There is nothing worse than when your thermostat fails you. Before you know it, you have no control over your heating, leaving you sweating on a hot day and freezing on a cold day.
You stare at your thermostat, helpless and unsure what to do. The buttons and configuration can be confusing, especially if you aren’t the most tech-savvy! It leaves many of us cold or too hot and resigning ourselves to this new life.
Well, no more! For those of you with White Rodgers or Emerson thermostats, we are here to save the day! We have step-by-step guides that will help you reset your thermostats to factory settings and allow you to restore them to full working order.
Keep reading to find your model and reset it today!
Check your model
Before going any further, you must check the model of your thermostat. They all operate slightly differently, and checking beforehand will allow you to reset your thermostat quickly or easily.
You can check the model number either on your thermostat or in the user manual that it came with. If you are unsure, there are sites online that help you determine which model your thermostat is should you need them.
Generally speaking, the model number will be printed on the back of the thermostat cover plate. You usually need to remove the front cover to see it. To do this, grasp the cover and pull away from the wall plate to read it.
Be sure to jot the model number down and keep it safe, so you have the number should you need it again.
Be careful when removing the cover, as exposed wiring might be visible when the plate is removed. Be sure to keep any children away from this wiring and take extra care yourself.
Once you have found the model number, you can find it below and get to resetting your thermostat!
Resetting your thermostat
Below we have the ranges and model numbers of the White Rodgers/Emerson thermostats and guides on resetting them. Find your series range or the model number and follow the instructions carefully.
Remember to take care and consult your user manual, too, if you have any questions! Let’s get into it.
Classic 80 and 70 Series – How to reset White Rodgers Thermostat
Model numbers: 1F85-277, 1F80-361, 1F72-151, 1F79-111, 1F78-151, 1E78-151, 1F78-144.
If this is one of your thermostats, then keep reading to find out how to reset it. Remember that the different models will reset slightly differently, and you should always check your user manual for the most accurate advice for your model.
There are two different ways to reset the Classic 80 and 70 Series thermostats.
Method 1:
- Press and hold the Up or Down arrow with the Time button at the same time.
- After a few seconds, the display will go blank.
- It will then reappear, and your configuration settings will be reset.
Method 2:
- Press and hold the Up or down arrow and move the system switch from off to heat simultaneously.
- The display will go blank after a few seconds.
- It will reappear, and the configuration settings are now reset.
Sensi Touch Smart Thermostat – How to reset them
Model numbers: 1F95U-42WFB, 1F95U-42WF
The Sensi touch smart thermostat is one of Emerson’s latest models and features a whole host of smart home integrations. The thermostat is compatible with Alexa and Google home and features a touch screen with HD color.
It’s designed to save you up to 23% on your energy bills thanks to its geofencing, remote access, and flexible schedule features.
There are three different ways that you can reset this thermostat that we will look at now.
Factory reset
The factory reset changes all your settings back to default. It will also clear the WiFi connection and Apple Homekit pairing, meaning you will need to run through these settings and reconnect them once the reset is complete.
However, it doesn’t clear your HVAC equipment configuration.
To factory reset your Sensi Touch Smart Thermostat, follow the steps below.
- Press Menu
- Press About Thermostat
- Next, press Factory Reset
- The thermostat will now be reset to its factory settings. All WiFi and pairing connections will need to be done again.
Wi-Fi Reset
To reset your thermostat using the Wi-FFi network reset process, it’s best to check out Emerson’s advice.
The process differs depending on whether the Sensi App is installed on an android or iOS device. In this case, it’s best to use the advice given by Emerson to avoid any issues.
You can check out their detailed instructions and follow their guide here: https://sensi.emerson.com/en-us/support/reconnecting-sensi-thermostat-to-wifi
Schedule Reset
If you simply want to reset your schedule to create a new schedule, you can do this easily.
- Press Menu
- Press Schedule
- Check that Schedule is toggled as on
- Edit your configuration settings
- Click save; the changes will now come into effect.
You can also update the schedule on the Sensi App if you have your mobile device to hand. It’s a similar process and fairly simple to follow. Be sure to check the help section on your app if you run into any difficulties.
Sensi Smart Thermostat – How to reset
Model number: 1F87U-42WF
The Sensi Smart Thermostat is another popular choice for those with smart homes. You get extensive compatibility with smart home devices, allowing you to use voice commands with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.
Use these to control your heating and cooling systems and enjoy remote access, geofencing, and flexible scheduling.
You will also get analytics on your energy usage to stay in control and manage your energy usage and spending. You have two options when it comes to resetting your Sensi Smart Thermostat.
Remember to check your user manual before resetting your thermostat, as it will have the best advice.
Wi-Fi Reset
Like we mentioned earlier, the Wi-Fi network reset varies depending on if your Sensi App is installed on an iOS or Android device. In these cases, it’s best to consult Emerson’s website as they offer detailed instructions and advice that is clear and easy to follow.
Check it out here and follow along carefully. You can also find similar instructions in your user manual: https://sensi.emerson.com/en-us/support/reconnecting-sensi-thermostat-to-wifi
Schedule Reset
If you want to reset or change the schedule on your thermostat, you can do so either through the thermostat itself or via that Sensi App.
