Trane Thermostat Says Waiting? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Thermostats have a unique sixth type sense that can save your central unit. The newer models are even better and seem robotic since most work through smartphones. You do not even have to be home to operate the AC and heating units.

Warning signs pop up, letting the homeowner know the batteries are low or something is not working right. On a Trane thermostat, you may see the word “Waiting.” What does it mean when the Trane thermostat says waiting?

When the Trane thermostat says waiting, it lets the user know time is needed for the compressor to kick on. If the compressor kicks on before the unit is ready, severe damage may occur to the unit. If the waiting sign continues to show, it also lets you know a problem that needs troubleshooting.

It is perfectly normal when the “Waiting” sign comes up on the display of a Trane thermostat. This usually happens after resetting the thermostat. There is nothing to be alarmed over, as it takes time for the system to work in sync with the thermostat.

The compressor is the main component in an AC unit, whether it is a window unit or a central unit. If the compressor burns or goes out for any reason, it is better to buy a new unit. That is why it is crucial to have the thermostat as a security device to save the compressor.

The waiting process should only take five or ten minutes. It may not always appear out of the blue. You may need to reset the thermostat, or a problem may be in the unit, keeping the compressor from turning on.

Before starting anything in DIY repairs, it is wise to remember the warranty on a Trane thermostat. There is a five-year limited warranty that will void if anything out of troubleshooting or resetting is done. Troubleshooting will give the answers if you need to call a Trane technician.

The purpose of a thermostat is to control the settings and temperatures of the AC or heating unit. One warning sign is the “Waiting” sign in the display if the thermostat or unit has a problem. If it stays on, follow these steps in troubleshooting.

Sometimes with Trane thermostats, wires may get exposed or may slip out of place. Faulty wires will trip the “Waiting” display, while on other thermostats, it may say “Cool On” or “Heat On.” They all mean the same thing and are all meant to protect the compressor.

Most of the time, it is an electrical problem when the display shows up. This is why it is best to call a professional, especially within the five-year warranty. The thermostat sends the information to the unit, and the problem may begin and end there.

The worst-case scenario is the AC or the heater may be going out. If there is a problem with the compressor or the furnace, the “Waiting” display will continue to show. It is not what any homeowner would want to hear, but it is a possibility.

It does not matter if the thermostat is old or new in technology. They both are reset the same way. The settings are a different story.

The older models are set by using the arrow directions to raise or lower the temperatures. How it is set is how it will remain. If you wish to cancel, press “Run Schedule” to reset the temperature.

The newer models will have the “Run Schedule” under the “Menu” options section. The “Hold” button will let you set the temperature manually for a brief time. “Run Schedule” allows you to set the AC or heater whenever you want.

An example “Run Schedule” would be a cooler temperature at night and a warmer setting in the daytime. This is a new wave in technology that helps conserve energy. It also will save you on the electric bill.

Once again, do not panic when you set the schedule to your preference. The “Waiting” display will come on right after the setting is stored. It simply means the thermostat is memorizing the settings, and it will wait for the compressor to kick on.

The time limit to wait is usually a few seconds to one or two minutes. If you find the thermostat still staying on the “Waiting” display, shut everything down and call a professional. Turn the thermostat off along with the breakers to the AC and the furnace to avoid any damages.

Inside the Owner’s manual, either behind the cover or the last page is the number to the manufacturer. You can also contact them, and they should have a technician who can walk you through some more troubleshooting tips. Some of the issues are quick and easy to resolve.

One example of a problem someone had was the thermostat said, “Waiting.” The homeowner stated they still had cool air inside the home from the AC. All it was, the fan on the outside unit was briefly stuck and would not turn.

Sometimes there are small, simple tasks the technician may not have to go out to the location. If it is a quick and easy fix, it can get repaired quickly. If the technician has to go out personally, it could take several days, especially during a busy season.

Many times, it is a faulty thermostat. If it is an older model, it may be time for an upgrade. If it is under warranty, you should not have to pay anything for another thermostat or labor.

Related Questions

Do all of the Trane thermostats have batteries for backup?

No, some use wiring systems that insert directly into the electrical system of the home. If you have batteries, always keep an eye on the low battery symbol on display.Some batteries are meant for backup if the power goes out, while others need them for the thermostat to work. If there is a wiring system, there should be nothing to worry about unless the power goes out. You may have to reset the thermostat if it goes out for too long.

What Do I do if the thermostat stays on “Hold?”

Locate the “Cancel” button and press it. Push the “Hold” button down to override the temperature’s settings. The hold should turn off after, and you can reset the temperature manually.

How Do I connect the thermostat to WiFi?

Follow these steps to connect your Thermostat via WiFi: