Most homeowners some or other time encounter a problem with a thermostat that keeps on resetting. Are there “typical” reasons for this and how can the issue be resolved?
The reasons why a thermostat keeps on resetting include things like burnt fuses or demand response events. Fortunately, in most cases, it is easy to find and resolve the problem and the replacement of your thermostat is only a last resort.
For your convenience, we’ll discuss the most common reasons why your thermostat keeps resetting. We’ll also offer solutions to the issues.
Determine the kind of thermostat you have
If your thermostat keeps resetting, you must first determine whether you have a programmable or non-programmable thermostat. There are different reasons why the two kinds of thermostats might keep on resetting, and the way to solve the problem may differ.
Generally speaking, if it is a programmable thermostat, it could be on the “Hold” setting, or you might be in a “demand response event.”
If it’s not a programmable thermostat, the problem could be either with the batteries or the internal circuit board.
Programmable thermostat keeps on resetting: Solution
If you’ve determined that your HVAC system is using a programmable thermostat, you can follow a few easy steps to determine what is the reason for it to keep on resetting.
Step 1 – Determine whether it is perhaps on “hold”
A thermostat’s hold setting is an override button. It allows you to set the thermostat to a temperature that’s not on your normal schedule.
If, for instance, you’ve programmed your thermostat to be at 70 degrees at 2 in the afternoon, you can activate the “hold” function to override the programming to place the thermostat at 72 degrees at 2 in the afternoon.
“Permanent Hold” or “Temperory Hold”
You have a choice between a “Permanent Hold” option and a “Temporary Hold” option. The “Temporary Hold” option may be marked as “Hold Until” on some thermostats.
When your thermostat is on “Permanent Hold” the overriding instruction will run until you manually cancel it. If you forget to cancel the hold, it can result in your thermostat resetting all the time.
With “Temporary Hold” or “Hold Until” you set the overriding function for a specific time. You normally use this option if you know exactly when you want the normal programming to return.
The solution for the problem
When the thermostat is on “hold” it will keep on resetting to keep the correct temperature. Solving the problem is easy. You only have to press one of the following buttons on your device:
- Cancel
- Run
- Run Schedule
(The specific button that you press depends on the brand and model of your thermostat.
Once you’ve pressed the relevant button, the thermostat should get back to its normal schedule and stop to keep on resetting.
Step 2 – Look for a demand response event
It may be possible that a “demand response event” is responsible for your thermostat to keep on resetting. This problem tends to occur in summer with the temperatures at their hottest.
When the weather is extremely hot, most homeowners use their air conditioners at full blast, and this places a great demand on the electrical grid. Then a “demand response event” may occur.
A “demand response event” is also called “conservation events,” “peak events” or “peak hours.” A “demand response event” is when the utility company asks customers in advance to be mindful of their energy consumption during designated hours to save the grid from blacking out.
This energy-saving action can happen automatically if you have a smart thermostat and you’ve enrolled in a local energy-saving program. The utility company will then be able to automatically adjust your thermostat remotely. This can result in your thermostat resetting al the time.
Solution for the problem
If an automatic “demand response event” is the reason for the thermostat to keep on resetting, you don’t have to worry. Once the demand for electricity goes down in your area the problem should go away automatically. In many areas, the utility companies offer the possibility for you to opt-out of this program.
Non-programmable thermostat keeps resetting: Fix
Although you don’t find non-programmable thermostats quite often nowadays, there are still HVAC systems controlled by a non-programmable thermostat. And they can have resetting issues as well.
A non-programmable thermostat’s resetting problem is often caused by problems with the battery. Sometimes, the batteries leak acid, which causes the thermostat to malfunction.
Solving leaking battery issues
You can solve this problem by removing the batteries, cleaning the battery holder and replacing the batteries with new batteries.
If this doesn’t solve the problem it might be a circuit board issue. Then the best is to replace the thermostat.
Other general possible causes:
Apart from the more specific reasons mentioned above for your thermostat to keep on resetting, there are also other possibilities. Anyone of these possibilities might be the reason why your thermostat keeps on resetting, whether it is a programmable or a non-programmable thermostat.
1. A blown fuse
Fuses are used in every electronic device. Their job is to protect the device from getting too much voltage. Too much voltage can short a circuit.
Sometimes a fuse can burn out and this can cause your HVAC system to act abnormally, including allowing your thermostat to keep on resetting.
Many thermostats show an icon on the screen when a fuse is blown. In some thermostat models, you have to open the thermostat and look for the blown fuse.
How to solve a fuse issue
In most cases, you will be able to take out the fuse and insert a new one by yourself. But if you are not used to working with wiring calling a professional out to take a look at your thermostat might be the best option.
2. Faulty wiring
Sometimes the wiring in your home can cause your thermostat to keep on resetting.
Remember, the electrical wiring in a house is a complicated system. If, for instance, you get a short circuit or loose connection in one part of the house, you can encounter the effect of the fault in another room.
It is good practice to check your HVAC wiring at least twice a year. Loose connections can then be fastened again before inadequate wiring causes the thermostat to keep on resetting.
Resolving a faulty wiring issue
If you don’t have experience with HVAC and electric wiring, the best is to contact your local electrician or HVAC technician to come and find the problem and fix it.
3. There might be a defect in the thermostat
You may have purchased a thermostat with resetting issues. But if that is the case, you should find it out quickly after installing the thermostat. A manufacturing defect doesn’t take months to reveal itself.
Solving the problem
Usually, the manufacturer will replace your thermostat with a new one if it has a defect.
Conclusion
Although a thermostat that keeps on resetting can be very annoying, it is relatively easy to find the reason for the resetting and in most cases, you can resolve the issue yourself. Sometimes, like with demand response events, it will actually automatically start to work normally again.
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