Why Testing Your Thermostat Matters — And How to Do It Right Before Winter Hits

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As the seasons shift and we brace for another long, cold winter, homeowners are preparing their homes for the deep freeze. From wrapping pipes to booking furnace inspections, there’s a lot to think about, but one small device often gets overlooked: the thermostat.

It might seem like a simple gadget on the wall, but your thermostat plays a critical role in keeping your home warm, efficient, and comfortable.

At Express Plumbing & Heating Inc., we’ve seen firsthand how a faulty thermostat can throw off an entire heating system and how a quick test can save homeowners from chilly nights and high energy bills.

In this post, we’ll break down why testing your thermostat matters, how to do it properly, and when it’s time to consider an upgrade..

Why Test Your Thermostat?

Your thermostat is the brain of your heating system. It tells your furnace when to turn on, how long to run, and when to shut off. If it’s not working properly, everything downstream from comfort to cost, can suffer.

Here are three key reasons to test your thermostat before winter sets in:

1. Accuracy Matters

A thermostat that misreads the room temperature can cause your furnace to run too often or not enough. That means your home might feel too cold or too hot, and your system could be working harder than it needs to. Over time, this can lead to wear and tear on your furnace and uneven heating throughout your home.

2. Energy Savings

A properly calibrated thermostat helps avoid wasted energy. If your system is running when it doesn’t need to, your utility bills will reflect it. Testing your thermostat ensures it’s responding correctly and only activating your furnace when necessary — saving you money month after month.

3. Comfort Control

Alberta winters are no joke. When temperatures drop below -30°C, you need consistent, reliable heat. A functioning thermostat ensures your home stays at the temperature you set, without sudden drops or spikes. It’s the key to keeping your family comfortable through the coldest months.

How to Test Your Thermostat:

Testing your thermostat is simple, and it doesn’t require any special tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make sure your device is working properly:

1. Set the Temperature Above Room Temp

Start by setting your thermostat a few degrees higher than the current room temperature. For example, if your home is sitting at 20°C, bump it up to 23°C. This should trigger the furnace to turn on.

2. Wait and Observe

Once you’ve adjusted the temperature, listen closely. Your furnace should respond within a minute or two. If there’s a delay, or if the system doesn’t respond at all, that’s a red flag.

3. Verify with a Separate Thermometer

To check accuracy, use a standalone room thermometer. Compare its reading to the temperature displayed on your thermostat. If there’s a significant difference — more than a degree or two — your thermostat may need recalibration or replacement.

4. Inspect the Display

Look for signs of wear or malfunction. Flickering screens, blank displays, or sluggish response times can all indicate a problem. If your thermostat is digital, make sure the buttons or touchscreen are responsive.

5. Replace Batteries

If your thermostat is battery-powered, swap in fresh batteries. Weak batteries can cause erratic behavior, including delayed responses or inaccurate readings. It’s a quick fix that can make a big difference.

6. Consider an Upgrade

If your thermostat is outdated or unreliable, it might be time to upgrade. Programmable thermostats allow you to set heating schedules based on your lifestyle, while smart thermostats offer remote control, learning features, and energy usage reports. These upgrades can improve comfort and efficiency — and they’re easier to install than you might think.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Thermostat

Even with regular testing, thermostats don’t last forever. Here are a few signs that it’s time to consider a replacement:

• Your furnace cycles on and off frequently or runs nonstop

• The temperature in your home doesn’t match the thermostat setting

• You notice hot and cold spots in different rooms

• The display is unresponsive or inconsistent

• Your thermostat is more than 10 years old

Don’t let a small device cause big problems this winter.

Your thermostat might be easy to overlook, but it’s central to your home’s comfort, efficiency, and safety. A quick test today could mean the difference between a cozy season and a costly one.

At Express Plumbing & Heating, we’re proud to help homeowners stay ahead of the cold. Whether you need a thermostat check, a furnace inspection, or a full upgrade, our team is ready to deliver dependable service — backed by experience and available 24/7.

Call 403.356.1111 to book your winter heating check-up today.

Let’s make sure your home is warm, efficient, and ready for whatever Alberta throws at it