1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your LUX LTX500U Programmable Thermostat. The LTX500U is designed to offer precise temperature control and energy savings through its 5-2 day programming capabilities and selectable Smart Recovery feature. It is compatible with most 24V heating and cooling systems, excluding electric baseboard heat.

Image 1.1: Front view of the LUX LTX500U Thermostat. The digital display shows the current room temperature (72°F), set temperature (74°F), time (5:36 PM), day (Tuesday), and system status (HEAT, FAN).
2. Safety Information
- Always turn off power to the heating/cooling system at the main fuse or circuit breaker panel before installing or servicing the thermostat.
- This thermostat operates on 24 Volts AC. Do not use it with line voltage systems (120V or 240V).
- Ensure all wiring connections are secure and comply with local electrical codes.
- If you are unsure about any part of the installation process, consult a qualified HVAC technician.
- Keep batteries out of reach of children. Dispose of used batteries responsibly.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all items listed below are present in your product package:
- LUX TX500U Thermostat
- Instruction Manual (English, Spanish)
- Wiring Label
- 2 Screws
- 2 Wall Anchors
- Jumper Wire

Image 3.1: Illustration of the items included in the LUX TX500U product package, ensuring all components are present for installation.
4. Installation
4.1 Removing Your Old Thermostat
- Turn off Power: Locate the main power switch for your heating and cooling system (usually at the furnace or circuit breaker panel) and turn it off.
- Remove Cover: Carefully remove the cover of your old thermostat. Some covers snap on, while others may have screws.
- Photograph Wiring: Before disconnecting any wires, take a clear photograph of the current wiring connections. This will serve as a reference.
- Label Wires: Use the provided wiring labels to mark each wire with the corresponding terminal letter from your old thermostat. If your old thermostat has a jumper wire between terminals (e.g., R and Rc), note this.
- Disconnect Wires: Disconnect the wires from the old thermostat terminals.
- Remove Old Base: Unscrew and remove the old thermostat base from the wall.
4.2 Mounting the New Thermostat
- Position New Base: Hold the new LUX LTX500U thermostat base against the wall where you want to mount it. Ensure the wires can pass through the opening.
- Mark Drill Holes: Use a pencil to mark the locations for the mounting screws.
- Drill Holes: Drill pilot holes at the marked locations (if necessary) and insert the wall anchors.
- Secure Base: Feed the wires through the opening in the new thermostat base and secure the base to the wall using the provided screws.
4.3 Wiring the Thermostat
Refer to your photograph and the wiring label from your old thermostat. Connect the wires to the corresponding terminals on the LUX LTX500U. The LTX500U is compatible with a wide range of systems. Consult the "System Compatibility" image below for detailed information.

Image 4.1: This chart outlines the system compatibility for the LUX LTX500U thermostat. It lists various 24V heating systems (Gas/Oil/Electric Furnace, Heat Pump with/without Auxiliary Heat, Hydronic, Millivolt, Gas Fireplaces) and cooling systems (Cooling only, Single stage cooling) as compatible. It explicitly states non-compatibility with Heat Pump Multistage, Radiant Ceiling Heat, Electric Baseboards, Portable space heaters, Plug-in air conditioners, and Cool Multistage systems.
Important Wiring Notes:
- If your old thermostat had separate R and Rc terminals with a jumper, remove the jumper and connect the R wire to the R terminal and the Rc wire to the Rc terminal on the LTX500U. If you only have one R wire, connect it to the R terminal and place the provided jumper wire between R and Rc.
- Ensure wires are stripped to the correct length and securely inserted into the terminals.
- After wiring, gently push any excess wire back into the wall opening.
4.4 Installing Batteries and Attaching Thermostat
- Insert Batteries: Open the battery compartment on the back of the thermostat faceplate. Insert two (2) fresh AA alkaline batteries, observing the correct polarity (+/-).
- Attach Faceplate: Carefully align the thermostat faceplate with the mounted base and gently push until it snaps securely into place.
- Restore Power: Return to your main fuse or circuit breaker panel and turn the power back on to your heating and cooling system.
5. Operating Instructions
The LUX LTX500U thermostat features an intuitive control panel for easy operation. Familiarize yourself with the controls shown below.

