Whether your Honeywell thermostat has a blank screen or your HVAC system is not getting to temperature, there are many reasons why your thermostat may not be working.
In this guide, I provide a step-by-step troubleshooting process to help you fix your faulty system.
At SmartHomePerfected we always advise readers not to undertake any work they are not competent in performing and if, in any doubt, it is best to seek the assistance of a professional.
Troubleshooting Procedure
I've broken this guide into two sections.
- Scenario 1: If your thermostat has a blank display and is not responding to any button presses, then continue reading.
- Scenario 2: If your thermostat has an active display that responds to touch, but, the heating or AC is not turning on or reaching the set temperature then jump to Scenario 2. In this case, the thermostat may possibly flash an error code or message like “cool on”, “heat on”, “wait”, or “waiting for equipment”.
Scenario 1: Troubleshooting a Blank Thermostat Display
If the display on your thermostat is not waking up to button presses or touch gestures for smart thermostats, it may be a malfunction or may be out of power.
Besides that, it can also indicate an issue within the internals of the thermostat.
So let’s walk through troubleshooting a blank display, step by step.
Step 1. Check if the Thermostat Panel is Pressed In
First, you want to check if the thermostat panel is firmly pressed in.
If it’s not, make sure to take it out, unscrew any fasteners, and re-install the panel. The thermostat panel should stay flush with the mounting plate.
Even if the panel isn’t loose, I highly recommend unplugging the thermostat panel and reinstalling it for good measure. While you’re doing so, make sure to follow the second step.
Step 2. Check the Thermostat Wiring
So while you’re unplugging the thermostat panel, it’s a good idea to check the wires for loose connections or damage.
The wiring configuration may vary based on your system, but always check for the red-colored R-wire and make sure it’s connected securely to the appropriate terminal.
Beyond that, you can check for the black-colored C wire, if your thermostat doesn’t run on batteries.
To learn more about thermostat wiring, you can check out this guide.
Step 3. Check the Batteries
After checking the wiring, it’s also a good idea to check the batteries, and possibly replace them if you haven’t done so in a while.
Even in cases of screen flickering, fading, or completely turning off, replacing the batteries might quickly solve your issue.
Most thermostats have batteries and still take power from the HVAC system, but some models work only on batteries. Nevertheless, replacing the batteries is always a good idea.
Also, don’t forget to check out my extensive guide on how to replace batteries for all Honeywell thermostat models.
Now, reinstall everything and see if the thermostat lights up.
Step 4. Check the Power
If the panel doesn’t power on, even after following through with the steps above, check the circuit breaker and the lights on your HVAC system.
Also, look for any safety switches near the unit. If your thermostat has one, make sure it’s flipped to the “on” position.
Step 5. Check Furnace Doors
If your thermostat is connected to a furnace, it is possible that the furnace door is not shut properly. Furnaces usually have a door switch and some thermostats are extremely sensitive to this as it’s a safety concern.
Check if doors are closed and sensors and indicators are working. If the door switch is broken or seems to have damaged wires, you might need to get it replaced with the help of a technician.
Step 6. Check the Voltage in the Thermostat Wires
If you’re comfortable tackling electrical components yourself, and you already have a multimeter on hand, you can check the DC voltage coming in from the HVAC system to the thermostat.
Remove the thermostat panel from the mounting plate and check the DC voltage between the R and C contacts. For most systems, they need to be around 24-30V.
If you find a lower voltage, it might mean a wiring error or fault within the HVAC system.
Optional Step: Try Bypassing the Thermostat
If you have a tool or a contraption to create a jumper wire, you can try bypassing the thermostat.
This isn’t a proper solution per se, but with this method, you can confirm if the issue lies within the thermostat and not the HVAC system.
To bypass the thermostat:
- Turn off the breakers for the thermostat and the rest of the HVAC system (furnaces, heat pumps, etc.)
- After that, remove the thermostat panel from its wall mount
- Fix one end of the jumper to the R contact and the other end to the AC or furnace contacts. Usually, it’s Y for cooling and W for heating.
