Did you know that properly programming your thermostat can save you up to 10% on heating and cooling costs each year? That’s hundreds of dollars back in your pocket just by adjusting a few settings! If you’re using a Honeywell thermostat or planning to install one, learning how to program it correctly will help maintain a comfortable home while keeping your energy bills in check.
In this guide, we’ll break down the steps to program your Honeywell thermostat, making the process easy to follow—no technical skills required. Whether you’re dealing with a hot summer day or a chilly winter evening, understanding how to set your thermostat will ensure you’re always comfortable, without the waste.
Why Programming Your Honeywell Thermostat is Important
Before we get into the programming steps, let’s talk about why setting your thermostat matters:
-
Save Money: Proper programming reduces energy waste and lowers heating and cooling costs.
-
Improve Comfort: Your thermostat will adjust the temperature to suit your routine, making your home more comfortable when you’re home.
-
Help the Environment: By reducing energy consumption, you’re helping the planet.
-
Control Temperature Remotely: Many models, especially smart thermostats, allow you to control your home’s temperature even when you’re away, adding a level of convenience and energy efficiency.
By setting your thermostat to match your daily schedule, you avoid heating or cooling your home when it’s not needed—saving both energy and money.
Different Types of Honeywell Thermostats
Honeywell offers several models, and the programming process can vary slightly between them. The main types are:
-
Basic Programmable Thermostats (like the Honeywell 6000 series)
-
Touchscreen Thermostats (such as the Honeywell 7000 and 8000 series)
-
Wi-Fi Smart Thermostats (like the Honeywell T5, T6 Pro, and T9)
This guide covers the programming steps that apply to most of these models, especially the popular 6000 and 8000 series.
Getting Ready to Program Your Honeywell Thermostat
Before jumping into the programming, follow these preparatory steps:
-
Know Your Schedule: Write down when you’re typically home, at work, or asleep.
-
Check Your Manual: If you have the manual for your thermostat, keep it handy. If not, you can always find the model number and look up instructions online.
-
Understand Your Thermostat’s Buttons: Most Honeywell thermostats have buttons like “Menu,” “Schedule,” and arrow keys for navigation. Get familiar with these controls before starting.
Step-by-Step Guide: Programming Your Honeywell Thermostat
Let’s go over how to program a typical 5-2 Honeywell thermostat, which lets you set one schedule for weekdays (Monday through Friday) and another for weekends (Saturday and Sunday).
Step 1: Enter the Programming Menu
-
Press “Set” or “Schedule” on your thermostat.
-
If you see an option for “Program”, select it.
Step 2: Set the Weekday Schedule
Most Honeywell thermostats allow you to set four daily time blocks:
-
Wake – When you wake up.
-
Leave – When you leave for work or school.
-
Return – When you get home.
-
Sleep – When you go to bed.
Here’s how to set up your weekday schedule:
-
Use the arrow keys to set the time for each block.
-
Set the temperature you prefer for each time period.
For example:
-
Wake: 6:30 AM | 70°F Heat / 76°F Cool
-
Leave: 8:00 AM | 62°F Heat / 80°F Cool
-
Return: 5:00 PM | 70°F Heat / 76°F Cool
-
Sleep: 10:00 PM | 65°F Heat / 78°F Cool
Press “Next” to move to each time block.
Step 3: Set the Weekend Schedule
Once you’ve completed the weekday settings, you’ll be prompted to set the weekend schedule. You can adjust it based on your weekend routine.
For instance:
-
Wake: 8:00 AM | 70°F Heat / 76°F Cool
-
Sleep: 11:00 PM | 65°F Heat / 78°F Cool
You can skip the “Leave” and “Return” blocks if you’re home all day.
Step 4: Save Your Settings
Once you’ve entered your schedule, press “Done” or “Run Schedule”, depending on your thermostat model. Your thermostat will now follow the schedule you’ve set.
For Touchscreen or Smart Honeywell Thermostats (e.g., T5, T6 Pro, T9)
For touchscreen models or Wi-Fi-enabled smart thermostats, programming is just as easy and can even be done remotely via the Honeywell Home app. Here’s how:
Using the Thermostat Touchscreen:
-
Tap Menu > Schedule.
-
Select days and time periods.
-
Set your desired temperatures for each block.
-
Press Done to save.
Using the Honeywell Home App:
-
Open the app on your phone or tablet.
-
Tap your thermostat model.
-
Go to Schedule > Edit.
-
Adjust the settings and save.
The app makes it super convenient to change settings, even when you’re away from home.
Extra Tips for Success
-
Use the “Hold” Button Sparingly: The “Hold” feature temporarily pauses the schedule. Only use it when needed—like for a short-term change.
-
Seasonally Switch Between Heat and Cool: Remember to switch your thermostat from heating to cooling (or vice versa) as the seasons change.
-
Adjust for Vacations: Set your thermostat to a more energy-efficient temperature while you’re away.
-
Change Batteries Regularly: If your thermostat uses batteries, replace them at least once a year to avoid losing settings.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your thermostat isn’t following the program or is acting up, here are some quick fixes:
-
Thermostat Not Following the Schedule?: You might have accidentally left it in Hold mode. Simply press “Run” to return to the regular schedule.
-
Blank Screen?: The batteries may need replacing, or your HVAC system’s breaker could have tripped.
-
It’s Not Heating or Cooling Properly?: Double-check that your thermostat is set to the correct mode (heat/cool) and ensure your HVAC system is working.
If these issues persist, you might need to call a professional HVAC technician to inspect your system.
Final Thoughts
Programming your Honeywell thermostat is a simple yet effective way to boost comfort and save on energy costs. By setting a schedule that matches your lifestyle, your thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature when you need it, so you don’t have to worry about it daily. Whether you have a basic model or a smart Wi-Fi thermostat, you can easily optimize your home’s comfort.
Need help with installation or programming? The experts at Gleason Heating and Air Conditioning are just a call away. Contact us today for professional thermostat setup and energy-saving HVAC services!
Take control of your comfort, and start saving today!