It's perfectly normal to feel a tad puzzled when figuring out how your Honeywell thermostat works.
But as long as the screen isn’t locked, you can easily adjust the temperatures like a traditional thermostat using the up and down arrows or + and – buttons.
That said, cycling between the temperature modes, fan settings, and schedule may take some time to get used to, so in this guide, I’ll show you how to carry these out, step-by-step.
What are the Temperature Settings in a Honeywell Thermostat?
For these modern thermostats, complete with a fully-fledged HVAC system, adjusting the temperature is simply not enough, you need to set the temperature mode, adjust the fan settings, and even be mindful of your pre-programmed schedule.
Getting to know these functions can be a little off-putting, but after you understand the basics, you can simply automate the entire system or manually adjust it whenever you need.
So for Honeywell thermostats, the temperature settings involve:
- Adjusting the temperature setpoint
- Switching the temperature mode
- Adjusting fan settings
- Programming/editing the schedule
Adjusting the Temperature
Changing the temperature is one of the most crucial functions of a thermostat. So even if the pre-programmed schedule might seem to get in the way, you can always override the schedule and allow the thermostat to run at your desired temperature.
To change the temperature, use the up or down arrows or + or – buttons on your thermostat model until it shows your desired setting.
The thermostat display will indicate your desired temperature setpoint and the current ambient temperature, after which, it will start making the changes necessary to reach your setpoint.
Also, you can change the temperature using mobile apps or even through voice commands.
Adjusting Temperature Modes
To optimize comfort and energy usage, it's essential to know how to switch between heating and cooling on your Honeywell thermostat.
The temperature mode setting allows you to seamlessly go between your AC, heat pump, and auxiliary heating systems depending on your needs.
For instance, if you want a cooler environment, set the thermostat to cooling mode and lower the temperature.
The AC will activate and maintain operation until the desired temperature is achieved.
Conversely, if you require warmth, switch to heating mode, and the thermostat will deactivate the AC and engage the heat pump or furnace.
Keep in mind that available temperature modes may differ based on your specific system and thermostat model.
Generally, you can expect your thermostat to support the following modes:
- Heat: Manages the heating system.
- Cool: Operates the cooling system.
- Off: Deactivates the heating and cooling systems.
- Auto: Allows the thermostat to automatically switch between heating or cooling to achieve and maintain your desired temperature.
- Em Heat: Handles the emergency heat system.
To cycle between these temperature modes, you can either
- Access the settings menu and select your preferred mode.
- Repeatedly press the “Mode” button or touch prompt until you see the desired setting pop up.
- Use your thermostat's dedicated temperature mode toggle slider.
Adjusting Fan Settings
The fan setting in your Honeywell thermostat is another crucial component for optimizing comfort and energy efficiency.
For the fan settings, you have two primary options: “Auto” and “On,” with some models also offering a “Circ” (for circulation) setting.
- In “Auto” mode, the thermostat activates the fan until the set temperature is reached, then cycles on and off to maintain that level. This mode offers the best energy efficiency for most users.
- When set to “On,” the fan operates continuously, regardless of temperature levels. While some may prefer constant air circulation, this setting will consume more energy and can often interfere with the AC's ability to draw out humidity.
- For models with a “Circ” option, the fan turns on for approximately 20 minutes every hour, providing occasional air movement without a significant impact on energy usage.
To adjust your fan setting, simply follow the same process used for changing the temperature mode.
What's the Schedule in a Honeywell Thermostat
When it comes to programmable thermostats, you can command the thermostat to run different temperatures, temperature modes, and fan settings according to a predetermined routine.
This automated routine, called a “Schedule” is a valuable enhancement as it helps automate your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.
For example, you can schedule the thermostat to power down the HVAC equipment when nobody’s at the house and make it reach a comfortable temperature as soon as you arrive.
The Default Schedule and Available Options
Different thermostat models vary in the extent of their scheduling options, with modern smart devices offering greater flexibility, especially with features such as geofencing and smart response.
By default, your thermostat comes with a pre-set schedule, which may suffice for general scenarios, but spending a few moments to adjust it to your specific needs can make a world of difference.
Don't forget, you can always override the schedule and revert to manual settings whenever you want.
Keep in mind, programming schedules can be tricky on some models, but we've got you covered with model-specific instructions in the sections that follow.
How to Adjust a Honeywell Thermostat: Model-Specific Guides
So with a basic understanding of Honeywell’s functionality, let’s dive deeper into the model-specific instructions on how to adjust temperature settings and program the schedules.
We’ve managed to cover most of the popular models, but if you don’t find your specific one, feel free to drop us a comment or check our collated list of Honeywell user guides here.
Non-Programmable Thermostats
- Relevant Models: FocusPRO 5000, 3000, 2000, and 1000 Series
When using older non-programmable Honeywell thermostats like the ones mentioned above, adjusting the temperature is a straightforward process.
