Venstar T1700 is part of the Slimline Platinum series thermostats. Others in this series are T1800, T1900, and TSTATEZ.

Blank screen

This may be due to lack of proper power to the unit. T1700 is powered directly by the HVAC unit and should be having 24VAC across the R and C terminals if C is used or between R & W.

Solution: Check the circuit breaker to make sure it has not been tripped. Check that the furnace panels are all secure if the air filter has been replaced recently.

How do I add Common wire?

Check out the article here on how to add a C-wire.

Both heat and cooling come on when calling for cooling

The thermostat's equipment jumper is configured for Heat Pump while the HVAC unit running is Gas/ Electric.

Solution: Configure equipment jumper for Gas/Electric operation in advanced setup programming.

1.       Remove the thermostat from the sub-base and locate jumpers in the upper right-hand corner of the circuit board. Place the bottom jumper on the 2 pins closest to GAS.

2.       On the thermostat, press MODE and PROGRAM buttons to enter advanced setup. Press MODE button repeatedly until HP appears in the middle of the screen. Press DOWN button until OFF is displayed. Press PROGRAM or MODE and FAN buttons to exit the setup.

Does the T1700 use batteries?

No. It is powered by the indoor unit.

Heat comes on with Cooling Demand/ Cool comes on with Heating Demand

1. This happens when a gas/electric thermostat attempts to control a heat pump system.

Solution: Remove the thermostat from the sub-base and locate jumpers in the upper right-hand corner of the circuit board. Place the middle jumper on the 2 pins closest to HP.

On the thermostat, press MODE and PROGRAM buttons to enter advanced setup. Press MODE button repeatedly until HP appears in the middle of the screen. Now press DOWN button until ON is displayed. Press PROGRAM or MODE and FAN buttons to exit the setup.

 2. This may also be because of reversing valve setting of a heat pump-compatible thermostat being programmed incorrectly.

Solution: Remove the thermostat from the sub-base and locate the bottom jumpers in the upper right-hand corner of the circuit board (Can be set to O or B operation). Place the jumper on the 2 pins closest to the correct reversing valve setting.

On the thermostat, press MODE and PROGRAM buttons to enter advanced setup. Press MODE button repeatedly until HP appears in the middle of the screen. Press the MODE button once. ‘O’ or ‘b’ will appear on the display. Now press the UP or DOWN button to get the correct reversing valve setting. Press PROGRAM or MODE and FAN buttons to exit the setup.

Heating does not turn on

Too low heating setpoint has been set.

Solution: Raise heating setpoint limit according to the owner’s manual.

AC Does not Turn on

1. This may be due to compressor timer lockout. This may prevent AC from turning on for a period of time

 Solution: Check out the user manual on how to defeat and compressor time guard and cycles per hour.

Solution: Lower cooling setpoint limit according to the owner’s manual

Thermostat Buttons not Working

The thermostat’s buttons are locked.

Solution: Press and hold the MODE button to lock or unlock the thermostat buttons. This is a security feature.

No Response to Changes in Room Temperature

There will be no change in room temperature either during heating or cooling when there is no insulation between the thermostat and the wall.

Solution: Use spray foam, duct tape, or any other form of insulation to stop airflow from behind the thermostat.