Question 1

the automatic ventilation feature on my ecobee premium just turned on by itself, is that normal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, that's the design. The Automatic Ventilation (Beta) feature runs your ventilator for 20 minutes when indoor air quality is poor. You will receive an alert on the thermostat and in the app notifying you the ventilator is running. You can override it immediately with one tap from the alert. The feature only activates if you have a ventilator installed and controlled by the thermostat. If you find it's running too often or at inconvenient times, you can disable the feature. Check the settings related to ventilation or indoor air quality in the thermostat menu or the ecobee app.

Question 2

my ecobee's heat pump is short cycling, turning on and off every few minutes. how do i make it run longer?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS: The heat differential temperature is set too low. The system satisfies the setpoint too quickly, causing frequent starts and stops. FIX: Increase the heat differential temperature. This is the allowable drop below the setpoint before the system turns on. Navigate to MAIN MENU > SETTINGS > INSTALLATION SETTINGS > THRESHOLDS. Select HEAT DIFFERENTIAL TEMP. Change the value to a higher number (e.g., 1.5°F or 2°F instead of 0.5°F). IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: Check your staging configuration. If you have a multi-stage system, ensure the first stage is configured to handle the base load for longer run times. Improper staging can also cause short cycles. HEADS UP: Increasing the differential improves equipment efficiency and reduces wear from frequent startups. The trade-off is a slightly wider temperature swing in your home.

Question 3

where is the best place to put my ecobee smart sensors for the most accurate reading?

Accepted Answer

Optimal placement depends on your goal: temperature accuracy or occupancy detection. For balanced temperature throughout the home, place sensors in rooms that run hotter or cooler than the rest of the house. This helps minimize hot/cold spots. For optimal temperature reading accuracy: Mount the sensor at a height of 4 feet (1.2 m). Avoid direct sunlight, vents, fans, exterior walls, and windows. For optimal occupancy detection and pet immunity: Mount the sensor at a height of 6.5 feet (2 m). Place it about four feet off the ground facing the entire room for a 140° horizontal, 100° vertical field of view. Occupancy is accurate to a distance of 20 feet (6 m). During pairing, you'll be asked which Comfort Settings (Home, Away, Sleep) you want each sensor to participate in. For a bedroom sensor used only at night, select only the Sleep Comfort Setting.

Question 4

my ecobee smart sensor for doors isn't pausing my ac when the patio door is left open, what gives?

Accepted Answer

Yeah, a few things can trip this up. The main one is that the "Pause when Open" feature is only for Smart Security subscribers. It's not a standard eco+ thing. First, check your subscription status. If you're not a Smart Security customer, the feature will appear grayed out in your eco+ settings. You need to subscribe to Haven to get it. If you are subscribed, here's the checklist: It can take up to 24 hours on weekdays (72 hours on weekends) to activate after subscribing. The thermostat must be connected to the internet for the initial pause command. If it loses internet after pausing, it will resume normally when the door closes. The door or window must be open for more than 5 minutes to trigger the pause. Check that the specific sensor is selected to participate in the feature in the settings. All are included by default, but you might have accidentally turned it off. Also, your sensor doesn't need to be paired directly to the thermostat—if it's paired to a Smart Camera, it still works.

Question 5

just installed an ecobee, it won't turn on at all. did i wire it wrong?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS: This is almost always a power issue, specifically the lack of a common or "C" wire, or incorrect wiring with the PEK adapter. FIX: First, you need to safely check your wiring. Turn off your HVAC system at the master switch or circuit breaker. Remove the ecobee from its backplate. Check if you have a wire connected to the "C" terminal. If you do, ensure it's seated firmly. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: If you don't have a C-wire, you must use the included Power Extender Kit (PEK). The installation for the Premium model is specific—the PEK terminal is labelled PEK+. You'll need to re-wire at the furnace control board. The ecobee app has step-by-step videos customized to your wiring setup. Use it. HEADS UP: For any installation, always label your wires from the old thermostat one at a time before disconnecting. If you had a jumper between Rc and Rh, leave it alone—the ecobee handles that internally.

