It does not really matter whether you have a Programmable Thermostat, a Non-Programmable Thermostat or a standard Digital or Mercury thermostat; what really matters is whether or not the installed thermostat is operating efficiently and keeping you comfortable. And when it comes to comfort, even the latest technology thermostat would fail to do it if it is not maintained on a regular basis and a very ordinary thermostat provided with regular maintenance can provide with a far better efficiency and comfort. So here you learn, maintenance matters. And when it comes to Thermostat it is not just cleaning, dusting or general inspection that matters. There are other maintenance to do's as well that are required to be followed in order to make the most of the device. So here's a piece of learning for you;

Testing your Thermostat at the beginning of every season  

The purpose of your Thermostat is to keep your indoor comfortable by keeping the temperature under control. And it can do so if it is itself able to sense what the temperature exactly is. Many times, the indoor discomfort is caused by a Thermostat with faulty readings. So test your device at the beginning of every season, preferably at the beginning of winter and summer when the HVAC appliances run the most. To test, place a standard thermometer with precise readings at the wall where the Thermostat is installed. Wait for 15 minutes. Now compare the reading of the Thermometer and that of Thermostat. It is okay if there's a temperature difference of 5 degrees. If it's more, recalibrate your device. If the problem persists and you know no other DIY, it's time to call a pro.

Check batteries regularly 

It is preferred to go for quality batteries when you are purchasing them for your Thermostat and that is because battery problem in Thermostat can actually put your entire home in a discomfortable environment. Check the batteries after every six months. Also, if your Thermostat turns off/on, check the batteries if they need replacement.

Some fixes with the anticipator 

A thermostat anticipator basically helps you save on energy bills while also help keep the indoor comfortable by turning the system off a little earlier to avoid overheating/cooling. Cycling of the system too often or not often enough suggests there is need for some fixes with the anticipator. Reach the inside of the Thermostat and look for the anticipator pointer. If your system cycles too often, set the pointer at a higher setting. If the case is otherwise; the system doesn't cycle enough, set the setting a little lower.

Avoid unnecessary DIY

There are some simple maintenance to do's that homeowners can do on their own. But there are others that are not suggested to be tried with DIY particularly in case of complex thermostats or when it's about wiring issues etc. So as you perform DIY maintenance, keep limits and do contact an HVAC professional for maintenance when the task is beyond your capabilities.