White Rodgers 1F97W-51 User Manual

The White Rodgers 1F97W-51 is a 7-day programmable digital thermostat from the Comfort-Set series for single-stage heat/cool or heat pump systems. It features 7-day programming with 4 periods per day, automatic/manual changeover, Computed Energy Management Recovery (EMR), compressor short cycle protection, backlit display, programmable blower control, and AA battery backup. Powered by 24 VAC; compatible with systems up to 1.5A per terminal, 1.5A max total. Below are the key specifications, installation, operation, programming, and troubleshooting instructions.

1. Preparations 2. Description 3. Precautions 4. Specifications 5. Installation 5.1 Wiring Diagrams 6. Check Operation 6.1 Fan Operation 6.2 Heating System 6.3 Emergency System 6.4 Cooling System 7. Operating Features 8. Programming 9. Installer Configuration 10. Troubleshooting

Preparations

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. This thermostat is for 24V systems only; not for line voltage. Install away from drafts, direct sunlight, or heat sources for accurate sensing. Install 3 AA Energizer alkaline batteries before programming.

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.

Description

The thermostat uses solid-state microcomputer technology to provide precise time/temperature control. Features 7-day programming with four time/temperature settings per day, simultaneous heat/cool programs, EMR, automatic changeover (selectable), compressor protection, programmable fan, backlit LCD, °F/°C convertibility, audio prompting. LCD display shows time/room temp/setpoint, up/down arrows, SYSTEM switch (HEAT/OFF/COOL/AUTO), FAN switch (ON/AUTO). Terminals: R (hot), C (common), G (fan), Y (compressor), W (heat), O/B (changeover).

Applications: Single-Stage Heat Pump: Yes; Single-Stage Conventional: Yes; Heat Only: Yes; Cool Only: Yes; Gas/Oil/Electric/Hydronic: Yes; Millivolt: Yes.

Precautions

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 17-30 VAC 50/60 Hz (0.05-1.5A per terminal, 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. 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.thermostat-recycle.org for disposal. Handle to avoid static discharge.

Specifications

Removing Old Thermostat

A standard heat/cool thermostat consists of three basic parts: 1) Cover; 2) Base; 3) Subbase. Label each wire with terminal designation before disconnecting. Disconnect wires one at a time; do not let fall into wall.

Installation

Remove old thermostat. Mount new subbase level on wall, connect wires to terminals. RED jumper between RH and RC for single transformer systems. Push excess wire into wall, secure subbase, attach thermostat body. Power up and configure.

Batteries: Install 3 AA Energizer alkaline; low battery flashes "BATTERY". Replace if flashing; program retained.

Wiring Diagrams

Terminal Designations: RH/RC (hot), C (common), G (fan), Y (compressor), W (heat), MV (millivolt).

Heat Only (2-Wire): RH/RC jumper, W to heat.

Millivolt: MV to gas valve.

Heat/Cool (5-Wire): R to power, W heat, Y cool, G fan, C common.

CAUTION! Refer to equipment manuals for specifics. Follow standard HVAC wiring practices.

Check Operation

Restore power. Set SYSTEM to HEAT/COOL, FAN to ON/AUTO, adjust setpoint to test.

Fan Operation

  1. FAN ON: Blower runs continuously (programmable).
  2. FAN AUTO: Blower runs on call for heat/cool.

Heating System

  1. SYSTEM HEAT.
  2. Setpoint above room temp: Heat activates.
  3. Setpoint below: Heat stops.

Emergency System

  1. Not applicable for single-stage.

Cooling System

CAUTION! Do not operate below 50°F.

  1. SYSTEM COOL.
  2. Setpoint below room temp: Cool activates (5-min delay).
  3. Setpoint above: Cool stops.

Operating Features

Programming

7-day programming; 4 periods per day. Factory preprogrammed; use VIEW PRGM to review.

  1. Set Time/Day: Press CLOCK, TIME FWD/BACK for hour/min, DAY for day.
  2. Program: Press PRGM, select day, set times/temps using TIME FWD/BACK, UP/DOWN.
  3. Copy: Press HOLD + COPY to duplicate day.
  4. Review: Press VIEW PRGM to cycle through.
  5. Run: Press PRGM.
  6. Hold: Press HOLD for permanent; two-hour override.

Factory Heat: All days 6AM 70°F, 9AM 70°F, 4PM 70°F, 10PM 64°F. Cool: 6AM 78°F, 9AM 82°F, 4PM 78°F, 10PM 78°F.

Installer Configuration

Set option switches on back before installation.

SwitchDefaultOptionsComments
Total Keypad LockoutOFFON/OFFDisable all keys
Auto ChangeoverAUTOAUTO/MANChangeover mode
EMROFFON/OFFEnergy Management Recovery
Anticipation Heat52-40Cycle rate
Anticipation Cool144-40Cycle rate
°F/°C°F°F/°CScale

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Display BlankPower loss.Check transformer/wiring; restore power.
BATTERY FlashingLow battery.Replace 3 AA Energizer alkaline.
Short CyclesAnticipation low.Increase setting.
Long CyclesAnticipation high.Decrease setting.
Compressor DelayProtection.Wait 5 min.
Program LostBattery failure.Reprogram; replace batteries.
White Rodgers 1F97W-51 Thermostat Manual© - All Rights Reserved 2025