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Diy thermostat reset: a step-by-step guide for honeywell models of yesteryear

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er,...

What To Know

  • Use a toothpick or the tip of a pen to gently press and hold the reset button for a few seconds.
  • Return to the circuit breaker or fuse box and turn on the power to the thermostat.
  • If the reset button is not accessible or does not seem to be working, try removing the thermostat from the wall and reconnecting it.

If your Honeywell thermostat is malfunctioning or displaying incorrect readings, resetting it can often resolve the issue. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to reset an older model Honeywell thermostat:

Identifying Your Thermostat Model

Before proceeding, identify the model of your Honeywell thermostat. Older models typically have a dial or buttons for temperature adjustment and a small display screen.

Resetting the Thermostat

1. Turn Off Power

Locate the circuit breaker or fuse box for your HVAC system and turn off the power to the thermostat. Wait a few minutes for the system to discharge any residual power.

2. Remove the Thermostat Faceplate

Using a small screwdriver or your fingers, gently pry off the faceplate of the thermostat. This will reveal the wiring terminals and a small reset button.

3. Locate the Reset Button

On older Honeywell thermostats, the reset button is typically a small, black button located near the wiring terminals. It may be labeled “Reset” or have a symbol of a clock or arrow.

4. Press the Reset Button

Use a toothpick or the tip of a pen to gently press and hold the reset button for a few seconds. You may hear a click or feel a slight resistance when the button is engaged.

5. Replace the Faceplate

Once the reset button has been pressed, replace the faceplate onto the thermostat and secure it in place.

6. Restore Power

Return to the circuit breaker or fuse box and turn on the power to the thermostat. Allow a few minutes for the thermostat to reinitialize and display the correct temperature.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If resetting the thermostat does not resolve the issue, try the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Check Wiring Connections

Ensure that all wiring connections to the thermostat are secure and not loose. Tighten any loose wires using a screwdriver.

2. Replace Batteries (If Applicable)

Some older Honeywell thermostats require batteries for operation. If the display is blank or flickering, replace the batteries with fresh ones.

3. Contact Customer Support

If you have tried all of the above steps and the thermostat is still not functioning properly, contact Honeywell customer support for further assistance.

Additional Tips

  • Before resetting the thermostat, note down any custom settings or temperature schedules that you may have programmed. You will need to re-enter these settings after the reset.
  • If the reset button is not accessible or does not seem to be working, try removing the thermostat from the wall and reconnecting it.
  • If you are uncomfortable performing the reset procedure yourself, contact a qualified HVAC technician.

End Note: Resetting Honeywell Thermostats for Optimal Performance

Resetting an older model Honeywell thermostat is a relatively simple procedure that can resolve common issues and restore its functionality. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily reset your thermostat and ensure it continues to provide accurate temperature control for your home.

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Rob Sanders

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er, Rob takes pride in testing out the latest tools and gadgets to see how they can make home projects easier. When it comes to heating systems, he's evaluated over 50 different furnace and boiler models over the years. Rob founded Nurturing Homeaid with his business partner Jim in 2020 to provide homeowners with genuine product recommendations they can trust. In his free time, Rob enjoys remodeling old homes with his family and traveling to visit architectural landmarks across the country. He holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Syracuse University.
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