Selecting System Operation Mode
The System menu controls the basic operation of the different components in your HVAC system, including the heat/cool mode, fan operation, and the operation of accessories like humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and ventilators.
HVAC System The HVAC System settings depend on the type of system you have. Depending on your system, one or more the following options are shown:
Cool: Turn on the air conditioner when the current temperature rises above the set temperature.
Heat: Turn on the heat when the current temperature drops below the set temperature.
Auto: Activate the heating or cooling system as required to keep your home within the configured range of set temperatures.
Aux: Only use the auxiliary or backup heat source to maintain the heat set point temperature. This option only appears if auxiliary heat is configured in the Equipment menu.
Off: Turn the system off. When the system is off, only the current temperature will be displayed on the Home screen.
On Thermostat and Mobile: Select Main Menu > System > HVAC System
On Web: Select System tile > HVAC
Fan
The Fan menu displays the current furnace fan setting. Depending on your system, one or more of the following options are shown:
On: Force fan to run continuously, regardless of the scheduled programming. The fan will also run if the System Mode is Off.
Auto: Enable fan when the system is actively heating or cooling your home, or to satisfy the Minimum Fan Runtime setting (page 12).
On Thermostat and Mobile: Select Main Menu > Quick Changes > Fan
On Web: Select Fan tile
Minimum Fan Runtime (Auto mode only)
When the fan is in Auto mode, ecobee3 operates it according to the Minimum Fan Runtime setting. You can adjust this setting from 0 to 55 minutes. When your system is in heat or cool mode, the fan will always run for this minimum amount of time.
A longer runtime improves air circulation and results in a more consistent temperature than with the Auto setting while being more cost-effective than the On setting. Your ecobee3 will meet this minimum runtime over the hour while making sure it never runs for less than five minutes.
On Thermostat and Mobile:
- Select Main Menu > System > Fan
- Swipe left or right to adjust the value.
On Web:
- Select System Tile > Fan
- Swipe or drag left or right to adjust the value.
Humidifier (if installed)
The Humidifier menu enables or disables the humidifier, if installed:
On: Run the humidifier to increase the humidity to the configured set point.
Off: Do not operate the humidifier.
Frost control: Automatically maintain the humidity to stay comfortable but prevent condensation or frost on your windows To adjust the humidity set point and other options, see page 14.
On Thermostat and Mobile: Select Main Menu > System > Humidifier
On Web: Select System tile > Humidifier
Dehumidifier (if installed)
The Dehumidifier menu enables or disables the dehumidifier, if
installed:
On: Run the dehumidifier to reduce the humidity to the
configured set point.
Off: Do not operate the dehumidifier.
To adjust the dehumidifier set point, see page 13.
On Thermostat and Mobile: Select Main Menu > System > Dehumidifier
On Web: Select System tile > Dehumidifier
Ventilator/HRV/ERV (if installed)
The Ventilator/HRV/ERV menu configures the operation of a ventilator, a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) or an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV), if installed:
Occupied minimum runtime: Configure how many minutes per hour the device will run during occupied periods, such as when you’re home or asleep.
Unoccupied minimum runtime: Configure how many minutes per hour the device will run during unoccupied periods, such as when you’re away.
Ventilation devices are important to maintain indoor air quality and, depending on where you live, this might be regulated. The amount of indoor air required to maintain sufficient indoor air quality depends on how big your house is, how many people live there, and the capacity of your ventilation device. You should consult with a local contractor who can guide you on how often you should be running your ventilation device.
For devices configured as ventilators (i.e. not HRVs or ERVs) you can enable a feature called “free cooling” on your ecobee3. When the outdoor temperatures are cooler than indoors and your system is calling for cool, your ecobee3 will turn on your ventilator to bring in outdoor air instead of running your air conditioner. To configure free cooling options, see page 27.
On Thermostat and Mobile:
1. Select Main Menu > System > Ventilator/HRV/ERV
2. Adjust the Occupied Min Run Time and Unoccupied Min Run Time by selecting each option and swiping left or right to adjust the values.
3. If supported by your device, enable or disable Free Cooling.
On Web:
- Select System tile > Ventilator/HRV/ERV
- Adjust the Occupied Min Run Time and Unoccupied Min
Run Time by selecting each option and swiping left or
right to adjust the values. - If supported by your device, enable or disable Free
Cooling.