ecobee3 Configuring HomeKit

Configuring HomeKit


Your ecobee3 supports HomeKit integration. The biggest benefit to our customers is the ability to use Siri from an iPhone, iPod or iPad. The ecobee3 mobile app provides the support to add this
to a phone.

On Mobile:

  1. Select the Home Icon from the top right of the screen.
  2. Select the + icon, once again from the top right
  3. You can now add Homes, Zones and Rooms.

Creating Rooms: When a HomeKit home is created, it has a default room. Create rooms to ensure that you can create logical groupings of accessories in the same room.

Creating Zones: Create zones to ensure that you can create logical groupings of rooms that must participate in the same scene.

Deleting Zones & Rooms: If you wish to delete zones or rooms, you can do so by first selecting the room or zone and then choosing to Edit.

Using Siri

To use Siri, you must be on the same wi-fi network as your thermostat unless you have a HomeKit bridge. For official support please refer to the Apple HomeKit Support page. To see a list of the most commonly used Siri commands please refer to the ecobee3 FAQs.

Managing Your Account
Your ecobee3 is designed to securely communicate over the Internet with ecobee servers in order to obtain precise weather information and provide your own personalized ecobee web portal.

Registering

To access all the features of your ecobee3, register your ecobee3 at ecobee.com. After registration, you can control your ecobee3 from your smartphone, tablet or desktop, and access free online energy management tools.

Making Changes to Your Account

To make changes to your account, visit ecobee.com and log in to your personalized web portal. From there you will be able to make changes to your account, contact information and location. You will also be able to access additional features for your ecobee3 as well as online energy management tools.

  • Moving to New House

If you’re moving and want to take your ecobee3 with you, you’ll need to re-connect it to the Internet and update your location and house information.

Changing Thermostat Owner

If you’re moving and are not taking your ecobee3 with you, log onto the Web Portal and select Reset under the Settings tab. Select Reset Registration. This terminates the association between your ecobee3 thermostat and your personalized web portal. You can also accomplish the same thing by resetting the registration your thermostat (page 17). You can always add another device for your new home with the same account. The new homeowners will need to register the ecobee3 thermostat and set up their own web portal.

Installation Settings

The ecobee3 automatically detects which wires are connected to it. However, you may need to still adjust equipment operating parameters. Note: Installation settings are only configurable from the thermostat itself, not the personalized web portal. 

Equipment Wiring


The ecobee3 automatically detects which wires are connected and displays them on the screen.

On Thermostat:
Select Main Menu > Settings > Installation Settings > Equipment > Wiring

Equipment Settings

The Equipment settings let you configure the devices connected to the thermostat. Depending on your system’s equipment, not all options may be available.

Heat Pump


This menu lets you configure a heat pump with up to 2 heat/2 cool stages and a 2 stage auxiliary heat source.


 Type: This setting helps the thermostat determine
optimum performance and default settings. Select
Geothermal if you are using a geothermal heat pump;
otherwise select Air to Air.
 O/B Reversing Value: Select Energized on Cool to
activate the reversing valve output (O/B terminal) when
there is a call for cooling. Select Energized on Heat to
activate the relay when there is call for heat.
 Min Cycle off time: Configures the minimum compressor
off time between cycles (240 to 900 seconds).
 Min outdoor temp: Disables the compressor when the
outside air temperature reaches the configured minimum
setting. This performs two functions. It prevents the
compressor from running when the outdoor temperature
is too low, thus resulting in damage to the compressor.

You can also set this value to determine when you want the auxiliary heat (if installed) to engage to help meet the set temperature. The temperature range is adjustable from 0 to 65 °F (–17.8 to 18.3 °C) or can be completely disabled. Note: You need an Internet connection for this feature to operate properly.

Aux Heat Simultaneous Operation: If you select Enable and there is a source of auxiliary heat, it will turn on in addition to the heat pump. The heat pump will be engaged for the first 30 minutes. If, after 30 minutes, the set point has not been met, the auxiliary heat will also be engaged to assist the heat pump in reaching the set point.

