Installing Your Honeywell Home RTH9585WF Wi-Fi Color Thermostat

What You'll Need

• Honeywell Home RTH9585WF Wi-Fi Color Touchscreen Thermostat
• Honeywell Home app (iOS or Android)
• 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Labels or tape for wire marking
• Pencil for marking screw holes

Before You Start

The RTH9585WF is a versatile Wi-Fi thermostat that works with most 24V HVAC systems. It supports conventional forced-air systems (up to 2 stages heat, 2 stages cool), heat pumps (with auxiliary and emergency heat), and can control a humidifier or dehumidifier. It does not work with electric baseboard (line voltage), millivolt, or 3-wire zone valve systems. Check your current wiring before starting.

C-Wire Requirement

This thermostat requires a C-wire for Wi-Fi operation. Without it, the thermostat may power on but will not maintain a reliable Wi-Fi connection. If your existing setup only has four wires (R, G, W, Y), you will need to run a new thermostat cable or install an add-a-wire adapter. Some older homes only have a 4-wire thermostat cable, so check behind your current thermostat before purchasing.

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Turn off HVAC power at the breaker. Confirm the system is off by verifying the old thermostat display goes dark or stops functioning.
2. Remove the old thermostat faceplate. Photograph the wiring and label each wire with the terminal letter it connects to. Common wires include R (power), W (heat), Y (cool), G (fan), C (common), and O/B (heat pump reversing valve).
3. Disconnect wires and remove the old wall plate. If the old plate left large holes, you may want to use the included wall plate adapter for a clean look.
4. Mount the RTH9585WF wall plate using the built-in level and included screws. Mark your screw holes with a pencil first, especially if your old thermostat had a different mounting pattern.
5. Connect wires to the matching terminals. The RTH9585WF uses screw terminals. Insert each wire, then tighten the screw firmly. Make sure no bare wire is exposed outside the terminal.
6. Attach the thermostat to the wall plate by pressing it straight onto the mounting pins.
7. Restore power at the breaker.
8. Walk through on-screen setup:
   • Select language and time zone
   • Configure your system type (conventional, heat pump, etc.)
   • Set the number of heating and cooling stages
   • Connect to your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network
   • Download the Honeywell Home app, create an account, and register the thermostat using the MAC and CRC codes displayed on screen

HVAC Compatibility Notes

The RTH9585WF supports up to 2 stages of heating and 2 stages of cooling for conventional systems. For heat pumps, it handles single-stage with auxiliary and emergency heat. If you have an O/B wire for a heat pump reversing valve, connect it to the O/B terminal and configure the reversing valve type during setup (O is energize on cool for most brands, B is energize on heat for Rheem/Ruud).

The thermostat also has terminals for humidity control. If you have a whole-home humidifier or dehumidifier wired to your old thermostat, connect it to the appropriate terminal and enable humidity control in the settings.

Smart Home Integration

The RTH9585WF works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control. Link the Honeywell Home skill in the Alexa app or the Honeywell Home action in Google Home. You can ask to set temperatures, switch modes, or check the current temperature. The thermostat also supports geofencing through the Honeywell Home app, which can automatically adjust the temperature based on your phone's location. IFTTT integration is available for creating custom automations.

Energy Saving Features

• Smart Response learns how long your system takes to reach your desired temperature and pre-starts heating or cooling
• 7-day programmable schedule lets you set different temperatures for wake, leave, return, and sleep periods each day
• Adaptive Intelligent Recovery ensures the system reaches target temp at the scheduled time rather than starting at that time
• Filter and UV lamp reminders help maintain system efficiency by alerting you when maintenance is due
• Customizable screen colors might seem cosmetic, but the display dims automatically to save energy when not in use

Troubleshooting

• Screen not responding to touch: Power cycle the thermostat at the breaker. If the screen lights up but does not respond to taps, try a clean dry finger -- moisture or screen protector residue can interfere with the touchscreen.
• Won't connect to Wi-Fi: This thermostat only supports 2.4GHz networks. If your router uses a combined network name, the thermostat may struggle to connect. Temporarily split your bands or create a dedicated 2.4GHz SSID. Also verify your Wi-Fi password is entered correctly using the on-screen keyboard.
• HVAC not responding: Go to the system settings and verify the correct system type is selected. If you have a heat pump configured as conventional (or the reverse), heating and cooling will not work properly. Also run a test cycle from the thermostat to check each stage individually.
• Humidity reading seems wrong: The built-in humidity sensor needs about 24 hours to calibrate after installation. If readings remain off, check that the thermostat is not mounted near a bathroom, kitchen, or exterior door where humidity fluctuates.
• Factory reset: Go to Menu, then Preferences, then Restore Factory Defaults. This clears all settings including Wi-Fi and schedules, so you will need to set everything up again.