Many people choose to add an HVAC system to their homes because it provides on-demand ventilation, heating, and cooling. The system does require a certain investment up front, but at least you have a fantastic heating and cooling system that works at the press of a button. Depending on the type of system you choose, it can also come with extra features like the recovery mode.
Recovery mode is the system's way of telling you that it is trying to get back to regular mode after being in energy-saving mode for a while. There is often no reason to worry about the HVAC system going into recovery or smart recovery mode. Still, if you have outdated or older thermostats just now going into smart recovery for the first time, there might be some reason for concern.
In today's guide, I will tell you everything you need to know about how HVAC system thermostats work, why your thermostat might go into recovery mode, how to get it back to regular mode, and the benefits of recovery mode. You can also read the top four reasons why your thermostat is in recovery mode, including the self-adjusting option, the adjustment after a power surge, or the possible underlying issues with the HVAC.
If you are ready to learn how to control the smart thermostat on your HVAC system, let's get into the topic and explore it in greater detail!
Reason 1: You Set It That Way
Smart thermostats come with the option for you to adjust the settings according to your needs. But if you do not want to do that, you can also turn on recovery mode and allow the HVAC system to adjust itself. This is often the best option for people, and here is why:
First, recovery mode means that the heating and cooling temperatures are set according to the outside temperatures. The system is smart enough to set the temperature perfectly so you will not feel too hot or cold. And this is something that it does on its own, without your input!
Second, recovery mode means the entire HVAC system will not drain extra energy. Essentially, recovery mode is synonymous with energy efficient mode. So, if you want to save energy while still having the system on for as long as you need in the day, you can always turn on the recovery mode.
Third, you can let the system turn on and off when in recovery mode. For example, if you have a 9-to-5 job and arrive home at 6 PM, you can set the system to a certain temperature by 6 PM. With recovery mode, the system will turn on a bit earlier and allow the entire home to reach the ideal temperature before you step foot into the house.
Reason 2: The System Adjusted Itself
Another reason your thermostat might show that it is in recovery mode is if the system adjusted itself. This is a feature of smart thermostats that know how to adjust themselves to reach the desired temperature without any help on your part.
Suppose you fail to adjust the settings on your HVAC system, but the seasons change. In that case, the system will go into recovery mode to adjust itself according to the recent temperature changes. So you will get the right temperature without actually making any changes.
The only downside of this feature is that it is only available on newer thermostats. So, those with older thermostats cannot rely on the system to set itself up. They must set their own schedule and temperature preferences for the unit to work according to their needs.
Reason 3: Glitch or Power Surge
If you are not the one who set the HVAC in recovery mode but see that it is in recovery or smart recovery mode, chances are that something caused it to glitch. A quick power surge often causes the unit to reset. It makes it go into recovery mode without you ever selecting that option.
If this happens, your smart thermostat will show recovery mode or a small screen light indicating the current mode. You can do a quick reset of your own to ensure there are no larger problems with the HVAC and then move on to adjusting the settings to make them fit your needs.
That way, after working hard for the entire day, you can return home to the scheduled temperature. Trust me - there is nothing better than having an HVAC unit that functions like a well-oiled machine.
Reason 4: Problems with the HVAC System
Finally, if the HVAC unit is not recovering from a power surge, glitch, or energy-saving mode, but it still goes into recovery mode, chances are it could be telling you there is a more serious issue with it. A thorough inspection is recommended to ensure everything works as needed and there are no significant problems with the unit.
You can try resetting and adjusting the settings to fix the issue. If that does not help, check the outside unit and ensure the fan works as usual. Also, look for stuck dirt or debris in the outside unit that may be causing it to malfunction.
If none of these things work, you can always call professionals and have them inspect the HVAC system for more severe issues. They will also be able to fix the problems or tell you what you should do to avoid such problems in the future.
How Do I Get My Thermostat Out Of Recovery Mode?
If your thermostat is in recovery mode and you do not know how to return it to its regular settings, I have you covered. It is quite easy to get out of recovery mode whenever needed. All you need is your HVAC manual and the smart thermostat.
Read the manual to learn how to exit recovery mode or reset the smart thermostat. There could be a simple one-button option to turn off recovery mode. Still, if there isn't such a button on your unit, you can always do a hard reset and adjust the settings according to your needs. You can set the desired temperature to turn the unit on or off.
If none of these options work on your unit, it might be wise to talk to a professional and have them instruct you further.
Benefits of Thermostat Recovery Mode
As mentioned in one of the previous sections, there is no reason to dread the recovery mode. Often, having your air conditioning and heating system go into recovery mode can be beneficial in several ways. Here is how you can benefit from the recovery mode:
Fully Functioning System
Having the unit go in and out of recovery mode while still achieving the scheduled temperature signifies that everything is okay with the system and that nothing is causing it to malfunction. You can get enough heat or cool air at a certain time while the unit goes into sleep or recovery mode whenever needed.
Less Energy Consumption
Did I also mention that recovery mode is a great way to save energy? This mode allows your air conditioner, heater, and ventilation unit to save energy, which will also help you get lower electricity bills at the end of each month. If you are looking for a convenient way to save money, you can always try to achieve that with recovery mode on your HVAC unit!
Less Stress on the HVAC System
When the system is not in recovery mode, it is more likely to have sudden falls or temperature rises. That can cause the unit's parts to wear and tear over time since they will be put under a more significant strain.
That will not happen if you keep the unit in recovery mode, which is a mode where the temperature gradually rises or falls. That helps the parts stay intact for longer.
Constant Comfortable Temperature
Finally, recovery mode is exceptionally beneficial for homeowners because it can adjust the temperature in the home according to the temperatures outside. If the temperature falls, the smart thermostat will raise the temperature in the home accordingly. The same goes when the temperatures rise, and the thermostat needs to make your home feel more comfortable. With recovery mode, you will always get the best temperature, but you will not need to set anything yourself!
Conclusion
Thank you for reading this detailed guide on thermostats and their recovery mode. After reading everything, I hope you understand what recovery mode means, how it can benefit you and your heating and cooling system, and how you can get out of it whenever you want.
I would love to know more about your experience with such HVAC units and whether you recommend others leave them in recovery mode. If you know any tips or tricks for handling such HVAC units, please share them in the comment section below!