Page 1
Foundation Foundation Smart Thermostat & Home Energy Gateway User Guide for Foundation v1.3 Programmable Communicating Thermostat & In-Home Energy Use Display www.energateinc.com/foundation AW000718-F...
BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE USE THEREOF. Notice to Purchaser Foundation Smart Thermostat is covered by one or more of US Patent Number 7737762, Solid-State Switch and corresponding claims in their non-US counterparts, owned by Energate Inc. No right is conveyed expressly, by implication, or by estoppel under any other patent claim.
LIMITED WARRANTY OF ENERGATE INC. Energate Inc. Warrants that this product will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of the original purchase of this product from Energate Inc. (the “Warranty Period”).
Legal Declarations ............................2 Warranty ............................... 3 How to use this guide..........................6 Purpose ............................6 Intended Audience ........................6 Foundation Models ........................6 Text Conventions .......................... 7 About Foundation ..........................8 Operating Foundation ........................9 LED Indicators ..........................10 Thermostat Display ........................
Page 5
Foundation User Guide Foundation Thermostat Wiring ....................80 Optional Accessories ........................... 82 Taking Care of Your Foundation......................83 Removing Foundation from the Mounting Bracket ..............83 Replacing the Battery ........................84 Re-attaching Foundation to the Mounting Bracket ..............85 Cleaning ............................85 Impact of Power Outages ........................
Foundation User Guide 1 How to use this guide 1.1 Purpose This user guide describes the basic operation of Foundation and how to use Foundation to maximize your comfort and manage your electricity consumption. 1.2 Intended Audience This user guide is intended for residential customers enrolled in an energy saving program offered by their electricity provider.
Press the Home button to switch between the Energy display and Thermostat display on the home screen. Text with initial capital letters indicates terminology that appears on Foundation screens, such as menu options or screen titles. For example, User Options Wizard or Set Temporary Hold.
Foundation User Guide 2 About Foundation Foundation is a home energy control device that combines fundamental home climate control and energy consumption management. It allows you to control your home’s temperature, and to manage your energy consumption and costs: ...
Foundation User Guide 2.1 Operating Foundation Foundation uses advanced climate control algorithms to control your central heating and cooling systems. It also determines and displays how much electricity you are using and how much it costs. Button Button Name Functions ...
Foundation User Guide 2.2 LED Indicators Foundation has four light-emitting diodes (LED) that signal events from your electricity provider. Each LED illuminates for the duration of the corresponding event. The Blue LED indicates that an energy or price conservation event is in effect and has triggered the thermostat to adjust the temperature.
Page 11
Foundation User Guide Foundation is configured to receive utility events and other information via a ZigBee network. Foundation is configured to receive information via the optional FlexNet pager module. Foundation is configured to receive utility events and other information via a Wi-Fi network.
Page 12
Foundation User Guide 2.3.2 Thermostat Display Symbols The following table describes the thermostat display symbols that appear on the Thermostat display. For more information see 3.2.1 Thermostat Mode Settings 6.1.1 Equipment Settings. Symbol Description COOL: The Thermostat Mode is set to Cool. The symbol displays regardless of whether the cooling equipment is running.
Page 13
Foundation User Guide Recovery Time, or when you change the target heating temperature while the HEAT2 equipment is running. This setting is available only when heating and cooling stages are enabled in the Equipment Settings, and when three heating stages are enabled.
Page 14
A star indicates that you manually entered the price and rate information in Foundation, and that it does not come from the meter. Limiting [heat/cool] To [active...
Page 15
Foundation User Guide 2.3.4.2 Error messages For information on responding to error messages, see 5 Error Messages. Message Description Configuration Error Displayed when there is a problem with the thermostat. Short Circuit Detected Displayed when a short circuit is detected in the wiring between the thermostat and the HVAC equipment.
The signal quality ranges from the lowest signal quality (1 bar) to the highest signal quality (5 bars). Foundation is configured to receive utility events and other information via a ZigBee network. Foundation is configured to receive information via the optional FlexNet pager module.
Page 17
The cost per hour is how much it costs you to consume that amount of energy for one hour. The scrolling message indicates what Foundation is doing. For more information about the scrolling messages, see 2.3.4 Scrolling Messages. For more information about error messages, 2.3.4.2 Error...
To wake up the system, press any button. The screen lights up and displays the last display screen visited. You also can configure Foundation to display a different screen when it is in standby mode. All standby screens display the current indoor temperature or target temperature (for example, the scheduled temperature) at the bottom left.