Question 6

my ecobee smart thermostat premium keeps turning on the auxiliary heat way too early, how do i stop it?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS: Your heat pump differentials are set too aggressively. The system is staging in aux heat before the heat pump has a chance to work. FIX: Adjust the compressor to auxiliary heat delta. Go to MAIN MENU > SETTINGS > INSTALLATION SETTINGS > THRESHOLDS. Select CONFIGURE STAGING MANUALLY. Select COMP TO AUX DELTA. Increase the value. This sets how many degrees the indoor temperature can drop below the setpoint before aux heat engages. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: Your heat pump may be locking out due to cold outdoor temps. Check the minimum outdoor temperature setting. Go to INSTALLATION SETTINGS > THRESHOLDS > COMPRESSOR MIN OUTDOOR TEMP. If set to a fixed value, the heat pump won't run below that temp. Consider disabling this to let the ecobee maximize heat pump use. HEADS UP: To prevent short cycling and improve efficiency, increase the HEAT DIFFERENTIAL TEMP in the same THRESHOLDS menu. This makes the system wait for a larger temperature drop before turning on.

Question 7

my ecobee thermostat is reading a different temperature than my thermometer, how do i fix this?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS: The thermostat sensor has a +/- 1°F variance. Warm or cold air from the wall cavity can also influence it. FIX: First, seal the hole where the wires pass through the wall with plumber's putty. To adjust the reading: Go to MAIN MENU > SETTINGS > INSTALLATION SETTINGS > THRESHOLDS. Select TEMPERATURE CORRECTION. Apply an offset up to +/- 10°F to match your trusted thermometer. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: If you have SmartSensors paired, the displayed temperature is an average. Compare the thermostat sensor alone. Go to MAIN MENU > SETTINGS > SENSORS to view individual sensor readings and see which one is off. HEADS UP: When validating, only compare the thermostat sensor reading to your thermometer. The average temperature shown with paired sensors will be different.

Question 8

the automatic ventilation on my ecobee premium just turned on for 20 minutes. why? can i stop it from doing that?

Accepted Answer

The Automatic Ventilation (Beta) feature activated because your indoor air quality (IAQ) dropped below a threshold. It runs the ventilator for a fixed 20-minute cycle to exchange air. You received an alert. Tap it for details. To override an active cycle, tap the eco+ icon on your thermostat or app and turn the system back on. This stops the ventilation. To disable the feature entirely, you'll need to navigate to the ventilator settings within the thermostat's installation settings. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: The feature is in Beta and may be sensitive. Check your IAQ indicator on the main screen for specifics (e.g., high VOCs or CO2). Improving source control (like running kitchen/bath fans) can prevent triggers. HEADS UP: This feature only works if you have a ventilator installed and wired to be controlled by the thermostat. It requires the thermostat to be connected to the internet.

Question 9

my ecobee premium's fan or ac turns on for like 2 minutes then shuts off, over and over. is this short cycling?

Accepted Answer

Yes, that's short cycling. The system's differential setting is too narrow, causing it to satisfy the temperature too quickly and turn off, only to restart minutes later. Increase the heat differential temperature. This setting determines how far the temperature must drop below the setpoint before the system turns back on. A larger differential reduces cycles. Go to MAIN MENU > SETTINGS > INSTALLATION SETTINGS > THRESHOLDS > HEAT DIFFERENTIAL TEMP (for heating) or COOL DIFFERENTIAL TEMP (for cooling). Increase the value. Start with a 0.5°F to 1.0°F increase and observe. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: If you have SmartSensors paired, the 'Follow Me' feature could be causing rapid setpoint changes as you move. Disable Follow Me temporarily to test. Also, check for drafts or a sensor placed near a vent causing rapid temperature swings. HEADS UP: Short cycling wastes energy and wears out equipment. If adjusting the differential doesn't resolve it, your system may be oversized or have a separate mechanical issue.

Question 10

where's the best place to put the ecobee smart sensors? i put one in my living room and it doesn't seem to notice when i'm home.

