Ecobee thermostats are popular for their smart features and easy integration with heat pumps. Decoding the best Ecobee heat pump settings can result in significant savings, better comfort, and a longer system life for American homeowners. This comprehensive guide explores every setting, option, and tip to maximize your heat pump’s performance with Ecobee. From understanding advanced features to troubleshooting common problems, this resource is your go-to for smarter home climate control.
Quick Reference: Essential Ecobee Heat Pump Setting Summary
| Setting | Purpose | Recommended Value/Option | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Pump Type | Correct operation mode | Air-to-Air (most common) | Matches your system type |
| O/B Reversing Valve | Controls heating/cooling | “O” (cooling) for most brands | Check manufacturer’s manual |
| Auxiliary Heat Settings | When backup heat activates | Optimized temperature threshold | Higher setpoints reduce energy cost |
| Compressor Lockout | Protects compressor in cold | 35°F (common), adjust as needed | Prevents ice-up, improves reliability |
| Smart Recovery | Preheats/cools intelligently | Enabled | Enhances comfort with less energy |
| Fan Settings | Air circulation options | Auto/“Follow Me” enabled | Balances air and efficiency |
| Advanced Comfort Settings | Adaptive scheduling | Custom per schedule | Matches lifestyle |
How Do Ecobee Thermostats Work With Heat Pumps?
Ecobee thermostats are designed to handle the complexities of heat pump systems. They monitor indoor and outdoor temperatures, control auxiliary heat, manage defrost cycles, and use smart algorithms to maximize efficiency. Unlike regular furnaces, a heat pump both heats and cools via refrigerant flow direction. Ecobee enables precise control—figuring out when to run the compressor, when to switch to backup heat, and how to optimize every cycle for comfort and savings.
Configuring Your Heat Pump In The Ecobee: Initial Setup
During installation, the Ecobee asks about your HVAC setup. Select the correct type of heat pump (air-to-air, geothermal, or mini-split). Next, it prompts for reversing valve operation (“O” or “B”)—key to switching between heating and cooling modes. Most U.S. brands use “O” for cooling. If the system acts opposite (cools when supposed to heat), switch this setting.
What Is The O/B Reversing Valve Setting?
The reversing valve in a heat pump changes the refrigerant direction. Ecobee’s O/B configuration dictates when this valve engages: “O” means the valve is activated during cooling, and “B” activates in heating. For Trane, American Standard, or older systems, “B” may be correct. For Carrier, Goodman, Lennox, Rheem, and most others, select “O.” Refer to your system’s documentation or installer for certainty.
Auxiliary (Aux) Heat Settings: How They Work And Why They Matter
Most central heat pumps have auxiliary or emergency heat—usually electric heat strips or a gas furnace. While a heat pump is efficient, auxiliary heat uses more energy. Ecobee allows you to set:
- When aux heat activates (temperature threshold)
- Runtime before aux heat is allowed
- Compressor/aux heat lockout temperatures
Raising the temperature delta before aux engages means lower energy bills, as the heat pump will try to do more before switching to expensive backup heat.
Auxiliary Heat Temperature Threshold And Runtime Settings
Find these under Settings > Installation Settings > Thresholds > “Aux heat temperature” and “Compressor to aux runtime.” The temperature threshold is the outdoor temp at which the Ecobee gives up heating with the compressor and uses aux heat only. Many users set this at 30–35°F (colder for efficient modern heat pumps).
The compressor to aux runtime is the number of minutes the heat pump tries before calling auxiliary heat. A common value is 30–60 minutes, but in milder climates, letting the compressor run longer saves energy.
Compressor Lockout And Aux Heat Lockout Explained
Compressor lockout prevents the main heat pump from running below a certain temperature (usually 30–35°F) to avoid inefficiency or damage (like icing up). Aux heat lockout does the reverse: prevents aux heat from running above a set temperature—so you never use expensive backup heat unless it’s really needed.
These options are powerful for energy savings and system longevity. Adjust them based on your heat pump’s performance, age, and home insulation.
How To Optimize Ecobee Heat Pump Settings For Savings
- Set “Aux heat” temperature threshold as low as practical (test down to 25°F if your heat pump is high-efficiency).
- Increase “Compressor to aux runtime” so the system relies on the main compressor longer.
- Enable Smart Recovery so Ecobee gets your home to temperature when you need it, with fewer auxiliary heat cycles.
- Use “Follow Me” and occupancy sensors to target comfort only where people are present.
- Automate with Home/Away schedules and occupancy sensors for smarter runtimes.
Each choice can substantially lower electricity bills while maintaining comfort.
Smart Recovery: The Secret To Effortless Comfort
Smart Recovery is an Ecobee feature that learns how long your home takes to heat or cool. It starts the system before scheduled setpoint changes, ensuring comfort right when you want it, not an hour later. This avoids auxiliary heat spikes and can significantly save energy—especially for heat pumps that perform best with gradual temperature changes.
Fan Control Options With Heat Pumps On Ecobee
Proper fan settings make a heat pump work better. Ecobee allows “Auto,” “On,” or periodic circulation (“Fan holds”).
- Auto: Runs fan with compressor. Most efficient.
- On: Runs fan 24/7. Good for mixing air but can increase costs.
- Circulate: Fan runs a set number of minutes per hour. Balances air quality and energy use.
Pro tip: Use “Follow Me” mode with remote sensors for even comfort distribution around your home—especially in large or multi-story houses.