To do so on the thermostat, you can follow these steps:
- Click on Menu
- Click on Schedule
- Check that schedule is on
- Make the necessary changes
- Press save, and the schedule will change.
Alternatively, you can do so on the Sensi App. As with the Wi-Fi changes, how to do this will vary depending on if you have installed the app onto an Android or iOS device.
You can find detailed instructions on Emerson’s site, allowing you to reset the schedule on the app.
For more information, check out the Emerson website here: https://climate.emerson.com/documents/sensi-app-navigation-scheduling-guide-en-us-4980108.pdf
80 Series Emerson Thermostat – How to reset
Model numbers: 1F85U-42PR, 1F85U-22PR, 1F83H-21PR, 1F83C-11PR, 1F85U-42NP, 1F85U-22NP, 1F83H-21NP, 1F83C-11NP
When it comes to your Emerson’s 80 Series thermostat, you have two options to reset. You can use the factory reset method, or you can complete a hard reset. Be sure to check the user manual as resetting methods can vary slightly between the models.
If you have misplaced your user manual, you can usually find a version online. Search for your model number followed by ‘user manual,’ and you should find a copy that you can download and permanently have access to.
Check the reset methods here before following our steps to ensure you follow the correct procedure for your thermostat.
Factory Reset
To perform a factory reset on your thermostat, you can follow the steps below.
- Press and hold the Menu and Backlight buttons at the same time.
- After a few seconds, the display will go blank.
- The display will reappear shortly, and the reset will be complete.
If, after following these steps, the display is blank or non-responsive, then follow our steps for a hard reset.
Hard reset
If your screen is blank or unresponsive, or the factory reset has failed, then you will need to perform a hard reset on your thermostat. To do this, remove the cover plate and take out the old batteries. Replace them with new batteries and put the cover back on.
Changing the batteries will not impact the configuration or schedule of your thermostat, so you don’t need to worry about having to reset these too. If the batteries still have power in them and the display is not responsive, remove the cover plate and batteries.
Keep them out for two minutes and replace them both. Usually, this helps, but we would seek professional assistance if the display still isn’t working. There might be a more serious issue going on, or you will need to replace the entire unit.
It’s best to have an expert’s opinion here. You can contact Emerson for them to send an engineer out or consult one yourself.
It’s also worth checking your warranty to see if you are protected from any kind of malfunction like this.
Blue Series 2” Emerson Thermostat – How to reset
Model numbers: 1F80-0261, 1F80-0224, 1F86EZ-0251, 1F86-0244, 1F82-0261, 1F89EZ-0251, 1F89-0211
The Blue Series is an upgrade on Emerson’s 70 series, offering programmable and non-programmable options. You get plenty of compatibility, too, both with single-stage or heat pump systems.
There are some slight variations to resetting the Blue Series models, so it’s best to check your user manual before completing any resets of the thermostat.
There are two different ways you can reset the Blue Series 2” thermostat using a factory reset. Let’s take a look at those now.
Method 1 – Factory Reset
To reset your thermostat to its factory settings, you can follow the steps below.
- Press and hold the Up or Down arrow with the Time or PRGM button at the same time.
- After a few seconds, the display will go blank.
- It will reappear quickly, and you can remove your fingers from the buttons.
- Your schedule, settings, and clock are now reset.
Method 2 – Factory Reset
You can also use the following method if your model requires it or have no luck with our first reset method. Follow the steps below to reset your Blue Series 2” thermostat.
- Check your system switch is in ‘cool,’ ‘heat,’ or ‘emer.’
- Press and hold the up or down arrow and the time button at the same time.
- Hold the buttons down for 10 seconds.
- The display will go blank and reappear after a few seconds.
- The thermostat is now reset.
Blue Series 4” Emerson Thermostat – How to reset
Model numbers: 1F85-0422, 1F83-0471
This series of thermostats features two models, one with a programmable 5/2 or 5/1/1 day, and the other is non-programmable. These thermostats are universal and feature an integrated automatic heat and cool changeover option.
As the models vary, be sure to check in your user manual for any specific advice that you need to follow.
Alternatively, we have two methods that you can follow below. One method will reset the schedule and configuration settings, and the other is a hard reset. Why not read the two and see which one suits your needs?
Schedule and Configuration Reset
To reset the schedule and configuration settings on your thermostat, you can follow the steps below.
- Press and hold the Up or Down arrow and the Fan button at the same time.
- After a few seconds, the display will go black.
- It will reappear, and your schedule, clock, and settings are now reset.
Hard Reset
If your display doesn’t appear after the initial reset, or you are experiencing erratic behavior, then you will need to conduct a hard reset.
Doing a hard reset will reset the installed configuration and programming you will need to configure again once your thermostat is up and running.
To complete a hard reset, follow the steps below.
- Remove the cover plate.
- Remove the wires from terminals R and C, be careful not to short them together. Isolate or disconnect the circuit beforehand to ensure your safety.
- Remove the batteries for 2 minutes.
