aprilaire 8920w installation manual
Aprilaire 8920W Installation Manual: A Comprehensive Guide
The Aprilaire 8920W is a Wi-Fi-enabled indoor air quality thermostat designed to provide homeowners with comprehensive control over their home’s comfort and air quality. This thermostat manages temperature, humidity, air purity, and ventilation. For proper setup, refer to this comprehensive guide and the Aprilaire app for instructions.
Overview of the Aprilaire 8920W Thermostat
The Aprilaire 8920W Wi-Fi Indoor Air Quality Thermostat is designed to seamlessly integrate with your HVAC system and Aprilaire’s suite of indoor air quality products. Boasting a large, user-friendly 7-inch color touchscreen, the 8920W simplifies home comfort control. The thermostat features an intuitive message center, which provides real-language instructions and information, eliminating the need to memorize codes or consult a manual.
Beyond basic temperature control, the Aprilaire 8920W offers comprehensive management of humidity, air purity, and fresh air ventilation. When paired with compatible Aprilaire products, the thermostat can automatically control ventilation systems to introduce fresh air, or activate whole-house air purifiers to improve indoor air quality. Its voice control compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant adds another layer of convenience, allowing users to adjust settings with simple voice commands.
The Equipment Control Module simplifies the management of all indoor air systems in one place, featuring a 3-wire connection for easy installation. The thermostat also provides alerts and maintenance reminders, ensuring your HVAC system operates efficiently and effectively, alerting you when it is time to change filters.
Recommended Installation Locations
Choosing the right location for your Aprilaire 8920W thermostat is crucial for accurate temperature readings and optimal performance. The thermostat should be mounted on an interior wall in a frequently occupied space, ensuring it accurately reflects the average temperature of your living area.
Ideally, the thermostat should be approximately five feet above the floor, a height that generally provides a good representation of the room’s overall temperature. It is also essential to position the thermostat at least 18 inches away from any outside wall, preventing it from being influenced by external temperature fluctuations. This helps maintain consistent and reliable temperature readings.
Avoid installing the thermostat in areas that could compromise its accuracy. Do not place it behind doors, in corners, or in other dead air spaces where air circulation is limited. Direct sunlight and proximity to heat-generating appliances should also be avoided, as these can artificially inflate temperature readings. The Aprilaire 8920W can be mounted to a vertical junction box, simplifying the installation process. Ensure power at the HVAC equipment is off during installation.
Connecting to the Aprilaire Wi-Fi Thermostat App
To unlock the full potential of your Aprilaire 8920W, connecting it to the Aprilaire Wi-Fi Thermostat App is essential. This app allows you to remotely control and monitor your thermostat from anywhere, providing convenience and energy savings.
Begin by searching for and installing the “Aprilaire Wi-Fi Thermostat App” from your smart device’s app store, whether it’s Google Play for Android or the App Store for iOS devices. Once installed, ensure your thermostat is in Wi-Fi setup mode; it may take up to 30 seconds to enter this mode after powering up or resetting.
With the app open, follow the on-screen prompts to connect your thermostat to your home’s Wi-Fi network. The app will guide you through the process, which typically involves selecting your Wi-Fi network and entering the password.
Once connected, you can use the app to adjust temperature settings, set schedules, monitor indoor air quality, and receive alerts. The app provides real-time data and allows you to customize your comfort settings to suit your preferences. For additional assistance and detailed instructions, visit my.aprilaire.com.
Creating an Aprilaire Account
To fully utilize the features of your Aprilaire 8920W Wi-Fi thermostat, creating an Aprilaire account is a necessary step; This account allows you to remotely access and manage your thermostat settings through the Aprilaire app.
Begin by opening the Aprilaire Wi-Fi Thermostat App on your smart device. On the app’s main screen, locate and tap the “Create Account” option. You will then be prompted to enter a valid email address and choose a secure password for your Aprilaire User Account. After entering this information, tap the “Create Account” button to proceed.
Next, you will be asked to fill in your personal information, such as your name, address, and phone number. Providing accurate information ensures proper account setup and allows Aprilaire to provide you with relevant support and updates. Once you have completed filling in your personal information, tap the “Continue” button.
After submitting your information, you may receive a verification email to the email address you provided. Follow the instructions in the email to verify your account. Once your account is verified, you can log in to the Aprilaire app and begin connecting your thermostat to your account.
Wiring and Equipment Control Module Setup
Proper wiring and equipment control module setup are crucial for the Aprilaire 8920W thermostat to function correctly with your HVAC system. Before beginning, ensure power to the HVAC equipment is off to prevent electrical shock. The equipment control module acts as a central hub for managing all your indoor air systems.
Begin by mounting the equipment control module in a convenient location near your HVAC equipment, utilizing the six mounting holes (one on each corner and two centered top and bottom) for a secure installation. Follow the wiring diagrams provided in the Aprilaire 8920W installation manual to connect the thermostat to the equipment control module and your HVAC system.
The equipment control module simplifies wiring with a 3-wire connection. Ensure all wire connections are secure and properly terminated. The module also features terminals for connecting optional sensors, such as an outdoor temperature sensor (Model 8052), which can enable features like outdoor temperature display and enhanced control strategies.
