What Makes an HVAC Thermostat Go Into Recovery Mode?

Have you ever looked at your HVAC thermostat and noticed it reads it’s in “recovery mode”? You may assume this recovery mode means the system experienced a malfunction and is trying to recover from it; however, that’s not the case. Understanding what recovery mode is can help you use your HVAC system in Hillsborough, NC, more efficiently.

What’s Recovery Mode?

Recovery mode is a feature commonly seen in newer thermostats. If your HVAC thermostat states it’s in recovery mode, it means the system is in energy-saving mode. When your thermostat goes into recovery mode, it’s trying to achieve a temperature that’s either warmer or colder than the temperature outside, depending on the season.

Increases Energy Efficiency

Most new programmable thermostats work to keep your home more energy efficient, and recovery mode allows them to do so more effectively. For example, if you want the house to be 75 degrees at 7 A.M., recovery mode enables your HVAC system to start gradually adjusting the temperature so that it’s at the desired temperature at the designated time.

Likewise, if you want your home to be at a specific temperature when you return from work at a particular time, the thermostat may stay in recovery mode the whole day. This allows it to begin working toward your ideal temperature a couple of hours before you get home.

Shows the Thermostat is Working

When you see “recovery mode” on your thermostat, you may assume that something is wrong. Recovery mode usually means the thermostat is working the way you want it to to make your home more comfortable. However, if it’s constantly recovering when there’s no programmed schedule, it could mean that the HVAC system is struggling to maintain temperatures and requires maintenance or repair.

The team at Warren-Hay Mechanical wants to ensure that your Hillsborough, NC, home is comfortable and efficient. If you need HVAC maintenance before the cold weather arrives, schedule an appointment with us today!

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