EMERSON Classic 70 Series 1F78-144 Thermostat | Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, South Shore & North Shore
Your old dial thermostat is hard to read: this one shows the temperature in digits, on 2 AAA batteries, with no C wire and no schedule.
Quick facts
The old dial thermostat still does its job in many homes around Montréal, but it is hard to read and you set it by eye. The 1F78-144 belongs to Classic 70, an older White-Rodgers series from EMERSON: it takes over from the mechanical thermostat with a digital display, no programming and battery power. In its 2025 cross-reference table, the brand lists the EMERSON 70 Series 1F75C-11NP to replace the 1F78-144.
A digital thermostat with no schedule
- 1 heat, 1 cool: gas, oil or electric.
- 24 V or millivolt: its spec sheet covers both kinds of control.
- 2 AAA alkaline batteries: it needs no C wire.
- Terminals: O, B, RC, RH, W, G and Y.
- Display: backlit LCD.
- Setpoint range: 7 to 32 °C (45 to 90 °F).
Its white case measures 3-3/4 in. (H) x 5-1/8 in. (W) x 1-1/8 in. (D).
Supported systems
It controls gas, oil or electric heat, with or without central air, as well as a central heat pump with no backup heat (1 heat, 1 cool). Dual fuel, which needs a backup stage, is not possible. Baseboards, convectors, fan-forced heaters, electric floor heating and wall or ducted heat pumps are ruled out; as for hot water or steam, its spec sheet does not name those systems.
The 1F78-144 and its neighbours
The EMERSON 70 Series 1F75C-11NP stays non-programmable but runs on 2 AA batteries or hardwired with a C wire, goes up to 37 °C and is 6 in. wide; its sheet also lists a filter reminder and the optional F61-2663 wall plate. The EMERSON Classic 70 Series 1F78-151 is the same size as the 1F78-144 and offers 5-2 day programming; its sheet lists 24 V, while the 1F78-144 sheet lists 24 V or millivolt.
Installing it on AAA batteries
Because it runs on 2 AAA batteries alone, the 1F78-144 goes onto wiring with no C wire; we set it for one heating and one cooling stage, then test heating, cooling and the fan. At the free in-home estimate, we also tell you whether the 1F75C-11NP would suit your system better.
Manufacturer document: brand 2025 cross-reference table (R-4538-9). Sold and installed by AirGreen. We serve Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore.
Key facts: EMERSON Classic 70 Series 1F78-144
Four things to know, then its ID card in twelve answers. “—” means the manufacturer does not publish it.
Is the EMERSON Classic 70 Series 1F78-144 compatible with your heating?
Two steps, thirty seconds. The verdict takes your system and your wiring into account.
Full compatibility table
The terminals behind the thermostat
Tap an element to see what it does. A working diagram, not a substitute for the manufacturer’s installation guide.
Try the EMERSON Classic 70 Series 1F78-144 before you buy
Raise the setpoint, change the mode: see how it responds.
Winter, Rate Flex D and rebates: what this thermostat changes
With Hydro-Québec’s Rate Flex D, electricity costs less most of the winter and more during a few peak hours. Turning the setpoint down a few degrees during those hours is what counts.
The EMERSON Classic 70 Series 1F78-144 or its closest sibling?
The most useful comparison: the model right next to it in our catalogue.
The right thermostat in three questions
If this model is not the right one for you, the page says so and shows you which one is.
Installed and set up by our technicians, in five steps
What we do at your place, in order. The on-site estimate is free.
- 01InspectionEquipment, stages to control and existing wiring.
- 02C wireCommon wire added if the model needs it and it is missing.
- 03MountingWall base, terminal wiring, cover plate if needed.
- 04SettingsEquipment type, stages, dual energy and accessories.
- 05Start-upConnection, app, schedule and tests with you.
EMERSON Classic 70 Series 1F78-144 specifications
From the manufacturer’s sheet. Type a word: the list filters as you write.
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Frequently asked questions about the EMERSON Classic 70 Series 1F78-144
Short answers, no detours.
What does the EMERSON Classic 70 Series 1F78-144 work with?
According to the manufacturer’s sheet: gas, oil or electric; 24 V or millivolt.
Can it control electric baseboards?
No. It is a low-voltage (24 V) thermostat. 120/240 V baseboards need a line-voltage electronic thermostat.
Can it be controlled remotely?
Not directly: it has no built-in Wi-Fi.
Does AirGreen install it?
Yes. We sell and install this product in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore and the North Shore. The on-site estimate is free.
No question matches. Call us at 514 316-2973.
Your thermostat, installed and set up by our technicians
We check your system and wiring, install the thermostat, connect it and program it with you. One visit, one installed price.