The White Rodgers 1F90-71 is a 5-day/2-day programmable electronic digital thermostat for single-stage heat/cool or heat-only systems, including standard, three-wire zone valve, millivolt, electric heat, gas/oil systems with intermittent ignition or vent dampers. It features independent heating/cooling programs with up to 4 time/temperature settings per day, automatic/manual changeover, Energy Management Recovery (EMR), and battery backup with 3 AA batteries. Powered by 24 VAC; compatible with systems up to 1.5A total load. Below are the key specifications, installation, operation, programming, and troubleshooting instructions.
Assemble tools: hand or power drill with 3/16 inch drill bit (if needed), flat blade screwdriver, wire cutter/stripper, level, voltmeter. Shut off electricity at main fuse box until installation complete. Label wires before disconnecting. Install about 5 ft. above floor on an inside wall, away from drafts, direct sunlight, heat sources, windows, doors, registers, or poor circulation areas. Probe for obstructions before drilling.
WARNING! Failure to read and follow all instructions carefully before installing or operating this control could cause personal injury and/or property damage. Save these instructions.
This wall-mounted, low-voltage thermostat maintains room temperature by controlling heating/cooling systems. Uses microcomputer for precise control. Programs up to 4 time/temperature settings per 24-hour period, independent for heat/cool, 5+2 day scheduling. Features LCD display alternating time/room temp, up/down arrows, SYSTEM switch (HEAT/OFF/COOL/AUTO), FAN switch (ON/AUTO), PRGM switch. Batteries maintain program ~1 year during power failure. Factory default: heat 64°F, cool 82°F if program lost.
Applications: Standard Heat/Cool or Heat-Only: Yes; Three-Wire Zone Valve: Yes; Millivolt: Yes; Electric Heat: Yes; Gas/Oil: Yes (incl. I.I.D./vent dampers); Do not use with: Multi-Stage, Heat Pump, >30 VAC/1.5A systems.
CAUTION! To prevent electrical shock/equipment damage, disconnect power at main fuse/circuit breaker until installation complete. Label wires prior to disconnection.
WARNING! Do not use on circuits exceeding 30 VAC 50/60 Hz (1.5A max total); higher voltage damages control/causes shock/fire. Do not short terminals on gas valve/primary control to test; short/incorrect wiring burns out components/causes injury/property damage. Conform to NEC Class II circuits. All wiring must conform to local/national codes.
ATTENTION! This product does not contain mercury but may replace one that does. Handle carefully to avoid malfunction.
Shut off electricity, verify with voltmeter. Remove cover, wall plate. For heat/cool, identify type using Table 1 (e.g., wires on R,W,Y,G = type 5). Label wires with self-adhesive labels per Table 2. Pull at least 6 inches of wire out; do not let fall into wall.
Program thermostat with batteries before mounting. Pull wires through subbase center. Connect per wiring. Place subbase over wall hole, mark/drill mounting holes (use level), fasten with screws (use anchors if needed). Push excess wire into wall, seal with fire-resistant material. Attach thermostat by aligning pins/snaps, pivot into place gently.
Batteries: Install 3 AA before programming; replace if low (flashing indicator).
Terminal Designations: RH/RC (power, jumper for single transformer), W (heat), Y (cool/compressor), G (fan).
Single Stage Heat/Cool: RH to hot, jumper RH-RC, W to heat, Y to compressor, G to fan.
Heat Only: Omit Y.
Cool Only: Omit W; use RC instead of RH.
Millivolt: Appropriate terminals for low voltage.
CAUTION! Refer to equipment manuals/figs 3-11 for specifics. Install red jumper between RH/RC for single transformer. Tighten securely.
Turn on power; light pilot if standing. Set Group B switches to manual changeover for testing. If fan doesn't work on G systems, check RH-RC jumper.
CAUTION! Do not operate below 50°F.
5+2 day; 4 periods (MOR/DAY/EVE/NHT). Program with batteries installed. Separate heat/cool programs.
Factory Heat: 6AM 70°F, 8AM 62°F, 6PM 70°F, 10PM 62°F. Cool: 6AM 78°F, 8AM 85°F, 6PM 78°F, 10PM 82°F.
Set option switches on back before attaching. Remove batteries 2 min when changing Group B.
| Group | Option | Default | Options | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Keypad Lockout | Total Off | Total/Limited/None | Limited: Temp within limits only |
| B | Changeover | Auto | Auto/Manual/Heat Only/Cool Only | Auto: Switches based on setpoint |
| B | EMR | On | On/Off | Early recovery 15 min per 2°F |
For electric heat: Clip W14 if fan on separate circuit.
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|
| Display Blank | Power loss; dead batteries. | Check wiring/power; replace AA batteries. |
| Battery Indicator Flashing | Low batteries. | Replace 3 AA; program retained. |
| Heating/Cooling Not Working | Wrong mode/setpoint; wiring; option switches. | Set correct mode; adjust setpoint; check wires/switches. |
| Fan Not Running | No G wire; jumper missing. | Check G terminal/RH-RC jumper. |
| Short Cycling | Compressor lockout. | Wait 5 min. |
| Program Lost | Power failure without batteries. | Reprogram; defaults to 64°F heat/82°F cool. |