It may not feel like it now, but chilly weather is fast approaching! Now’s a good time to familiarize yourself with common thermostat codes, so you can be prepared the next time your electric or smart thermostat tries to communicate with you.
What Does Your Code Mean on Your Smart Thermostat?
You go to check the temperature and lo and behold, a suspicious code flashes across the screen of your thermostat. Is it broken? Is your HVAC control device a sentient being? What’s going on? Fear not, the robot revolution has not infiltrated your home. But your thermostat is trying to tell you something! When a code appears on your thermostat, it usually indicates the need for a routine maintenance check. But there are a few other things your thermostat might be trying to say.
While some smart thermostats can tell you if there’s a problem, most regular thermostats will simply remind you when it’s time to check for possibly system failure. The average system relies on you, the owner, to understand its coded language and give it a regular maintenance check to avoid future hassles. Important: Some manufacturers require yearly maintenance checks, or it could void the warranty!
This blog will help you decipher what your thermostat is trying to tell you so you can determine the next course of action! Some codes are basic reminders while others require an immediate response. Let’s start with some common codes!
The following codes can be found on almost every thermostat and all of them are used by our very own Talking Thermostats.
Four of the Most Common Smart Thermostat Codes
CFS- This common code simply translates to “Call for Service.” Just like your car needs oil, your thermostat also needs the occasional tune up. It’s a maintenance reminder that you should have your system inspected and cleaned to keep it running efficiently. Your service technician or installer should set this reminder according to your existing maintenance plan. Some plans require annual checks while some require biannual checks.
FILT– This code means “FILTER” and it is set based upon your filtration system. For example, if you use a 1-inch throw away type filter then you need to set a monthly reminder. If you have a 5-inch media type filter, then you can set a reminder for every 6 months. If you use one of our polarized air cleaners, then we can set it to remind you once every 3 months.
UV– This code’s easy! It stands for “Ultraviolet.” This means that it might be time to replace your Ultraviolet Bulbs that keep your home’s air quality clean and healthy. But not all UV bulbs are created equal. To stay safe, this code is typically set for annual alerts, to let you know you when it’s time to replace your bulb. If you have the UV Light Kits that Help!! Air Conditioning uses, you only need to replace your bulbs every two years!
DELAY– This is a code saying the system has been short cycled and will start back up when the 5-minute delay is over. This protects the compressor from short cycling and causing possible damage, such as premature failure. Something can trigger this short cycle two ways. If it’s a battery-operated thermostat, it’s triggered when someone turns the system off and back on. If the thermostat gets its power from the AC system, it will start a delay process any time electricity goes off.
How Well Does Your Heating System Communicate?
Communicating systems, systems in which the smart thermostat, heater and condenser actually talk to each other, can often tell where to find the problem, but they won’t tell you where what you’re looking for. For example, your system may explicitly explain the problem by saying “Check Blower” or “No power to Condenser,” while some thermostats use numeric codes such as “302” or “1045.” If you don’t have your thermostat manual handy, these numeric codes can be difficult to translate. The codes on the smart systems are usually more critical because it could mean a potential problem, or a real problem already exist.
No matter what your thermostat tells you, don’t ignore the code! Call your service provider and ask if it’s an issue that requires immediate attention.
Help!! Air Conditioning and Heating Maintenance Plans
Help!! offers great, flexible Club Membership that suit your schedule and budget! If you’re worried about missing your thermostat’s next maintenance check, we have the solution. Member Benefits include one heating and AC tune-up with an annual visit! Members also receive priority service, 20% discount on repairs, and a 20% discount on a diagnostic charge. Call Help!! to learn more about which Club Membership is right for you!
Korey Knobloch
Help Service Co.
Home of the Talking Thermostat
