White Rodgers Thermostat Heat Not Working? (Instant Fix)

White Rodgers thermostat heat not working can be challenging to troubleshoot, as you don’t immediately recognize what causes the problem.

If this is the issue you are facing, don’t worry; we will guide you through it.

To fix the White Rodgers thermostat heat not working, start by resetting the thermostat and checking its batteries. Next, check the switch settings and raise the heat setpoint.

Now that you know the approximate fixes to the heat not working on White Rodgers thermostats, let’s examine the underlying causes.

Why Does My White Rodgers Thermostat Heat Not Work?

The most common reason your White Rodgers thermostat is not working is incorrect device configuration or tripped safety features.

In rarer cases, it can also not switch to heat mode due to cabling issues or a software glitch.

Here are the top most common causes for White Rodgers thermostat heat not working:

Now that you have a better grasp on what can cause the heat issue let’s try out some fixes.

How to Fix White Rodgers Thermostat Heat Not Working

Tip: To have your thermostat working optimally, use fresh alkaline batteries.

Step #1: Reset the White Rodgers Thermostat

The first step you should try if your White Rodgers thermostat heat function isn’t working is to reset the thermostat.

This can clear up any internal software errors that can cause it to malfunction and not adequately heat your home.

Here is how to reset the White Rodgers Thermostat:

1. Go to your thermostat main panel and go to the home menu.
2. Find, then press and hold both the Up and Down arrow keys together at the same time.
3. When your White Rodgers display turns blank, release the buttons.
4. Alternatively, some models of the White Rodgers thermostat can be reset from the menu by selecting “About Thermostat” and then choosing the “Factory Reset” option.
5. If you have an 80 series thermostat, you need to hold the backlight along the menu buttons at the same time for at least 12 seconds.

These are the general ways to reset your White Rodgers thermostat; however, based on your exact model version and type, they might vary.

When in doubt, the exact steps should be in your thermostat owner manual.

Note: After a hard reset of your White Rodgers, all settings and stored data will be reset.

Step #2: Check the Power Delivery of Thermostat Panel

Most White Rodgers thermostat panels are operated on battery power.

If your battery is insufficiently charged, it might cause the central unit to have trouble sending heating commands to the rest of your HVAC system.

To remedy this, you must ensure the batteries are charged.

Here is how to check and replace the batteries on your White Rodgers device:

1. Turn off your White Rodgers thermostat or heating system.
2. Find and open the battery compartment on your thermostat panel.
3. Take out the old batteries and ensure you have the same type of new ones ready.
4. Place the new batteries by ensuring you match their polarities with the indicators.
5. Close the battery compartment of your White Rodgers device and turn it on.
6. Check if the heat function is working appropriately now.

If the issue persists, please proceed with the solutions outlined below.

Note: If the outside temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, don't use the cooling mode.

Step #3: Change Settings to Switch on Heat

A very common cause of White Rodgers thermostat not turning on heat is due to an incorrectly set heat switch.

These switches can be accessed differently based on your exact White Rodgers thermostat model. 

Here are the general steps to change the switch to heat on your White Rodgers thermostat:

1. Go to your White Rodgers thermostat panel and access the main menu.
2. Using the buttons, navigate to the settings or system setting panel.
3. Select the  “Heat” or alternatively named “Heating” option and confirm it.
4. If you have a different White Rodgers thermostat model, look for an analog switch on the bottom left side of the thermostat. 
5. Flick the switch to “Heat” by sliding it all the way to the right.
6. Check if the heating is now properly working.

Note: You might also need to change the “Fan” switch to change the temperature based on your exact configuration.

Step #4: Raise the Setpoint Beyond Room Temperature

Some White Rodgers thermostats have built-in safety measures or automatic mode switches that trigger once a certain ambient temperature is measured.

If your thermostat setpoint is incorrectly set, it might cause your heating system not to activate.

Here is how to raise the setpoint on your White Rodgers thermostat to enable heat mode:

1. Turn off your White Rodgers thermostat if it’s currently on.
2. Locate or navigate to the temperature adjustment controls.
3. Gradually start increasing the temperature in small increments using the temperature arrows.
4. Set the thermostat temperature to slightly higher than the current ambient room temperature.
5. Let your White Rodgers thermostat adjust to the new settings and check if the heating system is properly active now.
6. Adjust the temperature further if needed.

Note: Check if you have accidentally entered the programming mode of your thermostat and change it to the normal function.

Step #5: Check for Lock-Out Conditions

White Rodgers thermostat not heating can be caused whenever the lock-out mode has been activated.

This setting will prevent any changes or use of the thermostat until it is disabled.

Based on if you have a touchscreen or analog thermostat, the steps might vary.

Here is how to exit the lock-out mode for White Rodgers thermostats:

1. Go to the main thermostat panel and press the Up button together with the Down button.
2. Once Figure 0 appears on your device, enter your lockout code to match the correct set combination.
3. Press the button named “System” to confirm the code and unlock your thermostat.
4. If you have a touchscreen model, instead open the main menu and choose “Installer Configuration.”
5. Use the keys to enter your correct numbers, then press the Up button to unlock it.

Note: On some models, if you forgot the combination, you can try holding the menu button for at least 15 seconds.

Step #6: Reset your Home Circuit Breakers

Since your thermostat system is usually hard-wired to a circuit breaker as a safety measure in case of an electrical surge, you must ensure the circuit breaker isn’t tripped.

If the circuit breaker is activated, it will prevent or stop power to your HVAC heating system or thermostat setup.

Here are the general ways to ensure your circuit breaker isn’t interfering with the heating:

1. Go to your home’s circuit breaker box or unit, usually located next to the central power panel.
2. Identify which circuit breaker is wired or connected to your heating system or thermostat.
3. Check if the switch is tripped, and reset it to enable power back to your HVAC or thermostat.
4. Check if any other breakers are tripped that might affect the entire temperature control system.
5. Afterward, check if your White Rogers thermostat can correctly turn on the heat.

Note: If your heating system has a Furnace Filter, check if it's congested with dust and clean it if needed.

Step #7: Inspect the White Rogers Thermostat Wiring

If you have performed all of the above steps, yet your thermostat still can’t turn on the heat, it’s possible that there is an electrical or wiring issue.

If the heating system and thermostat wiring are improperly set up, your heating might malfunction.

Here is how to inspect your heating or thermostat wiring for any wiring issues:

1. For safety purposes, turn off your White Rogers thermostat.
2. While handling wires, please always wear protective gear and tools rated for high voltage.
3. Remove the White Rogers faceplate to access the wiring compartment.
4. Carefully inspect any visible cabling or wires and pay attention to any discoloration indicating electrical damage.
5. Using the proper tools, tighten any loose wiring connections and ensure the ends of any cables make proper contact to conduct electricity.
6. Reference your thermostat installation manual to see if the heater wires are correctly installed.

After these steps, place the thermostat front cover back and turn it on to see if the heat issue is gone.

Note: Inspect the air vents that carry hot or cold air through your home for blockage or issues.

Quick Recap

To fix the White Rodgers thermostat heat not working, start by checking the batteries and resetting the thermostat.

Next, set the switch to heat mode and check for any lock-out conditions.