If you select Disable, the heat pump will be engaged for up to 2 hours. If after 2 hours the set point has not been met, the thermostat will shutdown the heat pump and engage the auxiliary heat to reach the set point. This option should also be used for installation where the heat pump evaporator coil is downstream from the source of auxiliary heat. This setting is only available when the Comp to Aux Temp Delta and Comp to Aux Runtime settings are both set to Auto (default).

On Thermostat:

  1. Select Main Menu > Settings > Installation Settings >
    Equipment > Heat Pump.
  2. Configure the settings as required.

Furnace

This menu lets you configure up to a 2-stage conventional heat source. If you have selected a heat pump as your primary source, this feature allows you to configure the 1st stage of auxiliary heat connected to the system. 

Type: Configured during initial setup (page 4), this optimizes the system for either a conventional furnace or a boiler. 

Fan control in Heat mode: Configures the furnace fan to be controlled by the ecobee3 or the HVAC system during heat cycles. Normally the HVAC system controls the fan during heat cycles.

On Thermostat:

  1. Select Main Menu > Settings > Installation Settings >
    Equipment > Furnace.
  2. Configure the settings as required.

Humidifier

This menu lets you configure a humidifier accessory. 

Type: Optimizes the humidifier operation for either Evaporative or Steam humidification. 

Min Run Time Delta: Reduces short cycling by running the humidifier beyond the set point by the selected amount (2% to 10%). 

Window Efficiency: The humidifier frost control setting uses this efficiency rating to compute the humidity set point within the range of 15% to 50%. Values are from 1 to 7, with 7 being for the most efficient windows possible.

On Thermostat:

  1. Select Main Menu > Settings > Installation Settings >
    Equipment > Humidifier.
  2. Configure the settings as required.

Dehumidifier

This menu lets you configure a dehumidifier accessory. 

Dehumidify with fan: Run dehumidifier when fan is running. 

Min Run time delta: Reduces short cycling by running the humidifier beyond the set point by the selected amount (2% to 10%). 27 

Dehumidify in heat mode: Select Yes for the humidifier to only operate when there is a call for heat. If you want the humidifier to function at other times, select No. 

Dehumidifier Active: Select Open if the dehumidifier is active when the relay is open; otherwise select Closed.

On Thermostat:

  1. Select Main Menu > Settings > Installation Settings >
    Equipment > Dehumidifier.
  2. Configure the settings as required.

Ventilator

This menu lets you configure a ventilator accessory. 

Free Cooling Max Outdoor Temp: Prevents the freecooling feature from running when the outdoor temperature is above the configured value. 

Free Cooling Max Outdoor Humidity: Prevents the freecooling feature from running when the outdoor humidity is above the configured value. By default, this option is disabled. The Auto value determines the maximum humidity based on the temperature. 

Indoor/Outdoor Temp Delta: The temperature difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures at which the ventilator will run. 

Max Set Point Temp Delta: The maximum allowed difference between the current temperature and set point for free cooling to function. By default, this option is disabled.

On Thermostat:

  1. Select Main Menu > Settings > Installation Settings >
    Equipment > Ventilator.
  2. Configure the settings as required.

Reconfiguring Equipment

Select Main Menu > Reconfigure equipment to run the initial setup process again. Note: Reconfiguring the equipment will delete any existing configuration.

Thresholds

This menu lets you configure the temperature and time thresholds associated with the heating and cooling equipment. You must configure the Equipment settings (page 25) before setting the thresholds. Only the applicable threshold settings will be displayed (i.e. if no air conditioner is configured, you will not see the options related to air conditioners).

Auto Heat/Cool


Enabling this option allows the user to select auto change-over as a system mode.

On Thermostat:

  1. Select Main Menu > Settings > Installation Settings >
    Thresholds > Auto Heat/Cool.
  2. Configure the settings as required.