- After the jumpers are installed, switch the power back on and see if the HVAC system kicks in.
If the furnace or AC powers on without any issues, you can safely rule out the HVAC system. Then, the issue is definitely within the thermostat itself.
Conversely, if the HVAC system doesn’t work, you might have to troubleshoot it further.
Scenario 2: Troubleshooting the HVAC system not reaching the set temperature
In this scenario, your thermostat has an active display that responds to touch, however, the system is not reaching its set temperature. In this case, the thermostat may possibly flash an error code or message like “cool on”, “heat on”, “wait”, or “waiting for equipment”.
If a specific error code is showing, I recommend checking out this error code guide here.
Step 1. Change the Temperature
The first thing you can do if your thermostat display is on, but doesn’t power on the HVAC system, is to adjust the temperature.
So, first, try changing the temperature on your Honeywell thermostat.
Also, make sure the desired temperature falls within the acceptable ranges.
Specifically, set the heating between 40 °F to 90 °F (4.5 °C to 32.0 °C) and the cooling between 50 °F to 99 °F (10.0 °C to 37.0 °C). If you go beyond these ranges, the HVAC system won’t kick in.
Step 2. Wait 5-10 Minutes
If your display shows a “wait” message, or flashes “cool on” or “heat on,” you can simply wait it out for five minutes or so.
This step helps you safely rule out the compressor protection feature.
Step 3. Change the Temperature Mode
However, if the HVAC system doesn’t power on after that, try changing the temperature mode first. This can help the thermostat reconfigure itself.
Also, if you find that the heating unit works while the cooling does not (or vice-versa) you can easily tell that the issue lies within the component that doesn’t power on.
Step 4. Verify the Temperature Sensor is Working Correctly
In certain situations, although rare, the temperature sensor inside the thermostat, or the one connected to it, might be malfunctioning. In this case, it’s a good idea to verify the temperature using an external temperature gauge.
If the room temperature displayed on your thermostat or smart sensor isn't consistent with the reading on a thermometer, it might imply the sensor is faulty.
Faulty Smart Sensor
In the case of faulty smart sensors (like the T9 smart room sensor), you can unlink the sensor from the app and replace it with a new one later (or replace the battery in the sensor).
Fault in the Embedded Temperature Sensor in the Thermostat
If it’s the temp sensor in your thermostat that’s incorrect, you might have to get it looked at by a technician or replace it entirely.
Step 5. Check the Wiring
Weak splices, wrong or loose connections, and exposed wiring may cause issues and prevent your thermostat from working properly.
In this case, isolate the circuit, unscrew the thermostat, and check if the wires are connected correctly.
Check if Y and Y2 are attached to the correct color wire for cooling. For heating, check if W and W2 are attached to the correct color wire.
Also, you may want to verify if there are Rh and Rc wires in your system and whether they are attached to the proper terminals identified by the correct color.
Step 6. Check Individual Components
If possible, you can check all the individual components of your HVAC system.
This might include checking the switches, indicators, fuses, and wiring for your furnace, heat pump, and AC system.
Final Step: Call in the Experts
When all else fails and your Honeywell thermostat remains unresponsive, consider seeking professional help.
A technician can quickly identify and fix common issues, such as damaged wiring, malfunctioning capacitors, obstructed sensors, or blown fuses, while also inspecting components like the compressor, condenser, or fan motor.
Conclusion
A Honeywell thermostat will stop working either because the display is off or the HVAC system is not responding.
By following the steps outlined for each situation, you can get to the root of the problem and ensure it won’t happen again.
However, make sure to call in a professional if you’re not comfortable diagnosing electrical components and always follow the proper safety precautions.
Sources
- https://www.honeywellhome.com/us/en/support/air/thermostats/product-selector/device-not-working/
- https://www.honeywellhome.com/us/en/support/lyric-thermostat-troubleshooting-7/
- https://www.honeywellhome.com/us/en/support/why-is-my-thermostat-wifi-not-working
- https://www.honeywellhome.com/us/en/support/when-setting-up-my-t5-or-t5-plus-t6-pro-wifi-cannot-connect-to-my-wi-fi/
8 Comments
Kate Stauffacher
Have had problems with the programed thermostat. Had our heating company tech that deals with the apartments come and fix some problems but still a problem.
