Venstar T3700 Digital Thermostat Quick Setup Guide

Venstar T3700 Digital Thermostat 

Compatibility

Venstar ColorTouch® Wi-Fi Thermostat is designed to work with 24V systems requiring both the R & C wires. This includes gas, electric, oil, forced air, variable speed, heat pump, and radiant heat. It can control:

• Heating: one, two, and three stages (W1, W2, W3)
• Cooling: one and two stages (Y1, Y2)
• Heat pump: with auxiliary and emergency heat (Y, W1, O/B)
• Fan (G)
• Power (C, R)
• Humidifier or dehumidifier (HUM, DEHUM)
• Dual fuel systems (heat pump with the furnace)
• Whole-home humidifiers and dehumidifiers

Contents

Necessary Tools

INSTALLATION

Step 1 – Power Off the Current System

1. Go to your home’s circuit breaker panel and switch the furnace and air conditioner breakers off.
2. To confirm power is off, adjust the temperature on your current thermostat.
   If the system does not respond accordingly, power has probably been successfully shut off.
   WARNING: Failure to follow this step can result in personal injury and/or death from shock and electrocution.

Step 2 – Remove Faceplate

Remove the faceplate of the current system. Most faceplates snap off or feature small screws that will need to be removed.

WARNING: If you see large thick electrical wires or wire nuts, or if your system is labeled 120V or 240V DO NOT PROCEED. THIS THERMOSTAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THESE SYSTEMS
WARNING: Failure to follow this step can result in personal injury and/or death from shock and electrocution.

Step 3 – Before you go any further

Determine what your existing wiring and equipment situation is before you disconnect any wires. If you are unsure of what type of system you have, you may need to seek professional support.

1. If you have a Heating only system without Air Conditioning, the Venstar ColorTouch thermostat will require 3 wires. These 3 wires are R (24Vac), C (24Vac), and W (Heat). Most Heating only systems use very simple thermostats that only require 2 wires the R (24Vac) and W (Heat). The ColorTouch thermostat requires 3 wires to the thermostat. In this case, an Add-A-Wire accessory will not work and it will be necessary to install another wire for the C (24Vac) connection.
2. If you have a single-stage fossil fuel heater with air conditioning, the Venstar ColorTouch will require 5 wires for independent fan control. They are R (24Vac), C (24Vac), W (Heat), Y (Cooling), and G(Fan). You may connect only 4 wires, as instructed below, to the ColorTouch but will give up independent fan control. The fan will still operate with a Heating or Cooling demand.
   If there are only 4 wires present that are connected to the existing thermostat, there are at least 3 options available to connect the Venstar ColorTouch thermostat, they are:
   • Use the 4 wires as instructed below and note that the fan will only operate with a Heating or Cooling demand.
   • Pull the new thermostat wire from the HVAC equipment to the thermostat so that there are at least 5 wires available.
   • Purchase and install a Venstar Add-A-Wire accessory (ACC-0410).
3. If you have a multi-stage HVAC system comprised of a fossil fuel heater with air conditioning the Venstar ColorTouch will require the 5 wires mentioned above (R, C, W, Y, and G) plus an additional wire for each additional stage of Heating or Cooling. You may reduce the 5-wire requirement to 4 if you give up independent fan control, or use the optional accessory; Add-A-Wire.
4. If you have a heat pump without aux heat the Venstar ColorTouch will require 5 wires: R (24Vac), C (24Vac), W1/O/B (reversing valve), Y (1st stage compressor), and G (fan). If there are only 4 wires present that are connected to the existing thermostat, there are at least 3 options available to connect the Venstar ColorTouch thermostat, they are:
   • Use the 4 wires as instructed below and note that the fan will only operate with a Heating or Cooling demand.
   • Pull the new thermostat wire from the HVAC equipment to the thermostat so that there are at least 5 wires available.
   • Purchase and install a Venstar Add-A-Wire accessory (ACC-0410).
5. If you have a heat pump with aux heat the Venstar ColorTouch will require 6 wires: R (24Vac), C (24Vac), W1/O/B (reversing valve), Y (1ststage compressor), W2 (Aux Heat), and G (fan). If there are only 5 wires present that are connected to the existing thermostat, there are at least 3 options available to connect the Venstar ColorTouch thermostat, they are:
   • Use the 5 wires as instructed below and note that the fan will only operate with a Heating or Cooling demand.
   • Pull the new thermostat wire from the HVAC equipment to the thermostat so that there are at least 6 wires available.
   • Purchase and install a Venstar Add-A-Wire accessory (ACC-0410).

