Troubleshooting: Ecobee Auxiliary Heat Running Too Long

If you have an Ecobee thermostat, you may have noticed that your auxiliary heat runs longer than it should, resulting in higher energy bills. Fortunately, there are a few ways to fix this issue and save money on your heating expenses.

In this article, we will explore two effective methods to reduce the use of auxiliary heat on your Ecobee thermostat. We will also discuss the importance of adjusting the aux heat threshold and how to set minimum runtimes for the compressor and auxiliary heat. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how to optimize your Ecobee thermostat and keep your home comfortable without breaking the bank.

What is Ecobee Auxiliary Heat?

If you have an Ecobee thermostat, you may have heard the term “Auxiliary Heat” before. But what exactly is it? Simply put, Auxiliary Heat is an additional heating system that kicks in when your primary heating system can’t keep up with the demand.

For example, if you have a heat pump and the temperature outside drops too low, the heat pump may struggle to heat your home effectively. That’s when the Auxiliary Heat system, which can be an electric resistance system, a natural gas furnace, or an oil-based heating unit, kicks in to provide extra warmth.

Ecobee thermostats are designed to work with a variety of heating systems, including those with Auxiliary Heat. By default, the thermostat is set to use Auxiliary Heat when the temperature outside drops below a certain point, but you can adjust the settings to suit your needs.

Troubleshooting Ecobee Auxiliary Heat

If your Ecobee auxiliary heat is running too long, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue. Here are some steps you can take to diagnose and solve the problem.

Check your thermostat settings

The first thing you should do is check your thermostat settings. Make sure that your thermostat is set to the appropriate temperature and that your auxiliary heat is set to turn on only when necessary. You can adjust these settings in the Ecobee companion app or directly on your thermostat. If your settings are correct, move on to the next step.

Inspect your air filter

A dirty air filter can cause your auxiliary heat to run longer than necessary. Check your air filter and replace it if it is dirty or clogged. A clean air filter will help your heat pump work more efficiently and reduce the amount of time your auxiliary heat needs to run.

Check your ductwork

Inspect your ductwork for any leaks, holes, or damage. If your ductwork is damaged, it can cause your heat pump to work harder than necessary and lead to longer auxiliary heat run times. Seal any leaks or holes in your ductwork to improve your system’s efficiency.

Inspect your heat pump

If none of the above steps solve the problem, it may be time to inspect your heat pump. Check your heat pump for any damage or malfunctions. If you notice any issues, contact a professional HVAC technician to repair or replace your heat pump.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can help reduce the amount of time your Ecobee auxiliary heat runs and improve your system’s efficiency. Remember to regularly maintain your HVAC system to prevent future issues and extend the life of your equipment.

Contacting Ecobee Support

If you’re experiencing issues with your Ecobee thermostat and none of the solutions discussed in this article have worked for you, it may be time to contact Ecobee support. Here’s what you need to know:

When to contact Ecobee support

If you’re experiencing issues with your Ecobee thermostat that you can’t resolve on your own, it’s time to contact Ecobee support. Here are a few examples of when you might need to reach out:

• Your thermostat is unresponsive
• You’re experiencing frequent error messages
• Your thermostat is not heating or cooling your home properly
• You’re having trouble connecting your thermostat to your Wi-Fi network

How to contact Ecobee support

If you need to contact Ecobee support, there are a few ways to do so:

• Visit the Ecobee support website and browse the articles and FAQs to see if your issue has already been addressed.
• If you can’t find a solution on the website, you can submit a support request online.
• If you prefer to speak with someone directly, you can call Ecobee support at 1-877-932-6233.

Keep in mind that Ecobee support is available 24/7, so you can reach out at any time if you’re experiencing an issue with your thermostat.