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HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Why Your Thermostat Lies

and How to Avoid Them

Ever set your thermostat to 22°C and still feel like you’re freezing? Or maybe your home is sweltering even though it reads 20°C? You’re not imagining things — sometimes thermostats really do lie. Small issues with placement, calibration, or environmental factors can make your home feel less comfortable than your thermostat indicates.

In this post, we’ll show why this happens and how to fix it — including when to call in Econoair’s HVAC heating and cooling services for professional help.

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Key Takeaways

Thermostat placement, calibration, and environmental factors can make your home feel warmer or colder than your settings.

Misreadings can cause your HVAC system to overwork, increasing bills and reducing comfort.

Proper ductwork, airflow, and professional adjustments ensure balanced heating and cooling.

Upgrading to a smart thermostat can improve efficiency, comfort, and energy savings.

Econoair’s HVAC heating and cooling services offer 24/7 emergency support and trusted solutions for over 20,000 Toronto customers.

The Secret Life of Your Thermostat

Your thermostat is the command center for your home’s comfort, but it only measures the temperature where it sits — not everywhere in your house. That means the reading can be skewed by sunlight, drafts, poor placement, or even the type of thermostat you have.

Many homeowners blame their furnace or air conditioner for uneven heating or cooling, when in fact the thermostat is the real culprit. Misreading temperatures can cause your HVAC system to overwork, wasting energy, increasing bills, and creating hot or cold spots in your home.

With Econoair’s professional HVAC heating and cooling services, you don’t have to guess what’s going wrong. Our licensed technicians diagnose thermostat issues, ensure your system is properly calibrated, and check that your heating or cooling system is balanced for optimal comfort. With over 20,000 satisfied customers, we’re trusted for fast, reliable service across Toronto and the GTA — including emergency repairs 24/7.

Thermostat Placement Matters More Than You Think

Where your thermostat is installed can have a huge impact on how accurately it measures your home’s temperature — and, by extension, how efficiently your HVAC system operates. Many homeowners unknowingly place their thermostat in locations that give misleading readings, like near windows, doors, drafts, vents, or heat-producing appliances. For example, if a thermostat is directly exposed to sunlight in the afternoon, it may think your home is much warmer than it actually is, causing your furnace to stay off when you really need heat. Conversely, if it’s in a drafty hallway or near an exterior door, your system may run constantly, thinking the house is colder than it is — which increases energy bills and wears out the furnace faster.

Fix: The ideal thermostat location is on an interior wall, away from direct sunlight, vents, and major heat sources. Our Econoair HVAC technicians can perform a full home evaluation to determine the best placement for your thermostat, ensuring your heating and cooling system responds accurately to the actual temperature of your living spaces. Proper placement not only improves comfort but also reduces energy consumption, helping you save money while keeping your family cozy. And if anything ever goes wrong, Econoair offers 24/7 emergency service, trusted by over 20,000 customers across Toronto and the GTA.

Calibration Errors Can Throw Off Your Reading

Even the most carefully placed thermostat can give inaccurate readings if it isn’t properly calibrated. Over time, thermostats — especially older analog or mechanical models — can drift, meaning the temperature they display doesn’t match the actual room temperature. A difference of just 2–3°C can make a room feel noticeably colder or warmer than expected, leaving you frustrated and unsure if your furnace or AC is functioning correctly. Miscalibration can also cause your HVAC system to cycle inefficiently, turning on and off too frequently, which puts unnecessary strain on the equipment and can shorten its lifespan.

Fix: While some digital thermostats allow for manual recalibration, it’s often best to have a licensed HVAC professional handle the process. Econoair’s technicians have the tools and experience to calibrate your thermostat precisely, ensuring your heating and cooling system operates as intended. Accurate calibration improves comfort, reduces energy usage, and prevents costly wear and tear on your furnace or AC. And if your system ever malfunctions or fails completely, Econoair’s 24/7 emergency service ensures that help is always just a phone call away.

Sunlight and Environmental Factors Skew the Temperature

Your thermostat measures the temperature where it sits, but it can’t distinguish between actual room temperature and heat generated by environmental factors. Direct sunlight, heat from electronics, nearby kitchen appliances, or even a fireplace can all trick your thermostat into thinking the room is warmer than it is. On the flip side, cold drafts near windows or exterior doors can make a thermostat think the house is colder, triggering the furnace unnecessarily. These environmental influences can cause uneven heating or cooling, making some areas of your home uncomfortable while others are over-conditioned.

