How to Fix Honeywell Thermostat Heat Not Working? (2023)

I turned on my Honeywell thermostat on a freezing Sunday morning last winter, but it didn’t provide any warm air as expected.

I was cold all day since I couldn’t get the thermostat to work no matter what I did. It brought back memories of a time when I was having connectivity problems with my Honeywell Thermostat.

I attempted every method suggested in the thermostat manual, but none of them seemed to be effective. As a result, I spent the remainder of the day online, searching for any and all resources I could discover to help me resolve the problem.

Faulty sensors, incorrect installation, tripped circuit breakers, and other factors might cause a Honeywell thermostat to fail to switch on the heating system. Resetting your thermostat may be necessary for certain circumstances.

You may need to reset your thermostat if, for example, it’s chilly outside and you’ve turned up the furnace’s setting, but the home still doesn’t seem to be warming up. It all depends on the kind of thermostat that you have.

Reset your thermostat by following the steps outlined in the following paragraphs. A professional may be needed to check out your HVAC system if you try all of these things and still don’t notice a temperature difference at home. If so, Ambient Edge may assist. Call us at (888) 240-8283, and we’ll be there in a matter of minutes.

A thermostat can malfunction in a number of ways. For example, you may observe that the thermostat’s reset button will trip, leaving it in either “ON” or “OFF” mode for the rest of the day or night.

This is most certainly an electrical problem; therefore, you should leave it to the experts to handle it. In fact, this is a hint that you should get a new thermostat more frequently than not.

You may also be having issues with your thermostat’s programs or keeping it at the temperature you want. To learn how to “reset” your thermostat, go to the following list of options. If everything else fails, you may need to bring in an expert to inspect the situation.

The problem with your Honeywell thermostat not turning on the heat may be resolved by just resetting the thermostat. Continue reading to learn about the other options.

Reset The Thermostat

How To Reset Honeywell Thermostat

When the primary heat source is not functioning, a feature known as EM Heat on the Honeywell Thermostat is engaged to keep the temperature stable.

If that doesn’t resolve the problem, the next action that you should do when your Honeywell thermostat is malfunctioning is to reset your Honeywell Thermostat to its factory settings.

Honeywell has introduced a slew of thermostat models throughout the years, each with its own set of capabilities and features.

There is a simple method for quickly resetting a thermostat powered by batteries. In order to do so, this is how:

  1. Remove the batteries from the thermostat and turn it off.
  2. Wrongly inserted the batteries into each other, with the positive wire facing the negative wire.
  3. Allow 10 seconds to pass before rearranging them.
  4. A new factory default setting will be applied to your thermostat. Make sure your thermostat is set to your regular schedule before you leave.
  5. Batteries aren’t required for all Honeywell thermostats. They’re hooked into the electrical system of the house. Use this helpful guide to learn how to reset non-battery thermostats.

The process by which these models are reset differs from one another. Resetting procedures for several of these models are described in further detail below:

The Honeywell Thermostats 1000, 2000 & 7000 series

Honeywell’s 1000, 2000, and 7000 series thermostats all share the same procedure for resetting their thermostats:

  • Turn off both the thermostat and the circuit breaker at the same time.
  • Remove the thermostat cover and the batteries from the thermostat.
  • The battery should be inserted in the opposite direction of the polarity, i.e., the positive end should be on the negative side and vice versa.
  • Holding the batteries in place for 5-10 seconds, remove them and reinstall them in the right position.
  • Turn on both the thermostat and the circuit breaker at the same time.

That’s all there is to it. Your thermostat has been reset for your convenience.

The Honeywell Thermostats 4000 series

A reset button is included in the 4000 series of computers. The following are the actions that must be taken in order to reset this thermostat:

  • Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature.
  • Three times press the PROGRAM button.
  • There is a tiny hole where the reset button may be found to the right of the buttons on the thermostat’s front panel. Use a sharp item (such as a toothpick, paperclip, or pin) to insert it into the hole and push the button for about 5 seconds to complete the process.

Your thermostat has been reset at this point.

The Honeywell Thermostats 6000, 7000, 8000 & 9000 series

Among the innovative features included in this line of thermostats are an onboard console with buttons and a touchscreen, among other things. By using these capabilities, you may restore them to their original state. The procedures for resetting each series of thermostats are distinct from one another.

Tripped Circuit Breakers

HVAC systems are equipped with circuit breakers to protect them from overheating and causing damage. If you switch off these circuit breakers, your thermostat will not be able to pump hot air.

If you have installed a Honeywell Thermostat without using a C-wire, you will have a much simpler time opening up your electric panel and getting to the wiring.

Simply opening the electrical panel and checking that the circuit breakers are not tripped can solve any problems with a thermostat that won’t switch on heat or air conditioning.

If this is the case, turn the switch to the ON position.

Reset Honeywell Thermostat.

