions, need recommendations, or want to schedule your pre-season HVAC tune-up with a reputable pro, trust our NATE-certified team! At Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air, we love helping customers navigate the confusing landscape of HVAC upgrades. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can be sure you’ll enjoy your new thermostat installation for years to come.

We’re proud to offer services throughout Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Jacksonville, and St. Johns. Contact us today to schedule your tune-up!