Advanced Scheduling And Comfort Settings
Ecobee’s time-based schedules allow for tailored comfort. Create unique temperature setpoints for Awake, Away, and Sleep. For heat pumps, use longer and smoother transitions between setpoints to reduce reliance on auxiliary heat. Combining occupancy detection with custom schedules yields both energy savings and convenience.
Dehumidifier, Humidifier, And Defrost Features
Some heat pumps pair with humidifiers, dehumidifiers, or ERVs (energy recovery ventilators). Ecobee can control these accessories for all-season comfort. Under Installation Settings > Equipment, ensure each component is identified and configured—e.g., with correct fan operation during dehumidification.
For cold climates, automatic defrost cycles prevent ice buildup on the outdoor unit. Ecobee works with “Y” (compressor) and “O/B” signals to allow the system to defrost as needed.
Heat Pump Balance Setting: Ecobee’s Unique Smart Control
On compatible models, Ecobee offers Heat Pump Balance (Settings > System > Heat Pump Balance) with these options:
- Maximum Savings: Use heat pump almost exclusively for best efficiency.
- Balanced: Use aux heat sometimes, balancing cost and comfort.
- Maximum Comfort: Use aux heat liberally for fast warm-ups.
Choose Maximum Savings for lower bills, or Balanced if comfort is a priority during very cold weather.
Configuring Emergency Heat On Ecobee
Emergency Heat bypasses the compressor to use only backup heat. This is only for when there’s a problem with the main heat pump system (like compressor failure). Activate via Settings > Enable Emergency Heat. Use sparingly, as this is the most expensive heat mode available.
Using Ecobee’s Mobile App For Remote Heat Pump Control
The Ecobee mobile app provides complete control over all thermostat settings, including heat pump-specific features. Adjust setpoints, schedules, and thresholds remotely, and receive real-time alerts if the system malfunctions, such as low temperature warnings or unusually long aux heat cycles.
Seasonal Adjustment Strategies For Ecobee Heat Pump Users
Summer Settings For Efficient Cooling
Switch to cooling mode, verify O/B valve operation, and set comfortable but energy-efficient cooling setpoints (e.g., 76–78°F when home, higher when away). Use the “Smart Home/Away” feature so the Ecobee automatically adjusts settings when you’re out, reducing energy waste.
Winter Settings For Maximum Efficiency
Optimize aux heat control, set reasonable runtime values, and fine-tune fan operation for even air distribution. Lowering setpoints by a degree or two during sleep and away periods saves additional energy.
Tips For Troubleshooting Ecobee Heat Pump Issues
- No Heating/Cooling: Double-check O/B reversing valve setting—reverse it if the system heats when it should cool or vice versa.
- Excessive Aux Heat Usage: Lower “Aux heat” temp threshold and increase compressor to aux runtime in settings.
- Humidity Problems: Adjust fan settings and ensure dehumidifier or humidifier accessories are recognized and controlled by Ecobee.
- Short Cycles or Constant Fan: Check schedule logic and comfort setpoints, and look for obstructions near sensors.
If issues persist, review your system’s wiring or consult a certified HVAC technician for in-depth diagnostics.
Integrating Ecobee With Smart Home Systems For Advanced Automation
Ecobee works with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and IFTTT for voice control and automation. You can create routines to lower the setpoint when you leave, ramp up heating before you wake, or integrate with home security systems for a seamless smart home experience.
Choosing The Right Ecobee Thermostat Model For Your Heat Pump
All modern Ecobee models (Smart Thermostat Premium, Smart Thermostat Enhanced, Ecobee3 Lite) work with heat pumps, but higher-end models offer room sensors, better algorithms, and accessory controls. If your system uses humidification, dehumidification, or needs advanced ventilation control, choose a model with support for these features.
Professional Vs. DIY Installation: What’s Best For Heat Pump Users?
While many homeowners can install Ecobee themselves, complex heat pump systems (geothermal, multi-stage, or those with dual fuel setups) may require a professional installer. This ensures correct wiring, O/B valve settings, and optimal configuration—protecting both comfort and the warranty.
Key Settings Checklist For Ecobee Heat Pump Optimization
- Confirm correct heat pump type
- Set O/B valve as per your equipment manual
- Fine-tune auxiliary heat temperature threshold and run time
- Enable Smart Recovery and Follow Me
- Check and label all connected accessories in Installation Settings
- Review schedules for gradual temperature transitions
- Gain app and remote access for monitoring
Frequently Asked Questions About Ecobee Heat Pump Settings
- Can Ecobee Control Dual Fuel Heat Pumps? Yes, supported models control a heat pump with a gas furnace backup, with separate lockout temperatures for each.
- Do I Need A C-Wire For My Heat Pump? Most installations require a C-wire for full functionality; Ecobee includes a “Power Extender Kit” if your system lacks one.
- How To Reduce Aux Heat Bills? Lower the aux heat temp threshold and allow longer compressor runtimes to minimize expensive aux heat use.
- Is Ecobee Compatible With Mini Splits? Not directly—most mini-splits use proprietary controls, but consult your HVAC pro for third-party options.
Resources And Support For Ecobee Heat Pump Users
- Ecobee’s official support: Step-by-step guides and troubleshooting for every model
- Manufacturer’s documentation for your specific heat pump
- Professional HVAC forums and communities
- Local certified installers for complex setups
Properly adjusting Ecobee heat pump settings can transform a standard HVAC system into a smart, responsive, and efficient source of year-round comfort.