Introduction
The Venstar T8900 ColorTouch Thermostat is an advanced climate control solution designed for modern homes. It features a vibrant touchscreen display, smart programming capabilities, and Wi-Fi connectivity for remote access. This manual provides detailed instructions for installation, operation, and maintenance of your T8900 thermostat.
Image: The Venstar T8900 ColorTouch Thermostat, showcasing its high-resolution display with a vibrant green field and blue sky background, indicating a comfortable room temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Key Features
- Controls humidification & dehumidification, compatible with gas/electric, heat pump, and electric units up to 4-stages of heat and 2-stage cool.
- Built-in 2.4Ghz wireless B/G/N WiFi antenna, supporting WEP and WPA/WPA2.
- Flexible programming: 7, 5/2, 1-day, or non-programmable with a 365-day vacation calendar. Up to 4 time periods per day (Morning, Day, Evening, Night).
- Full color touchscreen with customizable wallpaper and screen savers, featuring a 4.3” diagonal viewing area.
- Three advanced security levels with a customizable 4-digit passcode for full screen lock.
- Energy Watch feature tracks heating, cooling, and auxiliary heat hours for energy usage monitoring.
- Optional auxiliary heat lockout based on outdoor temperature and Emergency Heat switch for heat pump mode.
- Display supports English, Spanish, and French languages.
- Service filter and service UV lamp indicators.
- All programming and setpoints are stored in non-volatile memory, ensuring data retention during power failures.
Product Overview
Familiarize yourself with the main components and screen layouts of your Venstar T8900 thermostat.
Image: A detailed diagram illustrating the various elements of the Venstar T8900 thermostat's interface, including the backlit ColorTouch display, connectivity symbols, buttons (Warmer, Cooler, Fan, Mode, Menu, Home/Away, Back, Scrolling), and menu structures.
Home Screen Elements:
- Connectivity Symbol Table: Indicates Wi-Fi connection status.
- Outdoor Temperature: Displays outdoor temperature if an optional accessory is used.
- Drop Down Sensor Button: Accesses sensor information.
- SD Card Slot: For firmware updates and photo galleries.
- Warmer/Cooler Buttons: Adjust temperature setpoints.
- Fan Button: Controls fan operation.
- Mode Buttons: Select heating, cooling, or auto modes.
- Menu Button: Accesses main menu.
- Date & Time: Displays current date and time.
- Home/Away Button: Toggles between home and away settings.
Installation
Compatibility
The Venstar ColorTouch Wi-Fi Thermostat is designed for use with 24V systems that require both R and C wires. It is compatible with a wide range of HVAC systems, including:
- Heating: One, two, and three stages (W1, W2, W3)
- Cooling: One and two stages (Y1, Y2)
- Heat pump: With auxiliary and emergency heat (Y, W1, O/B)
- Fan (G)
- Power (C, R)
- Humidifier or dehumidifier (HUM, DEHUM)
- Dual fuel systems (heat pump with furnace)
- Whole-home humidifiers and dehumidifiers
Image: A visual representation of the Venstar T8900's system compatibility and a list of included items: Thermostat, Thermostat base, Drywall Anchors and Screws, and This Quick Start Manual.
Contents
The product package typically includes the following items:
- Venstar T8900 Thermostat
- Thermostat Base
- Drywall Anchors and Screws
- Quick Start Manual
Wire Connections
Before connecting wires, ensure power to your HVAC system is turned off at the circuit breaker. Refer to the table below for proper wire terminal designations. If your old thermostat's terminal designations do not match, consult a professional or the full installation manual.
Image: A table detailing the wire connections for the Venstar T8900 thermostat. It lists common wire functions and their corresponding terminals on both old thermostats and the new T8900, including notes for heat pump systems.
| Wire from old thermostat terminal marked | Function | Install on the new thermostat connector marked |
|---|---|---|
| G or F | Fan | G |
| Y1, Y | Cooling | Y1 |
| W1, W | Heating | W1/O/B |
| Rh, R, M, Vr, A | Power | R |
| C | Common | C |
| O/B | Rev. Valve | W1/O/B* |
| W2 | 2nd Stage Heat | W2 |
| Y2 | 2nd Stage Cooling | Y2 |
| W3 | 3rd Stage Heat | W3 |
| OUT - | Outdoor Sensor | SENSOR |
| OUT + | Outdoor Sensor | SENSOR |
| * O/B is used if your system is a Heat Pump. | ||
Setup
Initial Power-Up and Configuration
- After installation and power restoration, the thermostat will guide you through initial setup.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to set the date, time, and language (English, Spanish, French options available).
