Smart Thermostats: What Does Recovery Mode Mean?
Most modern HVAC systems may offer better performance and energy savings. This is because most of them come with the smart home thermostat. The digital thermostat is specifically designed based on your usage. It has brought many benefits. Here, we will focus on the thermostat’s recovery mode. In case you want help installing or repairing your HVAC system, do not hesitate to contact us. We offer our services to the residents of Orange County. If you live nearby, we can assist you in troubleshooting your heating and air conditioning system.
Over time, the thermostat has changed functions, and there are numerous variations. To help clear up your confusion, we have provided information to help you understand the different thermostats.
Smart Thermostat Vs. Programmable Thermostats
With a conventional thermostat, you have to manually adjust your thermostat when you want to change the temperature. With a programmable thermostat, you can program your thermostats to run at certain times and temperatures throughout the day.
Smart thermostats have even more features than programmable ones. Not only are they programmable, but you can also adjust them from anywhere. If you forget to turn your thermostat off, you can adjust it via an app on your smartphone or other device.
What Is Recovery Mode?
Recovery Mode, a feature of smart thermostat brands, indicates that the unit is working to reach a new temperature that is cooler or warmer than the outdoor air after unplugging it for a while. For instance, if your air conditioner went off while you were outdoors, the thermostat will go into recovery mode so your home will cool down by the time you get back. In recovery mode, the AC power is on and working correctly to achieve the optimal temperature.
Benefits of Recovery Mode
Recovery mode can help you save money on heating and cooling by limiting the HVAC system’s usage to times when you require it to regulate your home’s interior temperature.
How Recovery Mode Saves Energy
Drastic changes in ambient temperature consume extra electricity. By progressively changing the temperature, you reduce the load on the HVAC system and your electricity consumption, lower your electricity bill and reduce the risk of power surges and outages.
What if your electricity bill keeps going up even if you have an energy-efficient model installed? In such a case, it could be a sign of an HVAC unit with low Freon levels. It would be a great idea to have an expert inspect your HVAC system to figure out its source.
Reasons Why HVAC Systems Go Into Recovery Mode
Your HVAC units suddenly go into recovery mode due to improper programming. Configure your thermostat to turn off or on at a specific time automatically. In case you forget this, your system goes into recovery mode. With a programmable thermostat, your system will automatically turn on or off based on your usage pattern.
In case you experience a power outage, check the thermostat. Over-voltage allows the programming of the thermostat in standard mode. There may be times when you can stop the system from entering recovery mode. Configure the temperature difference within the range of 5-7 degrees. However, you can disable recovery mode if the difference is less. It won’t affect your electric bill when you switch on the system.
Must You Turn Off Recovery Mode?
If there is only a small difference between the thermostat temperature settings, turning off the recovery mode will not significantly affect the HVAC system’s electricity consumption. However, if the settings have a big difference, it is better to leave the recovery mode switched on. This is because, along with reducing your HVAC system’s electricity consumption, recovery mode also lessens the load on the HVAC system due to rapidly rising or falling temperatures, thus prolonging its life. If you are considering turning off the recovery mode due to performance issues, a central AC with a low Freon content could be the culprit. To be sure, contact your contractor.
Is Recovery Mode a Sign That Something Is Wrong?
Malfunction can cause recovery mode; however, this frequently only occurs in a poorly maintained system or central AC with low Freon content. If you realize a change in your HVAC system’s performance, do not hesitate to contact an expert HVAC technician.
Contact the Experts
As your reliable HVAC expert, Alps Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. offers only the top-quality cooling and heating repair services. We also provide attic insulation services, duct design services, indoor air quality services and many other services. We are proud to serve Orange County and the surrounding areas. Call us at our Anaheim offices for more information.