
Cooling Problems: Is My Thermostat to Blame?
Considering the intense heat of our summer season, ensuring optimal performance from our air conditioners is crucial in the Southwest.
Various factors can contribute to subpar cooling performance. Sometimes, the air conditioner isn’t the root cause; the thermostat is the culprit. Your thermostat is crucial in regulating your home cooling system’s operation.
Recognizing signs of thermostat issues is essential to maintaining a comfortable home environment. If you suspect your thermostat is causing cooling problems, you may want to consider the following.
The Impact of Thermostat Placement
Although it might seem like a minor detail, the placement of your thermostat significantly affects your cooling system’s performance. Incorrect placement can lead to inaccurate temperature readings and inefficient cooling.
Your thermostat should be positioned away from direct sunlight, drafts, and heat sources such as windows, doors, and appliances. Poor placement can cause your air conditioner to cycle on and off too frequently or not enough, leading to inconsistent indoor temperatures and higher energy bills.
Why Placement Matters
When a thermostat is exposed to direct sunlight or drafts, it can give false readings to your cooling system. For instance, if placed in a sunny spot, the thermostat might register a higher temperature than the actual room temperature, causing the air conditioner to overwork.
Conversely, if located near a drafty area, it might read lower temperatures, resulting in inadequate cooling. Strategically placing your thermostat in a central location, away from these influences, helps ensure accurate temperature regulation and efficient cooling performance.
Regular Maintenance for Optimal Performance
Keeping your thermostat clean and well-maintained is essential for accurate operation. Dirt and debris can accumulate over time, interfering with the thermostat’s sensors and leading to incorrect temperature readings. Regularly dusting and cleaning your thermostat can prevent these issues and maintain efficiency.
Simple Maintenance Tips
To keep your thermostat functioning properly, gently clean it with a soft brush or cloth to remove dust and debris. Ensure that the area around the thermostat is also free from obstructions affecting airflow and temperature sensing.
Additionally, check the thermostat’s wiring and connections periodically to ensure they are secure and in good condition. Simple maintenance steps like these can significantly improve your cooling system’s performance and extend its lifespan.
Choosing the Right Thermostat for Your Needs
The type of thermostat you install can greatly impact your cooling system’s efficiency and your overall comfort. Various thermostat options are available, each with its features and benefits. The key is to choose a thermostat that suits your lifestyle and preferences.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats are becoming increasingly popular due to their advanced features and convenience. They allow you to control your home’s temperature via smartphone apps remotely, set schedules, and even learn your temperature preferences over time. A smart thermostat can enhance your cooling system’s efficiency and provide greater control over your indoor climate.
These devices often come with energy usage reports and tips, helping you to identify patterns and adjust settings for optimal savings. Additionally, many smart thermostats integrate with other smart home devices, offering seamless automation and improved home comfort.
Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats offer flexibility by allowing you to set different temperatures for various times of the day. It can lead to energy savings, as you can reduce cooling when you’re not home or during the night when temperatures are typically lower. Ensuring your programmable thermostat is set correctly can help you maintain a comfortable home while reducing energy consumption.
Moreover, these thermostats are ideal for maintaining a consistent temperature schedule without manual adjustments, making it easier to adhere to energy-efficient practices. You can enjoy a comfortable environment while minimizing energy use by programming your thermostat to cool down the house just before you wake up or return from work. In regions with extreme temperatures, this can also help extend the life of your HVAC system by preventing overuse.
Signs Your Thermostat Needs Attention
Recognizing when your thermostat is malfunctioning is crucial to preventing larger issues with your cooling system. Here are some common signs that your thermostat may need attention:
Inconsistent Temperatures
If different rooms in your home have varying temperatures, your thermostat might not accurately control your system. It can happen if the thermostat is placed in an area that doesn’t represent the average temperature of your home, such as near a drafty window or in direct sunlight.
Uneven temperatures can also result from poor thermostat calibration or an aging device that no longer accurately measures temperatures. You might need to relocate your thermostat or upgrade to a more advanced model to resolve this. Ensuring the thermostat is centrally located and away from heat sources can help maintain a more consistent temperature throughout your home.
Unresponsive Controls
Difficulty adjusting the temperature or unresponsive controls can indicate a problem with the thermostat. This issue might stem from faulty wiring, dead batteries, or a malfunctioning interface. In some cases, dirt and dust buildup inside the thermostat can interfere with its internal components, leading to unresponsiveness.
Additionally, an outdated or damaged thermostat may need help communicating effectively with your HVAC system. If you encounter this problem, check the battery and clean the unit. If these steps don’t help, consider a professional inspection or replacement to restore proper functionality.
Constant Running or Short Cycling
The thermostat might give incorrect signals if your air conditioner runs continuously or turns on and off frequently. This condition, known as short cycling, can strain your cooling system excessively, leading to increased wear and tear and higher energy bills. Short cycling can be caused by a miscalibrated thermostat, incorrect temperature settings, or issues with the thermostat’s location.
For example, a thermostat near a heat source can cause the system to cycle on and off rapidly. To address this, ensure your thermostat is properly calibrated and positioned. If the problem persists, consulting with a professional HVAC technician can help diagnose and fix the underlying thermostat issues, ensuring efficient and reliable operation of your air conditioner.
When to Call a Professional
If you notice any of the above signs, it’s time to call a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and fix the problem. At Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing, our experienced technicians can quickly identify thermostat issues and recommend the best solutions. Whether you need a repair, replacement, or advice on the best thermostat, we’re here to help.
Benefits of Professional Installation
Professional installation ensures your thermostat is placed correctly and functions optimally. Technicians from Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing have the expertise to install and calibrate your thermostat accurately, ensuring it works harmoniously with your cooling system. It enhances your air conditioner’s performance, extends its lifespan, and improves energy efficiency.
Fix Your AC Thermostat Problem Today!
Your thermostat is vital in maintaining your home’s comfort and cooling efficiency. You can optimize your cooling system’s performance by ensuring proper placement, regular maintenance, and choosing the right type of thermostat.
If you experience any issues with your thermostat or air conditioner, contact Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing for expert assistance.
In addition to thermostat services, Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing offers various HVAC solutions, including air conditioner installation, maintenance, and repair. Our commitment to customer satisfaction means you can trust us to handle all your cooling needs professionally and carefully.
Testimonials
What Our Customers Say About Us