MAKING 4 WIRES WORK when 5 are required
(without the optional Add-A-Wire accessory)

1. If you have an all-electric heat system with air conditioning, this method is not an option. You must either pull a new wire or use the optional Add-A-Wire accessory (ACC-0410).
2. If you have a single-stage fossil fuel heater with air conditioning, and you would like install the Venstar ColorTouch using only 4 wires, follow the directions below. You will need a screwdriver along with a 3” or 4” long piece of thermostat wire to use as a jumper.
   • Make sure the power is off as step 1 on page 4 instructs you.
   • Follow step 4 on page 9 “Label and Disconnect Wires” at the thermostat. Please note the color and the corresponding wire designator with each color. An example is the R wire is red and the wire is white and so on. You will need this for the next step atthe HVAC equipment.
3. At the equipment end of the thermostat wires, locate the terminals that the wires are attached to.
   • Remove the “G wire” from the terminal marked G.
   • Place the “G wire” on terminal C.
   • Place one end of the jumper on terminal G.
   • lace the other end of the jumper on terminal Y.
     Please note that there will be more than 1 wire on terminal Y.
4. Connect the wires to the terminals on the ColorTouch backplate taking care to make sure that each wire from the HVAC equipment is connected to the same terminal designation on the ColorTouch backplate. For example: the “C wire” from the HVAC equipment should be connected to the “C” terminal of the thermostat. The“R” wire on the equipment terminal should be connected to the “R” terminal on the ColorTouch backplate, and so on.

MAKING 5 WIRES WORK when 6 are required
(without the optional Add-A-Wire accessory)

1. If you have an all-electric heat system with air conditioning, this method is not an option. You must either pull new wire or use the optional Add-A-Wire accessory (ACC-0410).
2. If you have a multi-stage system that requires 6 wires, and you would like install the Venstar ColorTouch using only 5 wires, follow the directions below. You will need a screwdriver along with a 3” or 4” long piece of thermostat wire to use as a jumper.
   • Make sure the power is off as step 1 on page 6 instructs you.
   • Follow step 4 on page 9 “Label and Disconnect Wires” at the thermostat. Please note the color and the corresponding wire designator with each color. An example is the R wire is red and the W wire is white and so on. You will need this for the next step at the HVAC equipment.
3. At the equipment end of the thermostat wires, locate the terminals that the wires are attached to.
   • Remove the “G wire” from the terminal marked G.
   • Place the “G wire” on terminal C.
   • Place one end of the jumper on terminal G.
   • Place the other end of the jumper on terminal Y.
     Please note that there will be more than 1 wire on terminal Y.
   • Connect the wires to the terminals on the ColorTouch backplate taking care to make sure that each wire from the HVAC equipment is connected to the same terminal on the ColorTouch backplate. For example, the “C wire” from the HVAC equipment is connected to the “C” terminal of the thermostat, and so on.

Step 4 – Label & Disconnect Wires

One by one, apply a label designated to each wire you disconnect from your current thermostat.
TIP: Before disconnecting any wires, take a photo of your current wire configuration with your mobile device.

 

Wire from the old thermostat terminal marked	Function	Install on the new thermostat connector marked	Wire Color
G or F	Fan	G
Y1, Y	Cooling	Y1
W1, W	Heating	W1/0/B
Rh, R, M, Vr, A	Power	R
C	Common	C
O/B	Rev. Valve	W1/O/B*
W2	2nd Stage Heat	W2
Y2	2nd Stage Cooling	Y2
W3	3rd Stage Heat	W3
H, Hum	Humidity	HUM
D, Dehum	Dehumidify	DEHUM
Ck1	Dry Contact Switch	DRY CONTACT
CKGND	Dry Contact Switch	DRY CONTACT

* O/B has used if your system is a Heat Pump.
NOTE: If the terminal designations on your old thermostat do not match those on the new thermostat refer to sample wiring diagrams in the full user’s manual at venstar.com in the support section.

Step 5 – Remove the Current Backplate

Unscrew the current backplate and remove it from the wall. Be careful not to let the wires fall into the wall.

TIP: If needed, wrap the wires around a pencil or pen to keep them from falling inside the wall.

Step 6 – Mount New Base

1. Gently separate the display from the base by pulling first from the bottom and then the top until the two pieces unsnap.
   REMOVE THE THERMOSTAT BACKPLATE:
   Using the Finger Pull Areas, pull the front housing away from the backplate.
   PULL OUT WITH THUMBS IN THESE AREAS.
   TIP: Use a level to ensure the thermostat is properly aligned before marking screw locations.
2. Position the base against your wall, and determine if the wall anchors from the current thermostat align with the screw locations of the new base.
3. If the base does not align with existing anchor holes, mark new screw locations with a pencil.
   Drywall: Drill a 3/16″ hole for the anchor
   Plaster: Drill a 7/32” hole for the anchor
4. Pull wires through the opening in base and secure to the wall using provided screws;

Step 7 – Connect Wires

1. Match your previous wire configuration to the new base. One by one, connect each wire by inserting the metal end into the corresponding slot and tightening the screw.
2. TIP: Use pliers to straighten the wire before inserting it into the new base. Be sure to cut any excess wire so that the insulation extends to the terminal block. When the wire is installed properly to the terminal block, there should be no copper exposed.