Fix: Simple adjustments like closing blinds, moving heat-generating devices away from the thermostat, or installing draft blockers can help reduce these distortions. For more precise results, Econoair’s HVAC technicians can recommend or install advanced smart thermostats that account for environmental factors and communicate directly with your heating and cooling system to maintain even temperatures throughout your home. This ensures your home stays consistently comfortable while improving energy efficiency — and with 24/7 emergency support, you’re never left in the cold (or heat) when unexpected HVAC issues arise.

Drafts, Airflow, and HVAC System Balance

Sometimes the thermostat isn’t lying — the problem may be uneven airflow or improper system balance. Poor ductwork design, blocked vents, or leaking ducts can create hot and cold spots in your home, making one room sweltering while another feels freezing. Even if your thermostat is perfectly placed and calibrated, these airflow problems can prevent your furnace or AC from distributing air evenly, leaving your home uncomfortable. Over time, this can force your HVAC system to work harder than necessary, increasing wear and energy costs.

Fix: The solution is a comprehensive assessment of your home’s HVAC system. Econoair’s licensed technicians inspect ductwork, check for blockages, balance airflow, and ensure your heating and cooling system operates efficiently throughout every room. With our professional adjustments, your home will maintain a consistent temperature, improving comfort and energy efficiency. And because problems can happen at any time, Econoair offers 24/7 emergency services, so if your furnace fails on a freezing night or your AC goes out during a heatwave, we’ll get your system back up and running fast.

Upgrade or Replace Your Thermostat

Sometimes the thermostat itself is simply outdated. Older models, especially mechanical ones, are less accurate, slower to respond, and lack features that optimize efficiency. Modern smart thermostats, on the other hand, can learn your schedule, detect temperature trends, and communicate with your HVAC system to save energy while maintaining comfort. They can even be controlled remotely, allowing you to adjust your home’s temperature from anywhere.

Fix: Upgrading to a modern thermostat can make a noticeable difference in comfort and energy savings. Econoair’s HVAC experts can assess your system, recommend the best smart thermostat for your home, and handle the installation so it works seamlessly with your heating and cooling equipment. Whether you’re trying to reduce energy bills, improve comfort, or add convenience to your daily routine, this upgrade ensures your home environment is precisely controlled. And, of course, if you ever experience a malfunction, Econoair provides 24/7 emergency service, trusted by over 20,000 customers, keeping your home safe and comfortable no matter the season.

Areas We Serve

24/7 Home Comfort Solutions in the Greater Toronto Area

24/7 Emergency Service

✔ Toronto

✔ Richmond Hill

✔ Markham

✔ Etobicoke

✔ Vaughan

✔ Mississauga

✔ Barrie

✔ Bradford

✔ Scarborough

✔ Burlington

We service all HVAC Systems

Cooling

Repair & Service

Heating

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Ductless

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Maintenance

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Air Quality

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FAQ

Your thermostat only measures the temperature at its location, not in every room. Factors like sunlight, drafts, nearby heat sources, or poor airflow can make your home feel warmer or colder than the reading. Older thermostats may also be miscalibrated, giving inaccurate readings.

Solution: Have a licensed Econoair HVAC technician check your thermostat placement, calibration, and system balance. We ensure your heating or cooling system responds accurately to real conditions, keeping your home comfortable. And with 24/7 emergency service, we’re always ready if your HVAC system needs immediate attention.

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Signs of a faulty thermostat include: the furnace or AC running constantly, uneven room temperatures, or the system not turning on at all. Sometimes a thermostat just needs calibration, but repeated issues may indicate a malfunction.

Solution: Econoair’s HVAC technicians perform thorough diagnostic tests on your thermostat and heating/cooling system. We repair or replace faulty units and make sure your furnace, heat pump, or AC is working efficiently. Trusted by over 20,000 customers, we provide fast, reliable service — including emergency HVAC repairs 24/7.

Content

Absolutely. Direct sunlight can make a thermostat think your home is warmer than it is, while drafts from doors or windows can make it seem colder. Both situations can cause your HVAC system to run unnecessarily, wasting energy and creating hot or cold spots.

Solution: Adjust thermostat placement or install smart thermostats that account for environmental factors. Econoair’s HVAC heating and cooling experts can recommend the best setup for your home, optimizing comfort and efficiency while reducing energy costs.

