
Wondering why your Honeywell thermostat not showing cool option? We got you covered!
Honeywell thermostat has a lot of features along with its reliability. However, most of the time it causes cooling issues and does not show a cool option.
If you are struggling with the same issue, continue reading the guide as we progress and unwrap all of the essentials!
Honeywell thermostat won’t show a cool option when there is any issue with your home HVAC cooling system or with the thermostat cooling settings.
However, you can easily fix the issue using simple troubleshooting involving an inspection of all involved pieces.
Honeywell Thermostat No Cool Option – Why?
If your Honeywell thermostat does not display a cool option on the display screen, there is a problem with your home cooling system.
It could happen due to different factors including issues with the HVAC or the thermostat so it’s crucial to understand the root causes.
The following are the potential causes of no cool option on the Honeywell thermostat:
- Incorrect Settings of thermostat mode
- Inappropriate temperature settings
- Loose or faulty wiring connection
- Tripped circuit breaker of your HVAC
- Bad or low batteries in thermostat
- Defective thermostat hardware
- HVAC system components issues
Let’s start troubleshooting!
Honeywell Thermostat Not Showing Cool Option– Fixed!
Tip: Follow the solutions in their order for maximum efficiency!
1. Set The Cool Mode On Thermostat
Check to ensure that your Honeywell thermostat is set to the “cool mode” because maybe it is set to another setting and that’s why it is not showing a cool option.
In those cases the HVAC system is cooling, hence there is nothing wrong, only the wrong mode is displayed.
Here is how to set the cool mode on the Honeywell thermostat:
- Head over to your Honeywell thermostat.
- Make sure the thermostat is turned on.
- Locate the Mode button from the bottom.
- Then press on the Mode button one time.
- Notice the change in the displayed mode.
- Cycle through the modes to find Cool Mode.
Note: After setting the mode, make sure your home HVAC is powered on, and then check to see if the cool option is displayed on the screen.
2. Inspect the Temperature Settings
When the temperature setting for the “Cool Mode” is lower than the temperature in your room, the Honeywell thermostat does not show the “Cool” option.
So, check and make sure that the thermostat temperature setting is higher than the current room temperature to show the mode.
Here is how to change the temperature settings on the Honeywell thermostat:
- Go near to your Honeywell thermostat for adjustment.
- Inspect and check what is the current set temperature.
- Locate the Temperature Up button from the thermostat.
- Press the button several times to increase the temperature.
- Set the thermostat temp higher than the room temperature.
Once the cooling temperature and the mode are set on your Honeywell thermostat, check to see if the cool option continues to show on display or still doesn’t show!
3. Check the Thermostat’s Wiring
Over time the wiring connection can become loose or damaged, so there is a possibility that the cables of the thermostat for your HVAC system are causing the issue.
What’s certain for sure is when the cables are loosely connected the thermostat will not be showing a cool option.
Here is how to check the wiring connection of the Honeywell thermostat:
- Turn off your HVAC system from the circuit breaker.
- Remove the display cover from your thermostat.
- Get access to the wiring connections from behind.
- Ensure that all wires are properly connected (tighten them).
- The yellow wire must connect to the Y terminal (cooling).
- Gently install the display cover back on to the thermostat.
4. Check the HVAC Circuit Breaker
Check your HVAC’s circuit breaker next because it’s possible that it’s tripped and the thermostat can’t turn on the cooling system.
When this happens the option won’t be shown on the display screen and you just need to make sure the circuit breaker is turned on.
Here is how to check the circuit breaker for HVAC:
- Head over to the circuit breaker box in your home.
- Locate the circuit breaker for your HVAC system.
- Check the position of the circuit breaker’s switch.
- If set to the ON, turn it to OFF and then turn it back on.
- If set to the OFF position, set it to the ON position.
- Wait a few minutes until the HVAC system starts working.
- Set the thermostat’s cooling mode and set temperature.
- Wait for a couple of minutes and check for the option.
If your Honeywell thermostat is still not showing the cool option or the circuit breaker for your HVAC is still tripping, then you would need to resolve this first.
5. Replace the Thermostat Batteries!
Batteries might often cause issues with the thermostat to accurately measure the temperature, hence the cooling might not enable.
Therefore, if your Honeywell thermostat runs on batteries the cooling mode is not working, hence the cool option won’t be shown.
Note: The most common Honeywell thermostat batteries are AA or AAA batteries!
Here is how to replace the batteries in your Honeywell thermostat:
- Turn off the HVAC system from the circuit breaker.
- Remove the cover from the thermostat panel.
- Locate the battery compartment from the back.
- Take out the old batteries from the compartment.
- Insert the new batteries into the battery compartment.
- Reconnect the display cover back onto the thermostat.
- Turn on the HVAC circuit breaker and check the option.
Info: Once you are done with replacing the batteries, then ensure to accurately set up the cooling temperature and mode on your thermostat.
Some time might be necessary.
6. HVAC System Complete Inspection!
As your Honeywell thermostat communicates with your HVAC, any issue with your HVAC refrigerant, compressor, or thermostat sensor may eventually cause a cooling problem.
Therefore, it’s necessary to check the HVAC to see which component is causing the trouble!
How to Check for a Refrigerant Leak:
- Turn off the power supply to the HVAC system unit.
- Inspect the refrigerant lines for any signs of damage.
- Sings for damage could be any visible dents, or leaks.
- Also, check for any oily or greasy residue on the lines.
- Tip: Use a refrigerant leak detector to test the level of gas in the air.
- Look at the air handler for any signs of leaks or damage.
- Also, inspect the drain pan and drain line for any clogs or blockages.
- If you detect a refrigerant leak or anything else, seek professional help.
How to Check for Faulty Compressor:
- Turn off the power to your home HVAC system.
- Locate the compressor from the outdoor unit.
- Inspect the compressor for any visible damage.
- Visible damage represents dents, cracks, or leaks.
- Also, test the resistance of the compressor motor.
- If the multimeter shows any reading, it is in working order.
- If the reading for the compressor is very low, seek help.
- Tip: Also check the refrigerant levels in the compressor.
How to Check for Bad Thermostat Sensor:
- Turn off the power supply to the main HVAC system unit.
- Locate the sensor from the indoor unit of your HVAC system.
- Inspect the sensor for any visible damage or corrosion.
- If the sensor looks dirty, clean it using a soft brush or cloth.
- Test the thermostat sensor using a Multimeter for Continuity.
- If the sensor is damaged in any way, replace the component.
- Then turn on the power to the HVAC and test the cool option.
Tip: Replacement components for Honeywell thermostat are available online but don’t forget to ensure your thermostat model compatibility before purchase!
Need More Help?
If you are still experiencing the no cool option on your Honeywell thermostat, it is best to seek professional assistance. You can get assistance by contacting Honeywell Support for utilizing the product’s warranty or contact a local repairman.
Quick Recap:
Whenever your Honeywell thermostat not showing cool option, set the cool mode and appropriate cooling temperature.
Also, check for the HVAC circuit breaker, thermostat wiring connection, replace the thermostat batteries, and inspect your HVAC system.
Read Next: Honeywell Thermostat Display Not Working? Best Fix Methods

Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.