My Ecobee Says “Calibrating”: How To Fix? (2023)

Alexa has been my best friend since I moved out on my own and became self-sufficient. However, after installing the Ecobee, I’m not sure I’ll be using my Echo Dot as much anymore.

As a bonus to the great capabilities of the thermostat, I appreciate the fact that I can listen to music on Spotify while I am performing home duties.

Earlier this week, I shut off my Ecobee before heading to my parent’s place for a few days of relaxation.

After returning home, I discovered that I needed to reset the thermostat. My screen displayed the message “Calibrating: Heating and Cooling Disabled” when I looked at it.

I was a little perplexed about what the message was trying to tell me. All I understood was that my room would be at the same temperature for some time because the heating had been turned off for some reason.

In retrospect, I’m just relieved that the screen didn’t go blank like it did that one time. To divert my attention away from the oppressive heat, I began investigating the meaning of the message.

The definition of the term and how to troubleshoot if something went wrong became clear after reading various articles on the internet. Below you’ll find a collection of everything I was able to find.

The phrase “Calibrating” appears on the screen of your Ecobee thermostat, indicating that it is currently measuring the current indoor temperature.

After it is installed for the first time or reboots, Ecobee calibrates itself, usually between 5 and 20 minutes.

What Does It Mean When Ecobee Says “Calibrating”?

This allows your Ecobee thermostat to provide an accurate reading of the temperature inside your home or workplace after it has been calibrated.

The Ecobee measures the temperature with the help of its built-in sensors, which also assist it in measuring humidity and room occupancy levels.

Most of the time, calibration occurs immediately after installation and every time your device is rebooted.

Your thermostat’s heating and cooling functions will be turned off during this time, as indicated on the screen of your thermostat.

Calibration After Initial Installation

This allows your Ecobee thermostat to provide an accurate reading of the temperature inside your home or workplace after it has been calibrated.

The Ecobee measures the temperature with the help of its built-in sensors, which also assist it in measuring humidity and room occupancy levels.

Most of the time, calibration occurs immediately after installation and every time your device is rebooted.

Your thermostat’s heating and cooling functions will be turned off during this time, as indicated on the screen of your thermostat.

WireWire Color

WireWire Color
CBlue or Black
GGreen
R, RC or RHRed
WWhite
Y or Y1Yellow

Calibration After Ecobee Reboots

Another time the Ecobee calibrates is when you reboot it. Here are the reasons why your Ecobee restarts:

  • There is a power outage in your area
  • A firmware update on your Ecobee
  • Overheating of the furnace
  • Water has built up in your air conditioner
  • The wires of your thermostat are faulty

If a power outage causes a problem in your home, all you have to do is wait for the electricity to be restored. Your Ecobee will automatically calibrate itself once the power is restored.

When a firmware upgrade is the root cause, the calibration process may take longer than 20 minutes. It will, however, never continue for more than an hour at the most.

If this occurs, you should contact Ecobee Support and describe the nature of the problem.

My Ecobee Says Calibrating 1

Ecobee Calibration Troubleshooting

However, even though calibration is an important aspect of regulating your temperature, a few things can go wrong throughout the procedure. If you ever encounter a problem, follow the following troubleshooting procedures.

What To Do If Ecobee Keeps Rebooting

If you notice that your Ecobee reboots more frequently than it should, it is possible that there is a problem with the thermostat or with your HVAC system.

You should check whether you need to change the filter in your furnace or clean the drain pan in your air conditioning system.

Alternatively, if the problems are more significant than those involving wire repairs or capacitor difficulties, you should consult an expert to determine the best course of action.

Ecobee Calibrating for Too Long

The Ecobee should be calibrated for around 5 to 20 minutes in ideal conditions. It shouldn’t take any longer than that to complete.

If you still see the notification after half an hour has passed, it is most likely due to a clerical error.

When this occurs, you should try restarting the thermostat. You can unplug it from the wall, wait approximately 5 minutes, and then plug it back in. A power cycle might be beneficial in resolving the issue.

Continue to wait for the calibration to begin and see if it has finished in 20 minutes after rebooting.

Another option for resolving the problem is to unplug your router and modem for a minute or two and plug them back in again.

If it continues to take more than 20 minutes, you should contact Ecobee support for assistance.

Incorrect Ecobee Thermostat Calibration

The ultimate result of the calibration procedure is meant to be a very precise reading of the temperature in your space.

