So, you’ve noticed your thermostat is in recovery mode or has been before and you’re wondering why? There’s no need to panic – your system isn’t recovering from a disaster or anything like that. It’s actually a pretty common setting on newer thermostats. We’ll explain why your thermostat is in recovery mode here.
What is Recovery Mode?
This feature is not on older thermostats so people assume something bad happened to their heating system. But, recovery mode is a common and useful setting, found mostly in premium programmable thermostats.
Depending on the model, your thermostat might say “Recovery” or “Smart Recovery”, or it will have a small light or an icon glowing on the display. Basically, it signals the heating system to turn on a bit before it’s set to be at a different temperature so that when the scheduled time arrives, it’s at the temperature you had preset in your program.
For example, if this feature is enabled and you’ve set your home at a certain temperature for when you’re at work and a different temperature for when you return home, your thermostat will start getting your house to that temperature so that it’s at the desired temperature, as scheduled.
Reasons Your Thermostat is in Recovery Mode
However, there’s more than one reason that your thermostat might be in recovery mode.
1. You programmed it to be.
The most common reason your thermostat is in recovery mode is that you programmed certain temperatures for different times of the day. In this case, you can expect to see recovery mode on your thermostat within 1-2 hours before you scheduled your system to be at the specified temperature.
2. There’s a problem with the thermostat.
If recovery mode is a surprise to you because you didn’t program different temperatures, it could indicate that there’s an issue with your thermostat. It could be that the system changed its settings without you realizing it. For instance, some smart thermostats adjust their settings automatically to suit your patterns and schedule.
3. It glitched or there was a power surge.
It could also be that there was a power surge or system glitch that caused your thermostat to reset itself. In this situation, the thermostat returns to default settings. Also keep in mind that if you have different temperatures programmed into your thermostat for certain days of the week or times of the year, it might seem like it goes into recovery mode randomly.
4. Maybe your system is malfunctioning.
Finally, it could be a sign that there’s something wrong with your HVAC system. Remember that recovery mode means your HVAC system is working to get to the desired temperature. So, if something in the heating system is not functioning as it should, it could be that it can’t keep your house at the temperature you want it.
How to Get Your Thermostat Out of Recovery Mode
If you want to get your thermostat out of recovery mode, first look at the settings. Go into the preferences area and disable or turn off recovery mode. Check the manual for your thermostat if you can’t find it.
When Recovery Mode Indicates a Problem
If your thermostat keeps going into recovery mode unexpectedly, there’s likely a bigger issue with the system. If it also seems like your HVAC system is struggling to heat or cool your home, call an HVAC professional. Your heating system might need some maintenance or repairs.
If you’re experiencing problems with your thermostat or heating system, contact Delta Air Systems.
Delta Air Systems is an established heating company in the Kitchener-Waterloo region. We’ve been installing, servicing and repairing furnaces since the 1950s and work hard to ensure complete customer satisfaction.
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