Accepted Answer

Placement is critical for occupancy detection. The living room is a high-traffic target, but height and field of view are key. Optimal Height: For best occupancy detection (and pet immunity), mount at 6.5 ft (2 m). For most accurate temperature readings, 4 ft (1.2 m) is ideal. Position: Place it about four feet off the ground, facing the center of the room. It needs a clear, unobstructed 140° horizontal and 100° vertical viewing angle. Avoid: Direct sunlight, HVAC vents, fans, exterior walls, and windows. These cause false temperature readings. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: The occupancy sensor detects sustained body heat, not just motion. You need to be within its 20-foot range for a period of time. Also, check its participation settings. During setup, you select which Comfort Settings (Home, Away, Sleep) it joins. Ensure it's participating in 'Home'.

Question 11

can i turn off just the time of use feature on my ecobee premium? i don't like it precooling my house.

Accepted Answer

Yeah, you can absolutely disable Time of Use independently. All the eco+ features are modular. Go into your eco+ settings. You'll see a slider for Time of Use—just toggle it to 'off'. It disables immediately. You can also edit your Utility Information under Home settings to remove or change the rate plan. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: If the eco+ icon is still showing, you might have disabled the entire eco+ suite for the day. Disabling just Time of Use is different. Double-check the specific Time of Use toggle is off. Also, if you skipped setup initially, the feature might not be active at all. HEADS UP: Time of Use needs an internet connection to work—it's server-driven. If your thermostat is offline, it won't run those schedules. The precool/preheat depths (from 1°F to 4°F) and setbacks (0°F to 3°F) are based on your eco+ savings slider level (1-5).

Question 12

my ecobee premium keeps pausing my ac because it thinks a door is open, but all the doors are closed. what's going on?

Accepted Answer

A paired door/window SmartSensor is likely reporting an "open" state, triggering the Pause When Open eco+ feature. Check the notification on your ecobee app. It will specify which sensor triggered the pause. Physically inspect that sensor and its door/window. Ensure it's mounted securely and closed completely. If the sensor is faulty or you want to exclude it, go to your eco+ settings. You can select which sensors participate in Pause When Open. Unselect the problematic sensor. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: The feature requires a constant internet connection to engage. If your thermostat lost and regained internet, it may have triggered a pause retroactively. A system reboot can clear this state. HEADS UP: This feature is only for Smart Security subscribers with door/window SmartSensors. It activates 5 minutes after an opening and resumes 30 seconds after closing. You can override any pause by tapping the eco+ icon on the thermostat or app.

Question 13

just got an ecobee smartthermostat premium and i have no c-wire. the pek adapter is confusing, how do i hook this thing up?

Accepted Answer

No C-wire is common, and the Power Extender Kit (PEK) adapter is the solution. It lets the thermostat draw power from your HVAC system's control board. Safety First: Turn off your HVAC system at the master switch or circuit breaker. Confirm it's off by trying to turn on the heat or AC—you should feel nothing from the vents. Remove your old thermostat. Carefully disconnect and label each wire one at a time using the provided labels. Ignore any jumper wires between Rc, Rh, or R terminals. At your furnace control board, you'll install the PEK. The ecobee app provides customized wiring diagrams and videos for this exact step. Essentially, you'll connect the PEK module to the board, and it will create a virtual C-wire. Mount the ecobee backplate, run the wires through, and connect them as directed by the app, which will include the wire from the PEK. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: Double-check all wire labels and connections at both the thermostat and the control board. A single misplaced wire will prevent power. The app's guided setup is the most reliable resource. HEADS UP: If you have multiple G wires or are adding accessories like a humidifier, specific wiring diagrams exist for those scenarios.

Question 14

ecobee premium temperature is wrong, it says 72 but my room feels way colder. how do i fix the sensor reading?