- Replace the wires, batteries, and cover plate.
- Your display should now show that your thermostat is in factory reset mode.
If this doesn’t work or you are still experiencing issues, it’s best to contact a professional. They can diagnose any other issues and repair them or replace the unit if needed.
Consider the cost of doing this beforehand, and be sure to check your warrant to see if you are covered! You can contact Emerson for an engineer to be sent out or find and hire one yourself.
Blue Series 6” Emerson Touchscreen thermostat – How to reset
Model numbers: 1F95EZ-0671, 1F95-0671, 1F95-0680
The Series 6£ thermostat features a touchscreen compatible with single-stage, multistage, and heat pump systems. When resetting them, you can either perform a hard reset or a schedule and configuration reset.
Depending on the model you have, there might be some variations to the methods. Be sure to check your user manual before performing any resets on your thermostats.
Schedule and Configuration Reset
To perform a reset on your schedule and configuration of your thermostat, follow the steps below.
- Press and hold the up or down arrow with the system or fan button at the same time.
- The display will go black after a few seconds.
- It will reappear, and the schedule, clock, and settings have been reset.
Hard reset
If your thermostat display remains blank or behaves strangely, you will need to try a hard reset. Doing this will reset your programming and installed configuration, so be mindful of this before you begin.
Follow the steps below to perform a hard reset on your thermostat.
- Remove the cover plate.
- Isolate or disconnect the thermostat’s circuit board. Remove the wires from terminals R and C (or RH and CH), taking care when doing so.
- Remove the batteries for two minutes.
- Replace the wires, batteries, and cover plate.
- The display should now show the thermostat in factory reset mode.
Some models will need the wires to be removed from the RH and RC terminal instead. If you are unsure, your user manual should provide information about this. If the hard reset does not work, you will need to contact a professional to come and diagnose the issue and either repair or replace the unit.
Blue Series 12” Emerson Touchscreen Thermostat – How to reset
Model numbers: 1F95-1288, 1F95-1280, 1F97-1277, 1F95-1291
The 12” touchscreen thermostat is another popular series. There is a backlit display with programmable and non-programmable models. These models are best suited for heat pump, universal, single-stage, and multi-stage systems.
There is some variation with the models, so check your user manual for further guidance and specific advice.
Reset Hold
If your thermostat is stuck in the hold, pressing ‘run schedule’ will remove the hold and allow you to get back on the program. If that isn’t the issue, try our hard reset method below.
Hard reset
If your display is blank or your thermostat is not responding to inputs, you can perform a hard reset. To do this, follow the steps below.
- Remove the cover from the wall plate.
- Remove the batteries for two minutes.
- Replace the batteries and cover plate.
- The display should now reset and be operational.
In some 12” models, you will need to remove the R and C wires from the terminals too. Isolate or disconnect the circuit before doing this to ensure your safety. If the steps did not work, it’s best to contact a professional and have them take a look!
Comfort-Set 90 Series Thermostat – How to reset it
Model number: 1F90/1F97-3XX
To reset your White Rodgers Comfort-Set 90 series thermostat, you will need to perform a factory reset. Be sure to check the user manual before doing so. Some issues with these thermostats should be dealt with by a professional and not attempted by yourself. The manual will provide further details.
Factory Reset
If you see a ‘check stat’ message, it means one of the buttons has become stuck down, or the thermostat sensor has stopped working, and you should consult a professional.
If not, follow the steps below.
- Check buttons and sensor wiring connections, and the power.
- If they are fine, press and hold ‘Program’ to reset the display.
- If the display doesn’t clear, disconnect the power.
- Remove the device and batteries for 5 minutes.
- Replace the batteries, device, and reconnect the power.
- The display should work. If not, consult a professional.
White Rodgers Line Voltage Digital Thermostats – How to Reset
Model number: 1E65-144
To reset your Line Voltage Digital thermostat, you will need to perform a factory reset. It will reset the configuration settings and is usually a good resolution for any issues you are having.
Factory reset
To perform a factory reset on your thermostat, follow the steps below.
- Press and hold the Up or Down arrow and press the light button.
- Hold this for a few seconds.
- The display will go blank briefly.
- Once the display reappears, your thermostat has been reset.
White Rodgers CT101 Thermostat
For those having issues with their CT101 thermostat, you can reset it using a factory reset. You can follow the steps below to do this easily.
Factory Reset
To reset your thermostat, follow these steps.
- Remove the top plate.
- Hold the reset button for a few seconds.
- The screen will flash with icons and reset.
- Replace the top plate and enjoy a reset thermostat!
On Hold
Some White Rodgers Thermostats will be stuck on hold, meaning your HVAC system is set on a particular temperature permanently. You can cancel the hold and turn hold mode off by pressing and holding the ‘run schedule’ button.
Most times, this works, and your thermostat will be off hold mode, and you can adjust the temperature. Remember to check your user manual if you are unsure.
Final Word
And just like that, we have come to the end of our thermostat journey today! As you can see, each thermostat requires a different method to reset it that must be followed carefully.
Remember to check your thermostat model before beginning and consult the user manual too if you have any questions.