How do thermostats work? Let me explain.?

Question

I have my thermostat set to 65 degrees while I was away from work I got home and it's 70 inside my house. It is still set to 65 degrees.  Outside it's currently 60 degrees. How is it warmer inside my house? Is it because I have my windows open and the sun is coming though warming my house up?

Spock (rhp) · Answer

yes, the sun warms the house via windows without closed curtains ... and even if you close the curtains, it still warms the house some  -- grampa  [that's a bit of difficulty here in Florida at this time of year -- its only in the 70s daytime but the sun warms the house through the windows to over 80 ... and i don't want to turn the a/c on]

Anonymous · Answer

Close the windows and check the temps again next day at the same setting.  If the house is still at 70 when you come back, there is something wrong with the thermostat or your house HVAC system.

Anonymous · Answer

Gee, i would guess it's not in COOL mode

Anonymous · Answer

YUPPA yuppa soar heating

John · Answer

There is a copper coil inside a cheap thermostat that reacts to heat. Use a PTR, platinum thermocouple resistor, covers the range and almost immediate.

D.E.B.S. · Answer

It could be the sun is heating you home even though outside temps are not as high.  It could be that your home is well insulated and never lost the heat since the last time it was heated (naturally or via your heater).  It could be that your thermostat is not working well.  The windows being open would actually work against your theory since that would allow heat out and colder air in.

How do thermostats work? Let me explain.?

6 Answers