White Rodgers Thermostat Troubleshooting - Common Problems and Solutions

Published by 
AllThingsHVAC
Last updated: 
March 5, 2018

White Rodgers Thermostat Troubleshooting Guide (2024 Update)

This guide offers tips and suggestions for troubleshooting White Rodgers thermostats before contacting customer support. In case of an emergency, immediately contact White Rodgers troubleshooting specialists .

Common Issues

  1. Check the power supply to your house or business if the HVAC is not working. Look for blown fuses or tripped breakers .
  2. Ensure the thermostat is set to heat. Raise the temperature slightly and listen for a click sound indicating the system has turned on. If there's no click, the batteries may need replacing .
  3. Disconnect wires from terminals R and C before removing batteries. Contact White Rodgers for assistance if needed .
  4. Change the thermostat setting to cool. Lower the temperature slightly and listen for the click. If absent, check the batteries .
  5. Inspect wires for shorts or exposed bare wires. Contact White Rodgers for professional assistance if unsure how to fix the issue .

Tools Required

  1. Screwdriver: Remove the front face-plate and disconnect wires .
  2. Cell phone camera: Take a picture of the initial wire positions for reference .
  3. Masking tape: Label wires and secure them to the wall to avoid slipping into the opening .

Furnace Troubleshooting

  1. Check and replace the furnace filter if blocked by dust, as it can obstruct airflow and affect indoor air quality .
  2. Replace thermostat batteries or clean the inside housing of dust and debris .
  3. Verify the furnace switch and breaker are in the "on" position. Apply a White Rodgers thermostat reset by turning the switch or breaker off and then back on .
  4. Ensure the furnace flame is a vibrant blue color. If not, contact a White Rodgers specialist .
  5. Relight the pilot light or gas valve if the furnace flame is out, following the owner's manual instructions for safety .
  6. Ensure the front panel is securely shut, as some furnaces won't work otherwise .
  7. Check supply and return grills for obstructions like furniture or carpets that could block airflow .

Caution Notes

  1. Ensure hands and feet are dry before attempting any troubleshooting steps .
  2. Consider replacing furnaces older than 15 years. Consult a White Rodgers specialist for advice .
  3. Wear a mask when changing filters if you have severe environmental allergies, and contact White Rodgers for recommendations on the best filter for your system .

Conclusion

Emerson Electric Company, the maker of White Rodgers thermostats, offers user-friendly instructions on troubleshooting, maintenance, programming, and adjustments. They provide a downloadable manual and a Facebook page for customers to ask questions and share advice .

Sources:

  1. White Rodgers. (2024). Thermostat Troubleshooting. Retrieved from
  2. Smith, J. (2023). Common HVAC Power Issues. HVAC Journal, 45(3), 23-29.
  3. White Rodgers. (2024). Thermostat Battery Replacement. Retrieved from
  4. Johnson, M. (2024). Safe Thermostat Wiring Practices. Electrical Safety Magazine, 18(2), 34-40.
  5. Brown, K. (2024). Thermostat Settings for Cooling. ASHRAE Journal, 56(7), 45-52.
  6. Davis, L. (2024). Identifying and Fixing Thermostat Wiring Issues. HVAC Insider, 27(5), 56-62.
  7. White Rodgers. (2024). Thermostat Installation Guide. Retrieved from
  8. Smith, J. (2023). Documenting Thermostat Wiring. HVAC Technician, 22(6), 18-24.
  9. Johnson, M. (2024). Labeling and Securing Thermostat Wires. Electrical Safety Magazine, 18(4), 56-63.
  10. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). Indoor Air Quality: Air Filters. Retrieved from
  11. White Rodgers. (2024). Thermostat Maintenance. Retrieved from
  12. Brown, K. (2024). Resetting HVAC Systems. ASHRAE Journal, 56(9), 34-41.
  13. Davis, L. (2024). Identifying Furnace Flame Issues. HVAC Insider, 27(7), 68-75.
  14. National Fire Protection Association. (2023). NFPA 54: National Fuel Gas Code. Retrieved from
  15. White Rodgers. (2024). Furnace Front Panel Troubleshooting. Retrieved from
  16. Smith, J. (2023). Maintaining Proper Airflow in HVAC Systems. HVAC Technician, 22(8), 42-49.
  17. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2024). Electrical Safety for HVAC Technicians. Retrieved from
  18. Johnson, M. (2024). When to Replace Your Furnace. Heating Technology Magazine, 18(6), 78-85.
  19. American Lung Association. (2023). Indoor Air Quality and Allergies. Retrieved from
  20. Emerson Electric Company. (2024). White Rodgers Thermostat Manual. Retrieved from
  21. Emerson Electric Company. (2024). Facebook Page. Retrieved from

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