diff --git a/pytec/tec_qt.py b/pytec/tec_qt.py
index 07aa5ac..b417319 100644
--- a/pytec/tec_qt.py
+++ b/pytec/tec_qt.py
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ class ClientWatcher(QObject):
 
     def __init__(self, parent, client, update_s):
         self.update_s = update_s
-        self.running = True
+        self.running = False
         self.client = client
         self.watch_task = None
         super().__init__(parent)
@@ -52,6 +52,7 @@ class ClientWatcher(QObject):
         self.fan_update.emit(await self.client.fan())
 
     def start_watching(self):
+        self.running = True
         self.watch_task = asyncio.create_task(self.run())
 
     @pyqtSlot()