Accepted Answer

The thermostat sensor has a variance of +/- 1°F. A larger discrepancy requires manual correction. Fix: Apply a Temperature Correction offset. Navigate to MAIN MENU > SETTINGS > INSTALLATION SETTINGS > THRESHOLDS > TEMPERATURE CORRECTION. Adjust the offset by +/- 10°F to match a trusted thermometer's reading. Critical Validation Step: Before adjusting, check which sensors are active. Go to MAIN MENU > SETTINGS > SENSORS. If SmartSensors are paired, the displayed temperature is an average of all participating sensors. Compare the thermostat sensor reading alone to your trusted device. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: The wall cavity behind the thermostat may be influencing the sensor. Ensure the hole where the wires enter the wall is completely sealed with plumber's putty to block drafts.

Question 15

my ecobee smartthermostat premium keeps using the auxiliary heat way too much, even when it's not that cold out. how do i stop it?

Accepted Answer

Your heat pump's auxiliary lockout and staging thresholds are likely set too aggressively. The system is defaulting to auxiliary heat before giving the heat pump a proper chance to work. Go to MAIN MENU > SETTINGS > INSTALLATION SETTINGS > THRESHOLDS > COMPRESSOR MIN OUTDOOR TEMP. The default is Disabled, which maximizes heat pump use. If it's set to a specific temperature, the heat pump won't run below that. Set it to Disabled or a lower temperature appropriate for your unit. Next, go to MAIN MENU > SETTINGS > INSTALLATION SETTINGS > THRESHOLDS > CONFIGURE STAGING MANUALLY > COMP TO AUX DELTA. This setting determines how many degrees the indoor temperature can drop below your setpoint before auxiliary heat engages. Increase this value. A higher number gives the heat pump more time to recover before aux kicks in. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: The heat pump itself might be short-cycling, which triggers auxiliary. Go to MAIN MENU > SETTINGS > INSTALLATION SETTINGS > THRESHOLDS > HEAT DIFFERENTIAL TEMP. Increase this value. This makes the system wait for a larger temperature drop before turning on, improving efficiency and reducing short cycles. HEADS UP: Tweak one setting at a time and test for a day. Drastic changes can lead to comfort issues.

Question 16

installing my ecobee premium and i have a blue wire but no c wire label, what do i do?

Accepted Answer

Identify the wire at your HVAC equipment. A blue wire is often used for C. But you must confirm. Power off your HVAC system at the breaker or main switch. Confirm it's off by trying to turn on heat or AC—no air should come from vents. Remove your old thermostat. Carefully disconnect and label each wire using the provided labels. Label the wire coming from the wall, not any jumpers. If you see a wire connected to a terminal labeled 'C' or 'COM' at your furnace or air handler control board, that's your C-wire. Connect it to the 'C' terminal on the ecobee backplate. You won't need the PEK adapter. If that didn't work and there's no C terminal on your control board, you must use the included Power Extender Kit (PEK). Follow the wiring diagrams for installation without a C-wire. The PEK terminal on the Premium is labeled PEK+. Heads up: The ecobee app has step-by-step videos and diagrams customized to your wiring. Use it. For safety, always shut off power before handling wires.

Question 17

where should i put the ecobee smart sensors for them to work right? my living room one seems wonky.

Accepted Answer

Placement is critical for accurate temperature and occupancy readings. Here's how to do it right: Mount it about four feet off the ground for the best temperature readings. Face it toward the center of the room. It has a 140° horizontal and 100° vertical viewing angle. Avoid placing it near vents, fans, exterior walls, windows, or in direct sunlight. These create false readings. For optimal pet immunity, wall-mount at a height of 6.5 feet. During pairing, you'll select which Comfort Settings (Home, Away, Sleep) it participates in. Choose wisely—like having a bedroom sensor only participate in Sleep mode. If that didn't work, check the battery. It uses a CR-2477 coin cell (CR-2477N is not compatible). High traffic or extreme temperatures can reduce the 5-year battery life. Also, ensure it's within 60 feet of the thermostat, though walls or other 915MHz devices (like baby monitors) can reduce range. Heads up: The occupancy sensor detects continued presence via infrared, not just motion. The more time you spend in front of it, the more weight it's given.

