Why Is My Thermostat in Recovery Mode?

If your thermostat is in recovery mode, this is usually nothing to worry about. It’s a common feature on newer smart thermostats and programmable models. The unit isn’t likely recovering from a serious failure. Recovery mode is simply a more efficient way to keep your home warm or cool. 

At C & C Heating and Air Conditioning, we understand recovery mode is a new feature for many people. We’ll answer common questions and explain the concept in greater detail. If you have potential concerns about it, the information here should help.

What Is Recovery Mode?

Perhaps you’ve turned it off, but your thermostat says it’s in recovery mode. This is a relatively new feature that older thermostats don’t have. In newer models from, for example, Ecobee or Honeywell, recovery is a common phase of operation. It simply means the unit is recovering from being in an energy-saving mode, such as when it’s been at a programmed temperature all night or while you were out during the day.

When your thermostat says it’s in recovery, it is working to reach a newer temperature and is adjusting your HVAC system accordingly. This enables it to, for example, start cooling your home before you return home from work or turn the heat up before you normally awaken in the morning. The system can take an hour or two to achieve the desired temperature. Therefore, it may trigger your heating or AC system to turn on at 4:00 p.m. so your home is comfortable when you return.

How to Know Your Thermostat Is in Recovery Mode

How your thermostat displays it’s in recovery mode depends on the brand and model. It’s common for the screen to say “Recovery” or “Smart Recovery”. Or, a light or icon may turn on. The display should return to normal once your HVAC system has heated or cooled your home to the desired temperature.

If you’re unsure what a light or indicator on your thermostat screen means, check the user manual. For example, seeing a Honeywell with “Cool On” flashing isn’t a cause for concern; this is a built-in safety feature to protect the compressor. The user guide should give you a complete list of alerts.

Why Is My Thermostat in Recovery Mode?

A programmable thermostat changes the temperature based on its settings. It also has features that help reduce heating and cooling costs. This is important. Adjusting the temperature up or down by 7℉ to 10℉ for eight hours a day can save money on energy. For example, lowering your AC to 70℉ when the temperature reaches 75℉ or 80℉ during the work day or your heater to 60℉ during the day and back up to 70℉ later can achieve this goal.

As you can see, recovery mode, when enabled, allows the system to reach a specific temperature at a certain time of day. You’ll see it activate in the following circumstances:

• It’s Programmed to a Set Temperature at a Certain Time: Recovery mode typically begins one to two hours before you’ve scheduled the system to be at a certain temperature.
• The Programmed Time Hasn’t Passed Yet: If it’s still within a one- to two-hour window of the time you’ve scheduled a temperature change, seeing your thermostat in recovery mode is perfectly normal.
• Your HVAC Unit Hasn’t Reached the Desired Temperature: If it’s within a two-hour timeframe and your heating or cooling unit hasn’t matched the actual and set temperature, the thermostat will stay in recovery mode.
• Your Smart Thermostat Has Noticed a Certain Pattern: A smart thermostat can adjust its settings automatically based on how you use your HVAC system. Therefore, it may go into recovery mode to reach a predicted temperature level.

How Do I Turn Off Recovery Mode?

You can reset the thermostat if you don’t want it in recovery mode. Check the manual if you’re not sure how to do this. Most thermostats have a preferences area where you can turn off or disable recovery mode. When unable to find this or get the unit to switch modes, contact the manufacturer’s customer service team.

If you don’t want your thermostat in recovery mode so soon, you can adjust your schedule. Programming the unit to reach 72℉ by 6:00 p.m. will trigger the system to start running a couple of hours earlier. Your HVAC unit will turn on to approach the set temperature. 

If this is the case, reset your scheduled temperature for an hour or two after you want the system to start running. Therefore, recovery mode will initiate later and your heating or cooling system may run for less time.

You can also disable recovery mode by turning it off from your thermostat’s settings screen.

Another option is to install a ductless mini-split. The thermostat in each room controls a zoned indoor unit, allowing for more precise temperature control.

When May Recovery Mode Indicate a Thermostat Problem?

If everything is normal, recovery mode means your HVAC system is running to raise or lower the temperature to a preset or predicted level. However, it can indicate a problem in the following situations:

• The Programmed Time Has Passed: If the thermostat is in recovery mode after the programmed time has passed, your thermostat, air conditioner, or heater may be malfunctioning.
• The Temperature Isn’t Set to Change: If you’re asking, “Why does my thermostat say recovery” and no temperature change is called for, ask your local HVAC contractor to check the system.
• The Thermostat Isn’t Set to Turn On or Off: A power surge may have erased some settings, restored your thermostat’s default settings, or damaged its hardware. A software glitch can also erase or change the settings.
• The Temperature Is Unexpectedly High or Low: If the thermostat keeps calling for a temperature much higher or lower than it’s programmed to, your HVAC system may have a fan problem or condenser coil issue.

Unless someone changed the setting, or a smart unit detected changes in HVAC usage, the thermostat shouldn’t be in recovery mode when not expected. It should also accurately register what your HVAC system is doing. Call a professional if the thermostat says “Heat On” but the furnace isn’t running, or it’s flashing “Cool AC” but your AC doesn’t start.

If the system isn’t working properly, check the air filter. A dirty filter can disrupt airflow and cause your HVAC unit to produce less heating or cooling (or shut down). Replacing the filter should trigger your thermostat to begin and exit recovery mode when expected.

If changing the air filter doesn’t help, it’s time to call your C & C as we will check if the thermostat is malfunctioning, improperly calibrated, or has faulty wiring. There may be a mechanical or electrical problem if the system won’t turn on or is struggling to heat or cool your home.

Contact C & C Heating & Air | Roseville, MI

Reach out to us if your air conditioner isn’t producing cool air, your furnace isn’t providing enough heat, or your thermostat is in recovery mode when it shouldn’t be. Our licensed technicians are trained to identify the problem and perform HVAC repairs. 

We provide heating and cooling system installation in and around Roseville, MI. Our team specializes in Trane, Carrier, and Lennox products. 

To request installation or repair help, contact C & C Heating & Air today.