After completing the wiring, carefully review all connections to ensure accuracy. Once verified, restore power to the HVAC equipment and proceed with the thermostat’s configuration through the touchscreen interface. Refer to the manual for detailed instructions on configuring the equipment control module settings.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Features
The Aprilaire 8920W thermostat goes beyond basic temperature control by offering a suite of advanced Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) features. These features allow homeowners to actively manage and improve the air quality within their homes, contributing to a healthier and more comfortable living environment.
One key IAQ feature is humidity control. The 8920W can be connected to a whole-house humidifier or dehumidifier, allowing you to maintain optimal humidity levels year-round. Proper humidity control can help prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, reduce allergy symptoms, and protect wood furniture and flooring.
The thermostat also supports air purification. When paired with a whole-home Aprilaire air purifier, the 8920W allows for event-based air cleaning. This feature enables you to initiate air cleaning cycles on demand, such as after cooking or when allergy symptoms flare up.
Ventilation control is another significant IAQ feature. The 8920W can control an Aprilaire ventilation system, providing fresh air automatically or as needed. Proper ventilation helps to dilute indoor pollutants and maintain a healthy level of fresh air within the home. The thermostat provides real-time confirmation when fresh air is being supplied.
These integrated IAQ controls make the Aprilaire 8920W a comprehensive solution for managing your home’s indoor environment.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful installation, you might encounter issues with your Aprilaire 8920W. Here’s a guide to troubleshoot common problems and restore functionality.
Thermostat Not Connecting to Wi-Fi: Ensure your Wi-Fi network is functioning correctly. Double-check the password entered during setup. If the signal is weak, reposition the router or use a Wi-Fi extender. Restart the thermostat by cycling power.
Display is Blank or Frozen: A blank display may indicate a power issue. Check the wiring connections to the equipment control module. A frozen display may require a reset. Consult the owner’s manual for reset instructions.
Incorrect Temperature Readings: Verify the thermostat is mounted in an appropriate location, away from direct sunlight or drafts. Calibrate the temperature sensor in the settings menu if necessary.
HVAC System Not Responding: Confirm the thermostat is set to the correct system mode (heat, cool, auto). Check the wiring connections between the thermostat and the HVAC equipment control module. Ensure the HVAC system itself is functioning correctly.
Error Messages: Refer to the owner’s manual for a list of error codes and their corresponding solutions. Contact Aprilaire support if the error persists.
Remember to consult the Aprilaire website or contact their support team for more in-depth assistance.
Connecting Optional Sensors
The Aprilaire 8920W thermostat supports the integration of optional sensors to enhance its functionality and provide more comprehensive indoor air quality data. These sensors can provide valuable insights into conditions outside the thermostat’s immediate vicinity.
Outdoor Temperature Sensor: Connecting an outdoor temperature sensor, such as the Aprilaire Model 8052, allows the thermostat to display the outside temperature and enable features like outdoor temperature-based ventilation control. Wire the sensor to the ODT terminals on the equipment control module, and then enable the outdoor sensor in the installer setup menu.
Remote Temperature Sensors: These sensors allow you to monitor the temperature in different areas of your home, ensuring consistent comfort throughout. Connect the remote sensors to the appropriate terminals on the equipment control module, following the wiring diagram provided in the sensor’s installation instructions.
Air Quality Sensors: Additional air quality sensors can provide more detailed data on particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other pollutants. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for wiring and configuration.
Proper sensor placement is crucial for accurate readings. Refer to the sensor’s documentation for recommended installation locations.
Before connecting any optional sensors, ensure the power to the HVAC system is turned off.
Understanding Display and Menu Navigation
The Aprilaire 8920W thermostat features a user-friendly touchscreen interface designed for intuitive operation. Navigating the display and menus is essential to configuring the thermostat and accessing its various functions.
Home Screen: The home screen provides a quick overview of current settings, including the indoor temperature, setpoint temperature, system mode (heat, cool, auto, off), fan setting (auto, on), and any active alerts or maintenance reminders.
Main Menu: Access the main menu by tapping the menu icon on the home screen. The main menu provides access to various settings and features, including:
- Temperature: Adjust temperature setpoints and view temperature history.
- System Mode: Select the desired system mode (heat, cool, auto, off).
- Fan: Choose the fan setting (auto, on).
- Schedule: Program a custom heating and cooling schedule.
- IAQ: Control indoor air quality settings, such as humidity, ventilation, and air purification.
- Settings: Configure thermostat settings, such as Wi-Fi connectivity, display preferences, and installer settings;
Touchscreen Gestures: Use simple touchscreen gestures to navigate the display. Tap to select options, swipe to scroll through lists, and pinch to zoom.
The Aprilaire 8920W also features a message center that provides real-language instructions and information, eliminating the need to remember codes or consult the manual for basic operations.
Stuck on your Aprilaire 8920W install? This manual cuts through the jargon! Get your smart thermostat up and running smoothly. No sweat! Aprilaire 8920W installation is easy!