Question 18

can i turn off smart home & away but keep the other eco+ features on my ecobee?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can enable or disable any eco+ feature individually. Go to your eco+ settings, either on the thermostat or in the app. You'll see the five features: Smart Home & Away, Schedule Assistant, Time of Use, Community Energy Savings, and Adjust temperature for humidity. Each has its own toggle switch. Simply toggle Smart Home & Away to OFF. The other features remain active. If that didn't work, note that Time of Use and Community Energy Savings are not available in all areas. Their availability depends on your local utility. Heads up: This gives you full control. You can mix and match features to suit your lifestyle.

Question 19

my ecobee premium's automatic ventilation keeps turning on for no reason, how do i control it?

Accepted Answer

The Automatic Ventilation (Beta) feature is running based on poor indoor air quality readings. To control it: When it activates, you receive an alert. You can override the action with one tap from that notification. The ventilator runs for a fixed 20-minute cycle when triggered. If that didn't work, the feature may be too sensitive for your environment. Since it's a Beta feature, control options within settings are limited. You cannot currently adjust the IAQ threshold that triggers it. Heads up: This feature requires a ventilator installed in your home that is controlled by the thermostat. It is separate from the main HVAC fan control.

Question 20

how do i set up time of use on my ecobee premium to save money on electricity?

Accepted Answer

You need a variable electricity rate plan from your utility and to enter your plan details in the ecobee. Confirm you're on a Time of Use rate plan. Check your utility bill or account. On the thermostat or app, go to eco+ settings. Toggle the Time of Use slider to ON. Enter your utility information and select your specific rate plan when prompted. Use the info icon to see an example of where to find this on your bill. Once saved, Time of Use activates within 24 hours. It will precool/preheat your home before expensive rate periods and apply a setback during them. The eco+ icon appears when it's active. If that didn't work, your utility or rate plan might not be in ecobee's list. Contact ecobee support to have it added. Also, your home address must have a valid ZIP/postal code, and the thermostat must stay connected to the internet for this server-based feature. Heads up: You can adjust the aggressiveness via the eco+ slider. Level 1 applies a 1°F precool/preheat, Level 5 applies a 4°F precool/preheat and a 3°F setback.

Question 21

ecobee smartthermostat premium keeps pausing my hvac because it thinks a window is open, but all my windows are shut. what gives?

Accepted Answer

Yeah, this one's common. Your door/window SmartSensor is either falsely triggering or the 'Pause when Open' feature is misconfigured. First, check which sensors are participating. On the thermostat or app, go to your eco+ settings and find 'Pause when Open'. See the list of enrolled sensors. You can disable specific ones there. If you turn them all off, the feature turns off completely. If that didn't work, the sensor itself might be faulty or its magnet contact is weak. Check the physical sensor on the door/window. Ensure it's mounted correctly and the contact is secure. The feature triggers after an opening is detected for more than 5 minutes. Heads up: This feature requires a SmartSecurity subscription and a door/window SmartSensor. It also needs your thermostat to be connected to the internet to initiate the pause. If the internet drops after a pause starts, the system will still resume when the sensor is closed.

Question 22

why is my ecobee thermostat reading 3 degrees hotter than every other thermometer in my house?

Accepted Answer

Warm air from the wall cavity is influencing the sensor. Or the sensor needs calibration. First, seal the hole behind the thermostat where the wires come through. Use plumber's putty. This stops wall cavity air flow. Then, calibrate the sensor. Get a trusted thermometer. Place it near the thermostat. On the ecobee, go to MAIN MENU > SETTINGS > INSTALLATION SETTINGS > THRESHOLDS > TEMPERATURE CORRECTION. Adjust the offset to match your trusted thermometer. You can correct by +/- 10°F. If that didn't work, check if you have SmartSensors paired. The thermostat reading is an average of all participating sensors. Go to MAIN MENU > SETTINGS > SENSORS to see the list. The thermostat's own sensor has a variance of +/- 1°F. Heads up: Only compare the thermostat sensor to your thermometer when validating. Sensor average readings are different.

Question 23

my ecobee smartthermostat premium keeps using the auxiliary heat even when it's not that cold outside, how do i stop it?