Page 19
Foundation User Guide Energy Consumption: Displays the cost of electricity used in the previous 24 hours and the average daily cost for the past 7 days. The bar graph on the left compares the 24-hour cost to average daily cost for the past 7 days. For example, if the bar is completely solid, the 24-hour cost is the same or higher than the highest daily cost in the past week.
3.1 Consumption Information 3.1.1 Consumption & Cost Data Foundation displays the Consumption Information on a series of screens. 1. From the home screen, press the Menu/Select button to display the main menu. 2. Press the Up or Down button to highlight Consumption Information, and then press the Menu/Select ...
Note: If Foundation does not have enough consumption history data, it displays N/A. 3.1.2 Track Savings Foundation can track your energy consumption as it changes over a period of up to 30 days. Foundation uses the consumption history to project a consumption estimate. It uses that estimate as the baseline to compare with the consumption on the following days and calculate any potential savings.
Page 22
Foundation User Guide 1. From the home screen, press the Menu/Select button to display the main menu. 2. Press the Up or Down button to highlight Consumption Information, and then press the Menu/Select button. 3. Press the Up or Down button to highlight Track Savings, and then press the Menu/Select ...
3.2 Mode and Fan Settings 3.2.1 Thermostat Mode Settings The Foundation thermostat operates in heat mode by default, but you can change the mode. The available settings for the thermostat mode depend on the type of heating or cooling equipment that is used in your home: ...
Foundation User Guide 3.2.2 Fan Settings You can change the fan setting. Auto: The fan runs only when the heating or cooling systems are on. On: The fan runs continuously, even when the thermostat mode is set to OFF.
Page 25
Foundation User Guide 3.2.3 Change the Thermostat Mode and Fan Settings From the home screen, press the Menu/Select button to display the main menu. Press the Menu/Select button to select Mode & Fan Settings. On the Mode Settings screen, press the Up or Down button to highlight the thermostat mode that you want.
Foundation User Guide 3.3 Schedule Settings and Temperature Hold The thermostat can operate with a schedule or with a fixed temperature and temperature holds work slightly differently in each case. Sections 3.3.1 Using a Schedule 3.3.9 Changing the Temperature Using Holds explain how to use the thermostat with a schedule including temperature holds.
Page 27
Foundation User Guide 3.3.3 Display the Schedule Settings Menu 1. From the home screen, press the Menu/Select button to display the main menu. 2. Press the Up or Down button to highlight the Schedule Settings option, and then press the Menu/Select ...
Page 28
Each weekday in the default Foundation schedule has four start times and weekend days have two start times. Each start time has a target temperature for heating and cooling. Generally, these times correspond to most people’s daily schedules: Wake, Leave, Return, and Sleep (for weekdays) and Wake...
Page 29
Foundation User Guide 3.3.5 View the Schedule Use the View Schedule option to show the current schedule settings. 1. On the Schedule Settings screen, press the Up or Down button to highlight the View Schedule option. 2. Press the Menu/Select button to view the schedule and to move to the next screen.
Page 30
Foundation User Guide 3.3.6 Change the Current Schedule Use the Edit Current Schedule option when you want to change specific settings in the schedule. You can change either the target temperatures or the start times for the temperature changes. 1. On the Schedule Settings screen, press the Up or Down ...
Page 31
After you set a schedule, Foundation tells you that the schedule is set for the entire week. You then have the option to set a schedule for specific days. You can set a different schedule for weekdays, weekends, or individual days.
Page 32
Foundation User Guide To program four daily start times instead of two, when the wizard asks you if someone is home all day on weekdays, weekends, or a day of the week, select No. 3.3.8 Switch to Using a Fixed Temperature If you turn off the schedule, the thermostat operates using the target temperature that you set using the Temperature home screen or the Edit Temperatures option.
Page 33
Foundation User Guide 3.3.9 Changing the Temperature Using Holds You can change the target temperature temporarily or permanently by overriding the schedule. These override options do not change the programming for the schedule and are called holds. I want to…...
Page 34
Foundation User Guide 3.3.9.1 Temperature Hold Menu The Temperature Hold menu displays different options depending on whether a hold has been set or if the thermostat is in fixed temperature mode. 1. From the home screen, press the Menu/Select button to display the main menu.
Page 35
Foundation User Guide 3.3.9.1.1 Temporary Hold Use a temporary hold to override voluntary energy or price conservation events from your electricity provider, or to adjust the temperature until the next scheduled change. 1. On the Temperature Hold menu, press the Up or Down ...
Page 36
Foundation User Guide 1. On the Temperature Hold screen, press the Up or Down button to highlight Set Timed Hold, and then press the Menu/Select button. 2. Follow the on-screen instructions: Press the Up or Down button to adjust temperatures, the number of days, and to highlight options.
