Thermostats help to control the temperatures within your home, ensuring that you are perfectly comfortable. There exist different types of thermostats but all of them basically carry out the same role. The difference may be the fact that some are manual, programmable, non-programmable or smart. You are able to choose whichever suits your needs among the three.
Thermostats are not entirely perfect and there are times when they need regular maintenance and repair. Thermostat calibration is one of the common maintenance practices for a thermostat. It is important for you to calibrate your Trane xl824 thermostat once you notice that the readings are not correct. How do you go about this? This article reveals in detail Trane xl824 thermostat calibration.
Why calibration?
First and foremost, you need to understand what thermostat calibration is. This involves adjusting and matching the elements that help to control the temperature inside a particular room. A basic room thermometer can help test the calibration of your thermostat.
There is a need to calibrate your thermostat due to some rather obvious reasons. The moment your thermostat starts displaying inaccurate temperature readings, there is a problem. You may attempt to change temperature readings severally so as to correct the issue but in real sense you are damaging your thermostat. Also, the energy bills may tend to increase drastically if you keep on making adjustments to the thermostat.
Thus, calibrating your thermostat ensures that the temperature remains consistent throughout and that you are comfortable as well. Besides, it saves you from spending a lot of money in paying huge energy bills. Calibration is not a tricky process so you do not need the services of a professional. If you are a DIY enthusiast, you can easily calibrate your thermostat while at home.
How can you tell that your thermostat needs calibration?
This is a simple question. Improper temperature readings are a good sign that your thermostat is in dire need of calibration. Moreover, if your Trane xl824 thermostat is experiencing very many or very few cooling or heating cycles, there is a problem with its calibration.
Your air conditioning system behaves in some inconsistent manner, it may be signs of improper calibrations. If your thermostat is showing any of the above signs, it is time to take proper actions to curb against such problems.
What leads to improper thermostat calibration?
So now you know that your Trane xl824 thermostat has calibration issues but you have no idea how this comes about. One of the reasons that may lead to this is buildup of dust within your thermostat. The presence of too much dust in your thermostat’s interior may likely tamper with the temperature readings.
Additionally, loss of power also causes a thermostat to lose its calibration. If after a power loss your thermostat behaves in some rather abnormal way, it has an issue with the calibration. Last but not least, bumping the thermostat may lead to improper calibration. Bumping describes any activity that leads to the thermometer crashing, knocking, cracking and banging among others.
Trane xl824 Thermostat calibration (step by step)
After identifying reasons for thermostat calibration and causes of improper thermostat calibration, we now seek to find out how to calibrate thermostats without involving professionals. There are few steps to follow to achieve appropriate thermostat calibration.
1. Select the correct method
Does your thermostat have a mercury switch with mercury inside it or does it use a calibration screw? This is the first thing you need to determine before moving on to other things. For our case, the Trane xl824 thermostat uses a calibration screw.
2. Ensure the thermostat is accurate
How do you measure the accuracy of your thermostat in the first place? Simple! You will use a regular indoor thermometer. Turn on your thermostat. Stick your thermometer on the wall next to the thermostat by using a masking tape.
Ensure the thermometer and walls do not get into contact by placing a piece of towel in between them. Also, the two need to be in a position whereby they are not affected by any weather interferences such as sunlight as this tampers with the readings.
Your thermostat should be on for about 15 minutes and then compare the temperature readings of the two. In case there is a temperature variation that is over 1 degree, your thermostat needs calibration. If the readings are similar, then your thermostat is okay. It is advisable to carry out this procedure at least once a year.
3. Clean the thermostat off any dirt
Because dirt and dust may tamper with the calibration of your thermostat, you need to ensure that your thermostat is free from the two. You can either blow your thermostat or open it up once and for all to clean the dirt in its interior.
Get rid of the thermostat cover and use a clean soft brush to carefully clean the contents inside and use a soft piece of cloth for the outside part. In other cases, you can use a clean dollar bill to clean in between the magnetic connections.
4. Make tight the calibration screw
Locate where the calibration screw is. Usually, it positions itself in the interior of a curved piece of metal in the thermostat. Use the right screwdriver for the job to rotate the screw from side to side until the contacts unlock.
After a few seconds, turn the screw once more till the contacts lock. You have reset the contacts.
5. Ensure the level of mercury is straight
Use a spirit level that is standard to make sure that the mercury is straight for it to work properly. If you do this and the thermostat still refuses to work, it is time you look for a profession.
6. Check the wiring
Before closing up the thermostat, check the wiring if it is in proper condition. Clean any dirty wires and replace the ones that have rust and corrosion.
After the last step, you can repeat step 2 just to ensure that the readings are accurate and you have successfully calibrated your thermostat.
Conclusion
Trane xl824 thermostat calibration is a very straightforward procedure that you can do on your own. Calibration ensures that there are consistent temperature readings and that you do not pay huge energy bills. Always ensure that you calibrate your thermostat yearly to be on the safe side.
