Smart Home

Why is My Ecobee Smart Thermostat Not Working?

Is your Ecobee smart thermostat not working? Overall, Ecobee smart thermostats are designed to make controlling your home’s temperature simpler and more efficient. However, like any connected device, issues can arise that prevent the thermostat from working properly. We will examine some of the most common problems and how to troubleshoot them.

Common Reasons an Ecobee May Not Work

Smart thermostats like the Ecobee rely on a stable internet connection to operate properly. If your Ecobee display goes blank or you’re unable to control it from the app, there are a few common issues that could be causing the problem:

Wi-Fi connection issues – Make sure your Ecobee is connected to a strong Wi-Fi signal. Weak signal strength can prevent the thermostat from communicating with the Ecobee servers. Try rebooting your router or moving the thermostat closer to your router.

Power outage – The Ecobee needs continuous power to operate. Check your home’s electrical panel and circuits to ensure there wasn’t a temporary power interruption. The Ecobee should reboot itself when power is restored.

Bad wiring – Faulty wiring between your HVAC system and the Ecobee can prevent the thermostat from controlling your heating/cooling system. Inspect the wiring connections and make sure the wires are securely inserted into the correct terminals.

Temperature sensor failure – If you’re using remote sensors, one may have failed or lost connection to the thermostat. Try removing the sensor from your Ecobee configuration and test if the thermostat works properly without it.

Checking the Wi-Fi Connection

One of the most common reasons an Ecobee smart thermostat may stop working is because it has lost its Wi-Fi connection. The Ecobee needs a strong and stable Wi-Fi signal to operate properly and communicate with the Ecobee app.

First, check that your wireless router is working correctly by looking at the lights on the front. The power light should be solid and the Wi-Fi light may be blinking. Try connecting another device like your phone to the Wi-Fi to confirm the network is up.

Next, go to your Ecobee thermostat and check the wireless settings. Navigate to the main menu and look under “Wi-Fi.” It should show as “connected” to your wireless network. If it says “disconnected” or does not show your network name, the thermostat is no longer connected to Wi-Fi.

You may need to reconnect it to your wireless network manually. Go into your router settings on a computer or in the router app and get the name and password for your Wi-Fi network. Then enter these credentials on the Ecobee when prompted to connect to the Wi-Fi.

Once it connects and shows your network name, the thermostat should be able to communicate properly again. If it still won’t connect, you may need to move the thermostat closer to your router for better signal strength. Checking the Wi-Fi is one of the first troubleshooting steps for an unresponsive Ecobee.

Power and Wiring Issues

One of the most common reasons an Ecobee smart thermostat may stop working is power and wiring problems. Here are some things to check:

Check the circuit breaker – Make sure the circuit breaker controlling the HVAC system and thermostat is switched to the “On” position. A tripped breaker that cuts power to the thermostat will cause it to stop functioning.

Inspect the wiring – Remove the thermostat faceplate and ensure all wires are securely connected. Look for any loose wire connections or damaged wires. Wires must be properly connected to the lettered terminals on the baseplate.

Test the voltage – Use a multimeter to test the voltage at the thermostat wiring terminals. There should be 24-30 VAC power. If not, there is a wiring issue that needs to be addressed. Lack of power will prevent the thermostat from operating.

Checking these basic power and wiring issues will often reveal the cause if an Ecobee smart thermostat is unresponsive. Electrical problems must be corrected before the thermostat can work properly. Call an HVAC technician if you are unsure of how to troubleshoot wiring problems.

Problems with Temperature Sensors

One common issue that can prevent an Ecobee smart thermostat from working properly is problems with the remote temperature sensors. Here are some things to check with your Ecobee sensors:

Sensor Placement – Make sure your sensors are placed in appropriate locations throughout your home. They should not be located near heat sources, direct sunlight, drafts or other factors that may impact getting an accurate reading of the room temperature. Ideal placement is on an interior wall about 5 feet off the ground.

Connectivity Issues – Check that your sensors are within range of your Ecobee thermostat’s wireless signal. They may have a connection or interference problem if they are too far away or blocked by thick walls or other obstructions. Try relocating the sensor closer to the thermostat if connectivity seems to be the issue.

Troubleshooting the HVAC System

The HVAC system itself could be the reason your Ecobee smart thermostat isn’t working properly. Here are some tips for troubleshooting potential HVAC issues:

Check that the furnace, AC unit, heat pump etc. are getting power. Ensure the breaker hasn’t tripped and the system has electricity.
Inspect the thermostat wiring connections. Make sure all of the wires are securely connected to the right terminals on the Ecobee baseplate. Refer to the wiring diagram in the Ecobee installation guide.
Test HVAC components like the furnace, AC condenser, heat pump compressor, fan motors etc. Try turning the system on manually to see if the components activate. If they don’t, there could be an issue with the HVAC equipment itself.
Check for error codes on HVAC system’s control board. Look for blinking LED lights that indicate a fault code. Consult your manual to diagnose the code.
Examine the condition of HVAC filters. Dirty filters can restrict airflow. Replace filters if needed.
Ensure vents and ductwork are clear of obstructions. Blockages in the ducts can prevent proper airflow.
Have an HVAC technician inspect the system if you can’t resolve the issue. They can test components and diagnose problems.

Troubleshooting the actual heating and cooling equipment is important to pinpoint if the malfunction lies with the Ecobee unit or the HVAC system itself. Contact a professional if you are unable to get the system working properly.

Software and App Problems

Many issues with Ecobee smart thermostats can stem from software glitches or problems with the Ecobee app. Here are some troubleshooting steps to try:

Update the thermostat firmware – Go into the Main Menu on the thermostat and check if any firmware updates are available. Installing the latest firmware can fix software bugs.

Reinstall the Ecobee app – Delete and reinstall the latest version of the Ecobee app on your smartphone or tablet. This will reset any app data that may be corrupted. Make sure to reconnect your thermostat after reinstalling.

Reset the thermostat – As a last resort, you can reset your Ecobee smart thermostat to factory default settings. This will clear any software issues and allow you to set up the thermostat like new again. Note that you’ll lose all custom settings when resetting.

Calling a Professional

If you’ve gone through all the troubleshooting steps and your Ecobee smart thermostat is still not working properly, it may be time to call in a professional HVAC technician.

If you are having issues with an Ecobee Smart Thermostat installed by Provincial Smart Home Services, contact one of our expert energy advisors and they will help you schedule a service call. Additionally, you can download our new customer service app on the Apple Store or Google Play Store for additional resources that can help you resolve any issues you might encounter with your unit.