Step 8 – Check Dip Switch

Ensure which switch is correct for your system. Dip switches are located on the back of the thermostat.

1. When GAS/EL or HP is set for GAS/EL:
   
   This switch (GAS or ELEC) controls how the thermostat will control the Fan (G) terminal in heating mode. When GAS is chosen, the thermostat will not energize the Fan (G) terminal in heating. When ELEC is chosen the thermostat will energize the fan in heating.
2. When GAS/EL or HP is set for HP:
   
   This switch (GAS or ELEC) defines the Aux Heat type. When GAS is chosen, the auxiliary heat will not be allowed to run during heat pump operation. When using a Dual Fuel system, set this switch for GAS (T3900). When ELEC is chosen, up to two stages of auxiliary strip heat will be allowed to run.

For Heat Pump Only
When the GAS/EL or HP dip switch is configured forHP, this dip switch (O or B) must be set to control the appropriate reversing valve. If O is chosen, the W1/O/B terminal will energize in cooling. If B is chosen, the W1/O/B terminal will energize in heating.

This dip switch configures the thermostat to control a conventional gas/electric system or a heat pump. If your system is anything other than a heat pump, leave this switch set for GAS/EL.

 

Step 9 – Attach the Thermostat

Align the pins on the thermostat circuit board with the corresponding holes below the wiring connectors and push the top and the bottom of the plastic housing enclosing the display until it clicks into place, top, and bottom.

The display should click into place easily. If you encounter resistance do not apply excess force – take the plate off, check that the pins are straight and ensure there are no wires in the way, and retry.

Step 10 – Switch Power/Circuit Breakers Back On

Turn your furnace and air conditioner breakers back on at your breaker panel.

Step 11 – Set Up Wi-Fi Connection

(Only applies to models T7850, T7900, T8850 & T8900)
Overview
At a minimum, the first 3 tasks below must be completed to access your thermostat remotely from a browser. The 4th step is optional (highly recommended) and only is needed to access your thermostat(s) from a mobile device.
These steps are:

1. Successful connection to a local Wi-Fi Access Point with internet access.
2. Confirm receipt of a Skyport-generated verification email (this only occurs once during the Skyport account setup).
3. A 6-digit code obtained from the thermostat is successfully entered into a Skyport account.
4. Successfully download and install the Venstar Skyport app on your mobile device(s).
   Your thermostat operates on the 2.4 Ghz, Wi-Fi b/g/n band

Quick Start – Connect to Wi-Fi
The EXPLORER thermostats are joined to a Wi-Fi network with the help of the Venstar Configurator App. This app may be downloaded from your mobile device’s app store. Once the EXPLORER thermostat is installed with the optional WiFi Module, the Configurator App will facilitate connection to the access point in 5 steps as outlined below.

1. Press the “Setup Wi-Fi” button.
2. Press the “Accessory Setup” button on the thermostat. Then press the “Cooler” button to start the setup.
3. Go to the settings of the mobile device. Select Wi-Fi, then select the Explorer thermostat (THERMOSTATXXXX). Enter the password: 123456789 when prompted. Return to the Configurator App.
4. Select the access point to join.
5. The Wi-Fi icon appears on the display when successfully connected.

Quick Start – Connect to Skyport
If the thermostat is connected to the local Wi-Fi Access Point, but not yet joined to a Skyport account, you may join the thermostat to an account by doing the following:

1. Open your browser to: http://venstar.skyportcloud.com
2. Select “Create account now”
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to create an account and add a thermostat to the Skyport account.

Once you have connected to Skyport, and you have standard HVAC equipment, you should be ready to use the thermostat to control your equipment. Skyport will maintain the correct time and date on your thermostat.If you would like to set up a program/schedule to maintain the desired temperature at various times of the day, you can do this manually at the thermostat.
The complete manual is available to help you on the Venstar website at: Venstar.com.
It is much easier to setup the time period program/schedule on the Skyport Web App. To make these adjustments and more to your thermostat from Skyport follow these steps:

1. Login to your Skyport account
2. Choose the location where your thermostat is installed (the left column)
3. Click on the Thermostat tab
4. And click on the Setup button
   You now may select and customize the thermostat. To start from this screen; select one of the buttons on the left.

