Motorhomes and RVs are large vehicles that make it easier for families and groups of friends to travel to their favorite destinations together.
That’s because these vehicles have bedrooms, bathrooms, living areas, and electronic appliances, promising a comfortable traveling experience.
In addition, some of these vehicles are designed with RVComfort.ZC Thermostat, which can control over four heat pumps and air conditioners at a time.
However, if the thermostat stops responding, it will impact the control over heating and cooling in the vehicle. So, let’s see how it can be resolved.
RV Comfort ZC Thermostat Not Responding
1. Check Settings
If the thermostat is not responding, you have to check the settings. The thermostat has been designed with a control panel that can be used to input commands. You will be able to configure the temperature with this panel.
In particular, we recommend that you select a temperature higher than the room temperature. In addition, it’s recommended that you select a faster fan speed. Once these settings are configured, it’s likely that the thermostat will start responding.
2. Check The Vents
The thermostat won’t respond if the vents are clogged with dust. That’s because the blocked vents will prevent heat from getting into or out of the vehicle. For this reason, we recommend that you locate all the vents in the vehicle and clean them.
The easiest method is to use a vacuum cleaner to suck out the dust and dirt that’s clogging the vents. Once the vents are cleaned, turn on the thermostat, and it should work optimally.
3. Lack Of Power
The thermostat needs the power to turn and operate. This means that if the thermostat is not responsive, you have to check the batteries and make sure they are charged.
For this purpose, we recommend that you locate the battery and use the multimeter to determine if there are sufficient voltages. If the voltages are less than 12V, the battery’s charging is low.
If you are using non-rechargeable batteries in the thermostat, you have to install new ones. However, you will need to take the thermostat off the wall and take off the battery cover with a screwdriver to remove the previous ones and install the new ones.
The second solution is to check the circuit breakers. That’s because the circuit breaker can trip off due to voltage fluctuations and will fail to power the thermostat, resulting in response issues.
For this reason, we recommend that you check the fuse box and make sure the circuit breaker hasn’t been tripped. In case the circuit breaker is tripped, we recommend that you turn it on.
In addition, if the fuses seem blackened or burnt out, you’ve to replace them with new ones as well.
On the other hand, if the breaker isn’t tripped, we recommend that you use a soft brush or canned air to remove the grime around the breaker because it can also restrict the breaker’s functionality.
In addition to this, if there are some corroded wires, you’ve to get them replaced. Last but not least, you have to inspect the terminal screws and tighten them if they are loose.
4. Bump & Dirt
To begin with, you have to check the components around the thermostat as well as the thermostat because dirty thermostat components can cause response issues. You can use a soft brush to clean the internal parts of the thermostat.
On the other hand, if the thermostat is all clean, there are chances that the bump has put the thermostat off level – it can cause temperature and setting discrepancies, causing response issues.
If the bump is the issue, we recommend that you place the carpenter’s level right above the thermostat and make proper adjustments until the thermostat is leveled.
5. Anticipator
The thermostat is integrated with an anticipator, which allows the unit to control the cycle rate. The cycle rate is important to keep the temperature even.
However, if the thermostat has stopped responding, there are chances that the anticipator is damaged as the thermostat won’t be able to optimize the cycle rate.
So, if the thermostat isn’t responding and the temperature is uneven, it’s a clear indicator that the anticipator is damaged and should be replaced.
6. Programming
In case the thermostat is still not responding to the changes, there are chances of programming errors. This is because the RV Comfort ZC thermostat needs correct programming to operate properly.
It’s recommended that you consult the user manual to gain programming information.
Ideally, you should put the thermostat in auto mode because it optimizes the temperature and airflow according to the surrounding temperature, promising automated programming.
On the other hand, if you don’t know the correct programming, we recommend that you hire a mechanic or an electrician to help you.
In some cases, the thermostat stops responding when there is something wrong with the heating system or air conditioner. In particular, a turned-off furnace switch can restrict the functionality of the thermostat.
First of all, you’ve to ensure that the furnace switch is turned on as it’s important to operate the thermostat. On the other hand, if you don’t know where the switch is, you have to locate the furnace, and there will be a switch nearby.
So, turn the switch on and try to use the thermostat.
8. Airflow
It is important to check the airflow when the thermostat stops working or responding. That’s because the airflow determines how the cooling or heating system performs – it supplies cool air to the rooms in an RV.
So, if the airflow is blocked, the HVAC system won’t be able to operate the thermostat, hence the response issues. For this reason, we recommend that you check the filters. That’s because the filters are responsible for trapping dust and dirt particles.
So, if the filters are clogged, the airflow will be restricted, hence the issue with the thermostat. This is why you have to replace the clogged filters with new ones.
Keep in mind that clogged air filters can also reduce the heating and cooling efficiency. It’s recommended that you consult the user manual to ensure the filters are installed properly.
9. Control board
There is a control board in the thermostat that’s responsible for the thermostat’s communication with the HVAC system to make sure the heating and cooling systems operate efficiently and smoothly.
In particular, the control board sends signals to turn off or turn on the heating and cooling functions.
So, if the control board is damaged, the thermostat will fail to respond. For this reason, we recommend that you hire an electrician to get the control board inspected.
If there are damaged components, replace them or replace the entire control board, depending on the severity of damage.
10. Wiring
If the thermostat is still unable to respond, there is a high chance that the thermostat wiring is faulty. For this reason, we recommend that you inspect the thermostat wiring to tighten the loose wiring.
On the other hand, if the wires aren’t loose, you must check for dirty wires because they won’t be able to establish a proper connection. Last but not least, you must replace the corroded or frayed wiring because it can cause signal loss, hence the response issue.
11. High-Voltage Wire
The thermostat is designed with a high-voltage wire and any issue with this wire can cause a response-related issue. This is because a damaged high-voltage wire won’t be able to send signals to the HVAC system.
For this reason, we recommend that you locate the high-voltage wire and inspect it for damages or fraying. The damaged or frayed wire should be replaced. However, if the wire is loose, just tighten it up.
The Bottom Line
There are multiple reasons behind an unresponsive thermostat, and it can be quite challenging for beginners to find the primary reason behind it. For this reason, it’s best that you hire a professional electrician to inspect the thermostat.
On the other hand, if the thermostat is still under warranty, you should claim the free repair service.
My RV comfort ZC stays on zone 2 , I won’t switch to zone 1 ? Just started when I changed out my batteries