Accepted Answer

The most likely cause is your heat pump's auxiliary heat threshold settings are too aggressive. Here is the fix: Go to MAIN MENU > SETTINGS > INSTALLATION SETTINGS > THRESHOLDS. Select CONFIGURE STAGING MANUALLY. Adjust the COMP TO AUX DELTA setting. This is the number of degrees the indoor temperature can drop below the setpoint before auxiliary heat engages. Increase this value. Also check COMPRESSOR MIN OUTDOOR TEMP. If set to a specific temperature, the heat pump will not run below that outdoor temp, forcing aux heat. The default is Disabled. Increase the HEAT DIFFERENTIAL TEMP setting to reduce short cycling and improve efficiency. If that didn't work, the issue may be your specific heat pump's performance. The default settings rely on system feedback; if your heat pump is slow to produce heat, manually increasing the COMP TO AUX DELTA further is required. Heads up: Maximizing heat pump use saves energy. Auxiliary heat (often electric strips or gas) is your most expensive heating source.

Question 24

my ecobee smart sensor says it detects occupancy but the battery died in like a year, not five. what happened?

Accepted Answer

Battery life is reduced by environment and placement. Five years is under ideal conditions. Primary cause: The sensor is in a high-traffic area. Constant occupancy detection uses more power. Also, high or low ambient temperature drains the battery faster. Fix: Replace the battery with a new CR-2477 coin-cell. The CR-2477N is not compatible. Relocate the sensor if possible. For optimal battery life, avoid placing it in the busiest spot in the house. If that didn't work: Check for interference. Devices like baby monitors or cordless phones operating on 915MHz can force the sensor to use more power to communicate with the thermostat, reducing range and battery life. Heads up: For best temperature readings, place the sensor at 4 ft high. For best 'pet immunity' to prevent false triggers, place it at 6.5 ft high. The sensor has a 140° horizontal viewing angle.

Question 25

the eco+ icon is always on my ecobee screen and it's preheating my house at weird times, how do i control this?

Accepted Answer

The icon shows when a Time of Use, 'Pause when Open', or other eco+ event is active. The preheating is from Time of Use. To control the preheat/precool depth: Go to your eco+ settings. Adjust the savings preferences slider. Levels 1-5 control the intensity.Level 1: Precools/Preheats 1°F, No Setback. Level 5: Precools/Preheats 4°F, Applies a 3°F Setback. If you want to disable Time of Use completely: Toggle its specific slider to 'off' in the eco+ settings. This does not disable other eco+ features like Smart Home/Away. If the icon is from 'Pause when Open': A door/window sensor is open for >5 minutes. Close the door/window or manage participating sensors in the eco+ settings for that feature. Heads up: Time of Use precools/preheats based on your variable electricity rate plan to save money. It requires your thermostat to be connected to the internet and a valid home ZIP/postal code.

Question 26

my ecobee premium keeps pausing my ac because it thinks a window is open, but all windows are closed. what gives?

Accepted Answer

The 'Pause when Open' feature is being triggered by a door or window SmartSensor. This feature requires a Smart Security subscription and SmartSensors for doors/windows. Diagnosis and fix: Check your eco+ settings. See which sensors are participating in the feature. All are included by default. Unselect the sensor that is causing the false trigger. Unselecting all sensors turns the feature off completely. If that didn't work: Verify the sensor's status. The HVAC pauses when a sensor reports 'open' for more than 5 minutes. Ensure the physical sensor is properly closed and its magnet is aligned. Important notes: The feature requires internet. If the thermostat is offline, it won't pause, but it will engage immediately when internet returns. If a pause is triggered and then internet is lost, the HVAC will still resume when the sensor is closed. This feature is not affected by the eco+ savings preference slider.

Question 27

where's the best place to put the ecobee smart sensor in my bedroom for sleep comfort?

