American Standard Thermostat M968983 Manual

The American Standard Thermostat M968983 is a programmable digital thermostat designed for residential HVAC systems, offering precise temperature control, energy-saving scheduling, and compatibility with most heating and cooling systems. It features a backlit LCD display, intuitive menu navigation, programmable day/week schedules, temperature hold functions, system status indicators, and filter change reminders. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, programming, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Wiring Configuration 7. Programming Schedules 8. Energy-Saving Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Backlit LCD display, Menu buttons, System switch, Fan switch, Program/Schedule buttons, Temperature adjustment buttons, Battery compartment.

Feature	Description
LCD Display	Shows current temperature, set point, time, day, and system status
Programmable Schedule	4 time periods per day, separate weekday/weekend programs
Temperature Hold	Temporary or permanent override of programmed schedule
System Switch	Selects Heat, Cool, Off, or Auto (Heat/Cool) mode
Fan Switch	Selects Auto or On (continuous) fan operation
Filter Change Reminder	Programmable alert to replace HVAC filter
Battery Backup	Uses 2 AA batteries to retain settings during power loss
Keypad Lock	Prevents unauthorized changes to settings
Adaptive Recovery	Learns system timing to reach set points at scheduled times
Compatibility	Works with most conventional and heat pump systems

Installation

Turn off power to HVAC system at circuit breaker. Remove old thermostat and inspect wiring.

Mount new baseplate: Use included screws and level to secure to wall.
Connect wires: Match wire labels (R, W, Y, G, etc.) to terminals on baseplate.
Attach thermostat: Align and snap onto baseplate.
Install batteries: Insert 2 AA batteries into compartment.
Restore power: Turn circuit breaker back on.

WARNING! Electrical shock hazard. Always turn off power before installation. If unsure, consult a qualified HVAC technician.

First-Time Setup

After installation and power restoration, configure initial settings.

Set time and day: Press MENU, navigate to CLOCK SETTINGS.
Select system type: In INSTALLATION menu, choose Conventional or Heat Pump.
Configure heating/cooling stages: Set number of stages if applicable.
Set temperature limits: Define minimum heat and maximum cool set points.
Program schedule: See Section 8 for detailed programming steps.

CAUTION! Incorrect system configuration may cause improper operation or equipment damage.

Specifications

Power: 24VAC from HVAC system; 2 AA battery backup.
Temperature Range: 40°F to 99°F (4°C to 37°C).
Temperature Control: ±1°F accuracy.
Display: Backlit LCD with adjustable contrast.
Compatibility: 1-2 stage heating, 1-2 stage cooling, heat pump with auxiliary heat.
Programming: 7-day programmable, 4 periods per day.
Terminals: R, Rc, Rh, W, W2, Y, Y2, G, O/B, C, L, Aux.
Operating Temp: 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C).
Warranty: 5-year limited warranty.

Controls and Settings

Access menus via MENU button. Navigate with UP/DOWN arrows, select with OK.

Front Panel: LCD Display, MENU, OK, UP/DOWN arrows, SYSTEM (Heat/Cool/Off/Auto), FAN (Auto/On), HOLD, RUN PROGRAM.

Menu Structure: CLOCK SETTINGS (Time, Day), SCHEDULE PROGRAMMING (Weekday/Weekend), INSTALLATION SETTINGS (System Type, Stages, Limits), PREFERENCES (Display Contrast, Filter Timer, Keypad Lock), SYSTEM STATUS (Current Operation, Errors).

Wiring Configuration

Typical terminal connections for conventional systems:

Terminal	Wire Color	Function
R / Rc	Red	24VAC Power (Cooling)
Rh	Red	24VAC Power (Heating)
W / W1	White	Heat Stage 1
W2	Brown/Black	Heat Stage 2 / Aux Heat
Y / Y1	Yellow	Cool Stage 1
Y2	Blue	Cool Stage 2
G	Green	Fan Relay
C	Blue/Black	Common 24VAC
O/B	Orange	Heat Pump Reversing Valve

Tip: Label wires before removing old thermostat. Refer to HVAC system manual for specific wiring.

Programming Schedules

Create energy-saving schedules for weekdays and weekends.

Press MENU, select SCHEDULE PROGRAMMING.
Choose WEEKDAY or WEEKEND.
Set up to 4 periods per day: WAKE, LEAVE, RETURN, SLEEP.
For each period, set TIME and HEAT/COOL temperature set points.
Press OK to save each period.
Press RUN PROGRAM to activate schedule.

Example Schedule: Weekday: WAKE 6:00 AM @ 68°F, LEAVE 8:00 AM @ 62°F, RETURN 6:00 PM @ 68°F, SLEEP 10:00 PM @ 65°F.

Energy-Saving Features

Adaptive Recovery: Calculates optimal start time to reach set point by scheduled time. Temperature Hold: Press HOLD for temporary override; press again to cancel. Vacation Mode: Set extended hold periods for energy savings while away.

Care & Maintenance

Clean display with soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquids or cleaners. Replace batteries annually or when low battery icon appears. Replace HVAC filter when filter reminder activates.

CAUTION! Do not spray cleaning agents directly on thermostat. Ensure power is off before cleaning.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. UL Listed. Copyright © American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning. For support, visit www.americanstandard.com or contact 1-800-228-2962.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Blank display	Power loss / dead batteries	Check circuit breaker; replace batteries.
System not turning on	Incorrect wiring / settings	Verify wiring connections; check SYSTEM mode setting.
Temperature inaccurate	Location / calibration	Relocate away from heat sources; check calibration in menu.
Schedule not following	HOLD active / program off	Cancel HOLD; ensure RUN PROGRAM is active.
Short cycling	Settings / equipment issue	Check cycle rate settings; consult HVAC technician.

Reset: Press MENU > PREFERENCES > FACTORY RESET to restore defaults.

Service: 1-800-228-2962; www.americanstandard.com