Ensure the furnace is on and the cover is closed.

Please make sure that your furnace is turned on before you begin using the heat setting on your thermostat. Additionally, make sure that the furnace’s circuit breaker is in the ON position.

There are several instances when the thermostat will not pump heat if the furnace’s lid is left open. When using a thermostat, you should totally shut off your furnace door.

Broken Sensor

A defective temperature sensor in your thermostat will result in insufficient heat being sent to the surrounding area.

Use a thermometer to measure the temperature of the room and then compare that temperature to the temperature shown on your thermostat to see how well your sensor is performing overall.

It is reasonable to presume that the fault resides with the sensor if both temperatures are significantly different from one another. After that, you’ll have to replace the sensor altogether.

Improper Installation

When it comes to incorrect installation, there are two scenarios:

  • In the absence of a professional expert, you have installed the thermostat yourself (either by yourself or a handyman). Mistakes such as poor wiring, misalignment of the thermostat, and other issues may arise in this situation.

While verifying the wire connections, open the thermostat panel and refer to the thermostat handbook. A technician should be consulted in cases when you are unsure of what to do.

  • Installed near a window, an air vent, or any other location where the air is constant. The oncoming wind will have an effect on the temperature measurements in these places.

Because of this, your thermostat will be unable to sufficiently heat or cool your space.

For this problem, move the thermostat to a location where there is little or no breeze so that the thermostat can take reliable temperature data in the future.

Call Honeywell support

When all of the adjustments mentioned earlier fail to resolve the issue, you should contact Honeywell to have a technician come out and inspect your thermostat.

How to Bring the Heat with Honeywell Thermostats?

Other factors that might impair the performance of your Honeywell thermostat include low batteries, dirty filters that can hinder airflow, vents that have been blocked by anything (e.g., wrong settings), and other factors.

Consequently, it is necessary to clean the filters and vents regularly and change the batteries on a regular basis.

Additionally, when a power loss happens, there is a possibility that the day and time settings may be adjusted. The correct working of the thermostat is rendered impossible under such circumstances. I’ve also put up a full tutorial on how to replace Honeywell Thermostat Batteries.

Best Seller List of Honeywell Thermostats:

