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

Placement is critical for accurate temperature and occupancy readings.

Here's how to do it right:

1. Mount it about four feet off the ground for the best temperature readings.
2. Face it toward the center of the room. It has a 140° horizontal and 100° vertical viewing angle.
3. Avoid placing it near vents, fans, exterior walls, windows, or in direct sunlight. These create false readings.
4. For optimal pet immunity, wall-mount at a height of 6.5 feet.
5. 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.