Cameran took the time to thoroughly explain the differences between replacing with a traditional tank water heater versus opting for a tankless model. He laid out the pricing and options in a very transparent manner, answering all my questions patiently and ensuring I understood the benefits and costs of each option. This level of transparency was refreshing and much appreciated, as it helped me feel confident in making an informed decision.
Overall, Cameran provided a fantastic experience. His professionalism, knowledge, and genuine approach were exceptional, making what could have been a stressful situation both easy and informative. I highly recommend Cameran to anyone in need of water heater services. Thank you, Cameran, for your outstanding service!








He was organized and methodical when servicing our unit/property.
Austin was easy to understand and helped to sell us on the savings program.👍🏽😃













Thank you for your service this morning.





Caleb was professional and clear. He showed me what he found and told me how I could proceed. Thank you Goettl 😊 and thank you Caleb!





Very professional!






Tech was polite, friendly, professional and knowledgeable. Explained what happened and why. Checked entire system to insure there was no further damage. Great job! Very pleased.










Thermostat. Stopped working on Monday night 10/20 /2025. GOETTL Tech. Kevin Andrew text to notify me of his ETA. Was very punctual. Explain what the problem was, he checked it out , went up to attic and found the problem. Explain to me the issues that was causing the A/C Thermostat to turn off. Went into detail explaining to me what was causing the A/C Thermostat to turn off. He was very professionalc and ourteous.
Thank you Kevin... Blessings




Had Andrew come out to remove garbage disposal and repipe sink. He also swapped out 13 emergency water shut off valves in 3 bathrooms.
Andrew was professional, courteous and expedient. He did have to run out to get some supplies. He stayed until 7pm to complete the job on one trip.
May 2023 update. Technician Steve came today to do the summer rejuvenation. Friendly and professional tech. Explained the process and findings. Both systems are new, so everything checked out good. Did a god cleaning of coils and now all set for the summer season. Had them out for fall prevention service and to review the systems that are here. I just bought the house and needed to understand what was in place.
The service tech, Kevin was very knowledgeable, friendly and professional. He explained and provided photos and video of all components. He ensured keeping house clean and wore booties.
My second unit is not in the best shape, and Kevin explained each of the issues. I will follow up with service managér to determine next steps (repair or replacement).
I signed up for there service plan and am very pleased with the service and communication to date
12/21 Luis C came today to do routine maintenance on hot water heater. Professional and courteous. He did a through job and explained everything.
10/15. Juan came today and did a great job. He was professional, courteous and friendly. Was here for exterior water bid but also did a hot water heater. Took his time and explained everything.
10/22 update. Timothy was here to due furnace rejuvenation. Very professional, courteous and friendly. He did a very thorough inspection. Everything looked good, but did comment on lack of insulation as has been noted before. Did not have current code. But was ok. Explained the benefit of higher level/depth of insulation. Scheduled so as to get current rebates.