SaleBestseller No. 1
Honeywell Home RTH9585WF Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat, 7 Day Programmable, Touch Screen, Energy...
  • COMFORT COMES IN YOUR COLOR. Personalize your Wi-Fi Smart Color Programmable Thermostat to fit your décor.
  • SAVE ENERGY AND GET REWARDED by checking with your energy provider about available rebates. Plus, eligible customers can enroll in their local Utility's "DEMAND RESPONSE PROGRAM" which can reward you for allowing the utility to slightly adjust your AC or furnace temperature settings when there is high energy demand.
  • YOUR SCHEDULE. YOUR WAY. Flexible programming options for your schedule or utility company’s peak rate pricing.
  • EASY OPERATION AND INTUITIVE. Bright, easy-to-read touchscreen makes for simple operation.
  • COMPATIBLE WITH: Forced air (gas, oil or electric), hot water and steam, and heat pumps with electric backup. Does NOT work with electric baseboard heat (120-240V). C-Wire required.
SaleBestseller No. 2
Honeywell Home RTH2300B 5-2 Day Programmable Thermostat
  • 5-2 DAY PROGRAMMING: Separate programs for the weekdays and weekends with 4 program periods per day including wake, leave, arrive and sleep
  • PRECISE TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Precise temperature control of plus/- 1 degree Fahrenheit. Temperature range limits allow you to set minimum cooling and maximum heating temperatures
  • DIGITAL DISPLAY: The display panel is backlit with an intuitive interface for one-touch access to setpoint temperature
  • EASY INSTALLATION: Easy to install yourself and works with many heating/cooling systems, plus heat pumps without auxiliary heat
  • REMINDERS: Built-in battery change and filter change reminders
SaleBestseller No. 3
Honeywell TH4110U2005/U T4 Pro Program Mable Thermostat, White
  • Country Of Origin: United States
  • Model Number: TH4110U2005/U
  • Item Package Dimension: 6.49999999337" L x 5.099999994798" W x 2.299999997654" H
  • Item Package Weight: 13.8 oz
SaleBestseller No. 4
Honeywell Home RTH7600D 7-Day Programmable Touchscreen Thermostat
  • Large touchscreen display makes it easy to set your preferred temperature or set a weekly schedule for automated adjustments.
  • Set home and away temperatures to help save energy when you're not home. Temporary and permanent hold settings are also available for extended absences from home.
  • 7-Day menu-driven programming with 4 periods per day.
  • Backlit touchscreen display shows current room temperature and set point temperature simultaneously.
  • Simple and straight forward to install and use. The thermostat also has a real-time clock so it will automatically adjust for Daylight Savings Time.
SaleBestseller No. 5
2,989 Reviews
Honeywell Home RTH8560D 7 Day Programmable Touchscreen Thermostat White
  • Scheduling your heating/cooling cycles to fit your lifestyle is easy to do, with options to program day-to-day, over the weekend, or for an entire week..Includes : Package includes thermostat and receiver | Thermostat Type : Programmable
  • The crystal-clear display on the T5 Touchscreen Thermostat provides a seamless blend of function and style.
  • The screen is brightly backlit with a cool blue color and provides an easy-to-read indoor temperature, including indoor humidity readouts.
  • For added convenience, reminders to change air filters appear on the screen.
  • The advanced design of this thermostat provides maximum comfort by sensing whether your home needs heating or cooling with the Smart Response Learning technology.
SaleBestseller No. 6
Honeywell TH6220WF2006/U Lyric T6 Pro Wi-Fi Programmable Thermostat with Stages Up to 2 Heat/1 Cool...
  • 4-1/16 in. Long x 4-1/16 in. Wide x 1-3/32 in. Deep
  • 20 to 30 vac
  • 37 f to 102 f
  • 4-1/16 in. Long x 4-1/16 in. Wide x 1-3/32 in. Deep
  • 20 to 30 vac
SaleBestseller No. 7
Honeywell Home RTH6580WF Wi-Fi 7-Day Programmable Thermostat
  • ENERGY STAR certified. Help save energy, track your heating and cooling with monthly energy reports and get personalized tips on reducing energy use.
  • SAVE ENERGY AND GET REWARDED by checking with your energy provider about available energy savings rebates to save on your purchase (rebate finder link above). Plus, eligible customers can enroll in their local Utility's "DEMAND RESPONSE PROGRAM" which can reward you for allowing the utility to slightly adjust your AC or furnace temperature settings when there is high energy demand.
  • C-WIRE POWER ADAPTER REQUIRED: Before purchasing, check to see if this thermostat is compatible with your home and to determine if your home needs a C-wire power adapter.
  • SMART HOME INTEGRATION. The Wi-Fi 7-Day is compatible with voice assistant devices like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Microsoft Cortana, and more.
  • THERMOSTAT THAT FITS YOUR LIFE. 7-day, 4 periods per day, flexible programming lets you sync your comfort with your schedule.
SaleBestseller No. 8
Honeywell TH9320WF5003 Wi-Fi 9000 Color Touch Screen Programmable Thermostat, 3.5 x 4.5 Inch, White,...
  • Made in United States
  • Package length : 6.0"
  • Package width : 2.0"
  • Package height : 8.0"
  • Material Type: Plastic
Bestseller No. 9
25 Reviews
Honeywell TH3110D1008 Pro Non-Programmable Digital Thermostat, 1 Pack, with Playhardest Cleaning...
  • Bundle Includes: Honeywell Home TH3110D1008 PRO 3000 Non-Programmable Digital Thermostat & Playhardest Cleaning Cloth
  • Displays both room temperature and temperature setting
  • One-touch temperature controls
  • Large, clear backlit display is easy to read, even in the dark
  • Switchable fan control (auto or continuous fan)
Bestseller No. 10
Honeywell TH8321WF1001 Touchscreen Thermostat WiFi Vision Pro 8000 with Stages Upto 3 Heat / 2 Cool
  • With a large touchscreen display, the VisionPRO 8000 WiFi Programmable Thermostat makes it easy to control your home comfort.
  • Program a schedule for every day of the week or control the temperature remotely anytime from the Total Connect Comfort app.
  • Adaptive Intelligent Recovery
  • Schedule for Energy Savings
  • Set the same schedule each day, adjust it on weekends, or customize it by the day.

FAQs:

Question

Is there a reset button on a Honeywell thermostat?

When you open the Honeywell 4000 series, you’ll see that it has a reset button hidden within a tiny hole on the front panel that can only be pushed with a sharp object (paper clip, toothpick, etc.).
All other Honeywell thermostats may be reset by removing the batteries or using built-in features and choices.

What happens when the Honeywell thermostat goes blank?

A blank screen on your Honeywell thermostat indicates no power being supplied to it by the wall outlet.
This may be attributable to a variety of factors like dead batteries, tripped circuit breakers, and so on.

What is the recovery mode on the Honeywell thermostat?

Your Honeywell thermostat gradually activates heating or cooling in recovery mode to reach the appropriate temperature.
As a result, the recovery mode functions more like a thermostat warm-up mode.

Last update on 2024-03-29

Lance Ulanoff is a renowned tech journalist, commentator, and on-air expert with over 36 years of experience. He has held esteemed positions including Editor in Chief of Lifewire and Mashable, where he delved into the impact of technology on daily life. Lance's expertise has been featured on major news programs globally, and he has made appearances on Fox News, CNBC, and the BBC.