The words “recovery mode” showing up on your thermostat are bound to cause some kind of alarm. You might think there is an issue with your heating and cooling system, or you might wonder if the thermostat itself is malfunctioning. However, you should know that the thermostat going into recovery mode is a normal and expected occurrence.
What Exactly Is Recovery Mode?
Another assumption commonly associated with the term “recovery mode” is that you might have accidentally turned your thermostat off. Once more, that is not the case. This setting is on the newer smart and programmable thermostats, ranging from models like Honeywell to Ecobee. Depending on the model you have, it could either display “recovery” or “smart recovery.” Though it is completely ordinary, it could also indicate a little hiccup with your system but nothing unfixable.
A thermostat in recovery mode has just come out of its energy-saving mode. It is essentially working toward setting a new temperature that could be either warmer or cooler than the outside temperature. By doing so, it turns on your heating and cooling system a little earlier before the unit is set to the desired temperature. With the correct prompt, your thermostat will be able to begin recovery mode to adjust the temperature before you get home. This can be extremely convenient on those really warm or chilly days.
Ultimately, recovery mode simply lets you know that your HVAC system has been turned back on to ensure it reaches the specified temperature you wanted at just the right time.
Reasons Why the Thermostat Might Switch to Recovery Mode
Aside from the automatic schedule to adjust your temperature, there might be a few other reasons why your thermostat might suddenly go into recovery mode. The following covers a few of them.
Your Thermostat Has Automatically Changed Its Settings
Like all things powered by AI, your thermostat might pick up on certain trends and set itself to accommodate them. For example, perhaps throughout the summer, you had gotten into a routine of scheduling your HVAC system to start cooling your home before you return in the evening. Depending on the model, the thermostat could pick up on such a pattern and treat that as a new default setting.
When the summer comes to an end and fall starts to approach, there is a need for the heating system to warm up your home in the evenings instead. On a day you may forget to set your thermostat, you could get home and the temperature somehow matches the one outside: cold! That is simply because your thermostat has gotten into a routine of cooling your house, so you shouldn’t be alarmed.
Problems Caused by a Glitch
All electrical appliances are subject to some kind of damage by power surges or electronic glitches, and thermostats are no exception. Either of the two could cause your thermostat to reset itself, therefore erasing your input settings and automatically reverting to default settings, so you would only have to put in your preferred settings again.
Pre-programmed Schedule Interference
Thermostats come with default settings, and they can get programmed to operate a certain way on specific dates or days of the week, depending on the climate of your region. For example, in areas where it’s notoriously cold and rainy all year round, the thermostat could get programmed to go into recovery mode towards the evening, when it’s especially cold, to prepare for the HVAC system to heat the house. Of course, there are days and incidences when the weather is the complete opposite, and you want the house to be cooler instead. This presents a momentary problem with the thermostat because of the unexpected change in weather conditions.
A Faulty HVAC System
Just as mentioned above, there are situations when recovery mode could mean that there is an actual issue with the HVAC system. Since it enters recovery mode as it’s trying to get your heating and cooling system to reach a particular temperature, if your system is malfunctioning, it may be a sign that there is a problem with either your air conditioning or heating. The latter is probably unable to keep your house as cool or warm as you would like.
Correcting Recovery Mode on Your Thermostat
Select the “preferences” option on your thermostat and choose to either turn off or disable recovery mode. Turning it off is a preferred option for people who want to avoid confusion altogether. More recent programmable thermostats can be slightly tricky to navigate to ensure its manual is right by you. If the manual isn’t proving to be very helpful, make a quick call to the manufacturer’s customer service line and get help in real-time.
Simply manually adjust its schedule. For example, let’s say you want the unit to be 72 degrees by bedtime. You should set your desired temperature for an hour or so after the time that you want the system to start running to approach the ideal temperature. You will notice that it launches recovery mode at a slightly later time in the day so that it runs less.
If you suspect that it’s more of a functional problem, call the manufacturer’s helpline for guidance. However, if the problem is more complicated, you should opt to get a technician involved instead. At Trusted Heating & Cooling, we have certified professionals ready to serve the people in Austin, TX and the surrounding areas as well. Our technicians have the expertise, skills, and equipment to figure out what problem your system is facing and easily provide a solution.
What to Do If Recovery Mode Is Presenting a Problem
First of all, check your thermostat settings. Make sure that it’s not going into “leave” or “off” at times when you’re in the residence. Second, it’s possible that your thermostat is adjusting to an unexpectedly high or low temperature that does not correspond to its programming. That could mean your AC might be the problem, especially if the fan is not working as it should be.
Alternatively, it could also be that your heating or cooling system is struggling to keep up with your comfort needs. It could be old or poorly maintained as a result of dirty condenser coils. These are issues that our specialists can provide quick fixes for.
The Solution to Your Thermostat Issues
Driven by honesty, integrity, and respect, Trusted Heating & Cooling is the company to turn to for any problems you may face with your thermostat if you live in Austin, TX. Aside from easily fixing thermostats, we also offer other home comfort services such as AC and furnace repair, maintenance, and installation. We are backed by three generations’ worth of industry experience, and we look forward to many more years in the business serving our customers.
If you find yourself faced with any HVAC issues, you can count on our family-friendly technicians for prompt and proper solutions. Don’t hesitate to give us a call today to schedule an appointment.