Page 37
Foundation User Guide When a vacation hold is in progress, you cannot set any other type of hold. The vacation hold overrides the schedule until it reaches the end time or you cancel it. However, energy and price conservation events from your electricity provider can still affect your hold temperature.
Page 38
Foundation User Guide Press the Up or Down button to adjust temperatures, the stop dates and time, and to highlight options. Press the Menu/Select button to select options and to move to the next setting.
Page 39
3.3.10 Operating the Thermostat with a Fixed Temperature When you turn off the schedule, Foundation deletes the current schedule. You can use the Schedule Wizard to return to the default schedule or recreate your custom schedule.
Page 40
Foundation User Guide 3.3.10.2 Set the Heating and Cooling Temperatures Use the Edit Temperatures option to choose target heating and cooling temperatures. You can also set a target heating or cooling temperature from the home screen. For information, see 3.3.2 Temporarily Change the Temperature from the Home Screen.
Page 41
Foundation User Guide 3.3.10.4 Temperature Hold Menu The Temperature Hold menu displays different options depending on whether a hold has been set. 1. From the home screen, press the Menu/Select button to display the main menu. 2. Press the Up or Down button to highlight the Temperature Hold option, and then press the Menu/Select ...
Page 42
Foundation User Guide To save electricity costs, adjust the temperature as much as you can when you are away. At the end of the hold period, the thermostat returns to the previous target temperature. 1. On the Temperature Hold screen, press the Up or Down ...
Page 43
Foundation User Guide 3.3.10.4.3 Create a Vacation Hold 1. On the Temperature Hold screen, press the Up or Down button to highlight Set Vacation Hold, and then press the Menu/Select button. 2. Follow the on-screen instructions: Press the Up or Down button to adjust temperatures, the start and stop dates and times, and to highlight options.
Page 44
Foundation User Guide 3.3.10.4.5 View a Hold If a hold is active, you can view its target temperatures and any other settings using the View Hold option. To view a vacation hold that has not started yet, use the Edit a Vacation Hold option.
Page 45
Foundation User Guide 1. On the Temperature Hold screen, press the Up or Down button to highlight Edit Current Hold, and then press the Menu/Select button. 2. Follow the on-screen instructions: Press the Up or Down button to adjust temperatures and any other hold settings, and to highlight options.
During price conservation events, Foundation uses your Conservation Settings to determine how to adjust the temperature. It can adjust the temperature by up to 9°F (5°C). Foundation either adjusts the temperature to a nominal pricing rate, or keeps the temperature constant at the higher price level.
Page 47
3.4.1.1 Prioritize Comfort or Savings You can use the conservation settings to prioritize either home comfort or cost savings: When the thermostat is controlled by a schedule and you prioritize home comfort, Foundation follows the schedule more closely. ...
Page 48
Foundation User Guide You can access the conservation settings from the Events Response Settings menu. 3.4.1.2 Set Conservation Settings from the Menu 1. From the home screen, press the Menu/Select button to display the main menu. 2. Press the Up or Down button to highlight Events Response Settings, and then press the Menu/Select ...
Page 49
Menu/Select button. After you acknowledge the message, Foundation returns to the last home screen that you visited. Using Foundation, you can retrieve the last message that your electricity provider sent, as long as the message has not expired. 1. From the home screen, press the Menu/Select ...
Press the Menu/Select button to select options and to move to the next item. Temperature Units: Foundation can display the temperature in either degrees Fahrenheit (°F) or Celsius (°C). Time Units: Foundation can display the time using either a 12- or a 24-hour clock format. September 2013 Page 50...
Page 51
Foundation User Guide Standby Screen: Select what Foundation displays after a period of inactivity: Home Screen: Displays the home screen you last visited (Temperature or Energy). Time & Date: Displays the current time and date. Temperature: Displays the current indoor temperature.
Page 52
Foundation User Guide 3.5.2 Changing User Options The User Options wizard is a step-by-step guide for setting: Filter reminder Date and time To reduce the cost of heating and cooling your home, set a filter reminder to help you remember to change the furnace filter.
Page 53
Time and Date: When there is an active communications link, the network periodically updates the date and time, and you are unable to modify these settings. If Foundation does not have an active communication link (either ZigBee, pager or Wi-Fi), you can set the date and time. If the power goes out, the battery saves the date and time.
Page 54
Foundation User Guide 3.5.3 Device Settings 3.5.3.1 Device Info The Device Info screen is a read-only screen that is available from the Device Settings menu. It provides troubleshooting information about the thermostat and ZigBee radio. 3.5.3.2 Performance Adjustments The Performance Adjustments wizard is a step-by-step guide for setting: ...
