How To Fix Honeywell Thermostat Wait Message?

One of the common problems seen widely is the of WAIT messages on the screen of Honeywell thermostats. This is not considered a problem as it is a mechanical adaptation of the HVAC system that prevents your system from getting damaged in case of insufficient voltage. It becomes an issue in the actual sense when the message remains on the screen for a longer time or the message is seen when the system is not active.

This message indicates that the device is waiting to activate your HVAC unit. You can fix the Honeywell thermostat wait message. Wait for at least five minutes to check whether the issue is resolved, else you need to troubleshoot it.

Why Does the Thermostat Wait Mean?

Thermostat wait means that it is working on the activation of the HVAC compressor system. The main function of the compressor is to cool down the air that enters your house through refrigerant circulation.

The compressor must start working instantly. If not, it is more likely to damage your air conditioning systems and can make you pay a large amount of money in terms of bills and repairs.

In common cases, the wait message should disappear in 5 minutes, and if this does not happen and then there might be some other issue.

1. Longer Wait Status

Longer Wait status clearly indicates a voltage issue. In such cases, check for the batteries if they are dead and replace them if necessary.  Sometimes, you see the same message visible on your screen.

This means that the voltage issue persists and there might be faulty cables that you need to check. Make sure the wires in the unit are not loose or broken.

Honeywell thermostat provides you with a 5-year warranty. If your thermostat has already passed this time, then it’s time for you to replace the device. You can also go for the better and upgraded devices that come with various innovative features.

2. Waiting it Out

As much as it feels uncomfortable, you need to be patient. In some cases, it takes some time to start functioning.

When the wait message is flashed on your screen, no need to panic, just wait for some time and the thermostat will automatically start.

You can contact the service and address the issue with the technicians if the message stays for too long on the display screen.

What are the causes?

1. Low refrigerant

• If there are no leaks, the HVAC system can work fine for many years.
• Whenever there is a leak in the refrigerant line, the compressor has to overwork and it stops working altogether when the load exceeds its capacity
• Wait message is flashed on the display screen when there is too much stress on the compressor.
• Blockage of the refrigerant lines can cause the compressor to overheat due to pressure accumulation
• A prolonged wait message can also indicate the blockage of the refrigerant lines

2. Clogged Condenser Coils

• Clogging of the coils due to the accumulation of dirt and dust is a common occurrence
• This could lead to the disturbance of the HVAC air system
• The dirt and debris accumulation can also lead to the generation of the wait message
• Clogged condenser coils are also responsible for overheating the compressor
• It is recommended to seek professional help for cleaning the clogged coils.
• You can also buy DIY tools that clean the coils and avert overheating the compressor.

How To Fix Honeywell Thermostat Wait Message?

If you are one of those facing the same problem, you can go ahead with some of these basic methods discussed below to overcome the issue.

• First of all, try waiting a little longer as there are chances of the issue getting fixed itself.
• If that doesn’t seem to work, it might demand the replacement of batteries. so what you need to do right now is to run to the market and get new batteries.
• You can also reboot your Wi-Fi router in case it is due to a network problem.
• Reset the network setting in your thermostat.

Type 1: System not Heating or Cooling

What does ‘Wait’ or ‘Waiting for Equipment’ mean?

• When your Thermostat is about to start the HVAC system and taking some time due to any possible reason, one of the two messages is generated.
• The purpose of this waiting is nothing but the protection of the system along with the smooth functioning of the compressor.

What is Short Cycling?

• The ‘Wait’ mechanism prevents damage called Short Cycling caused when the compressor of the thermostat is activated way too early.
• This may result in severe damage to the HVAC system.
• The damage is caused due to unnotified switching on and off of the system which is prevented by waiting for a short interval before activation of the HVAC system.

Step 1: Try Waiting for the Issue to resolve itself

• Honeywell Thermostat is designed to start the HVAC system and at the same time prevent Short Cycling within not more than 5 minutes. you can try the hold mode.
• So you have to just keep your stick to the screen till the message gets disappeared from the screen and the system starts working.

Step 2: Change the Batteries

• If the problem persists even after waiting for more than five minutes, you have to do something.
• Most probably, the batteries must have turned weaker and need urgent replacement.
• A low battery will eventually lead to disruption in the heating and cooling system of the thermostat.
• Just to be even more sure that your system is running on low batteries, Honeywell thermostats are provided with a low-battery indicator.
• This will help you not waste your time in going to the market for purchasing new batteries if the problem lies somewhere else.

Step 3: Reset the Breakers

• If the batteries are okay and the problem doesn’t seem to be solved even after replacing the batteries, resetting the circuit breaker can do more good.

Step 4: Check the Voltage

• Often, the problem of short-circuit, wiring(loose or damaged wiring) and improper or insufficient voltage might resist the HVAC system from starting and showing the ‘Wait’ message as a result.
• To counter this, it is important to check if the voltage is proper or not. One way of doing this is using a multimeter or voltmeter.

Type 2: Connecting to Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi Programmable Thermostats

• If your thermostat is Wi-Fi operated, the wait message could be seen as a result of an issue in Wi-Fi range, strength or signaling.
• Usually, in such cases, the message will be automatically removed after some time when the signal strength gets restored but if it doesn’t, try going through the steps stated below:

Step 1:Restart Your Wi-Fi Router

Restarting the router can do miracles in case of most of the connection issues. Steps to restart your Wi-Fi router are given below.

• Turn the power off your router (or Modem).
• Wait for about a minute and switch the modem on.
• After another minute, switch on the router back.
• After a few moments, check if the thermostat has started functioning properly or not.

Step 2: Restart Thermostat

• Here, you are in a situation where you have to reboot your Thermostat because the failure of all the above-mentioned remedies indicates that the trouble is caused by the side of the thermostat.
• This is the easiest as well as the most acceptable method as the process of restarting takes the additional settings back to normal and acts as an automatic troubleshooter.

Step 3: Reset Wi-Fi Settings on Thermostat

• Give it another try and this time try changing the Wi-Fi settings of your thermostat.
• It helps tackle the problems caused by the network and may work out for you.
• Go through the manual provided to you and change the Wi-Fi settings as given in that.

Final Talk

The thermostat’s ‘Wait’ feature is annoying but essential at the same time. Where you are least interested in glaring at the ‘Wait’ message and get restless till your HVAC system starts, the ‘Wait’ mechanism works parallel to protect your system.

Although quite cumbersome, it is important on its part and also unavoidable. But if it is turning into trouble for real, you are now ready with the troubleshooting methods.