- Configure your system type (Gas/Electric, Heat Pump) as prompted. Incorrect settings can damage your system.
Wi-Fi Connectivity
Connecting your T8900 to Wi-Fi enables remote control via the mobile app and integration with smart home assistants.
- From the main menu, navigate to the Wi-Fi settings.
- Select your home Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks.
- Enter your Wi-Fi password using the on-screen keyboard.
- Once connected, the Wi-Fi symbol on the home screen will indicate a successful connection.
- Download the dedicated mobile app (compatible with iOS and Android) to control your thermostat remotely.
Operating Instructions
Adjusting Temperature
On the home screen, use the Warmer and Cooler buttons to adjust the desired temperature setpoint.
Changing Modes
Press the Mode button to cycle through available operating modes:
- Heat: Thermostat will only heat to maintain the setpoint.
- Cool: Thermostat will only cool to maintain the setpoint.
- Auto: Thermostat automatically switches between heating and cooling to maintain the setpoint range.
- Off: HVAC system is turned off.
Fan Operation
Press the Fan button to select fan operation:
- Auto: Fan runs only when heating or cooling is active.
- On: Fan runs continuously.
Programming Schedules
The T8900 allows for 7-day, 5/2-day, or 1-day programming with up to four time periods per day.
- Press the Menu button and navigate to the "Schedule" or "Program" section.
- Select your desired programming type (7-day, 5/2-day, or 1-day).
- For each day and time period (Morning, Day, Evening, Night), set your desired heating and cooling temperatures.
- Save your changes. The thermostat will now automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule.
Maintenance
Filter and UV Lamp Indicators
The T8900 provides indicators to remind you when to service your air filter and UV lamp (if applicable).
- When the "Service Filter" or "Service UV Lamp" indicator appears, it's time to inspect or replace the respective component.
- After servicing, reset the indicator through the thermostat's menu settings.
Firmware Updates
Periodically check for firmware updates to ensure your thermostat has the latest features and improvements. Updates can often be performed via Wi-Fi or using an SD card.
Image: A visual guide demonstrating how to update the thermostat firmware using the ColorTouch Desktop Application, which prepares firmware for transfer via an SD card when internet access is unavailable.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Venstar T8900 thermostat, refer to the common problems and solutions below.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Thermostat screen is blank. | No power to the thermostat. | Check circuit breaker for your HVAC system. Ensure C-wire is properly connected. |
| Cannot connect to Wi-Fi. | Incorrect password, weak signal, or router issue. | Double-check Wi-Fi password. Move thermostat closer to router if possible. Restart your router. |
| Temperature not changing. | System mode incorrect, fan setting, or programming conflict. | Verify thermostat is in Heat or Cool mode, not Off. Check fan setting. Review programmed schedule for conflicts. |
| Thermostat is unresponsive. | Temporary software glitch. | Perform a soft reset by turning off power at the circuit breaker for 30 seconds, then restoring power. |
Specifications
- Model Name: T8900
- Brand: Venstar
- Controller Type: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Push Button
- Special Features: Auto Changeover, Fan Control, Filter Indicator, Geofence Technology, Programmable
- Color: White
- Specific Uses: Air Conditioner, Dehumidifier, Furnace, Heat Pump, Humidifier
- Temperature Control Type: Heating, Cooling
- Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi (2.4Ghz B/G/N)
- Included Components: Anchor Bolt, Installation manuals, Thermostat
- Item Weight: 11.2 ounces
- Shape: Rectangular
- Screen Size: 4.3 Inches (diagonal)
- Control Method: App, Remote, Touch
- Backlight: Yes
- Product Dimensions: 6 x 3.9 x 1 inches (L x W x H)
