How to Install an ecobee3 Smart Thermostat

An ecobee3 smart thermostat can help you save 23% on your energy bills annually. Plus, it allows you to control your temperature with voice commands or via the companion app. But, before you can start using your new ecobee3, you have to install it, which can be a complicated process. Here’s how to install an ecobee3 smart thermostat yourself, with or without a C wire.

Note: If you experience any issues or are uncertain at any point, a professional technician from HelloTech can help. We have thousands of experts across the country ready to visit your home and install your smart thermostat.

Before You Begin:

All you need to install an ecobee3 smart thermostat is what’s included in the box and a Phillips screwdriver, a drill with a 3/16-inch drill bit, a hammer, and a pencil. You might also want a camera phone to take pictures of your existing wiring.

How to Install ecobee3 Smart Thermostat

To install an ecobee3 smart thermostat, turn off the power to your HVAC system at the circuit breaker. Then remove the cover to your existing thermostat and label the wires. Next, screw the provided mounting plate to the wall and insert the wires into the corresponding brackets before turning the power to your HVAC system back on.  

1. Power off your HVAC system. Go to your circuit breaker and turn off the power to your HVAC system.

   Note: Since many digital thermostats are mostly battery-powered, your screen might not turn off when you switch power off your HVAC system. To verify if you have successfully powered off the HVAC system, try increasing or decreasing the temperature from your old thermostat. If you hear your HVAC turn on, the power has not been turned off. You can also hover your hand above your vents to see if any air still comes out.

2. Then remove the cover from your old thermostat. Most thermostat covers easily pop off. However, some covers need to be unscrewed.
3. Next, verify that your system is compatible with ecobee3. Check the inside of your old thermostat and cover for voltage labels. If they read 110, 120, or 240 volts, your system is not compatible. Also, if you have thick wires that are capped with wire nuts, your system will not be compatible. Finally, if you see any warning labels or any terminals labeled L1 or L2, your system will not be compatible.

   Note: Even if you do not have a high-voltage system, it is still possible for your system to be incompatible with the ecobee3 smart thermostat. To make sure, check out ecobee’s compatibility checker to see if your system is compatible. If you are not confident working with your thermostat’s wiring, you can always contact a professional technician at HelloTech to do it for you. We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and we offer 24/7 support for any of your smart home needs. Just visit our Smart Thermostat Installation and Setup page, and a real person will be there to help you solve your issues.

4. Label your wires. Wrap the labels that came with your ecobee3 around each of the wires corresponding wires. For example, if a wire is inserted to a port labeled “W,” wrap that wire with the corresponding “W” label.

   Note: You do not have to label any “jumper” wires that connect from one terminal to another without going through your wall.

   Note: If you do not have a C wire, you will need to install the included Power Extender Kit. Check out the steps at the end of the article to find out how. You can continue with the steps below, but you will need to skip to the next section before turning your power back on to your thermostat.

5. Then disconnect the wires from the ports they’re connected to. You may need to use your screwdriver to release each wire from the ports. 

   Note: Make sure that your wires do not retract into the wall.

6. Next, unscrew the backplate and remove it from the wall. Hold on to the wires as you remove the old mounting plate so your wires don’t retract into the wall.
7. Temporarily position the ecobee3 trim plate over your existing wires. You can use the larger trim plate if there are imperfections on the surface of the wall that you want to be covered. Otherwise, you can just skip the large plate.
8. Then mark the locations of the mounting holes with a pencil. Use the level at the bottom of the mounting plate to make sure that the mounting bracket is straight.
9. Remove the trim plate and drill two holes. Use the pencil markings as a guide.
10. Then insert the drywall anchors into your drill holes using a hammer. These drywall anchors are included in your ecobee3 kit.
11. Then screw the mounting plate onto the wall. Use the level at the bottom of the mounting plate to make sure that the mounting bracket is straight.
12. Next, push the wires into their designated terminals. Use the labels as a guide. For example, the wire with the “G” label should go into the terminal labeled “G.” If you only have one “R” wire, insert it into the “Rc” terminal. The release lever of a terminal should lower if the wire was inserted correctly. You should also gently tug on each wire to check if they are properly inserted.

    Note: If you are installing the Power Extender Kit, you will need to insert the R wire into the Rc terminal, and the G wire is properly inserted into the terminal.

13. Then push the wires gently into the recess of the wall if they are protruding. This will ensure that your ecobee3 smart thermostat will fit onto the mounting plate.
14. Snap the thermostat onto the mounting plate. You should be able to push the thermostat, so it is flush against the wall.Also, it should not wiggle when you push on it.
15. If your system has a C-wire, you can turn the power to your HVAC back on now. If your system does not have a C-wire, see the section below on how to install the Power Extender Kit before turning your HVAC system back on.
16. Finally, follow the instructions on your ecobee3 thermostat to finish the installation process. Your ecobee3 should turn on after a minute, and the display should show “hi” after you turn the power back on.You will need to have your WiFi password to complete the process.

How to Install ecobee3 Power Extender Kit

To install the ecobee3 smart thermostat Power Extender Kit (PEK), open the door to your furnace and remove the wires with the same labels as your thermostat. Then insert them into the PEK and insert the wires from your PEK into the terminals on your control board before closing the door to your furnace.

1. Go to your furnace and remove the door/panel. This will allow you to locate the control board inside.
2. Label the wires that connect to the terminal on your control board. These are the wires that have the same terminal labels as your thermostat.Use the labels that came with the power extender kit. Take a photo of the wiring in case you need a reference for later.
3. Then disconnect the wires from the board.
4. Carefully open the power extender. Slowly split the power extender open in the middle. You may use a flathead screwdriver.
5. Then connect each of the wires from the control board to the corresponding ports on the power extender. Gently tug on the wires to make sure they are secure.
6. Then, close the power extender.
7. Next, connect the Power Extender Kits wires to the corresponding terminals on the control board. These wires already have labels.
8. Then mount the power extender on a dry location on the control board. Wipe the area clean and use the double-sided tape that came with the kit to mount the power extender on the control board. Make sure that the positioning of the power extender does not strain the wires at all.
9. Close the door to the control panel. Make sure that the door is fully closed. Otherwise, your ecobee3 thermostat won’t work.
10. Turn the power to your HVAC equipment back on.
11. Finally, follow the instructions on your thermostat to finish installing your ecobee3.

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