Installing Your ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium

What You Will Need

• ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
• C-wire (common wire) from your HVAC system, or the included Power Extender Kit (PEK)
• Smartphone with the ecobee app installed
• WiFi network (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz)
• Small flathead or Phillips screwdriver
• Wire labels (included in the box)
• Level (optional, for straight mounting)

Step 1: Turn Off Power to Your HVAC System

Go to your electrical panel or the HVAC system's power switch and turn off the power to your heating and cooling system. This is essential for your safety and to protect the thermostat and HVAC equipment from electrical damage. Verify the power is off by checking that your current thermostat display is blank.

Step 2: Document Your Current Wiring

Before removing your old thermostat, take a clear photo of the existing wiring connections. This will serve as a backup reference. Then use the wire labels included with the ecobee to label each wire according to the terminal it is connected to (R, G, Y, W, C, etc.). Common wire configurations include:

• R — power (red wire)
• G — fan (green wire)
• Y — cooling / compressor (yellow wire)
• W — heating (white wire)
• C — common wire (blue wire, if present)

Step 3: Remove Your Old Thermostat

1. Remove the faceplate of your old thermostat.
2. Unscrew the wires from the terminal block, being careful not to let them fall back into the wall.
3. Wrap each wire around a pencil or tape them to the wall to prevent them from slipping inside.
4. Remove the old mounting plate from the wall.

Step 4: Install the ecobee Mounting Plate

1. Thread the labeled wires through the center opening of the ecobee trim plate and mounting plate.
2. Use a level to ensure the mounting plate is straight.
3. Mark the screw holes and drill pilot holes if needed.
4. Secure the mounting plate with the included screws and drywall anchors.

Step 5: Connect the Wires

If your system has a C-wire, connect each labeled wire to the corresponding terminal on the ecobee mounting plate by pressing down on the terminal connector and inserting the wire. The C-wire provides continuous 24 VAC power to the thermostat.

If you do not have a C-wire, you will need to install the included Power Extender Kit (PEK) at your furnace or air handler. The PEK connects to the control board inside your HVAC system and creates a virtual C-wire connection. Follow the PEK installation guide included in the box, which involves connecting five wires from the PEK to the furnace control board terminals.

Step 6: Attach the Thermostat

Align the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium with the mounting plate and press it firmly until it clicks into place. The thermostat will power on automatically once seated. The touchscreen display should light up within a few seconds.

Step 7: Complete Setup on the Thermostat

1. Follow the on-screen prompts to select your language and region.
2. The thermostat will ask you to confirm which wires are connected. Verify this against your labeled wires.
3. Connect to your WiFi network. The ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
4. Sign in to your ecobee account or create a new one.
5. Configure your comfort settings for Home, Away, and Sleep schedules.

Step 8: Restore Power and Test

1. Turn the power back on at the electrical panel or HVAC switch.
2. On the thermostat, adjust the temperature up a few degrees to trigger heating, or down a few degrees to trigger cooling.
3. Listen for the HVAC system to start. Verify that air is flowing from your vents within a minute or two.
4. Test both heating and cooling modes to confirm proper operation.

Tips for Best Performance

• The ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium has a built-in air quality monitor and smart speaker with Alexa. Explore these features in the ecobee app after installation.
• Add SmartSensors in rooms where temperature varies from the thermostat location for more balanced comfort.
• Enable Smart Home and Away in the ecobee app so the thermostat automatically adjusts when you leave or arrive.
• If the thermostat displays a wiring error after installation, double-check all wire connections at both the thermostat and the furnace control board.