How to Install an ecobee Smart Thermostat

A precise, step-by-step guide to installing and wiring your ecobee smart thermostat for optimal home climate control.

1. Power off the HVAC system. Locate your HVAC system’s power switch or the circuit breaker panel. Toggle the switch to the Off position to ensure no power flows to the thermostat wires.
2. Disconnect the existing thermostat. Remove the thermostat cover from the wall plate. Take a photograph of the current wiring configuration to ensure you can identify each wire by terminal letter later.
3. Detach the old wall plate. Unscrew the wires from the terminals one by one. Remove the old wall plate from the wall and secure the wires to prevent them from slipping back into the wall cavity.
4. Mount the ecobee backplate. Position the ecobee backplate over the hole in the wall. Level the plate using the built-in spirit level, mark the screw holes, and mount it to the wall using the provided hardware.
5. Connect the thermostat wires. Insert each wire into its corresponding terminal on the ecobee backplate. Press the lever down to insert the wire, then release the lever to lock it in place according to the labels recorded earlier.
6. Attach and power on. Snap the ecobee thermostat display onto the backplate. Return to your circuit breaker and toggle the power back to the On position.
7. Complete configuration in the app. Open the ecobee app on your mobile device and select Add Device. Follow the on-screen prompts to pair the thermostat with your local Wi-Fi and configure your HVAC equipment type.