The thermostat in your home manages the operations of your furnace.  It automatically turns the furnace off and on to keep the temperature levels in your home consistent.  Most digital thermostats are fairly dependable but there are times when they can get faulty and break down.  Thermostat problems can cause your furnace not to work and leave you with no heat in your home. You can check to see if your thermostat is the cause of your no heat by following some simple steps.

Here are 3 common thermostat problems and there easy fixes.

1. Check your thermostat to verify that the battery light is not flashing. A flashing light or a display screen that is not operating properly may require fresh batteries.
2. Use a thermometer to check that the air temperature reading is accurate. Hold your thermometer close to the thermostat. The thermometer should be accurate within one or two degrees. If it is displaying a reading that is more than one or two degrees higher or lower than the thermostat, then the sensor may have a problem.
3. Adjust the thermostat temperature to a level that is higher than the current air temperature. Listen to hear whether the vents begin to operate. If your vents do not start, you will need a friend or family member to help you check the furnace. Have your assistance stand next to your furnace. Adjust the thermostat so that the furnace turns off.  When it is evident that the furnace is off, readjust the thermostat so that the furnace comes back on. Have your assistant listen for a clicking sound. This sound indicates that thermostat is operating properly. If there is no sound, the thermostat may need to be repaired or replaced.

If you need repair work done on a faulty thermostat because you have no heat, it is best to have a professional heating contractor do the work for you. A replacement thermostat will cost anywhere between $25.00 and $80.00 depending on the technology included. More advanced programmable thermostats could run up to $250.00. The labor costs for installation will cost more.  A typical thermostat replacement job will come with a price tag between $125.00 and $400.00 depending on the work needed. As long as you follow the simple steps above, you can resolve most thermostat problems without ever having to call a heating contractor.