How to Reset a Thermostat and When to Call a Pro

A home's thermostat is the essential messenger that allows a homeowner to communicate their cooling and heating needs to their HVAC system. In return, the thermostat reads the room temperature to confirm the system is getting the job done. Without it, the system will ultimately stay dormant since it has nothing directing it to cool or heat the home. As with any technological device, glitches and breakdowns can happen with a thermostat. Fortunately, there are three reliable reset methods you can use to troubleshoot the issue on your own. Plus, if those attempts are unsuccessful, we break down the signs of when it's time to call a licensed HVAC technician for additional support.

As you review the reset options below, be sure to consult your owner's manual, as every thermostat model is set up differently.

Standard Reset

The goal of the standard reset is to give your thermostat a reboot without erasing stored settings. The steps you take will depend on how your thermostat is powered: through batteries, a C-wire, or both.

For thermostats with batteries, remove the faceplate and pull out the batteries. Wait a few minutes before placing the batteries back in. You may also consider putting fresh batteries in the thermostat and ensuring they are inserted in the right orientation.

For thermostats with a C-wire, you will need to visit your main electrical panel and turn the breaker off for your HVAC system, specifically the indoor unit (furnace/air handler). Wait a few minutes before turning it back on.

If your thermostat uses both batteries and a C-wire, it's important to remove the batteries and turn off the HVAC breaker for an effective standard reset.

Factory Reset

Whether you use a standard programmable thermostat or a smart model, these devices will typically have a button or on-screen menu option to initiate a factory reset. When you do this type of reset, all data is wiped clean, and you must reprogram any previously stored settings. This may also reset system configurations, which will require you to select the appropriate HVAC system type you use. Again, be sure to reference your owner's manual to find the exact factory reset procedure for your model.

Standard programmable thermostats typically feature either a pinhole button or require a button sequence where you must hold multiple buttons at the same time.

Smart thermostats typically feature an on-screen settings menu with a "reset" section where you can select "factory reset."

Reconfigure Settings

Sometimes thermostat issues don't require an electrical reboot, but rather a reset of your settings. At times, the way you program your thermostat can create discrepancies that lead to functionality issues.

Reprogramming your thermostat is straightforward. If you have a programmable device, you'll want to start by inputting the correct date and time. From there, you can set preferred temperatures for different times of the day.

Many smart thermostats learn how to adjust temperature from the way you use your HVAC system. You can manually override any existing automation, often using a control app or the control panel, or you can erase your usage history, letting the thermostat start the learning process over.

When to Call a Professional

Taking the steps to reset your thermostat may not resolve the issues you're experiencing. Simply put, thermostats can go bad. When they do, you need a licensed HVAC technician to take the lead. Some issues that require a professional visit include:

• Your Thermostat Has No Power or Is Unresponsive - Nothing happens when you try to adjust the temperature. Usually, an unresponsive thermostat is connected to a power issue. Without power, your thermostat cannot communicate with your HVAC system and signal it to heat or cool.
• Your HVAC System Won't Turn On - The device may appear on, or you might hear a clicking noise when you use it. However, there are no changes in interior temperature. If your thermostat clicks but your HVAC equipment never kicks on, the issue is likely downstream with the system itself—such as a tripped safety float switch, a blown fuse, or an electrical failure.
• Your HVAC System Constantly Runs - Your thermostat tells your HVAC system when to turn on and off. When you adjust the temperature, the thermostat activates the system. Once the desired temperature is reached, the thermostat shuts the system off. If the thermostat isn't working properly, it may not signal your HVAC system to turn off. As a result, your HVAC system will run constantly.
• Your Indoor Temperature Doesn't Match the Thermostat - Anything from poor airflow to a broken sensor or part can result in this discrepancy. When this happens, you might notice a huge difference between your thermostat settings and interior temperature, or you might notice sudden high energy bills.

Call George Brazil for Expert Thermostat Repair

Troubleshooting a thermostat issue on your own can only go so far. That's why George Brazil can come to the rescue with extensive thermostat knowledge and about 70 years of experience with heating and cooling systems. When you call us to address your heating and cooling concerns, our technician will conduct a thorough diagnostic to accurately pinpoint the problem and proceed with the appropriate repair. Whether you need a thermostat repair or are experiencing an AC or heating issue, schedule service with George Brazil today!