the touch screen on my honeywell is getting less responsive, sometimes i have to press an icon like 5 times.

Diagnosis

The Honeywell Home RTH9585WF utilizes a resistive touch interface, which relies on physical pressure to complete a circuit between two layers of the screen. Over time, a microscopic layer of skin oils, household dust, and atmospheric grime accumulates on the surface. Because this specific model lacks the capacitive sensitivity of a smartphone, even a thin film of residue can create a "barrier" that prevents the physical pressure from registering correctly, leading to the "ghosting" or unresponsive behavior where you must press an icon multiple times to trigger a response.

Furthermore, this model is prone to static buildup and occasional firmware glitches in the touch-driver layer. If the device has been running for months without a power cycle, the internal voltage thresholds for touch detection can drift. This isn't a hardware failure of the digitizer, but rather a combination of surface contamination and a need for a hard electrical reset to recalibrate the touch sensitivity thresholds.

How to Fix It

To restore the responsiveness of your RTH9585WF, follow these precise steps to clean the surface and reset the internal logic:

1. Power Down: Do not simply turn off the HVAC system at the breaker. Gently grasp the outer edges of the thermostat housing and pull the unit straight off the wall plate. You will hear a click as the pins disconnect. This ensures no current is flowing through the logic board during cleaning.
2. Surface Decontamination: Use a high-density microfiber cloth. Dampen a small corner of the cloth with distilled water. Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners, Windex, or 70%+ isopropyl alcohol, as these can strip the oleophobic coating on the RTH9585WF screen, making it more prone to smudging in the future.
3. The Circular Wipe: Wipe the screen using small, firm circular motions, starting from the center and moving outward to the edges. Pay special attention to the bezel edges where dust often traps and interferes with the screen's perimeter seal.
4. Dry and Buff: Use a dry section of the microfiber cloth to buff the screen until no streaks remain. Any remaining moisture can cause the touch sensor to register "phantom presses."
5. Hard Reset: While the unit is still off the wall, wait 60 seconds. This allows the capacitors on the board to fully discharge.
6. Reinstallation: Align the unit with the wall plate pins and press firmly until it snaps into place. The system will reboot and automatically recalibrate the touch sensitivity based on the current electrical environment.

If That Didn't Work

• Perform a Factory Reset: If the lag persists, it may be a software glitch. Navigate to Menu > Installer Setup > Reset. Select "Factory Reset." Note that this will erase your WiFi credentials and scheduling preferences, requiring you to reconnect the device to your 2.4GHz network.
• Check for Voltage Fluctuations: If you have a C-wire (Common wire), ensure it is seated tightly in the terminal. If the thermostat is relying on "power stealing" from the Rh/Rc wires, inconsistent voltage can cause the touch screen to lag or become jittery. Use a multimeter to verify you are getting a steady 24VAC.
• Update Firmware via App: Ensure your Total Connect Comfort or Honeywell Home app is updated. Check for any pending firmware updates for the RTH9585WF. A firmware patch often optimizes the touch-response timing to fix known "dead zones" on the display.
• Inspect for Screen Delamination: Look closely at the edges of the glass. If you see a silver or white "bubble" or peeling at the corners, the resistive layer is delaminating. This is a physical hardware failure and requires a full unit replacement as the screen cannot be repaired.

Heads Up

• Avoid Heavy Pressure: Never use a stylus with a sharp point or your fingernails to press icons; the RTH9585WF is a resistive screen and excessive pressure can permanently dent the touch layer.
• Avoid Chemical Sprays: Never spray liquids directly onto the thermostat. Liquids can seep behind the bezel and short out the logic board, which is not protected by a waterproof seal.
• C-Wire Importance: For maximum touch responsiveness and WiFi stability, always use a dedicated C-wire rather than relying on the internal battery or power-stealing circuits.
• Regular Maintenance: Wipe the screen with a dry microfiber cloth once a month to prevent the buildup of oils that cause the "5-press" frustration.