There are so many reasons why your thermostat is not reading the temperature correctly. Sometimes, the temperature differs from what the thermostat indicates. However, there is no need to panic as there is always a reason for this.
Typically, the thermostat should indicate the temperature of the air being blown in by the AC. However, when something is wrong with the thermostat, it could malfunction and register the wrong readings. You must understand the possible causes and adjust or fix the thermostat correctly.
Your thermostat reading may be off for various reasons. The first possibility is worn-out batteries. It could also behave differently if the air filter is clogged or there is an issue with the general settings. Fortunately, all these problems can be troubleshot, and the thermostat’s working is restored.
Possible reasons for your thermostat failing to read correctly include low battery, poor temperature settings, clogged filters, incorrect temperature settings, and inappropriate installation.
All these are possible causes of the thermostat malfunctioning and improper temperature readings. What matters is knowing how to fix the problem and restore the proper functioning of the thermostat.
Why is Vivint Thermostat Not Reading Temperature Correctly?
1. The Batteries May Be Low
The thermostat could be acting up for many reasons. However, your first suspicion should be low batteries. This means that this is where you should start your troubleshooting.
Note that the Vivint thermostat requires a certain amount of power to function like other thermostats. Besides, most of the power it needs is from the batteries inside. When the batteries are low, the thermostat’s functionality is affected negatively.
If you suspect your battery is too low to function, the only option is to replace it with a new set of batteries.
Fix- Replace Worn Out Batteries
- Start by unmounting the thermostat from its wall mounting plate
- Next, you should turn the thermostat to the side to help reveal the battery compartment
- Get rid of the old batteries from the thermostat
- When done, wait at least 30 seconds before inserting the new replacement batteries. Note that the thermostat needs AA batteries to work. Just confirm that you are inserting the batteries correctly when changing them.
- Once correctly done, mount the thermostat back on the wall in the right location. Ensure it is not close to areas where the outdoor breeze can easily affect the accuracy of the reading. Please note that the issue may not be resolved if the batteries do not cause the problem, hence the need to try other solutions.
2. The Air Filters May be Dirty
The thermostat may be in perfect working condition. However, the HVAC unit’s dirty filters may hinder its optimal performance. These interfere with the flow of air from the AC or furnace. If the filters are clogged, it tends to interfere with the amount of air that reaches the thermostat. Clogged filters interfere with the amount of hot or cool air leaving the HVAC unit.
A good example is when the temperature of your room is lower than the set one, the thermostat triggers the furnace to pump in more air. This would work well if the filters in the furnace were not clogged.
If the opposite is true, the pumped hot air will be interfered with. The result is needing more hot air blown into the space; hence, the room will likely be cooler than expected.
The first thing you should consider if the hot air in your room is insufficient is to clean the HVAC filters. This supports free airflow and prevents future HVAC filter clogging.
Fix – Clean the HVAC Filters Regularly
- You need first to switch off the AC
- Find the location of the AC filter and remove it from the unit. If you are using a central AC unit, this will be in the basement. For ducted ACs, find the filter within the main return air duct. On the other hand, the filter will be found on the front panel for window ACs.
- Your next step is to clean the air filter. Your only option is to vacuum the filter or clean it with water. Soak the dirty filter in the water-vinegar mix for about an hour if the filter is waterproof. Only then should you clean it as the dirt will be loose enough.
- You should then leave the cleaned filters to dry completely
- Once completely dry, replace the filter to its original position.
- Finish by closing the AC and switching it back on. The thermostat reading should be restored if the dirty filters were the issue.
You also need to clean the air filters in your furnace. This is slightly different than how you do it for the AC.
- You need first to switch off the furnace
- Search for the filters inside the furnace. There will be a small arrow displaying the airflow.
- You must mark the airflow direction using a Sharpie before removing the furnace filters. Doing this ensures that you will replace the furnace in the right location.
- Next, remove the filter
- Using a hose, rinse the dirty filter to clean off the dust. It is best to put the filter under running water.
- Once the filter is clean, place it on the wall to dry off completely.
- Make sure to replace the filter on the furnace and follow the directions you had marked previously.
3. The Temperature Settings may be Wrong
Each time the new thermostat is being installed, it should be set. Make sure to set the desired temperature. The best time to set the Vivint thermostat is when it is hot outside.
The thermostat setting will remain the same even when the weather changes and it suddenly becomes cool. This means the thermostat will not let the temperature go lower than it needs to. If the current temperature does not satisfy you, you only have to reset the temperature.
Fix – Change the Thermostat Settings
- Go to the Vivint app on your phone.
- Check at the bottom of the screen and find the temperature icon. This is the icon that indicates the current temperature.
- Click the plus or minus signs to increase or decrease the temperature accordingly.
- Exit the app once you are satisfied with the new temperature settings and changes made
- After this, the temperature in your house will be optimal, and the house will be comfortable to live in.
4. The Thermostat is Installed in the Wrong Location
Make sure to choose an appropriate location to install the thermostat. It should not be close to where air flows, such as the window or door. As such, it will interfere with the correct temperature of the room.
A good example is when the temperature inside the room is hot, but the outdoor one is cold; your thermostat may record a slightly cool temperature inside the room when this is not the case.
When unnecessary, the thermostat may trigger the furnace or heat pump to push more hot air inside the room.
Fix – Change the Location of the Thermostat
- Find out if the current location of your thermostat affects its accuracy in reading the temperature of the room
- If it does, then you may have to find a new location, preferably one with no airflow
- Remount the thermostats in the new location. Note that the center of the room is ideal for such a move.
- Observe to see if the temperature is steady and consistent.
- This change in thermostat location should fix the temperature flow immediately.
5. Wrong Settings
The wrong settings of your Vivint thermostat can affect the temperature reading negatively. Make sure that the settings are correct at all times. Usually, this issue is resolved by resetting the thermostat. Incorrect settings lead to glitches and malfunctions that cannot be easily rectified.
Fix – factory Reset the Thermostat.
- Go to the home screen of your thermostat and long press the side button for at least 3 seconds.
- Next, you need to press the down button to highlight the Installer. When done, press the side button.
- You need to press down again to help highlight the Reset and then press the side button again
- Next, you should confirm that you want to restore the default setting. This is done by pressing down one more time to highlight. Reset button. Next, press the side button. If successful, the thermostat should reset and reboot. As a result, all the glitches will be cleared, and any temperature concerts will resolve themselves.
It is also possible to reset the Vivint thermostat by simply switching the circuit breaker off and then on. This means you must find the switch that controls the thermostat before switching it on and off.
However, you have to wait about 30 seconds before switching it on. Also, realize that factory resetting the thermostat means restarting it repeatedly.
When you factory reset everything, the thermostat loses its memory, so you have to redo everything from the word go.