Page 55
(such as a thermometer or another thermostat), and you want Foundation’s temperature measurement display to match the other device, set the temperature offset. You can adjust Foundation’s displayed temperature by up to +/- 5.4°F (+/- 3°C). September 2013 Page 55...
Page 56
Foundation User Guide 3.5.3.3 Passwords Foundation is programmed with two levels of password protection: the Installer Password and the User Password. Both passwords time out 20 minutes after the last button was pressed, and force you to re- enter the password.
Page 57
If it is not available from your electricity provider, you can manually enter the price and rate settings in Foundation. When you manually enter the price and rate information, the price in the top-left corner of the Thermostat home screen has a star next to it.
Page 58
Note: Consult your electricity provider for your current electricity rates. 3.5.4.2 Load Information for Your HVAC Equipment You can enter detailed information about your heating and cooling system that enables Foundation to make more accurate estimates of your electricity consumption and costs. In some cases, this information is provided by the ZigBee network or the optional Meter Data Collector.
Conservation Settings. When energy or price conservation events are active, Foundation’s blue LED indicator (Energy Saving Event) is lit. A price conservation event will only be active if Foundation responds to the event by adjusting the temperature.
Page 60
Participating in voluntary energy events saves you both energy and money. When there is a voluntary energy event, Foundation checks your Event Participation setting. If it is set to Participate, it automatically adjusts for the event. If it is set to Ignore this Event, it disregards the event.
The current price of energy can trigger a price conservation event. During a price conservation event, the thermostat responds according to the Conservation Settings, and adjusts the temperature for the duration of the event. You can set the Conservation Settings to determine how Foundation responds to dynamic pricing programs from your electricity provider.
Page 62
Foundation User Guide 4.2.1 Blue Utility Event LED Foundation has four light-emitting diodes (LED) that signal events from your electricity provider. Each LED is lit for the duration of the corresponding event. The Blue LED indicates that an energy or price conservation event is in effect and has triggered the thermostat to adjust the temperature.
Page 63
Foundation User Guide 4.2.2 LED Pricing Indicators Foundation has four light-emitting diodes (LED) that signal events from your electricity provider. Each LED illuminates for the duration of the corresponding event. Your electricity provider can send price information which can trigger conservation events depending on your Conservation Settings during periods of peak demand.
Foundation User Guide 5 Error Messages Foundation displays a message when certain kinds of service are required. The message displays in full- screen mode, and the backlight flashes on and off until you acknowledge the message. The message then appears in the status line of the home screens until the issue is resolved.
5.3 Air Filter Messages Foundation can prompt you to change the air filter on your furnace. Either the scheduled Filter Reminder or the furnace can trigger the change filter message. 5.3.1 Scheduled Filter Reminder Message Foundation displays the message “Please Change Filter”...
Page 66
Foundation User Guide Foundation displays the date of the next scheduled filter reminder, which is calculated based on the Filter Reminder that you set in the User Options menu. You can change the Filter Reminder. 5.3.2 Furnace Filter Fault Message Some furnaces can send a message to the thermostat when the air filter needs to be changed.
5.5 Short Circuit Message Foundation displays the message “Output Short Circuit” when it detects a short circuit in the wiring between the Foundation and the HVAC equipment. The message displays in full-screen mode, and the backlight flashes on and off until you acknowledge the message.
Contact your thermostat provider immediately. 5.7 Low MDC Battery Foundation displays the Low MDC Battery when the batteries in the optional Meter Data Collector sensor unit are low. Resolve the issue by replacing the batteries in the optional MDC Sensor unit attached to your meter with 2xAA Alkaline batteries.
Foundation User Guide 6 Installation 6.1 Installer Setup Menu The Installer Setup menu is available from the home screen. Changing settings in the Installer Setup menu can damage the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, and should only be done by a qualified HVAC technician.
Conventional or Heat Pump setting. To save changes to the Equipment Settings, you must provide the Installer Password. Your installer configures the Equipment Settings when they install Foundation. After you save any changes, the equipment is disabled until the default on/off time has passed.
Page 71
Foundation User Guide ANTICIPATION Specifies how long before the scheduled start time the thermostat 60 minutes TIME engages the equipment that is used to reach the target temperature. 0 to 180 minutes September 2013 Page 71...
Page 72
Foundation User Guide 6.1.1.2 Heat Pump Equipment Settings Equipment Options Default Setting REV. VALVE Reversing or Changeover valve: On In Cool On In Cool/On In Heat # OF COOL 1 – 1 stage Heat Pump STAGES 2 – 2 stage Heat Pump # OF HEAT 1 –...