Have heat set at 73 F – Mon thru Fri at 6:30 am. Same kept for day. Sleep time 10:00pm temp set at 65 F. Keep same combo for Saturday and Sunday.
Problem is during the night at 3:30 or 4:00 it says “in recovery” and temp setting says 73 with inside temp at 66 and going up. Why is this happening? This added problem just started happening in the last week. Maintenace people can’t figure it out. They have replaced the thermostat.
Any suggestions as to why this is happening? Don’t want the temp to be going to 73 in night.
Daniel Walsh
Hi Kate
It sounds like your thermostat is using its adaptive intelligent recovery feature, which starts heating your home early to reach the set temperature by the programmed time. In this case, it’s likely attempting to reach 73°F by 6:30 am, causing the temperature increase around 3:30 or 4:00 am. To resolve this, you can disable the adaptive intelligent recovery feature in your thermostat settings.
I’ve written an article about this here for more info on how to use that feature – https://www.smarthomeperfected.com/honeywell-thermostat-recovery/
Turning this feature off should prevent the thermostat from starting the heating process ahead of schedule, keeping your temperature steady during the night.
Hope this helps
Daniel
Harry Frykas
recently perches a Honeywell home thermostat T4 Pro. had it installed by a heating plumbing company. we haven’t totally programmed it yet but we have it set at a temperature of 19.5c .this thing decides to for no reason set itself to 16.5 or maybe 25. Sometimes we find the fan setting has changed itself to no instead of where we left it as auto. Not sure if this one is a smart thermostat? my thinking is that if it was sett on hold, nothing should change.
Daniel Walsh
The Honeywell T4 Pro thermostat is not a smart thermostat, but it does have programmable features that could be causing the temperature changes you’re experiencing. It’s possible that schedule settings have been accidentally configured, leading to unexpected temperature adjustments. To rule this out, you can try setting the thermostat to “permanent hold” mode, which locks the desired temperature and prevents any changes. As for the fan switching to “no” from “auto,” this might be due to a miswired installation. Probably best to check with the heating plumbing company that installed your thermostat or refer to the installation manual to double-check the wiring.
Jim
We have a programmable Honeywell thermostat that we had installed with by a new system about 10 years ago. It has worked fine until I changed the batteries.
The three in it were starting to corrode a little but cleaned the contacts carefully and replaced the batteries. When replacing the thermostat on the base, I made sure the male connectors were aligned and carefully pressed it into place. Immediately it lit up and worked fine. After a half an hour it the display went out again. About an hour it relit. It has been working that way for about a week.
Any ideas??
Daniel Walsh
Sounds like your Honeywell thermostat might be experiencing intermittent electrical contact issues, potentially caused by the corrosion you mentioned.
Although you’ve cleaned the contacts, there could be residual damage affecting the connection. Try removing the thermostat from the wall plate again and applying some contact cleaner to the connectors.
Also, make sure the thermostat is fully pressed in when remounting.
If that doesn’t work it might be time to replace the thermostat, as it’s already been in use for a decade.
Barbara Thomas
Its been less that a tear since I bought this Honeywell Home Thermostat. Yes I have tried everything. starting with the battery. In frustration I have set all the setting to 70 degrees. Again I have woke up to 62 degrees. The furnace will kick in later today. maybe.
I’d like this problem solved or replaced. It’s been moths of try this try that. I’m f’n freezing.
Daniel Walsh
Sorry to hear that.
If you have tried changing the battery and resetting the thermostat to 70 degrees, yet the problem persists, your options are either to get professional help (as there may be a wiring issue) or to contact Honeywell support (or the shop where you purchased the thermostat) as its likely still under warranty. They can help you troubleshoot further or discuss replacement options if necessary.