How to Reset Your Thermostat for Heat

Occasionally there may be times when you need to reset your home thermostat. For example, if you crank up your heat setting but your furnace doesn’t seem to respond, you may need to reset your thermostat. Or maybe your 5-year-old stood on a chair and happily mashed buttons on your thermostat so much that it caused an error. Whatever the case, the type of thermostat you have will determine how you should reset it.

Let’s go over some common thermostat issues, including when and how to reset your thermostat. However, if you follow these instructions and your home still doesn’t reach the set heat/coolness of your thermostat, it may be time to get a professional to take a look. Call us anytime for thermostat help and all professional HVAC repair in Las Vegas.

The Most Common Thermostat Issues

There are a variety of possible thermostat problems that may be resolved by resetting your thermostat.

But before you read how to reset your thermostat, remember that doing so will put it back to its factory settings. If you’ve set up any programs or schedules, you’ll need to set them up again after the reset.

Here are some of the most common thermostat problems:

• Incorrect temperature reading: A reset can recalibrate the temperature sensor if your thermostat is reading the wrong temperature. 
• HVAC system not turning on: A reset can reboot the system and restart normal functioning. 
• HVAC system cycling irregularly: A reset can restore proper cycle times and durations if your system turns on and off frequently or at odd intervals. 
• Thermostat resetting itself: A reset can help if your thermostat is resetting itself due to old batteries, power outages, or other issues. 

There are also some problems that a thermostat reset will likely not fix. In this case, you may need to reprogram, repair, or replace your thermostat. If needed, a Sunrise Service technician can help you.

• Faulty thermostat: A faulty thermostat may have a blank screen, or it may not show the correct temperature. 
• Faulty wiring: Loose or damaged wiring can interfere with the thermostat’s functionality. 
• Dirty thermostat: Dust can accumulate between the electrical contacts inside the thermostat, causing inaccurate readings. 
• Miscalibrated thermostat: The internal factory calibration settings of the internal sensors may become less efficient, causing improper readings. 
• Incorrect thermostat placement: The thermostat may be placed near a bright window or door, making it difficult to accurately read the home’s temperature. 
• Thermostat programmed wrong: A smart or programmable thermostat may be programmed to the wrong setting
• Self-tripped reset button: If the thermostat’s reset button is tripped but you did not do it (it seems to have “tripped itself”) an internal electrical issue is probably to blame.

How to Reset Your Digital Thermostat

How to Reset Thermostat with the Reset Button

If your thermostat has a reset button, you can try these steps: 

1. Turn off the HVAC system 
2. Remove the thermostat cover 
3. Find the reset button, which is usually small and recessed 
4. Press and hold the reset button for 5–10 seconds 
5. Wait for the thermostat to reboot and the display to turn back on 

How to Reset Thermostat By Turning Off the Power (No Reset Button)

If your thermostat doesn’t have a reset button, you can try turning off the power to the thermostat: 

1. Turn the thermostat to the off position 
2. Locate the circuit breaker for your HVAC system 
3. Turn off the breaker
4. Wait 30 seconds 
5. Turn the breaker back on 
6. Turn the thermostat back on 

How to Reset Thermostat by Removing the Batteries

If your thermostat uses batteries, you can try removing them for a short time. Believe it or not, this can help reset some thermostats.

1. Install the batteries backward 
2. Wait 5 seconds
3. Reinstall the batteries properly

If you need more specific instructions for resetting the heat on your exact thermostat model, you can find their user manuals online. Search Google for “user manual” + make and model of your thermostat. We’ve even taken the first step for you—click the links below to access manuals for some of the most common thermostat brands:

• Honeywell thermostat reset (User Manuals)
• Daikin thermostat reset (User Manuals)
• Ecobee thermostat reset (User Manuals)
• Nest thermostat reset (User Manuals)
• Trane thermostat reset (User Manuals)

Resetting your thermostat can help fix issues like being stuck in heating or cooling mode, resolve stuck programming, or connection issues. However, avoid resetting your thermostat too often because it can cause your thermostat to break down faster.

How to Reset Your Furnace

If you’ve tried resetting your thermostat and your home still doesn’t have heat, the issue may lie with the furnace and not the thermostat. Follow these steps to reset your furnace.

1. For oil or gas furnaces, first check to ensure there is enough fuel inside your furnace.
2. Turn down the thermostat to its lowest setting to bring the furnace down
3. Kill power to the furnace by pulling its fuse or flipping the related circuit breaker
4. For gas furnaces, turn off the main gas supply but leave the pilot gas supply one. Then re-ignite the pilot flame with the help of a match or your furnace’s igniter (if it has one).
5. Turn the power back on.
6. For gas furnaces, turn the main gas line back on.
7. Press and hold the furnace’s reset button for 30 seconds (your furnace’s reset button should be near the main controls; if you need help locating it, check the owner’s manual).
8. Finally, raise the temperature on your thermostat.

If you are uncomfortable resetting your own furnace, or suspect there may be other problems affecting your heating system, one of our Las Vegas furnace repair technicians can help you get it operating again. We service all makes and models, including Trane furnaces, Daiken furnaces, Carrier furnaces, Ruud furnaces, and more.

Thermostat Not Working or Furnace Not Responding? Sunrise Service Can Help!

It’s quite common for thermostats to need an occasional reset. If your home is not heating despite what you set your thermostat to, there may be an issue with your thermostat that can be solved by resetting it. If that doesn’t work, then a furnace reset may help. However, if you’ve already tried to reset your thermostat or furnace using the instructions above, and you still don’t notice any difference in your home’s temperature, consider calling a professional heater repair service near you.

If you need help resetting your home thermostat or furnace, give Sunrise Service a call. Our friendly heating repair staff can help with all your home heating needs, and provide additional tips on how to get the most out of your thermostat and heater. In our 30 years serving the Las Vegas community, we’ve helped over 100,000 satisfied homeowners just like you with their heating.

We also provide comprehensive HVAC services, including Las Vegas heater installation, Las Vegas AC repair, Las Vegas duct cleanings, and 24/7 emergency HVAC services. And since we service all of the Las Vegas valley, including Henderson and even Boulder City, we’re guaranteed to have HVAC repair available near you.

Give us a call at (702) 568-5300 or book your heating repair online with our easy scheduling form.