Image 5.1: Detailed diagram of the LUX TX500U control panel. Key components include the LCD Display Screen, Fan Mode Switch (FAN ON/AUTO), System Mode Switch (TEMPERATURE HEAT/OFF/COOL), Set Slide Switch (RUN/DAYTIME/TEMP PROG/AIR FILTER), and the UP, DOWN, and HOLD buttons located below the display.
5.1 Setting Current Time and Day
- Slide the Set Slide Switch to the "DAYTIME" position.
- Use the UP or DOWN buttons to adjust the current time.
- Press the NEXT button to advance to setting the day of the week.
- Use the UP or DOWN buttons to select the correct day.
- Slide the Set Slide Switch back to "RUN" when finished.
5.2 System Mode Selection
Use the System Mode Switch (located on the left side of the thermostat) to select your desired operating mode:
- HEAT: The thermostat will control your heating system.
- OFF: The heating and cooling systems are turned off.
- COOL: The thermostat will control your cooling system.
5.3 Fan Mode Selection
Use the Fan Mode Switch (located on the left side, above the System Mode Switch) to select your desired fan operation:
- AUTO: The fan runs only when the heating or cooling system is actively operating. This is the most common and energy-efficient setting.
- ON: The fan runs continuously, regardless of whether the heating or cooling system is active.
5.4 Programming the Schedule (5-2 Day)
The LTX500U allows for 5-2 day programming, meaning you can set one schedule for weekdays (Monday-Friday) and a separate schedule for weekends (Saturday-Sunday). You can choose between 2 or 4 periods per day.
- Slide the Set Slide Switch to the "TEMP PROG" position.
- The display will show the first programming period (e.g., "M-F WAKE").
- Use the UP or DOWN buttons to set the desired temperature for this period.
- Press the NEXT button to set the start time for this period. Use UP or DOWN to adjust.
- Continue pressing NEXT and adjusting temperature/time for all desired periods (WAKE, LEAVE, RETURN, SLEEP) for weekdays.
- After programming weekdays, the thermostat will automatically advance to weekend programming (e.g., "S-S WAKE"). Repeat steps 3-5 for Saturday and Sunday.
- To copy a day's program to another day, use the COPY function (refer to the full manual for specific steps).
- Slide the Set Slide Switch back to "RUN" when programming is complete.
5.5 Smart Recovery Feature
The selectable Smart Recovery feature allows the thermostat to learn how long it takes your HVAC system to reach the programmed temperature. It will then activate the system ahead of schedule to ensure the desired temperature is met precisely at the start of your programmed period. This feature can be enabled or disabled in the advanced settings (refer to the full manual for details).
5.6 Temporary Override and Manual Hold
- Temporary Override: While in "RUN" mode, pressing the UP or DOWN buttons will temporarily adjust the temperature. The thermostat will maintain this new temperature until the next programmed period begins.
- Manual Hold: Press the HOLD button to maintain the current temperature indefinitely. The "HOLD" indicator will appear on the display. To cancel the hold and resume the program, press the HOLD button again.
5.7 Air Filter Monitor
The LTX500U includes a graphical air filter monitor. When it's time to change your air filter, an indicator will appear on the display. To reset the monitor after changing the filter, slide the Set Slide Switch to "AIR FILTER" and follow the on-screen instructions.
6. Maintenance
6.1 Battery Replacement
The thermostat requires two (2) AA alkaline batteries for operation. When the battery indicator appears on the display, replace the batteries promptly to ensure continuous operation. Low batteries can affect thermostat performance.
- Gently pull the thermostat faceplate away from the wall base.
- Remove the old AA batteries from the compartment.
- Insert two new AA alkaline batteries, ensuring correct polarity.
- Snap the faceplate back onto the wall base.
Note: Rechargeable batteries are not recommended as they may not provide consistent voltage, leading to premature low battery warnings.
6.2 Cleaning the Thermostat
To clean the thermostat, gently wipe the exterior with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners, solvents, or spray cleaners directly onto the thermostat. Avoid getting moisture inside the unit.
7. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Display is blank or dim. | Dead or low batteries. | Replace with fresh AA alkaline batteries. |
| Heating/Cooling system does not turn on. | Power to HVAC system is off. Incorrect wiring. System mode switch is OFF. | Check circuit breaker. Verify wiring connections. Set System Mode Switch to HEAT or COOL. |
| Temperature reading seems inaccurate. | Thermostat location near heat source/draft. Calibration needed. | Ensure thermostat is not exposed to direct sunlight, drafts, or heat sources. Refer to the full manual for temperature calibration instructions. |
| Programmed schedule is not running. | Thermostat is in HOLD mode. Set Slide Switch is not in RUN. | Press the HOLD button to cancel hold. Slide the Set Slide Switch to RUN. |
For more detailed troubleshooting, please refer to the complete instruction manual available online or contact customer support.
8. Specifications
- Model Name: LTX500U-A04
- Product Dimensions: 1.38"D x 1.38"W x 10.9"H
- Controller Type: Touch
- Special Feature: Programmable (5-2 Day)
- Color: White
- Specific Uses: Air Conditioner, Boiler, Furnace
- Temperature Control Type: Digital
- Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi (Note: Product description mentions Wi-Fi, but feature bullets and reviews suggest it might be a basic programmable thermostat. User should verify Wi-Fi functionality if desired.)
- Included Components: Thermostat
- Power Source: Battery Powered (2 AA batteries required)
- Voltage: 24 Volts (AC)
- Display Type: Digital
- Mounting Type: Wall Mount
- Backlight: Yes
- Item Weight: 8.1 ounces
- UPC: 021079115006
9. Warranty and Support
9.1 Limited Warranty
The LUX LTX500U Thermostat typically comes with a 3-Year Limited Warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims. Specific terms and conditions may apply; refer to the warranty card included with your product or the manufacturer's website for full details.

Image 9.1: This image illustrates the "Easy to Operate and Program" aspects of the LUX TX500U, featuring icons for speed-slide programming, battery or system power, and compatibility with up to 2 heat/1 cool systems. A prominent "LIMITED 3 YEAR WARRANTY" badge is visible in the bottom right corner.
9.2 Customer Support
For technical assistance, troubleshooting, or warranty inquiries, please contact LUX customer support. Contact information can typically be found on the manufacturer's website or on the product packaging.
Online Resources: Visit the official LUX website for FAQs, additional manuals, and support resources.



