American Standard Thermostat ACONT303 Manual

The American Standard ACONT303 is a programmable thermostat designed for precise temperature control of heating and cooling systems. It features a backlit digital display, 7-day programming capability, temperature hold functions, system status indicators, and compatibility with most 24V HVAC systems. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting to HVAC System 7. Programming Schedule 8. Energy Saving Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Digital display with backlight, Mode button, Fan button, Up/Down temperature buttons, Hold button, Program button.

FeatureDescription
Digital DisplayBacklit LCD showing temperature, time, and system status
7-Day ProgrammingAllows different schedules for each day of the week
Temperature HoldTemporarily override programmed schedule
System Mode SelectionHeat, Cool, Auto, Off settings
Fan ControlAuto or On settings for continuous fan operation
Filter Change ReminderProgrammable reminder for HVAC filter maintenance
Battery BackupUses AA batteries to maintain settings during power outage
System Status IndicatorsIcons for heating, cooling, fan operation
Temperature LimitsProgrammable minimum and maximum temperature settings
Keypad LockPrevents unauthorized changes to settings

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure power to HVAC system is turned off at circuit breaker.

  1. Remove old thermostat: Turn off power, remove cover, label wires before disconnecting.
  2. Mount new baseplate: Level and secure to wall using provided screws.
  3. Connect wires: Match labeled wires to corresponding terminals (R, W, Y, G, C, etc.).
  4. Attach thermostat: Align and snap onto baseplate.
  5. Install batteries: Insert two AA batteries for backup power.
  6. Restore power: Turn circuit breaker back on.

WARNING! Always turn off power before installation to prevent electrical shock. Incorrect wiring can damage HVAC equipment.

First-Time Setup

Power on thermostat; follow initial setup prompts.

  1. Set time and day: Use Up/Down buttons to set current time and day of week.
  2. Configure system type: Select conventional or heat pump system.
  3. Set temperature format: Choose Fahrenheit or Celsius.
  4. Program schedule: Set up 4 periods per day (Wake, Leave, Return, Sleep).
  5. Set filter reminder: Program interval for filter change alerts (30-365 days).

CAUTION! Ensure proper wire connections before restoring power. Test system operation after installation.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access settings via front panel buttons. Display shows current temperature, set temperature, time, and system status.

Buttons: MODE (Heat/Cool/Auto/Off), FAN (Auto/On), UP/DOWN (temperature adjustment), HOLD (temporary override), PROGRAM (schedule setup), MENU (advanced settings).

Basic Settings: Temperature setpoint, system mode, fan operation. Advanced Settings: Program schedule, filter reminder interval, temperature limits, keypad lock, system configuration, calibration offset. Display Settings: Backlight timeout, temperature format, contrast adjustment.

Connecting to HVAC System

Compatible with most 24V systems including gas, oil, electric heat, and heat pumps.

  1. Identify system type: Conventional or heat pump.
  2. Label existing wires: Note colors and terminal designations.
  3. Connect to terminals: Match wires to correct terminals on baseplate.
  4. Common wire: Connect C wire if available for continuous power.
  5. Heat pump systems: Connect O/B wire for reversing valve control.

Tip: Take photo of old thermostat wiring before disconnecting for reference.

Programming Schedule

Create energy-saving schedule with 4 periods per day.

  1. Press PROGRAM button to enter programming mode.
  2. Select day: Choose individual days or copy to other days.
  3. Set Period 1 (Wake): Set time and temperature for morning.
  4. Set Period 2 (Leave): Set time and temperature for daytime when away.
  5. Set Period 3 (Return): Set time and temperature for evening return.
  6. Set Period 4 (Sleep): Set time and temperature for nighttime.
  7. Review schedule: Scroll through all periods to verify settings.
  8. Exit programming: Press PROGRAM again to save and exit.

WARNING! Do not set extreme temperature differentials (more than 5°F) between periods as this may strain HVAC system.

Energy Saving Features

Temperature Hold: Temporary override of programmed schedule. Adaptive Recovery: Learns system recovery time to reach setpoint by scheduled time. Filter Change Reminder: Reduces energy consumption by maintaining clean filters. Vacation Mode: Extended hold period for energy savings while away.

Care & Cleaning

Turn off power before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth only; do not use liquids or cleaning sprays.

CAUTION! Do not spray liquids directly on thermostat. Keep away from moisture and direct sunlight.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. UL Listed: Meets safety standards for thermostats. Copyright © American Standard; trademarks of American Standard Companies. For support, visit www.americanstandard.com or contact 1-800-843-0304.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Blank displayPower loss/dead batteriesCheck circuit breaker; replace AA batteries; verify C wire connection.
System not respondingIncorrect wiring/mode settingVerify wire connections; ensure system mode is set correctly (Heat/Cool).
Inaccurate temperatureLocation/calibrationRelocate away from heat sources; use calibration offset in menu.
Schedule not followingHold active/program errorCheck if HOLD is active; review programmed schedule times.
Short cyclingTemperature differentialAdjust temperature differential in advanced settings (recommended 1°F).

Reset: Remove batteries for 30 seconds to reset to factory defaults.

Service: 1-800-843-0304; www.americanstandard.com

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