Is Your Vivint Thermostat Not Working? (We Have a Fix!)
The Vivint Smart Thermostat plays an important role in the brand’s home security lineup. It uses sensors to determine when you’re home or away. With that information, it adjusts the temperature in your house. But what happens when your digital thermostat stops working?
If you notice a problem with your Vivint digital thermostat, check the owner’s manual first. You may just need to reset the device. You can run a diagnostic test with the touch of a button as well. And a failed test usually means the issue is with your HVAC system, not your thermostat.
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What Causes a Thermostat to Stop Working?
Your digital thermometer depends on sensitive components to measure temperatures and maintain a comfortable climate. Frequent adjustments, faulty equipment, dead batteries, and user error may cause one to malfunction. So, it’s important to maintain your gear for maximum functionality.
Meanwhile, a power outage or surge can cause some digital temperature regulators to suddenly stop working. A tripped breaker or blown fuse may be the only culprit. If that’s the case, there’s no electricity going to the thermostat interface or nearby outlets.
Consider yourself lucky if the issue is just a technical one. All you need to do is reset the breaker to restore power to your thermostat. Wait for about two minutes before trying something else. It may take a while for everything to restart after an outage.
NOTE: Make sure to shut off your thermostat before resetting your circuit breaker. Get help from an electrician if you’re uncomfortable doing it.
Signs Your Thermostat Is Broken
A broken thermostat can be frustrating. Your display won’t turn on or it’s being unresponsive. At the same time, your home’s temperature is getting out of control. The app isn’t doing anything either. Those are a few good signs that something is wrong.
Most people would try to manually adjust the heat or air conditioning at this point. It’s probably a good idea to try. The outcome can help you diagnose any problems. So, call an expert if your HVAC system doesn’t kick on when you override the digital interface.
Another thing to watch for is a system that won’t shut off. Remember:
- The sensors must function properly to maintain a constant temperature.
- Your system will keep chugging energy if the thermostat isn’t giving accurate readings.
- The equipment you use has a limited lifespan.
Your system could shut off prematurely, too. That’s because the device has no way to regulate your climate. So, it may shut down before heating or cooling your space as expected. Run a test to find the root cause.
How to Test a Vivint Thermostat
Testing your equipment is the most efficient way to diagnose a problem. It can help you avoid expensive repairs that aren’t even necessary. Frequent tests make high-tech device maintenance a cinch in smart homes. They’re easy too.
Follow these 5 simple steps to assess your Vivint thermostat ASAP:
Step 1. Press and Hold the “Side” Button to Begin.
There’s a small button on the device. Push it and hold your finger there for about 10 seconds. The settings menu should pop up. If it doesn’t, check the circuit breaker and install new batteries. Then, try again.
Step 2. Select the “User” Option.
Press the up and down arrows located next to the power button. This should cycle you through different prompts. Tap on the “User” option to select it and access the system as an administrator.
Step 3. Select the “Testing” Option.
Do the same thing to initiate your rapid testing sequence. Navigate to the “Testing” option in the settings menu using the up and down arrows. Tap on the corresponding button to select it.
Step 4. Select the “Heating” or “Cooling” Option.
Decide which of your HVAC systems you want to assess – heating or cooling. Again, use the arrow buttons to make your selection. Tap on the button to finalize your choice.
Step 5. Press the “Start” Button to Launch the Test.
Start your test with the quick press of a button. The assessment will determine if your HVAC system is functioning properly. It will also reveal any issues with the thermostat itself.
The device’s screen will display a timer during the test. That screen will also show active wiring and any temperature changes within the room. To end the test, press “Done” on the right side of the device. You can stop the assessment at any point.
Tips for Resetting a Vivint Thermostat
If your Vivint thermostat is no longer working, there’s a quick way to fix it. After consulting the manual and running a test, try resetting it. A factory reset may require you to reprogram your device, though. And you might have to uninstall or reinstall any apps that go with it.
Either way, this is how it’s done:
- Go to the home screen if your thermostat will turn on. If it won’t, make sure the power is connected. The Vivint Digital Home Thermostat uses (4) AA batteries or a 24V AC wire to your HVAC system. Hold the “Side” button for three (3) seconds.
- Scroll down to select the “Installer” option. Press the “Side” button to make it official.
- Scroll down again until you find the “Reset” option. Again, press the “Side” button to select your choice.
- The system will confirm your selection. That means you have to scroll to “Reset” twice and select it twice for the thermostat to obey.
The device will begin restoring itself back to the factory settings. This may erase any issues you were having, or it could make the problem worse. Remember, you must reconnect your thermostat to the Z-Wave Network when you’re done. And it won’t work if you don’t pay for services.
Can I Use a Vivint Thermostat Without Service?
Unfortunately, you can’t enjoy the benefits of the Vivint Smart Thermostat unless you pay for services. The Z-Wave Network monitors and maintains your devices from a centralized mainframe. Even the Vivint thermostat uses high-tech cameras, and that’s not free.
However, your service is a crucial part of the system. That means your device won’t work without being connected to it. The built-in cameras are designed exclusively for this brand’s monitoring service. So, content gets rejected by all other video surveillance platforms.
The good news is that your system cannot be easily hacked with this firewall. It’s rare for a digital thermostat by Vivint to get hijacked because of this premium service. But if you decline, you still have up to 120 days of warranty on your gear.
NOTE: After the 120-day warranty expires, you’ll have to pay a service charge for any repairs or replacements.
A Convenient Way to Regulate the Temperature at Home
Vivint home security products are designed to make your life easier. The convenient app-controlled interface means always having control of the conditions in your home. Together with the app, the digital thermostat helps conserve energy and lower your living costs.
However, a broken or malfunctioning thermostat can cause costly problems. Your HVAC system could run continuously, increasing your energy bills every second. It could also stop turning on altogether, resulting in a very comfortable situation.
When working properly, this smart thermostat provides a quick and convenient way to control your home’s climate. But if it’s not working, there’s only so much you can do. Run a test, reinstall the app, and check the rest of your system. Then, contact customer service if you still can’t figure it out.
Do You Need Your Thermostat Repaired or Reprogrammed?
Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.
Related Questions
Which digital thermostats work with Vivint?
You can use any digital thermostat that’s compatible with the Vivint interface. That includes Google Home, Nest, and Amazon Echo products. Read your owner’s manual for specific details.
How do I connect my device to Wi-Fi?
Go to the menu and select Device Settings. Tap on the name of the thermostat. Next, click on the Wi-Fi line you want to connect to. Now, connect your panel by entering your network password. Contact your internet provider for network related technical assistance.
Why isn’t my Vivint smart thermostat connecting to the internet?
Your digital thermostat may not be connecting to the internet because of a router problem. Be sure your router and modem are plugged in to working outlets. Check the password as well. If you still can’t connect, contact your internet service provider. Or reach out to Vivint customer care for more support.
My Vivint app isn’t working. What do I do?
The Vivint app can occasionally malfunction, especially after a power outage or surge. If your Internet connection is good and you still can’t get the app to work, log out. Then, log back in. Try deleting and reinstalling the app next. For more help, contact customer service.
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