A quick summary of these buttons is as follows:

1. Profile – Here you can name or change the location of the thermostat
2. Runtime Data – Here you can view Heat and Cool runtimes
3. Sensors – Here you can view all sensors and pair wireless sensors to the thermostat
4. Notifications – Here you setup email reminders and alert notifications from Skyport
5. Alerts – Here you can view current alerts for the thermostat
6. Schedule – Here you can set up, edit and enable/disable your time period schedule program
7. Thermostat Settings – Here you can alter the installation setup of the thermostat

Troubleshooting

Use the following troubleshooting guide to diagnose common problems. If you are still having problems or are unsure please visit www.venstar.com/thermostats or e-mail customer service at [email protected]

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
The air conditioning does not attempt to turn on.	The compressor timer lockout may prevent the air conditioner from turning on for a period of time.	Adjust the Compressor Min. Off Time to “None”.
	The cooling setpoint is set too high.	Lower the cooling setpoint or lower the cooling setpoint limit.
	You may have selected Free Cooling in settings.	If you don’t have a damper, and special duct work installed, turn off this feature in settings.
The display is blank.	Lack of proper power.	Make sure the power is on to the furnace and that you have a 24 vac between R&C.
The heating does not attempt to turn on.	The heating setpoint is set too low.	Raise the heating setpoint or raise the heating setpoint limit.
When using a residential heat pump the heat comes on instead of the air conditioning.	The thermostat reversing valve dip switch is set incorrectly.	Set the reversing valve dip switch to the opposite position.
When calling for air conditioning both the heat and cool come on.	The thermostat equipment dip switch is configured for “HP” and the HVAC unit is a gas/electric.	Set the equipment dip switch for “gas”.

Warranty

One-Year Warranty – This Product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship. If it appears within one year from the date of original installation, whether or not actual use begins on that date, that the product does not meet this warranty, a new or remanufactured part, at the manufacturer’s sole option to replace any defective part, will be provided without charge for the part itself provided the defective part is returned to the distributor through a qualified servicing dealer.
THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT INCLUDE LABOR OR OTHER COSTS incurred for diagnosing, repairing, removing, installing, shipping, servicing or handling of either defective parts or replacement parts. Such costs may be covered by a separate warranty provided by the installer.
THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY TO PRODUCTS IN THEIR ORIGINAL INSTALLATION LOCATION AND BECOMES VOID UPON REINSTALLATION. LIMITATIONS OF WARRANTIES – ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES (INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND MERCHANTABILITY) ARE HEREBY LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE PERIOD FOR WHICH THE LIMITED WARRANTY IS GIVEN. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THE EXPRESSED WARRANTIES MADE IN THIS WARRANTY ARE EXCLUSIVE AND MAY NOT BE ALTERED, ENLARGED, OR CHANGED BY ANY DISTRIBUTOR, DEALER, OR OTHER PERSON WHATSOEVER. ALL WORK UNDER THE TERMS OF THIS WARRANTY SHALL BE PERFORMED DURING NORMAL WORKING HOURS. ALL REPLACEMENT PARTS, WHETHER NEW OR REMANUFACTURED, ASSUME AS THEIR WARRANTY PERIOD ONLY THE REMAINING TIME PERIOD OF THIS WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR:

1. Normal maintenance as outlined in the installation and servicing instructions or owner’s manual, including filter cleaning and/or replacement and lubrication.
2. Damage or repairs required as a consequence of faulty installation, misapplication, abuse, improper servicing, unauthorized alteration or improper operation.
3. Failure to start due to voltage conditions, blown fuses, open circuit breakers or other damages due to the inadequacy or interruption of electrical service.
4. Damage as a result of floods, winds, fires, lightning, accidents, corrosive environments or other conditions beyond the control of the Manufacturer.
5. Parts not supplied or designated by the Manufacturer, or damages resulting from their use.
6. Manufacturer products installed outside the continental U.S.A., Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada.
7. Electricity or fuel costs or increases in electricity or fuel costs for any reason whatsoever including additional or unusual use of supplemental electric heat.
8. ANY SPECIAL INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL PROPERTY OR COMMERCIAL DAMAGE OF ANY
   NATURE WHATSOEVER. Some states do not allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above may not apply to you.
   This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to state.

REFERENCE:

Download Manual:

Venstar T3700 Digital Thermostat Quick Setup Guide

other manuals:

Venstar T3700 Digital Thermostat Owner Manual

Venstar T3700 Digital Thermostat Quick Setup Guide