Emerson 1F86-0471 Thermostat Operation Manual
The Emerson 1F86-0471 is a Blue 4-Inch non-programmable, single-stage thermostat designed for conventional gas, oil, electric, or heat pump systems without auxiliary heat. It features a large 4-inch backlit display, easy-to-read characters, and automatic heat/cool changeover. Below are the key specifications and operation instructions.
Key Specifications
- Type: Non-programmable, single-stage thermostat
- Compatibility:
- Conventional systems (gas, oil, electric, millivolt, 24V)
- Heat pump systems without auxiliary or emergency heat
- Heat only, cool only, or heat/cool systems
- Not compatible with multi-stage systems, electric baseboard heat, or systems exceeding 30 VAC
- Power Source:
- Battery: 2 AA alkaline batteries (Duracell or Energizer recommended)
- Hardwired: 20-30 VAC, NEC Class II, 50/60 Hz with common (C) wire
- Electrical Rating:
- Terminal Load: 0.05 to 1.5 A per terminal, 2.5 A max combined
- Rated Differentials: Heat (0.6°F to 1.5°F), Cool (1.2°F to 1.7°F)
- Setpoint Range: 45°F to 90°F (7°C to 32°C)
- Display: 4-inch backlit LCD display with easy-to-read characters
- Operating Conditions:
- Ambient: 32°F to 105°F (0°C to 41°C)
- Humidity: 90% non-condensing max
- Shipping: -4°F to 150°F (-20°C to 65°C)
- Dimensions: 3-4” H x 4-4” W x 1-3” D
- Features:
- Large 4-inch backlit display for low-light viewing
- Automatic heat/cool changeover
- Exclusive Cool Savings feature for energy efficiency during peak A/C demand
- Compressor protection (up to 5-minute delay)
- Wall plate (F61-2634) to cover marks from previous thermostats
- Selectable Celsius or Fahrenheit display
- Thermostat Configuration Options:
- Conventional Gas, Oil, Electric (mV and 24V), Heat Only, Cool Only, or Heat/Cool Systems - Maximum Stages Heat/Cool: 1/1
- Heat Pump (Air Source or Geothermal) without Aux. Heat - Maximum Stages Heat/Cool: 1/1
Operation Instructions
Initial Setup
1. Insert Batteries: Install 2 AA alkaline batteries in the rear compartment by pulling the battery door down and lifting it open, following the polarity indicated. Replace when the battery icon shows low (approximately every 2 years). If less than two months of battery life remain, the setpoint may offset by 10°F (cooler in Heat mode, warmer in Cool mode); reset manually with up/down arrows.
2. Power On: If hardwired, ensure 20-30 VAC is supplied via the C terminal. The display should show the home screen with room temperature, setpoint, and battery level.
3. Configure System:
- Locate the GAS/ELECTRIC switch on the back of the thermostat (default: GAS). Set to ELECTRIC for systems requiring the thermostat to control the fan during heating (e.g., electric heat or heat pumps).
- Locate the O/B switch (default: O). Set to O for heat pumps energizing the changeover relay in COOL, or B for energizing in HEAT.
- Access INSTALLER/CONFIGURATION MENU by pressing MENU for at least 5 seconds while in HEAT, COOL, or AUTO mode.
- Configure options:
- Item 1: Select conventional or heat pump system.
- Item 2: Select O or B for heat pump changeover valve.
- Item 3: Temperature display (°F or °C).
- Item 4: Cool Savings (0 to 6, 0 to disable, adjusts temperature during peak A/C demand).
- Exit by pressing RUN or waiting for the display to return to normal.
Operating the Thermostat
1. Select Mode: Press SYSTEM to choose HEAT, COOL, AUTO, or OFF.
2. Adjust Temperature: Press up/down arrows to set the desired temperature.
3. Fan Control: Press FAN to select AUTO (runs with heating/cooling) or ON (continuous). Fan AUTO is the most common setting, running only when the system is on.
4. Verify Operation:
- In HEAT mode, set temperature 1°F above room temperature; “Heat On” should display, and the system should start.
- In COOL mode, set temperature 1°F below room temperature; a snowflake icon may flash for up to 5 minutes due to compressor delay, then “Cool On” displays. Do not operate cooling if outdoor temperature is below 50°F to prevent compressor damage.
