Yes, many Honeywell thermostats feature Auto Changeover, which allows the device to automatically switch between heating and cooling to maintain your desired temperature. However, depending on your specific model, the feature may need to be enabled in the installer or advanced settings before it appears as an option.
Auto Changeover Feature
For home heating, Auto is generally better for energy bills and concentrated warmth, while Circulate (or "On") is best for evening out temperatures in large multi-story homes.
On a Honeywell thermostat, "System Changeover" refers to how the system transitions between heating and cooling. This setting dictates whether you have to manually switch the mode (from heat to cool) or if the thermostat does it automatically based on your temperature preferences.
Designed for single-stage conventional heating and cooling systems, this 1 heat/1 cool programmable thermostat automatically switches between heating and cooling modes based on room temperature, eliminating the need for manual adjustments.
An auto changeover thermostat is a climate control system that automatically switches between heating and cooling modes without manual intervention. You set both a minimum heating temperature and a maximum cooling temperature, and the thermostat manages your HVAC system to keep your home within that comfortable range.
For most healthy adults, 68°F (20°C) is not considered too cold and is actually the standard indoor temperature recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy. It serves as a great sweet spot for balancing physical comfort with energy savings.
Keeping your thermostat in the AUTO position means less overall energy is being used—and that reduces your utility bills considerably. Not only that, your air filter will last longer than they will if you leave your fan running continuously—in other words, if you leave it in the “on” position.
Common problems with Honeywell controls—particularly thermostats, zone panels, and control boards—typically involve power failures, miscommunications with your HVAC system, sensor faults, and wiring issues.
To save money in winter, the Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 𝟔𝟖∘𝐅 while you are awake and at home. When you are asleep or away from the house, lower the temperature by 𝟕∘𝐅 to 𝟏𝟎∘𝐅 for eight hours a day to potentially cut your heating bill by up to 10%.
Auto runs the HVAC fan only when your heating or cooling system is actively running. Circ (Circulate) runs the fan intermittently (about 30-35% of the time, or ~20 minutes each hour) even when the system isn't heating or cooling.
Running your furnace fan for 15 to 20 minutes per hour is the industry-standard recommendation. This "circulate" setting is the perfect sweet spot to pull stagnant air through your filters, prevent hot and cold spots, and balance temperatures without causing excessive energy bills or wear and tear.
If you want to save energy and money, the answer is usually “auto.” Here's why: When your thermostat is in the “on” setting, the blower will run regardless of whether the temperature set point has been reached.
Which Setting Is Best for You? Ultimately, whether to set the fan to “auto” or “on” for heat depends on your individual needs: Choose “Auto” if: You want to save on energy costs, reduce wear and tear on your system, and prioritize efficiency over air circulation.
To set your Honeywell thermostat to a constant temperature, use the up or down arrows to select your desired temperature, then press the Hold or Hold/Run button until the screen says "Hold" or "Permanent Hold". This overrides the programmed schedule indefinitely.
The average life of a Honeywell thermostat is 10 to 20 years, depending heavily on the specific model and type. While the physical hardware often outlasts this window, many are replaced sooner due to technology upgrades or software changes.
Honeywell’s most notable thermostat recall involves certain electric baseboard and fan heater models that can overheat, melting the plastic casing and posing a burn and fire hazard.
Replacement of thermostat unit
Upgrading to a new thermostat (unit + installation) typically runs $140 to $350, depending on model and complexity. There is also a broader range—$80 to $440—with variations based on location and type of thermostat.
The main benefit of setting the thermostat to 'Auto' is that it will result in more energy efficient usage. This is because the fan will run only when it's required. Also, the air filter will need to be changed or cleaned less frequently when the thermostat setting is set to 'Auto'.
The ideal thermostat temperature in the winter is 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you're at home. Energy.gov suggests that 68 degrees is a good room temperature while you're awake at home but recommends lowering it while you're asleep or away.
For the best balance of comfort, lower energy bills, and system longevity, Auto is the recommended setting for most homes. The fan will only run when your heating or cooling system is actively working, saving electricity and reducing wear on your HVAC motor.
Maintain your thermostat at a minimum of 55°F (13°C) to protect your pipes. While water freezes at 32∘F (0∘C), keeping the ambient air at 55∘F ensures the temperature within your walls and near exterior-facing pipes stays safely above freezing.
The "30-minute heating rule" is a highly efficient, money-saving thermostat strategy that involves turning your heating system on 30 minutes before you need a space warmed up, and turning it off 30 minutes before you no longer need it.
Circulatory problems, diabetes, arthritis and mental health issues can be made worse by living in a cold home. And people with respiratory conditions like asthma are also at risk, particularly if their home is damp and mouldy, which is often the case in under-heated, poorly ventilated homes.