RiteTemp Thermostat Not Working? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

RiteTemp is a new name in HVAC tech at just under 10 years old. Their thermostats are easy to use, energy-efficient, and reliable. With that said, what could be the problem if your RiteTemp thermostat suddenly isn’t working?

RiteTemp thermostats stop working when the batteries are dead or there is RF interference. Connect a ferrite choke to reduce RF interference and replace your batteries to fix your RiteTemp thermostat. Make sure that your remote and thermostat are on the same frequency and clean your air filter.

Clogged air filters can interrupt HVAC systems and can sometimes render a thermostat useless. Troubleshooting a thermostat can take quite some time, so we have compiled information to make it easier for you. Follow along as we explore the possible causes and fixes for a RiteTemp thermostat that isn’t working.

Electromagnetic interference or RF interference can cause RiteTemp thermostats to malfunction. If your RiteTemp thermostat regularly loses your custom settings and restarts, RF interference is the likely cause. Transmitters that share a frequency with your RiteTemp thermostat can cause interference that either reset your thermostat or shuts it off.

Homeowners with spark igniter furnaces are at a higher risk for RF interference. Luckily, RF interference doesn’t indicate a problem with your thermostat, but rather that there is a high electromagnetic concentration.

If you can’t control your RiteTemp thermostat with the remote, there is something wrong. Make sure that you have a C-wire in place or else your remote won’t work with a remote. If you don’t, you need to install a C-wire for the remote to work.

Existing C-wires that are installed poorly can prevent your RiteTemp thermostat from working with a remote. Adjust your C-wire or install a new one to solve this problem. Dial-in your remote and thermostat to the same channel for it to work properly.

Replace the batteries in your RiteTemp thermostat if it isn’t working. If you’ve had the same batteries in your thermostat for a while, then it is likely time to change them. Thermostats won’t work without batteries unless they’re directly connected to your grid.

RiteTemp has been around since 2012, and models from back then likely need replacing by now. That is because thermostats close to 10 years old can quickly drain batteries and it is wasteful. Replace older thermostats if your batteries simply won’t hold a charge.

Otherwise, all that you need to do is replace your batteries. Replacing your batteries helps your RiteTemp thermostat retain its settings and work continuously and effectively.

If your remote and batteries aren’t the problem, then RF interference likely is. Install a ferrite choke if your RiteTemp thermostat resets on its own or doesn’t work due to RF interference. Ferrite chokes are easy to connect, and you simply snap them into place.

Attach a ferrite choke to each of the leads that come out of the wall. Run the thermostat power cable through the choke 1-2 times to reduce interference most effectively. You can check the area for high electromagnetic fields to determine whether you need a ferrite choke, and installation takes minutes.

Air and furnace filters need to be replaced as early as 4 months of use, but homeowners can generally wait 12 months. Filters become dirty quickly and your thermostat may not respond, or your HVAC system can shut off. The only way to fix this problem is to replace your air filter, and luckily they only cost $8 on average.

RiteTemp thermostats will quickly recognize that the filter has been changed. You should have no problem running your RiteTemp thermostat after you replace it. If your thermostat and HVAC system is still acting faulty, that can point to a wiring, battery, or interference problem.

Related Questions

Are thermostats interchangeable?

Thermostats are not often interchangeable and not all ACs or furnaces work with every thermostat. Standard battery-operated thermostats are easy to replace and are more likely to be compatible. Make sure that you replace old thermostats that are wired with modern thermostats with a C-wire terminal.

Do thermostats go bad?

Thermostats can become faulty and malfunction after 10 years, on average. A thermostat can go bad before that, and it makes it harder to hold a charge. You can tell that your thermostat is going bad when it doesn’t respond, loses its settings, or your electrical bill suddenly spikes.

Are programmable thermostats more energy efficient?

Programmable thermostats are more energy efficient because you can set them to your power-saving preferences. Many programmable thermostats have eco-friendly modes that let your HVAC system rest until a time that you choose. This can save hundreds of dollars per year if you program your thermostat to run as efficiently as possible.

Should a thermostat be on auto or on?

Set your thermostat to auto to save money and keep your air filter clean for longer. The on setting can increase bills significantly and will quickly clog your air filter. However, the auto setting puts more of a strain on your AC blower fans because of the frequent stops and starts.