Temperature Display Adjustment
1. Access INSTALLER/CONFIGURATION MENU (SYSTEM to OFF, hold MENU for 5 seconds).
2. Navigate to temperature calibration (if available in your model’s menu).
3. Use up/down arrows to adjust the displayed temperature to match the actual room temperature (calibration may be limited to ±4°F in some units).
4. Press RUN to save and exit.
Note: Use a separate thermometer for calibration. Relocate the thermostat if near drafts, heat sources, or exterior walls.
Troubleshooting
- No Display: Check battery polarity or replace batteries. Verify C wire connection for hardwired setups. Reset by removing batteries, waiting 2 minutes, and reinserting. If the display remains blank or faded, inspect battery contacts for corrosion and clean with a pencil eraser.
- No Heat/Cool: Ensure SYSTEM is set to HEAT/COOL, setpoint is above/below room temperature, and circuit breaker is on. Check for compressor delay (up to 5 minutes, indicated by flashing snowflake icon). Verify wiring and O/B switch setting for heat pumps. If no click is heard, contact a heating/cooling service person.
- Fan Runs Continuously: Set FAN to AUTO. Verify SYSTEM is not in AUTO mode if only heating or cooling is desired.
- Inaccurate Temperature: Calibrate in INSTALLER/CONFIGURATION MENU (if available). Ensure thermostat is not near drafts, heat sources, or exterior walls.
- “LO BATTERY” Persists After Replacement: Inspect battery contacts for corrosion and clean with a pencil eraser. Remove thermostat from base, wait 30 seconds, and reattach. If issue persists, the internal control board may be faulty.
- Erratic Operation: A voltage spike or static discharge may cause issues. Reset by pressing up/down arrows and moving SYSTEM switch from OFF to HEAT/COOL for 10 seconds. If the thermostat remains stuck (e.g., fixed at 62°F heat or 85°F cool), perform a reset.
Installation Instructions
Warning: Thermostat installation and all components shall conform to Class II circuits per the NEC code. Do not use with line voltage systems; verify wiring with a qualified technician if unsure.
Remove Old Thermostat
- Turn off power at the main fuse or circuit breaker until installation is complete to prevent electrical shock or equipment damage.
- Remove the front cover of the old thermostat. With wires attached, remove the wall plate. If it has a mounting plate, remove the thermostat and plate as an assembly.
- Mark wires for terminal identification using labels provided with the new thermostat.
- Disconnect wires one at a time, ensuring they do not fall back into the wall.
Installing New Thermostat
- Gently pull the thermostat cover off the base. Do not force or pry to avoid damage.
- Place base over the hole in the wall and mark mounting hole locations using the base as a template.
- Move base out of the way and drill mounting holes. Use plastic screw anchors if existing holes are too large.
- Fasten base snugly to the wall using two mounting screws. Leveling is for appearance only and does not affect operation.
- Connect wires to the terminal block using the appropriate wiring schematic (see Wiring section). Use push-connect terminals for secure connections.
- Push excess wire into the wall and plug the hole with fire-resistant material (e.g., fiberglass insulation) to prevent drafts.
- Snap the thermostat onto the base carefully.
Battery Location
- Includes 2 AA alkaline batteries with a battery tag to prevent power drainage. Remove the tag to engage batteries.
- Replace batteries when “LO BATTERY” appears or before leaving the home unoccupied for over 3 months. Use premium brand AA alkaline batteries (e.g., Duracell or Energizer).
- Install batteries by pulling the battery door down and lifting it open, following the polarity indicated inside the compartment.
Wiring and Terminal Functions
Refer to the equipment manufacturer’s instructions for specific wiring. The following table describes typical terminal functions:
Terminal | Function |
RC | Cooling power (24 VAC) |
RH | Heating power (24 VAC) |
C | Common wire for 24 VAC power from transformer |
W | Heat relay |
Y | Compressor contactor (cooling) |
G | Fan relay |
O/B | Heat pump changeover valve (O: cool, B: heat) |
Note: For two-wire heat-only systems, connect one wire to RH and the other to W. For single-transformer systems, jumper RC and RH. For heat pumps, set O/B switch to “O” (cool) or “B” (heat) as required by the system. Do not exceed specified voltage ratings. If no C wire is available, the thermostat can operate on battery power alone.
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