Johnson Controls
Temperature Sensing / Placement Error
Thermostat displays temperature that is clearly inaccurate compared to other thermometers in the home.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Thermostat mounted on exterior wall, Heat from electronics or duct behind thermostat, Internal sensor drift, Drafts from wall cavity
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Turn off power before removing the thermostat from the wall if relocation or insulation is needed.
- Step 1 – Compare readings: Place a reliable thermometer next to the thermostat and note the difference after 15–20 minutes.
- Step 2 – Apply offset: Use the thermostat’s temperature calibration/offset feature to correct small differences (within manufacturer limits).
- Step 3 – Check mounting location: If mounted on an exterior wall or above a heat source, relocate the thermostat to an interior wall in a representative room.
- Step 4 – Insulate wall opening: Add foam insulation behind the thermostat to block drafts from the wall cavity.
- Step 5 – Replace thermostat if extreme: If large errors persist even after relocation and offset, the internal sensor may be defective; replace the thermostat.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
Required Part
Thermostat Assembly (Internal Temperature Sensor)
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