Mechanical thermostats can last 10–15 years, but older models are less precise and lack energy-saving features. Digital or smart thermostats often last longer and provide better efficiency, remote control, and scheduling options.

Solution: Econoair can upgrade your thermostat to a modern, smart model that integrates with your HVAC system for optimal comfort and energy savings. And if anything ever goes wrong, our 24/7 emergency service ensures you’re never left in the cold or heat.

Uneven heating or cooling often results from blocked vents, poorly balanced airflow, or leaky ducts. Even a perfectly placed thermostat can’t fix uneven distribution of air throughout your home.

Solution: Econoair technicians inspect ductwork, balance airflow, and check your HVAC system for any obstructions or leaks. This ensures every room maintains a consistent temperature, improving comfort and efficiency. We’re trusted across Toronto for fast, reliable heating and cooling services — including emergency repairs 24/7.

Yes. If your thermostat reads the wrong temperature, your furnace or AC may run too long or not enough. Over time, this increases energy consumption, wears out your system faster, and results in higher bills.

Solution: Proper placement, calibration, and occasional upgrades are key. Econoair’s HVAC experts optimize your system to respond correctly, keeping energy costs down while maintaining comfort. With over 20,000 satisfied customers, we’re known as Toronto’s most trusted HVAC contractors.

Unexpected HVAC failures are stressful, especially in extreme weather. Common causes include thermostat failure, electrical issues, or system component breakdowns.

Solution: Call Econoair immediately. We provide 24/7 emergency HVAC service for both heating and cooling systems, diagnosing the problem quickly and performing repairs or replacements as needed. Our trusted team ensures your home stays safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient — no matter the hour.

Your Trusted Heating and Cooling Experts Serving Toronto and the GTA

Home comfort starts with the right heating system and a properly working thermostat. Choosing between a furnace, heat pump, or hybrid system — and understanding efficiency, sizing, and rebates — can feel overwhelming. That’s where Econoair comes in. As one of Toronto and the GTA’s most trusted heating and cooling experts, we help homeowners make informed decisions for comfort, efficiency, and long-term savings.

Our licensed technicians guide you through system selection, thermostat placement, efficiency ratings, rebates, and maintenance — making the process simple, transparent, and tailored to your home.

We proudly serve Toronto, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Markham, Mississauga, Brampton, Scarborough, and surrounding GTA areas, helping homeowners reduce energy bills and enjoy reliable heating and cooling all year.

Whether replacing an old furnace, installing a heat pump, upgrading to a hybrid system, or troubleshooting a thermostat, Econoair ensures a worry-free experience — with professional installation, 24/7 support, competitive pricing, and guaranteed satisfaction.

Heating & Cooling Services Near You: In Need of a Repair, Installation or Maintenance?

Heating & Cooling Services

At Econoair Heating & Cooling, we are proud to provide reliable and affordable HVAC services in and the surrounding communities. Whether you’re dealing with a broken furnace in the winter, an inefficient air conditioner in the summer, or you need a new water heater installed, our team of licensed HVAC technicians is here to keep your home comfortable year-round.

With decades of hands-on experience, we understand the unique HVAC needs of homeowners. From historic homes to newly built properties, we deliver customized, energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions that help reduce energy bills and extend the life of your equipment. Our experts work with all major HVAC brands and models, ensuring every installation, repair, and maintenance service meets the highest industry standards.

We offer a full range of HVAC services, including:

  • Furnace installation, repair, and maintenance

  • Air conditioning installation and repair

  • Heat pump solutions (high-efficiency and eco-friendly)

  • Water heater services (tank and tankless)

  • Indoor air quality solutions (humidifiers, air purifiers, and more)

  • 24/7 emergency HVAC repair services

At Econoair, we know HVAC problems can happen when you least expect them. That’s why we provide 24/7 emergency HVAC service in Richmond Hill & Toronto, so you never have to worry about being stuck without heating or cooling when you need it most.

When you choose Econoair, you’re not just getting another HVAC contractor—you’re choosing a trusted local company that puts customer satisfaction first. We take pride in offering dependable workmanship, competitive prices, and solutions that make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.

If you’re searching for the best HVAC company in Richmond Hill, look no further than Econoair Heating & Cooling. Call us today to book your service or request a free estimate on installation!

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Unsure what you require or what system you have? Call us!

Call our Experts! (905) 763-2400

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