- Simply press the up or down arrow buttons to increase or decrease the temperature.
- The value on the right side of the display will change according to your choice.
- (For the FocusPRO 5000) To access available system settings, such as heating or cooling, tap on the function button below the “System” tab at the bottom of the display.
- (For the FocusPRO 5000) To switch between fan settings, press the function button assigned to “Fan.”
- For other models, you can use the physical switches assigned to the fan and temperature mode settings
Unfortunately, being non-programmable thermostats, the FocusPRO 5000, 3000, 2000, and 1000 Series don't have the option to create or edit temperature schedules.
This means you'll need to manually adjust the temperature as needed.
Honeywell Home App
The Honeywell Home mobile app is the most recommended method for programming and adjusting temperature settings on your Honeywell thermostat.
Not only does it enable controlling the app remotely, but you also get access to more efficient smart functions such as geofencing, remote sensors, and vacation hold.
Beyond that, you can control/automate your thermostat with voice assistants and smart home hubs like Google Home/Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
Modifying Temperature Settings via the Honeywell Home App
- To modify the temperature, temperature mode, and fan settings, simply access the app, select your thermostat from the list, access the thermostat’s home screen (in the app), and use the arrows to adjust the settings.
- Tap the “Mode” button to change temperature mode, then follow the in-app instructions to confirm your choices.
- Fan settings can also be adjusted using a similar process.
Programming the Schedule Through the App
To create/edit schedules via the Honeywell Home app:
- Select the thermostat and touch the calendar icon.
- Choose between “Grouped days” for uniform scheduling of a set of days in the week or “Single day” for customizing each day individually.
- Tap on the available dates and time periods to edit period start and end times, priority sensors, temperature modes/setpoints, and fan settings for each of these periods.
T10 Pro and T9
Smart thermostat with touchscreen
For these newer models, adjusting temperature settings is just as straightforward as the mobile app.
Changing Temperature Settings.
- First, tap the screen to wake up the touchscreen display.
- Then, access the menu by tapping the three horizontal lines at the bottom
- After that, tap “Select Mode” to view the list of available temperature modes.
- Choose your desired mode and tap “Done.”
- Afterward, head back to the home screen and adjust the temperature by using the up and down arrows. (You can also adjust the temperature setpoint first and then change the mode if required)
- The display will then indicate “Heat to” or “Cool to” with the target temperature.
- To change fan settings, access the menu and tap “Fan” to choose from the available options.
Usually, when you switch to a different mode or adjust temperatures with a significant temperature difference, the “Wait” or “Waiting for equipment” message will pop up for five minutes.
This is a safety feature and it's completely normal but if the message doesn’t clear out in five minutes, make sure to check this guide.
Beyond that, it's important to note that not all available modes may be shown for some applications, and auto mode may not appear depending on your equipment and thermostat configuration.
Also, Em Heat is only available for heat pump systems that have been configured to control a heat pump and an auxiliary/emergency heat stage.
Adjusting the Schedule
To change the schedule:
- Wake up the display
- Then, open the menu, and select “Schedule”.
- From there, you can customize the schedule in a manner similar to the Honeywell Home app.
In the settings, or via the app, you can also customize the different types of schedules or even program it to run without a schedule at all.
T6 Pro-Style Thermostats
Smart thermostats with touchscreen or buttons
- Relevant Models: T6 Pro Smart, T6 Pro Z-Wave, T5+, T6 Pro, T4 Pro
Adjusting Temperature Settings Manually
For the slightly older T6 Pro Smart and similar models, you can manually adjust the temperature on your Honeywell thermostat by simply tapping on the “+” or “-” buttons on the home screen.
This will allow you to increase or decrease the desired temperature.
From here, you can press “Mode” to select your temperature preference (heat, cool, or auto) and tap on “Fan” to adjust the fan settings accordingly.
Keep in mind that if your thermostat is operating based on location or schedule, any manual adjustments will temporarily override the current settings until the next scheduled period or geofence event occurs.
Adjusting Temperature During Auto Mode
In Auto mode, the thermostat intelligently selects the appropriate heating or cooling mode and setpoint based on the current ambient temperature, essentially allowing you to create a comfortable temperature range.
So if your Honeywell thermostat supports Auto mode, you can set two separate temperature setpoints or a “range” for both heating and cooling.
- To adjust these setpoints in Auto mode, tap on “Mode” until “Auto” appears, and then use the + and – buttons to set your desired temperatures for heat and cool.
- To switch between heat and cool, tap on the corresponding text label on the screen.
- Once you've set the desired setpoints, simply wait for five seconds, and the thermostat will automatically save your changes.
Programming a Schedule (T6 Pro Smart, T6 Pro Z-Wave and T5+)
To set up a time-based schedule for your Honeywell T6 Pro smart, Z-Wave, and T5+-style thermostat:
- First, tap on the “Menu” button on the home screen.
