How Do You Reset a Thermostat?

Occasionally, your HVAC thermostat may act up. Much like you might shut down your computer and restart it if it’s glitching, you can do the same with a programmable thermostat or smart thermostat.

In this article, we will discuss how to reset a Trane thermostat. If you have another brand of programmable thermostat or smart thermostat, refer to your owner’s manual. If you don’t have a hard copy, Google the model number of your thermostat. Most manufacturers provide PDFs online.

Resetting your thermostat may be necessary in a few situations to get your thermostat to start working again. These include:

• Thermostat screen is blank
• Thermostat keys/buttons not responding
• Erratic temperature display

You cannot reboot these thermostats remotely via the Home App. You must reboot at the thermostat screen or circuit breaker.

1. Make sure the HVAC system is idle.
2. On the thermostat screen, press Menu.
3. Press Settings.
4. Tap Reboot.
5. Press Yes to confirm you want to reboot. The reboot process will take several minutes to finish.

If the thermostat screen is blank or the buttons or touchscreen are not responding, there’s a workaround. Firmly grip the thermostat and pull it away from the wall, then replace the thermostat on the wall plate.

If rebooting the thermostat doesn’t solve your problem, call your Trane dealer. You may need a replacement thermostat or there may be another issue at play.

If the screen is non-responsive, you can try rebooting the thermostat at the circuit breaker.

1. If possible, make sure that the HVAC system is idle.
2. Locate the switch for your thermostat/HVAC system in the breaker box. Note: This is typically the same breaker as your indoor furnace or air handler, not the outdoor AC unit breaker.
3. Flip the switch to the OFF position for 20-30 seconds.
4. Return the switch to the ON position.
5. The reboot process will take several minutes to complete.

If rebooting the thermostat doesn’t solve your problem, call your Trane dealer.

1. Ensure your HVAC system is not running.  If it is, please turn it off.
2. Locate the switch for your thermostat in the breaker box.   Note: This is typically the same breaker as your indoor furnace or air handler, not the outdoor AC unit breaker.
3. Flip the switch to the OFF position for 20-30 seconds.
4. Return the switch to the ON position.
5. The reboot process will take several minutes to complete.

If rebooting the thermostat doesn’t solve your problem, call your Trane dealer.

Resetting the XR302,303, 202, and 203 programmable thermostats is pretty simple. If a voltage spike or static discharge blanks out the display or causes erratic thermostat operation, you can reset the thermostat by removing the thermostat from the wall plate and removing the batteries for 2 minutes. After two minutes, replace the thermostat batteries and replace the thermostat on the wall plate.

If you reset the thermostat and it still does not function correctly, contact your HVAC service company.

If resetting/rebooting your thermostat doesn’t solve your issues, it may be time to replace the thermostat altogether. Consult with your HVAC professional before making a purchase to ensure your thermostat of choice is compatible with your HVAC system.

Now would be a great time to upgrade to a smart thermostat to help you save energy and save money on energy costs. Read our blog on how to pick the best thermostat for your home to learn about some things to consider.

If your thermostat stopped working and you can’t figure out why, call your local Trane dealer for assistance. If it’s a Trane smart thermostat that’s connected to the internet and you have granted Trane Diagnostics remote access, they may be able to troubleshoot the issue and fix it remotely.

If you need a new thermostat or have other HVAC issues, they can also schedule an on-site visit to get your HVAC system operating as it should.

Anne Fonda, Content Writer at Trane Technologies

A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.

She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.

Expert review by Michael Morey, Smart Thermostat Product Manager

Thermostat Not Working

Signs of a Bad Thermostat

Can a Bad Thermostat Have Heat But Not Cool?

Thermostat Blinking Cool On

Thermostat Says Heat On But Furnace Not Running

What Does Hold Mean on a Thermostat?

Trane Thermostats: How to Turn Off Automations

Trane Thermostat Reverting to Another Setting