My concerns have been resolved satisfactorily. They will continue to get my business. Thank you!



After toughing it out for a night I scheduled a service check with Goettl. Jorge came out and I'm so thankful that he was the one to show up. I was greeted at the door with a gift for my doggo and a new flashlight. Jorge took a look at my system and he knew his stuff. Optimal operating temperatures, pressures and the whole works. He took the time to explain it to me, show me the failed parts and even give me a list of options. With those he gave me realistic expectations at each price point.
He was able to work his magic and get my system back online and my house cool again. This isn't my first time calling on goettl and it won't be my last.





I’ll be canceling my home warranty and working directly with Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing from now on. Their reliability and customer care are unmatched. I’m very grateful for Jesus’s honesty and dedication highly recommend!








I do appreciate it n value you advice n tips n suggestions. Thank again . Shelly Adams







I was so impressed I joined the maintenance program, so an additional shout out to Ryan Angle who completed my water heater service and plumbing inspection, same as the others Great Job… Thanks
Had my AC serviced yesterday, another 5⭐️ for Goettl, Brandon Moreno got everything squared away, Happy Summer 😎👍🏼🆒
Just had my winter service completed by Brandon Moreno, as always with Goettl 5⭐️ again, always courteous, friendly and professional. Happy Winter ❄️⛄️😎





Did work for me twice, i would definitely ask for him again.
Daniel was professional and very knowledgeable. Did a great job of explaining everything when doing my HVAC maintenance.



He explained, while he saw no immediate problems. what we might expect going forward, given the furnace's age and condition. After I asked about major component vs. whole-unit replacement, he provided a thorough explanation, and pricing, of options for us to consider.
Very good experience with Jef! Highly recommend!


His experience led us to a solution for our pipes, which saved us thousands and thousands of dollars.
He’s a good man to have on your side



The service was perfect. The technician Julian Bray was pleasant, knowledgeable and completed the install quickly. The area was left cleaner than when he arrived.




Jesus was are tec came in check everything let me know what would need to be done or taken care of came in respectfully with a great attitude
Highly exceptional service we definitely will be requesting him if possible great experience today





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Sally
















If there was a 6th star, he’d be getting it!








Thank you Preston





Professional, knowledgeable and efficient. Very polite and courteous
Also installed surge protectors on the the condensers









This past week our service technician was Andrew Morgan and he is such a friendly, knowledgeable, and skilled technician. He spent time making sure the job was done correctly and he explained it in terms that I could understand. Not only is our unit functioning even better than before, I also gained knowledge of how the system works.













I highly recommend Goettl as this is the second time l've used them in less than a year. (2 seperate issues)... and I highly recommend them..anytime and anyday.
They have exceeded to top any expectations I could have ever had with any company.


Jerry also noticed our water pressure was low after flushing toilet then trying to wash hands in bathroom sink which were so he suggested a new pressure regulator as we have had a new better water conditioning system installed. We now have the best water pressure even when using a shower and kitchen sink faucet at the same time. Also Jerry is a master plumber and we appreciate his knowledge and experience. Will definitely call Goettl again when a plumber is needed.
Ralph & Kathy Lesmeister



Darean Guerra today. He arrived on time and took the time to explain what he was going to do. He was very knowledgeable which helped me trust what he was doing. He left his work area clean. I am very pleased with his work.




Now we have a new flange, installed correctly, and ready for the new toilet!








The company is installing a tankless heater and the customer service is outstanding.
I recommend Geottl to all!


They made sure my carpet was covered and when they were all through they cleaned up perfectly
I would recommend your company to anyone looking to put in a new air conditioner.
Thank you so much for all you did for me.
Sincerely, June Jones

And I would highly recommend the company and the quality technicians like Jarod.
Jarod is the go to if you want excellent
Customer service and communication for any AC related issues. He is very knowledgeable, personable and trustworthy. I am grateful and satisfied.







They listened to my issue, were very through, checked for leaks, etc. I’ve lived in Lakeway for 30 years, used MANY local plumbers - but Goettl will definitely get all my business moving forward. HIGHLY recommend!
Ty, Wil & Adrian!

Everyone from the Goettl sales representative Christian, Tech / Advisor Josias recommended a HVAC A/C and Heating system replacement. Technicians team Veronica and her partner.


Jeremy Canchola serviced our mini-split today with the usual Goettl efficiency and professionalism.
Highly recommended!


Hopefully, we will get Jack for our next service call.







Robert, Tyler, Adrian & Luis, Thank you all so much.


