Help! My Thermostat Has No Power

Last updated: 9/16/2023 and reviewed by our team of HVAC experts

Have you discovered that your thermostat isn’t working? With winter weather ramping up, your family should not have to sort out a broken thermostat. Your HVAC system, including your thermostat, needs to work quickly and efficiently when you need it. Without a functional thermostat, it will not be possible to control your HVAC or central heating systems.

Get your home’s HVAC system back online as soon as possible with help from Aire Serv.

Have an HVAC emergency? Our local technicians are here to help. Call (855) 259-2280 or schedule an appointment online.

Why Is My Thermostat Not Getting Power?

The good news is that thermostat problems are often easy to resolve. Follow these four easy steps to troubleshoot a thermostat not getting power.

1. Make sure the thermostat is turned on.
   It’s always a good idea to start every troubleshooting process with the simplest solution, so verify that the thermostat’s power switch is on. Many thermostats are easy to accidentally turn off during routine dusting. Maybe someone else in the house turned the unit off without mentioning it to the rest of the family. If the weather has been nice and your HVAC system has been off for a while, you may simply forget to turn the thermostat back on before trying to adjust the temperature.
2. Replace the batteries.
   If you have a battery-powered thermostat, try putting fresh batteries in the unit. Most people don’t keep track of when they replace their thermostat’s batteries. For best performance and complete peace of mind, replace these batteries at least every six months. An easy way to remember this task is to replace your thermostat and smoke detector batteries when Daylight Savings Time starts in the spring and ends in the fall.
3. Check the circuit breaker panel.
   The next simplest solution for a thermostat that has no power is a tripped circuit breaker. This is a common cause for appliances, power outlets, and HVAC equipment not working. Open your electrical panel and look for a switch that is not aligned with the rest. If you do see a misaligned switch, turn it off and then back on. Try turning the HVAC system back on to see if that resolved the problem.
4. Open the thermostat housing and make sure it’s clean.
   Over the years, dust can build up inside your thermostat and prevent it from working correctly. If people smoke in your house, sticky tar build-up can make the situation even worse. Gently remove the thermostat cover and look inside. If there does appear to be gunk caked on the thermostat’s components, use canned air to carefully blow the dust and debris away.

What to Do Next If Your Thermostat Still Has No Power

If these DIY tips did not get your thermostat running, it’s time to bring in a professional. You may need to have a new thermostat installed, and that’s a job that should always be entrusted to a trained HVAC expert. Aire Serv will be happy to help you choose the right thermostat model for your home’s HVAC system. We also provide fast and friendly thermostat installation services.

As a member of the Neighborly family of home service brands, you can trust Aire Serv to deliver fast, effective HVAC repairs, including thermostat replacement. Click to request an appointment or call Aire Serv at (855) 259-2280.