Accepted Answer

For accurate sleep temperature, placement is key. You'll also want to assign it only to your Sleep comfort setting. Here's how to set it up: Placement: Mount it about four feet off the ground, facing the main part of the room. Avoid spots near vents, fans, exterior walls, windows, or direct sunlight. Pairing: When you pair the sensor, the thermostat will ask which Comfort Settings (Home, Away, Sleep) it should participate in. Selection: Choose only 'Sleep' for your bedroom sensor. This ensures it only controls the temperature at night, not during the day when you're elsewhere. For optimal performance, note these specs: For best temperature readings: 4 ft (1.2 m) high. For 'pet immunity' to avoid false occupancy: 6.5 ft (2 m) high. Occupancy viewing distance is 20 feet. It detects continued presence, not just motion.

Question 28

can i turn off just the time of use feature on my ecobee without disabling all the other smart stuff?

Accepted Answer

Yeah, you can pick and choose. All eco+ features are independent. Go into your eco+ settings. You'll see sliders for five features: Smart Home & Away, Schedule Assistant, Time of Use, Community Energy Savings, and Adjust temperature for humidity. Just toggle the Time of Use slider to 'off'. The others stay on. If you don't see Time of Use: It's only applicable if your electricity rate varies by time of day. If you're not on a variable rate plan with your utility, the feature won't be available. You'd need to contact your utility provider to switch plans. Heads up: Time of Use requires internet. If your thermostat loses connection, the feature won't work until it's back online. Also, if you disable all of eco+ for the day, Time of Use stays off until midnight.

Question 29

my ecobee smart thermostat won't turn on at all after i tried installing it myself, did i fry it?

Accepted Answer

No power. Check your wiring and system power. You didn't fry it. First, confirm your HVAC system master switch or circuit breaker is ON. Turn your heat or AC on at the thermostat. Wait. Feel for air at the vents. If no power: Power off the HVAC system at the breaker. Remove the thermostat from the wall to inspect the backplate wiring. You have one of three scenarios. Identify yours:With a C-wire: You don't need the PEK adapter. Ensure the blue or black C-wire is securely in the C terminal. Without a C-wire: You must use the supplied Power Extender Kit (PEK). The PEK terminal is labelled PEK+ on the Premium model. Follow the PEK wiring diagram exactly. With multiple G wires: This requires a specific wiring setup. Use the ecobee app for step-by-step videos customized to your wiring. Heads up: Always label wires before disconnecting your old thermostat. If you have a jumper between Rc and Rh, leave it alone. Only label wires from the wall.

Question 30

ecobee premium keeps using my expensive aux heat instead of the heat pump, how do i stop that?

Accepted Answer

Adjust the compressor-to-auxiliary heat delta. This is the primary fix. Navigate to MAIN MENU > SETTINGS > INSTALLATION SETTINGS > THRESHOLDS > CONFIGURE STAGING MANUALLY > COMP TO AUX DELTA. Increase the value. This setting defines how many degrees the indoor temperature can drop below the setpoint before auxiliary heat engages. A higher number gives your heat pump more time to work. If that didn't work: Check the minimum outdoor temperature lockout. Go to MAIN MENU > SETTINGS > INSTALLATION SETTINGS > THRESHOLDS > COMPRESSOR MIN OUTDOOR TEMP. If set to a fixed temperature and it's colder outside, the heat pump is locked out. Set to 'Disabled' to maximize heat pump use. Heads up: To prevent short cycling and improve efficiency, increase the HEAT DIFFERENTIAL TEMP in the same THRESHOLDS menu. This makes the system turn on for a larger temperature drop.

Question 31

my new ecobee thermostat is reading 3 degrees colder than my other thermometer, how do i fix this?

Accepted Answer

The temperature sensor has a variance of +/- 1°F. A 3-degree discrepancy means you need to apply a permanent correction. To correct the sensor reading: Go to MAIN MENU > SETTINGS > INSTALLATION SETTINGS > THRESHOLDS > TEMPERATURE CORRECTION. Adjust the offset by up to +/- 10°F in either direction to match your trusted thermometer. Important validation steps before you adjust: Compare only the thermostat sensor reading, not the average if you have SmartSensors paired. Check sensor pairing at MAIN MENU > SETTINGS > SENSORS. Seal the hole behind the thermostat with plumber's putty. Air from the wall cavity can influence the sensor.

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