Time: 10 minutes
Dust accumulation on the contact points of your thermostat can cost you. It’s important to keep your thermostats clean and to replace batteries regularly to make sure your heating and cooling systems are functioning properly.
If you don’t have a ‘smart thermostat,’ you can clean it by removing the cover and using a very soft brush (a small paintbrush works well) or compressed air to dust the contact points. You can also slip a new dollar bill or piece of paper between contact points and move the paper very lightly back and forth. Make sure not to touch any of the interior components with your fingers.
There are many different manufacturers of thermostats -- some make covers with screws, but most snap off. While the cover is off, check for loose or corroded wires. Corroded wires will need to be replaced, a job best left to the professionals. Replace any batteries before putting the cover back on.