Heat/Cool Min Delta

The minimum difference between the heat mode set temperature and the cool mode set temperature when the system mode is in auto change-over. The delta is adjustable from 2 to 10 °F (1.1 to 5.5 °C). The default value is 5 °F (2.8 °C).

On Thermostat:

  1. Select Main Menu > Settings > Installation Settings >
    Thresholds > Heat/Cool Min delta.
  2. Configure the settings as required.

Compressor Min Cycle Off Time

This enforces a minimum time that the compressor must be off between cycles. This ensures the compressor does not short cycle (which could negatively affect the operating life of the system). This time is adjustable from 240–900 seconds.

On Thermostat:

  1. Select Main Menu > Settings > Installation Settings >
    Thresholds > Compress Min Cycle Off Time.
  2. Configure the settings as required.

Compressor Min Outdoor Temp

Enforces a minimum outside air temperature at which the compressor will be disabled. It prevents the compressor from running when the outdoor temperature is too low, thus resulting in damage to the compressor. If the compressor min outdoor temp is being enforced, auxiliary heat will be used to reach setpoint. The temperature range is adjustable from 0 to 65 °F (–17.8 to 18.3 °C) or can be completely disabled. This feature is typically used for air-to-air source heat pumps (35 °F min outdoor temp by default) and is disabled (by default) for geothermal heat pumps.

On Thermostat:

  1. Select Main Menu > Settings > Installation Settings >
    Thresholds > Compressor Min Outdoor Temp.
  2. Configure the settings as required.

Note: You need an Internet connection for this feature to operate properly.

AC Overcool Max

Uses the air conditioning to reduce the humidity by cooling beyond the current set point by the configured amount. Note that cooling is still determined by the set point, and the system will not resume cooling until the temperature rises above the current set point. For example, if your cooling set point is 75 F, and this value is set to 2 F, it will allow the AC to overcool to 73 F if the humidity set point has not been met. 

On Thermostat:

  1. Select Main Menu > Settings > Installation Settings >
    Thresholds > AC Overcool Max.
  2. Configure the settings as required.

Aux Heat Max Temp

Configures the maximum outdoor temperature above which the auxiliary heat will not be engaged. The temperature is adjustable from 0 to 80 °F (26.5 °C) in increments of 0.5°F (0.3°C). The default value is 70°F (21°C).

On Thermostat:

  1. Select Main Menu > Settings > Installation Settings >
    Thresholds > Heat Differential Temp.
  2. Configure the settings as required.

Heat Differential Temp

The minimum difference between the current temperature and set temperature before the system calls for heat. A smaller difference means shorter cycle times, whereas a larger difference results in longer cycle times. The temperature range is adjustable from 0 to 3 °F (0 to 1.7 °C) in 0.5°F (0.3°C) increments.

On Thermostat:

  1. Select Main Menu > Settings > Installation Settings >
    Thresholds > Heat Differential Temp.
  2. Configure the settings as required.

Heat Dissipation Time

The amount of time the fan will run after the heat set point has been reached and the call for heat has been turned off. Running the fan for a period of time allows for any heated air left in the ducts to circulate throughout the home. The time is adjustable from 0 to 900 seconds. The default value is 30 seconds.

On Thermostat:

  1. Select Main Menu > Settings > Installation Settings >
    Thresholds > Heat Dissipation Time.
  2. Configure the settings as required.

Heat Min On Time


Sets the minimum equipment run time in heat mode: 1 to 20 min (default is 5 min).

On Thermostat:

  1. Select Main Menu > Settings > Installation Settings >
    Thresholds > Heat Min On Time.
  2. Configure the settings as required.

Cool Differential Temp

The minimum difference between the current temperature and set temperature before the system calls for cool. A smaller difference means shorter cycle times, whereas a larger difference results in longer cycle times. The temperature range is adjustable from 0 to 3 °F (0 to 1.7 °C) in 0.5°F (0.3°C) increments.

