Vivint Element Thermostat Manual: A Comprehensive Guide
Welcome to your comprehensive guide for the Vivint Element Thermostat! This manual provides all necessary information to understand, install, and effectively use your smart thermostat. From initial setup to advanced features, discover how to maximize its potential.
The Vivint Element Thermostat is a smart, Z-Wave compliant device designed to seamlessly integrate into your home’s heating and cooling system, offering enhanced control and energy savings. Formerly known as the Element Thermostat (V2), it simplifies climate management with its user-friendly interface and intelligent features. This thermostat is not just about setting temperatures; it’s about optimizing your home’s energy usage.
Featuring an elegantly simple design, the Vivint Element Thermostat boasts a hidden display that comes to life, providing clear information. Its true intelligence lies in its ability to work in concert with your Vivint system, adjusting automatically based on your habits and preferences. By connecting to a Z-Wave network, it communicates with other smart devices, ensuring that your home remains comfortable while minimizing energy waste. Whether you’re replacing an existing thermostat or starting fresh, the Vivint Element Thermostat is designed for easy setup and integration. This introduction sets the stage for delving into the installation, setup, and advanced functionalities.
Initial Setup and Installation
The initial setup of your Vivint Element Thermostat is a crucial step to ensure proper functionality and integration with your home’s system. Before you begin, gather the necessary tools: a small Phillips screwdriver and a drill with a 1/4-inch (6mm) bit. To avoid electrical shock and prevent damage, disconnect the power supply to your heating and cooling systems at the circuit breaker before starting. Carefully remove your old thermostat, labeling all wires to ensure correct reconnection.
Attach the mounting plate to the wall, pulling the labeled wires through the center hole. Position the thermostat for the best appearance, covering the hole in the wall. Mark and drill holes at each screw location, then secure the mounting plate. Next, prepare the wires by fanning them out to align with their terminals. Refer to the detailed wiring diagram to identify your specific setup. Connect each labeled wire to the matching lettered terminal. The thermostat can run on C-wire power; install four AA alkaline batteries to provide backup power during outages.
Wiring Guide: Connecting the Thermostat
Proper wiring is essential for the Vivint Element Thermostat to function correctly. Before disconnecting any wires from your old thermostat, carefully label each one to ensure correct reconnection. Switch off the electricity to your heating and cooling systems at the circuit breaker to prevent electrical shock or damage. Once the power is off, prepare the wires by carefully pulling them through the center hole of the mounting plate.
Reference the detailed wire diagrams to identify your specific system configuration, whether it’s a 3-wire heat, 4-wire heat, 5-wire heat/cool, or 6-wire heat/cool setup. Connect each labeled wire to the corresponding terminal on the thermostat, matching the labels precisely. For example, connect the R (or RH) wire to the RH terminal for heat power. Ensure all connections are secure to avoid any operational issues. If you have a heat pump system, connect the O wire to the O terminal or the B wire to the B terminal, depending on your setup. Always double-check your connections before proceeding.
Connecting to a Z-Wave Network
The Vivint Element Thermostat is designed to seamlessly integrate with a Z-Wave network, enabling remote control and automation features. To connect your thermostat, ensure that your Z-Wave network’s primary controller is in inclusion mode. This process allows the thermostat to be recognized and added to the network.
The Vivint Element Thermostat is a Z-Wave compliant thermostat, meaning it has an onboard radio that can be connected to an existing Z-Wave network. However, the thermostat’s node type is fixed when it connects to the Z-Wave network; if the C-Wire is not connected and is only battery-powered when connecting to the network, the thermostat will remain a frequent listening routing slave (FLiRS) node until it is removed from the network. Once connected, you can use your Z-Wave application to adjust heating and cooling programs.
Understanding Thermostat Settings
The Vivint Element Thermostat offers a range of customizable settings to optimize your home’s climate control. These settings allow you to personalize your heating and cooling preferences. Navigating the settings screen allows you to control features like temperature display in Fahrenheit or Celsius.
Humidity settings can also be adjusted to maintain optimal indoor air quality. Within the settings menu, you will find options to adjust display behavior, ensuring the thermostat screen functions according to your preferences. Installer settings provide advanced configuration options for HVAC equipment compatibility and calibration. Understanding these settings is crucial for tailoring the thermostat’s performance to your specific needs.
The settings screen also provides access to many features and settings of the Thermostat, such as setting humidity targets, display behavior, information, equipment, comfort, calibration, cycling, staging, and network link.
Navigating the Thermostat Screens
Effectively navigating the Vivint Element Thermostat screens is essential for managing your home’s climate. The thermostat features a user-friendly interface with several key screens, each providing specific information and control options. The Home screen displays the current mode, target temperature, and room temperature.
Use the up and down buttons to move the cursor on the screen. Use the side button to make a selection or scroll through options. The outside temperature screen displays the outside temperature and inside humidity and lets you put the system into vacation mode.
The Menu screen offers access to various settings and customization options. Understanding the layout and functionality of each screen allows you to quickly adjust settings, view important data, and optimize your thermostat’s performance. Familiarize yourself with the button functions for seamless control.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Encountering issues with your Vivint Element Thermostat can be frustrating. However, many common problems have simple solutions. If the thermostat is unresponsive, check the power supply. Ensure that the batteries are new alkaline batteries and correctly installed, or verify the C-wire connection. A low battery warning indicates the need for immediate replacement.
If the thermostat loses its connection to the Z-Wave network, try restarting the device or reconnecting it through the panel. Connectivity problems may also arise from interference or distance from the Z-Wave hub. For incorrect temperature readings, calibrate the thermostat in the settings menu.
If heating or cooling isn’t working, verify the HVAC settings and wiring connections. Ensure the thermostat mode is appropriately set. Consult detailed wiring diagrams for correct terminal connections. If problems persist, refer to Vivint support for assistance.
Battery Information and Cautions
The Vivint Element Thermostat can operate using either a C-wire connection or batteries. When relying on batteries, it’s crucial to use the correct type. Always use four new AA alkaline batteries for optimal performance. Avoid using rechargeable batteries, as they may not provide sufficient power and could damage the thermostat.
When installing batteries, ensure correct polarity by following the markings inside the battery compartment. Low battery levels can cause operational issues, so replace batteries promptly when indicated. If leaving your home for an extended period, consider replacing the batteries beforehand to prevent disruptions.
While a C-wire provides continuous power, batteries serve as a backup during power outages. This ensures uninterrupted operation and maintains your settings. Regularly check battery condition and adhere to specified cautions for reliable thermostat functionality. Proper battery management is essential.
Energy Saving Tips with Vivint Thermostat
Maximize energy savings with your Vivint Thermostat by utilizing its smart features. Program custom schedules that align with your daily routines. Lowering the temperature while you’re away or asleep can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs. Take advantage of the thermostat’s auto-adjusting capabilities for additional savings.
The Vivint Smart Thermostat can help you save up to 12% on your heating and cooling bills. Utilize vacation mode when you’re away to minimize energy usage. Integrate the thermostat with the Vivint Smart Home system for seamless automation and control. Monitor your energy consumption through the Vivint app to identify potential savings opportunities.
Regularly review your thermostat settings and adjust them based on seasonal changes. Ensure your home is properly insulated to prevent energy loss. Consider using the thermostat in conjunction with other energy-efficient practices, such as using energy-efficient appliances and sealing air leaks. Small changes can make a big difference.