HVAC systems cannot perform without thermostats. The thermostat works as the manager of the cooling and heating system. Every time you decide to increase or decrease the temperature inside the house, the thermostat will relay the message and run the proper HVAC function to complete the task. Practically, it’s the thermostat that informs the other HVAC system components what to do.
The proper performance of your thermostat is crucial for the HVAC or air conditioner performance. Many things can go wrong with the thermostat and most of them have solutions. You will be able to make the furnace, air conditioner, etc., back on track as expected.
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The Trane thermostat cannot change the temperature
One of the problems with your Trane thermostat is that it doesn’t let you modify the temperature. The thermostat seems stuck and you cannot set the temperature you prefer for a moment. Every time you try to program the temperature, the thermostat won’t budge. As a matter of fact, each time you press the controls on the thermostat, all you get is an unchanging screen. Here are some troubleshooting tips to solve the problem:
Troubleshooting tips
A locked thermostat won’t let you adjust the temperature as intended. You will need to unlock your Trane thermostat.
Begin with pressing the plus (“+”) and minus (“-“) keys simultaneously for four seconds or so. Continue with trying to adjust the temperature again. If you don’t see results, reset the thermostat with the reset button. Changing the batteries or cleaning the dust and dirt inside can also solve the issue. If the temperature still doesn’t change, a display or an electrical problem could be why. Get in touch with an HVAC professional for further assistance.
Why does it happen
Various issues can cause your thermostat not to let you change the temperature.
The thermostat is locked
Many digital thermostats come with a lock function. It’s a valuable feature that stops children or people from damaging the heat or AC. Various brands of thermostats have multiple ways to unlock the thermostat.
For your Trane thermostat, you need to press the “+” and the “-“ buttons simultaneously. Hold it like that for 4seconds; you should unlock the thermostat by doing so. The method can give with other brands as well.
Search online for the thermostat’s manual. It should include instructions on what to do if the thermostat doesn’t change temperature. It should also include fixes to unlock the thermostat.
The Thermostat is in Auto Mode
Should you set the thermostat on Auto mode, the chances are you won’t be able to modify the thermostat temperature anymore. Since it’s in auto mode, the thermostat will rely on the pre-set temperature ranges. As a matter of fact, this is common for Lux models. When the Auto mode is on, Heat or Cool modes will activate automatically within the range of the cooling and heating schedules. You won’t be able to make temporary changes to the current Set Temperature.
The fix is to switch the mode to Heat or Cool/AC so that you manually override the set temperature.
The thermostat requires resetting
If your thermostat has a reset button, unlock the thermostat by pushing the button. Sometimes, you will need to use a thin wire or straightened paperclip to go into the reset hole.
You need to replace the batteries
Sometimes, low battery power will cause malfunctions in the thermostat. Sometimes, it can make the thermostat not change temperature settings as you like.
The installer has set high or low-temperature limits
Many thermostats can be set with low or high limits. The thermostat will no longer change the temperature if you get beyond the set limit. An installer will set the limits as they don’t want the systems to work harder than it’s supposed to. If the HVAC system is adequately sized, it will not cool the house below 55 nor heat it above 85. The system should be too big to reach those temperatures.
You need to clean the thermostat
If the thermostat is located in a dusty area, cleaning will be necessary from time to time. Take a look at the cover and gently use a soft-bristled, small paintbrush to brush the dust away from the thermostat.
The thermostat has reached the lower or upper-temperature setting
Most thermostats present a range of around 40 to as high as 990 F. Should you try to set it lower or higher, the thermostat will not modify the temperature from the high or low setting.
The Thermostat is broken
Don’t give up just yet on your thermostat. Take a look at the thermostat manual one last time. Look online if you don’t have it and get any information you might find on the thermostat or inside the cover. Examine the thermostat troubleshooting section—is there anything about the thermostat not letting you change the temperature.
When no fix gives results, simply replace the thermostat. You can choose between programmable and smart thermostats from reputable brands such as Trane, Lennox, Nest, Sensi, Ecobee, etc.
How to get Trane thermostat off hold
If you intend to adjust the temperature, start by canceling the temporary setting. For all periods, the step will modify the temperature setting. Turn off the program schedule and manually adjust the thermostat using the “hold” feature.
