How to Set Up Your Ecobee SmartSensor for Doors and Windows

What You Will Need

• Ecobee SmartSensor for Doors and Windows
• Compatible ecobee thermostat (ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium or Enhanced)
• CR2032 coin cell battery (pre-installed)
• Smartphone with the ecobee app installed
• Ecobee thermostat already set up and connected to WiFi

Step 1: Understand How the Sensor Works

The Ecobee SmartSensor for Doors and Windows is a two-piece contact sensor that detects when a door or window is opened or closed. It consists of the main sensor body and a small magnet. When the magnet is close to the sensor, it registers as closed. When the magnet moves away, it registers as open. The thermostat can use this information to pause heating or cooling when a door or window is left open, preventing energy waste.

Step 2: Choose a Door or Window

Select a frequently used door or window where open/close detection will be most beneficial. Common choices include:

• Exterior doors — to pause HVAC when someone leaves the door open
• Patio or sliding glass doors — often left open in mild weather
• Windows — to detect when fresh air is being let in, making heating or cooling unnecessary

Step 3: Pair the Sensor with Your Thermostat

1. Pull the battery tab from the sensor to activate it.
2. Open the ecobee app on your phone.
3. Tap the menu icon and go to Sensors.
4. Tap Add Sensor.
5. The app will search for nearby sensors via Bluetooth.
6. Select the SmartSensor for Doors and Windows when it appears.
7. Follow the prompts to complete pairing.

You can also pair it through the thermostat touchscreen under Main Menu, then Sensors, then Add Sensor.

Step 4: Name and Configure the Sensor

Give the sensor a descriptive name that identifies its location, such as "Front Door" or "Kitchen Window." The ecobee app will ask how you want the thermostat to respond when this door or window is opened. You can configure it to:

• Pause the HVAC system when the door or window has been open for a configurable duration, such as five minutes.
• Send a notification to your phone when the door or window opens.
• Resume normal operation automatically when the door or window closes.

Step 5: Mount the Sensor

1. Clean the mounting surfaces with a dry cloth to ensure the adhesive sticks properly.
2. Attach the sensor body to the door or window frame using the included adhesive strip. Position it near the top or side edge of the frame.
3. Attach the magnet piece to the door or window itself, aligned within one-half inch of the sensor body when the door or window is closed.
4. Ensure both pieces are aligned so that when the door or window closes, the magnet sits directly next to the sensor.

Test the alignment by opening and closing the door or window and checking the sensor status in the ecobee app.

Step 6: Set Up Smart Home and Away Detection

The door and window sensor also contributes to ecobee's Smart Home and Away feature. When combined with the thermostat's built-in occupancy sensor and any SmartSensors, door activity can help the thermostat determine if someone is home. In the ecobee app, go to Settings, then Smart Home and Away, and ensure the feature is enabled.

Step 7: Test the Sensor

1. Open the door or window where the sensor is installed.
2. Check the ecobee app to confirm the sensor shows "Open".
3. Close the door or window and verify the status changes to "Closed".
4. Wait the configured duration (if set) to confirm the HVAC pauses when the sensor remains open.

Tips for Best Performance

• The sensor communicates with the thermostat via the 915 MHz radio with a range of about 45 feet. Make sure the sensor is within range.
• If the adhesive loses its grip over time, clean the surface and apply a fresh adhesive strip or use small screws for a permanent mount.
• The CR2032 battery lasts approximately 18 months. Replace it when the app sends a low-battery notification.
• You can install multiple door and window sensors to cover all exterior entry points for comprehensive HVAC control.