On Thermostat:

  1. Select Main Menu > Settings > Installation Settings >
    Thresholds > Cool Differential Time.
  2. Configure the settings as required.

Cool Dissipation Time

The amount of time the fan will run after the cool has been turned off. Running the fan for a period of time allows for any cooled air left in the ducts to circulate throughout the home. The time is adjustable from 0 to 900 seconds. The default value is 30 seconds.

On Thermostat:

  1. Select Main Menu > Settings > Installation Settings >
    Thresholds > Cool Dissipation Time.
  2. Configure the settings as required.

Cool Min On Time


Sets the minimum equipment run time in cool mode: 1 to 20 min (default is 5 min).

On Thermostat:

  1. Select Main Menu > Settings > Installation Settings >
    Thresholds > Cool Min On Time.
  2. Configure the settings as required.

Compressor Reverse Staging

If enabled, the thermostat will cycle down from the higher stages so that as it approaches set point it will only be running in stage 1. The thermostat calculates which stage to start the HVAC equipment in depending on the indoor and set point temperature delta. . As the stage 1 temperature delta is exceeded, the second stage will engage. Once the equipment has brought the current temperature back to within the heat or cool differential setting, stage 2 will disengage and stage 1 will remain running until the set point is reached.

On Thermostat:

  1. Select Main Menu > Settings > Installation Settings >
    Thresholds > Compressor Reverse Staging.
  2. Configure the settings as required.

Compressor Stage 2 Temp Delta

The minimum difference between the current temperature and the set temperature that will activate the auxiliary heat (regardless if the maximum run time of the previous stage was reached). Options are Auto (default) and 1 to 10 °F (0.6 to 5.6 °C).

On Thermostat:

  1. Select Main Menu > Settings > Installation Settings >
    Thresholds > Compressor Stage 2 Temp Delta.
  2. Configure the settings as required.

Compressor Stage 1 Max Runtime

The maximum amount of time stage 1 will run before engaging the next stage. Options are Auto (default) and 10 to 120 minutes.

On Thermostat:

  1. Select Main Menu > Settings > Installation Settings >
    Thresholds > Compressor Stage 1 Max Runtime.
  2. Configure the settings as required.

Compressor to Aux Temp Delta

The minimum difference between the current temperature and the set temperature that will activate this stage (regardless if the maximum run time of the previous stage was reached). Options are Auto (default), Disabled, and 1 to 10 °F (0.6 to 5.6 °C).

On Thermostat:

  1. Select Main Menu > Settings > Installation Settings >
    Thresholds > Compressor To Aux Temp Delta.
  2. Configure the settings as required.

Compressor to Aux Runtime

The maximum amount of time this stage will run before engaging the next stage. Options are Auto (default) and 1 to 10 °F (0.6 to 5.6 °C).

On Thermostat:

  1. Select Main Menu > Settings > Installation Settings >
    Thresholds > Compressor To Aux Runtime.
  2. Configure the settings as required.

Temperature Correction

Lets you program an offset between the real temperature at thermostat and the displayed temperature. If you find that the temperature where the thermostat are located does not represent the room temperature, change the offset to compensate for the difference. The correct temperature is adjustable from +/- 10°F in 0.5°F (0.3°C) increments.

On Thermostat:

  1. Select Main Menu > Settings > Installation Settings >
    Thresholds > Temperature Correction.
  2. Swipe left or right to select the value.

Installer Code

To prevent accidental modifications to the installation settings, you can enable a 4-digit installer code. This code is preprogrammed to 3262.

On Thermostat:

  1. Select Main Menu > Settings > Installation Settings >
    Thresholds > Installer Code.
  2. Enable or disable the code.

Test Equipment

This menu lets you test the wiring and connections of the devices connected to the thermostat by turning them on or off. The equipment will turn off when you exit the menu. Warning: Compressor protection and minimum run-time features are not enforced while in this mode.

ecobee3 User Manual