How do I reset my thermostat?

Author: Prof. Doug Miller  |  Last update: Monday, February 16, 2026

Things You Should Know
  1. Locate and hold the reset button for about 5 seconds, or power your thermostat off for 30 seconds before turning it back on.
  2. Change dead batteries in your thermostat, or flip the orientation of the batteries for about 5 seconds while the thermostat is turned off.

Is there a reset button on a thermostat?

Most modern thermostats will have a clearly marked reset button inside the panel. It's usually small and recessed, so you might need a pointed object like a paperclip to press it. For those wondering specifically how to reset air conditioner thermostat models, the process is generally the same.

Will resetting my thermostat fix my AC?

Any time you are having an issue with heating and cooling units, such as after a sudden power failure or after your children have had 'control' of the system while you've been away, resetting the thermostat should be the first thing you try when attempting to rectify HVAC system issues.

How do I do a hard reset on my Honeywell thermostat?

How to Reset a Honeywell Thermostat in Four Simple Steps
  1. Power off the thermostat and remove the batteries.
  2. Put the batteries in the wrong way, with negative to positive and positive to negative.
  3. Wait ten seconds and put them back in the correct way.
  4. Your thermostat will be reset to factory settings.

How do I reset my control temp thermostat?

To reset a non-programmable digital thermostat, you'll need to take the face-off and hold the reset button for five seconds. You can also try removing the batteries for five seconds. Both of these methods should result in a reset thermostat.

How to Reset an AC Thermostat

How do I reset my temp control?

Turn off your air conditioning system. Locate the reset button on the thermostat's circuit board. Use a soft bristle brush to gently remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated on the thermostat components. Press and hold the reset button for 5-10 seconds until the display goes blank.

Do thermostats reset themselves?

If your thermostat is set to a temperature regulation mode or has an energy-saving program enabled, it might reset to conserve energy.

How to reset a Honeywell thermostat with no menu button?

For Honeywell thermostat models without a reset button, you can either find the reset option in the on-screen menus, or you can remove it from the wall and take out the batteries.

How to do a full factory reset on Honeywell?

For Latest Honeywell Scanners:

Use the single bar code 'DEFALT' command to reset the device. Note: This selection erases all settings and resets the scanner to the original factory defaults.

How do I reset my Honeywell primary control?

To reset the device so that the pump priming cycle can be entered, press and hold the reset button until the light emitting diode (LED) flashes (approximately 30 seconds).

Should I reset my Honeywell thermostat?

Resetting your Honeywell Thermostat can fix common issues like inaccurate temperature readings, scheduling problems, and unresponsive buttons.

Why is my air conditioner not responding to my thermostat?

A few things may go wrong that cause a thermostat to turn unresponsive: Loss of direct connection to the air handler or compressor. There are separate wires from the thermostat to the parts of the air conditioner, and if one of them frays or breaks, the AC may not turn on (or may not turn off).

Where is the AC reset button?

In AC systems, the air conditioner reset button is on the outside unit's lower edge, typically close to the ground. Some models have the reset button located behind the service panel, which may require tools to remove. Reset buttons are usually red or yellow with a clear “reset” label.

Why isn't my Honeywell thermostat working?

Check the Power Source: Ensure your thermostat is receiving power. Replace batteries if your model requires them or check the circuit breaker if it's hardwired. Inspect the Wiring: Over time, wiring can degrade. Inspect for any loose connections or signs of wear.

Why is my AC unit not kicking on?

Check the thermostat

You should check if it's been set to the correct temperature and also make sure it's set to “cool”. If the AC settings are not right, it won't turn on. You can also check if the batteries in the thermostat are fresh and replace them if needed.

Why is AC not blowing cold air?

First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.

How do you reset a thermostat without a reset button?

Battery-Operated Programmable Thermostats
  1. Switch off your programmable thermostat.
  2. Open the battery door. ...
  3. Remove the batteries.
  4. Place the batteries backward, so the negative end connects with the positive terminal. ...
  5. Remove and install the batteries the normal way.
  6. If the display turns on, the reset has been successful.

How to do a full system reset?

Factory reset on Windows
  1. Click Start, then Settings.
  2. Click Update & Security.
  3. Click Recovery. Under “Reset This PC,” click Get Started.
  4. Click Remove everything. Junk files and malware might remain if you choose “Keep my files.”

How do I restart a thermostat?

To reset mechanical thermostats, simply turn off the thermostat and flip the circuit breaker. This can be done by going to the breaker panel and turning off the appropriate breaker switch for 30 seconds. After turning the breaker back on, turn the thermostat back on and the thermostat should be reset.

How do I manually set my Honeywell thermostat?

If you have a manual thermostat, setting the temperature on your Honeywell thermostat is simple. All you need to do is to press the up and down buttons to set the temperature. The temperature you set will stay until you change the temperature again.

How do you know if your thermostat needs to be reset?

If you are cranking up your air conditioner but still not feeling the cool air, you may need to reset your thermostat. If the thermostat on your AC unit is not functioning properly, it will not be able to detect the temperature, and you will never get cool no matter how much you turn the dials.

How long does it take for a thermostat to reset?

On average, a thermostat takes around 5 to 10 minutes to reset. However, the exact time may vary depending on the specific model and brand of the thermostat. During the reset process, the thermostat goes through a rebooting sequence, which includes shutting down and restarting.

How can you tell if your home thermostat is not working properly?

7 Ways to Tell Your Thermostat Is Broken
  1. The Thermostat Has No Power. ...
  2. The AC or Furnace Won't Turn On. ...
  3. The Heater or AC Won't Turn Off. ...
  4. The Thermostat Reading Doesn't Match the Room Temperature. ...
  5. The Thermostat Doesn't Respond. ...
  6. The HVAC System Is Short Cycling. ...
  7. The Thermostat Forgets Programmed Settings.

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