How to Reset a Honeywell Thermostat

Honeywell thermostats are renowned for their reliability and user-friendly interface. But even the best technologies need a little reset or repair now and again! If your AC or heater doesn’t reach your thermostat’s set temperature, if you’ve noticed your energy bill going up unexpectedly, or if your thermostat does not trigger your heating or cooling system, try resetting your Honeywell thermostat. If that doesn’t work, you can schedule a heating or cooling repair.

At Sunrise Service, LLC, our Las Vegas air conditioning and heating company, we are dedicated to improving your family’s comfort with energy-efficient HVAC systems, excellent customer service, and by showing you how to use your HVAC systems for optimal comfort and cost savings.

Learn here how to restart your Honeywell thermostat, how to set/program your thermostat, how to unlock your thermostat, and more tips to use your thermostat like a “pro homeowner”.

Honeywell Thermostat Not Working: Common Issues

Resetting your Honeywell thermostat can solve several issues, including

• Inaccurate or inconsistent temperature readings
• Programming difficulties
• Trouble connecting to your furnace, air conditioning, or Wi-Fi

What Honeywell Thermostat Do I Have?

Before programming, restarting, or doing anything with your Honeywell thermostat, it’s helpful to know which kind and which model you have. Once you know what type of thermostat you have, you can look up the user manual.

Manual vs. Digital

Manual thermostats usually have a round knob. Turning the knob adjusts the temperature, and the system will keep heating or cooling until you change it again. Though less common now, in favor of digital thermostats with more features, manual thermostats are still around, especially in older buildings.

Digital thermostats use a sensor to detect the temperature in the room and then display it on a digital screen. Screen size may vary, and you can adjust the temperature by pushing the + or – buttons. Many digital thermostats are also programmable, meaning you can set different temperatures for different times of day or days of the week. They are generally more accurate than manual thermostats, and can even have additional features like remote temperature control via Wi-Fi.

Finding Your Thermostat’s Model

Your Honeywell thermostat’s model number will be written on the product packaging and/or the thermostat ID card. If you don’t have access to either, you can remove the thermostat from the wall and locate the model number on the back of the wall plate.

Most thermostats can be easily removed from the wall without tools, needing only a gentle pull up or away from the wall.

Honeywell Thermostat Reset

If you’re experiencing issues, resetting your Honeywell thermostat can often resolve the problem. Here’s a general guide to do a Honeywell thermostat restart:

1. Option 1: Power Cycle
   • Battery-powered thermostats: Remove the batteries and reinsert them the wrong way (positive to negative and negative to positive). Wait 15 seconds and put them back the correct way. (Note that this will also reset your thermostat to factory settings. If you had any programs set, you’ll need to reprogram them.)
   • Wired thermostats: Turn off the power supply to the thermostat at the circuit breaker. Wait a few minutes, then turn the power back on.
2. Option 2: Factory Reset
   • Consult your specific thermostat’s user manual for exact instructions. Typically, this involves holding down specific buttons or navigating through the menu system.

How to Replace the Batteries in a Honeywell Thermostat

If your thermostat uses batteries, replacing them is easy. If your screen is dim or blank, replacing the batteries should be the first step in troubleshooting. Here’s how to do it.

1. Remove the faceplate of the thermostat with a gentle, firm pull.
2. Remove the old batteries. Look at them to confirm the right size. Some thermostats use AA and others use AAA-size batteries.
3. Install the new batteries into the battery compartment.
4. Put the faceplate back onto the backplate. Once it is reconnected, the thermostat’s display should power on.

If the display does not turn on after replacing the thermostat’s batteries, contact Sunrise Service for expert thermostat services.

How to Program a Honeywell Thermostat

If you have a manual thermostat, setting the temperature on your Honeywell thermostat is simple. Just rotate the knob, or push the up and down buttons to set the temperature. It will stay until you change it again.

Digital thermostats have more options to maximize your comfort at home. Programmable thermostats like the Honeywell Pro Series allow you to set daily schedules for your favorite temperature for each period of the day, for when you’re at home vs. away, seasonal changes, etc. Programming your Honeywell thermostat can help you save on your energy bill and maintain optimal comfort levels.

Though each thermostat is slightly different, the general process for setting your Honeywell thermostat is the same. Here’s a general guide:

Programming Your Honeywell Thermostat

1. Access the Programming Menu:
   • Locate the “Program” or “Schedule” button on your thermostat.
   • Follow the on-screen prompts to enter the programming mode.
2. Set Daily Schedules:
   • Create separate schedules for weekdays and weekends.
   • Set desired temperature settings for different time periods (e.g., morning, afternoon, evening, nighttime).
   • Consider using energy-saving settings during unoccupied hours. (We do not recommend turning your HVAC system off completely, as more energy is needed to return your house to a comfortable temperature when you turn it back on.)
3. Adjust for Seasonal Changes:
   • As the seasons change, you can reprogram a Honeywell thermostat to optimize for energy efficiency.
   • Lower the temperature in winter and raise it in summer to reduce energy consumption.

Setting a Digital Thermostat Temporarily:

1. Simply press the up or down buttons to select your desired temperature. This will temporarily override the programmed temperature setting for the current time period and will return to the program at the start of the next time period.

How to Unlock a Honeywell Thermostat

Many Honeywell Thermostats can be locked to limit how many family members can control programming or adjust the temperature. You’ll need to unlock it to make adjustments or reprogram it. Here’s how:

1. Press the Center or Menu button and enter the default code, which is often “1234.”
2. If you are setting up your thermostat for the first time, you’ll be able to choose a unique passcode. Be sure to save this in a secure place where you won’t lose or forget it.
3. Select the Lock option to restrict others’ ability to reprogram your Honeywell thermostat.

I Lost the Passcode for My Honeywell Thermostat

Don’t worry! Honeywell understands this can happen to the best of us and has provided a workaround.

1. Follow the first step of the instructions above. If the default code doesn’t work, you can use the date code method.
2. Remove the thermostat’s faceplate from the wall. Locate the four-digit date code on the back of the thermostat.
3. Add 1234 to the date code to obtain the unlock code. For example, if the date code is 1820, then add 1820 + 1234. The unlock code would be 3054.
4. Retry step 1, using the new unlock code. Then you’ll be able to reset your own thermostat passcode.

Troubleshooting Common Honeywell Thermostat Issues

If you’ve tried resetting your Honeywell thermostat, replacing the batteries, or setting a temperature schedule, and it’s still not working, it’s time to get help. Join the 100,000+ satisfied Las Vegas homeowners who have trusted Sunrise Service. Our experienced HVAC technicians can diagnose and repair any Honeywell thermostat problem. We offer professional furnace installation, heater repair, air conditioning repair, and everything you need to keep your Las Vegas home comfortable year-round.

Call (702) 568-5300 or request an appointment online to get started.