Page 73
Foundation User Guide and cooling HEAT PUMP with outdoor temperature sensor: equipment) HIGH: Set to the temperature above which the auxiliary heat is disabled. The range is from -38°F (-39°C) to 122°F (50°C). A typical value is 50°F (10°C). LOW: Set to the temperature below which the heat pump is disabled.
Page 74
The collector has a sensor that attaches to the meter provided by your electricity provider where it gathers information and transmits it to Foundation. The Meter Data Collector menu will only appear if you have a meter data collector in your Foundation. 6.1.3.1 Link Info The Link Info screens are read-only.
Page 75
This device allows Foundation to receive messages, price information, and energy and price conservation events. The pager module plugs into the slot on the side of your Foundation. The Pager menu will only appear if you have a Pager module installed in the Foundation.
Page 76
Foundation User Guide 6.1.6.2 Reset Security Keys The Reset Security Keys option allows you to reset the security keys. Do not reset the security keys unless directed to do so by your electricity provider. If the security keys are reset, the connection between the electricity meter and your ZIP Connect (a device that allows devices in the ZigBee network to communicate with each other and the Internet) is lost.
Page 77
If you have enabled the User Password, you must provide it to reset the user configuration. 6.1.7.2 Reset the Data Used for Consumption Information and Track Savings You can reset the data that Foundation uses for the consumption information and track savings features.
Page 78
Foundation User Guide 6.1.7.4 Default Thermostat Settings Section Setting Default Value Consumption Track Savings Information Mode & Fan Equipment HEAT Settings Mode Fan Mode AUTO Schedule Start Time Time Target Target Settings Schedule Name Temperature - Temperature Heat - Cool...
Page 79
Foundation User Guide Information Heating Stage #1 20.00kW Cooling Stage #1 3.00kW 0.20kW Installer Setup Equipment Equipment Type Conventional Settings # of Cool stages # of Heat stages Minimum On/Off 3 minutes time Fan on in Heat Hysteresis 2°F (1°C)
Foundation User Guide 6.2 Foundation Thermostat Wiring The following diagram shows the backplate of the Foundation thermostat. 6.2.1 Conventional System Wiring The following are the general wiring connections for a conventional system. Common(GND) Power (24VAC) 1st Stage Heat 1st Stage Cool...
Page 81
Foundation User Guide 6.2.2 Heat Pump Wiring The following are the general wiring connections for a heat pump. Common(GND) Power (24VAC) Auxiliary or Emergency Heat 1st Stage Heat Pump 2nd Stage Heat Pump Reversing/Changeover Valve Heat Pump Fault FAULT Air Filter...
The following optional accessories are available for Foundation: Meter Data Collector (Model FZ100C only): Attaches to the meter provided by your electricity provider to gather information and transmit it to Foundation’s Meter Data Receiver. For more information, see 6.1.3 Meter Data Collector.
1. Use a flathead screwdriver to lift up the snap-fit tab located on top of the mounting bracket. 2. Lift the tab until Foundation is free to pull out. 3. Pull the top end of Foundation away from the mounting bracket until it is free of the snap-fit tab.
Foundation User Guide 8.2 Replacing the Battery The battery slot is located on the back of Foundation. Foundation uses a CR-2032 battery. Many government agencies have battery recycling programs. Contact your local jurisdictional government agency about available recycling programs. To find a recycling facility near you, go to: http://www.earth911.com/hazardous/single-use-batteries/lithium-manganese-batteries/...
1. Rest Foundation with the bottom groove that is hooked to the bottom tab of the mounting bracket. 2. Push the top half of Foundation against the mounting bracket until the top tab snaps into place. 8.4 Cleaning Clean Foundation with a soft cloth that is lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Using too much IPA or using other solvents may damage the display.
Foundation User Guide 9 Impact of Power Outages In the event of a power failure, Foundation retains the date and time information (if a battery is installed), and any information that is required for proper operation of your heating and cooling equipment.
Foundation User Guide 10 End-of-Life & Safe Disposal Foundation does not require any special action for disposal. However, as with any electronic equipment, please follow all applicable local, state or provincial, and national regulations for disposal. September 2013 Page 87...
Specifications are subject to change without notice. 11.1 Intended Use Foundation is designed to control temperature and to optimize cost and comfort levels in an indoor environment. Any changes or modifications that are not expressly approved by Energate Inc. could void your authority to operate this equipment.
Foundation User Guide 11.2 Product Conformity This equipment is RoHS compliant. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the Foundation and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers