The White Rodgers 1F97-1277 is a 7-day programmable digital thermostat with automatic heat/cool changeover for multi-stage heat/cool or heat pump systems. It supports up to 3 stages heat/2 stages cool, wired remote sensors, dual fuel control, keypad lockout, daylight savings auto-adjust, emergency heat offset, and alarm functions. Powered by batteries or 24 VAC; compatible with systems up to 1.5A per terminal, 2.5A max total. Below are the key specifications, installation, operation, programming, configuration, 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. Take a picture of existing wiring for reference. This thermostat is for low voltage systems only; not for line voltage. Install away from drafts, direct sunlight, or heat sources for accurate sensing.
Remove Old Thermostat: Turn off power to the heating and cooling system at the main fuse or circuit breaker box. Remove the faceplate of the old thermostat to expose the wiring. Loosen all screws and remove the old thermostat body. Keep the old thermostat near the system for reference.
Thermostat Base Mounting: Use the mounting holes on the thermostat base to secure it to the wall. Ensure the thermostat is level using a bubble level.
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.
The thermostat uses solid-state technology to provide precise time/temperature control. Features 7-day programming with four time/temperature settings per day, automatic heat/cool changeover, up to 3 stages heat/2 stages cool, wired remote indoor/outdoor sensor support, dual fuel damper control (with outdoor remote), keypad lockout, daylight savings auto-adjust, emergency heat offset, alarm temperature settings, dual setpoint features. LCD display shows time/room temp/setpoint, up/down arrows, SYSTEM switch (HEAT/OFF/COOL/AUTO/EMER), FAN switch (ON/AUTO). Terminals: R (hot), C (common), G (fan), Y/Y2 (compressor stages), W1/W2/W3 (heat stages), O/B (changeover), HP1/HP2 (heat pump modes), L (fault), AUX/E (aux/emergency).
Applications:
| System Type | Supported |
|---|---|
| Heat Pump (No Aux. or Emergency Heat) | Yes |
| Heat Pump (with Aux. or Emergency Heat) | Yes |
| Systems with up to 3 Stages Heat, 2 Stages Cool | Yes |
| Heat Only Systems | Yes |
| Millivolt Heat Only Systems - Floor or Wall Furnaces | Yes |
| Cool Only Systems | Yes |
| Gas or Oil Heat | Yes |
| Electric Furnace | Yes |
| Hydronic (Hot Water) Zone Heat - 2 Wires | Yes |
| Hydronic (Hot Water) Zone Heat - 3 Wires | Yes |
| Wired Remote Temperature Sensor (Indoor or Outdoor) | Yes |
| Dual Fuel Damper Control Feature (Heat Pump Mode, Outdoor Remote Required) | Yes |
CAUTION! To prevent electrical shock/equipment damage, disconnect power at main fuse/circuit breaker until installation complete. Label wires prior to disconnection. If in doubt about wiring, consult qualified heating/air conditioning contractor.
WARNING! Do not use on circuits exceeding 20-30 VAC 50/60 Hz (1.5A per terminal, 2.5A 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. Do not operate cooling below 50°F (compressor damage).
ATTENTION! This product does not contain mercury but may replace one that does. Do not open mercury cells; if damaged, wear non-absorbent gloves, clean up spilled mercury, place in sealed container. Refer to www.white-rodgers.com for disposal. Handle to avoid static discharge.
A standard heat/cool thermostat consists of basic parts: Cover, Base, Subbase. Label each wire with terminal designation before disconnecting. Disconnect wires one at a time; do not let fall into wall.
Remove old thermostat. Mount new base level on wall, connect wires to terminals. For single transformer systems, ensure proper connections. Push excess wire into wall, secure base, attach thermostat body. Power up and configure.
Batteries: Install 2 AA alkaline batteries; low battery indicated on display.
Terminal Designations: R (24V hot), C (common), Y/Y2 (compressor stages), G (fan), W1/W2/W3 (heat stages), O/B (changeover), HP1/HP2 (heat pump), L (fault), AUX/E (aux/emergency).
Heat Pump Systems: HP1 energized in Cool or Malfunction; HP2 in Heat/Off/EMER; Y 1st stage compressor; O/B changeover (O cool, B heat); AUX/E aux/emergency heat.
Multi-Stage Systems: W2/W3 2nd/3rd heat; Y2 2nd cool.
Heat Only: W/E heat relay/valve.
Cool Only: Y compressor relay.
Millivolt: W millivolt gas valve.
Hydronic: W zone valve/circulator.
Remote Sensor: + power, S signal, - ground; C common. Max 100m cable.
CAUTION! Refer to equipment manuals for specifics. Do not short wires.
Restore power. Set SYSTEM to HEAT/COOL, FAN to ON/AUTO, adjust setpoint to test.
CAUTION! Do not operate below 50°F.
7-day programming; 4 periods (MOR/DAY/EVE/NHT). Factory preprogrammed; press PROGRAM + RUN to start.
Factory Pre-Program (All Days):
| Time | Heat | Cool |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | 70°F | 78°F |
| 8:00 AM | 62°F | 85°F |
| 5:00 PM | 70°F | 78°F |
| 10:00 PM | 62°F | 82°F |
Press and hold Menu for 5 seconds to enter menu. Use arrows to adjust, Menu to advance.
| Menu # | Display | Function | Options | Factory Default |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HP SS | Heat Pump Stages | 1 or 2 | 1 |
| 2 | COOL | Cooling Stages | 1 or 2 | 1 |
| 3 | HEAT | Heating Stages | 1 to 3 | 1 |
| 4 | dS | Keypad Lockout | On/Off | Off |
| 5 | dF | Fahrenheit/Celsius | °F/°C | °F |
| 6 | dI | Daylight Savings | On/Off | On |
| 7 | EC | Emergency Heat Offset | 1 to 10°F | 5°F |
| 8 | AL | Alarm Temperature | 40 to 99°F | 99°F |
| 9 | dS | Dual Setpoint | On/Off | Off |
| 10 | dS | Dual Setpoint Differential | 1 to 10°F | 2°F |
| 11 | dS | Dual Setpoint Source | Indoor/Outdoor | Indoor |
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|
| Display Blank | Power loss or low batteries. | Check batteries and 24VAC wiring; restore power. |
| System Not Responding | Wiring error, no power. | Verify wiring, circuit breaker; consult manual. |
| Incorrect Temperature | Calibration needed, sensor issue. | Check remote sensor; calibrate if applicable. |
| Alarm Sounds | Temperature limits exceeded. | Check settings, reset alarm. |
| Fan Not Running | AUTO no call; wiring. | Set ON; check G terminal. |
| Short Cycling | Differential settings. | Adjust in configuration menu. |
| Compressor Won't Start | Protection lockout. | Wait for delay; check flashing indicators. |
Reset Operation: Remove wires from R and C (do not short), remove batteries for 2 minutes. Resets to factory defaults.
Homeowner Help Line: 1-800-284-2925; www.white-rodgers.com