- Then, navigate to “SCHEDULE” using the left or right arrow buttons.
- After that, tap “Select” to choose the desired days and periods.
- Using the arrow buttons and the “Select” button, adjust the start time and temperature settings for each period in both heating and cooling modes.
- Once you've set up the schedule for each period, use the right arrow to tap on “DONE” and press “Select” to save your changes and return to the home screen.
Programming the Schedule (T6 Pro and T4 Pro)
- Press the button assigned to “Menu”
- Then, using the + and – buttons navigate the menu until you get to the “PROG” option
- Press the select button to head into the “PROG” menu.
- The schedule enabling options will show up, make sure you switch this to “ON” and then press the select button
- Then use the + and – buttons to edit the schedule based on the day or set of days you wish to reprogram the schedule.
- After that, scroll through the appropriate schedule periods and set the start and end times. You can also disable these periods as desired.
- Beyond that, you can also adjust the setpoint temperatures and temperature modes corresponding to that period.
- After carrying out all the changes, you can save the schedule by pressing the Home button.
How to Use Your Honeywell T4 Pro Thermostat
So for these older models, programming the thermostat can become tedious. As such, I highly recommend carrying this out via the Honeywell Home app.
9000 and 8000 VisionPRO Series
Smart thermostats with touchscreen
Thanks to their color touchscreen, the 9000 and 8000 series of Honeywell thermostats offer the same functionality as the T9 and T10 Pro models.
Changing the Temperature Settings
- To start, ensure you're in the “HOME” tab.
- Then, adjust the temperature by simply pressing the up and down arrows.
- For changing system modes, tap on the “SYSTEM” tab and select your desired mode.
- To change fan settings, tap on the “FAN” tab and choose your preference.
In both cases, don't forget to tap “Done” to save your changes.
Editing the Schedule
- To begin, touch MENU and select Create/Edit Schedule.
- You can choose from “View/Edit” for quick changes, “Guide Me” for a programming wizard to help you customize, or “I'll do it myself” for total control.
- If you choose the latter, select the days for your schedule and tap Next.
- Then, set the Wake time for the chosen days, adjust the heat and cool temperatures for that period, and tap Done to save.
- Follow the same steps for other periods, such as Leave, Return, and Sleep, to tailor the schedule as desired.
FocusPRO 6000/6500 WF Series
Programmable thermostats
Changing the Temperature and System Modes
Press the up or down arrow buttons to change the temperature displayed on the right side of the screen.
To switch between different system settings, tap the function button below the “System” tab at the bottom.
Likewise, for fan settings, press the function button assigned to “Fan.”
Customizing a Schedule
- First press the “SET CLOCK/DAY/SCHEDULE” button, followed by the “SET SCHEDULE” button.
- You can now set your weekday Wake time (Monday-Friday) by using the up or down arrows to adjust the temperature and time, then press NEXT.
- Repeat this for each weekday time period (Leave, Return, Sleep).
- When the weekday schedule is done, press NEXT to set weekend times (Saturday-Sunday) in the same way.
- Once all periods are set, press DONE to save and exit programming mode.
Depending on the model’s capabilities, it can support different types of time-based schedules but you must configure this parameter using the installer settings.
PRO 4000 and RTH 2300/RTH221 Series
Programmable thermostats
Setting the Temperature and System Modes
- To start, simply press the up and down arrows until you reach the desired temperature.
- If you need to change the system mode, toggle the system switch accordingly.
- Similarly, you can alter the fan settings with the dedicated fan switch.
Customizing the Schedule
- Press the SET button until “Set Schedule” pops up on the display.
- For weekdays, use the up and down arrows to set your preferred wake time, and hit SET to confirm.
- Then, set the temperature for that time period by pressing SET once again.
- Repeat this process for each weekday scenario (like leaving home or coming back).
- Pressing SET after this lets you establish weekend time periods to cater to your needs better.
- Make sure to press RUN after setting the weekend schedule to save your changes and exit programming mode.
Wrapping Up
In most Honeywell thermostats, you can change the temperature, system mode, and fan settings directly through the home screen. However, when adjusting the schedule, it can get a little complex, especially with the older models.
Whatever the case, as long as you refer to the guides above, you'll be able to work any Honeywell thermostat in no time. So check them out and drop a comment if you have any questions.
Referred Sources
- https://www.honeywellhome.com/us/en/support/how-do-i-bypass-the-schedule-on-the-th2210dh-th2110dh-th2210dv-th2110dv-thermostat/
- https://www.honeywellhome.com/us/en/support/air/thermostats/product-selector/programming/
- https://www.honeywellhome.com/us/en/support/how-do-i-program-the-schedule-on-a-th4210u2002-th4110u2005-thermostat/