A tiny difference is normal; however, if the temperature is not even close to the correct value, it indicates that the calibration did not operate properly.

Fortunately, you have the option of manually adjusting your temperature reading. To resolve the problem, follow the actions outlined below.

  • Select the menu option from the Ecobee screen.
  • Select ‘Installation settings’ from the ‘Settings’ drop-down list.
  • Select ‘Temperature Correction’ from the ‘Thresholds’ drop-down menu.
  • You have the option of adjusting the temperature to your liking.

Conclusion

Ecobee has always been hard to beat in the thermostat market. Even though you won’t be able to use your thermostat for nearly half an hour, calibration improves the overall performance of your Ecobee.

The new remote sensors in my house, which track both temperature and occupancy, allow even the coldest portions of my house to become comfortable minutes after I go into them.

Best Seller List of Ecobee Thermostats:

Bestseller No. 1
ecobee New Smart Thermostat Premium with Smart Sensor and Air Quality Monitor - Programmable Wifi...
  • Save up to 26% per year on heating and cooling costs. ENERGY STAR certified. Included SmartSensor (50 dollar value) adjusts the temperature in the rooms that matter most to reduce hot or cold spots to keep you comfortable. Compared to a hold of 72°F.
  • Built-in air quality monitor alerts you to poor air quality, provides tips on how to improve it, and reminds you when it’s time to change your furnace’s air filter.
  • Premium materials and advanced engineering mean a large, vibrant display with a cinematic interface, a timeless design, and next level occupancy sensing.
  • ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is a complete home monitoring hub that includes built-in smoke alarm detection and alerts to possible break-ins when your system is armed. Get notifications during sudden temperature drops that could cause damage. ecobee Smart Security plan required
  • Comes with a smart speaker and your choice of Siri or Alexa Built-in. Control your home using the power of your voice and listen to your favorite Spotify playlists and podcast through your thermostat’s speaker. Apple home hub required to enable Siri on Smart Thermostat Premium
SaleBestseller No. 2
ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat - Programmable Wifi Thermostat - Works with Siri, Alexa, Google...
  • Save up to 23% annually on heating and cooling costs (compared to a hold of 72°F)
  • Control from anywhere using your Android or iOS device
  • Add SmartSensor to manage hot or cold spots and deliver enhanced comfort to the rooms that matter most
  • Automatically pauses your heating or cooling when a door or window is left open (requires ecobee SmartSensor for doors and windows and a Smart Security subscription)
  • ecobee was named an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award winner
Bestseller No. 3
ecobee New Smart Thermostat Enhanced - Programmable Wifi Thermostat - Works with Siri, Alexa, Google...
  • Save up to 26% per year on heating and cooling costs. ENERGY STAR certified. Automatically adjusts the temperature when you’re away to never heat or cool an empty home. Compared to a hold of 72°F.
  • Enjoy comfort without compromise. Smart Thermostat Enhanced preheats or precools your home before you arrive, so it’s the perfect temperature the moment you walk in. Automatically adjusts to your desired temperature when you’re home or sleeping to keep you comfortable day and night. Adjusts the temperature to account for humidity so your home always feels like the temperature you’ve set.
  • Easy to install and use every day, ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced comes with everything you need for installation. Most people install it themselves in about 45 minutes or less. Use your smart home platform and the ecobee app to control your thermostat from anywhere with your smartphone, tablet, or Apple Watch.
  • ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced is made with quality materials and designed to last on your wall for over a decade. It’s hardwired so you never have to worry about losing control or replacing batteries. If you run into problems, our dedicated support team is available 7 days a week.
  • Add in a SmartSensor which allows you to measure the temperature in rooms that matter most, like the nursery or bedroom. It reads temperature and movement in whatever room it is placed in for complete home monitoring and energy savings (SmartSensor sold separately).
SaleBestseller No. 4
ecobee EB-STATE3LTP-02 Thermostat, Black
  • Auto schedule feature learns the temperatures you like and programs itself in about a week
  • Uses its sensors and your phone’s location to automatically turn temperature down when nobody’s home to save energy
  • Lights up to show you the time, temperature, or weather when it sees you across the room
  • ecobee is a Canada home automation company that makes thermostats for residential and commercial use
SaleBestseller No. 5
ecobee Smart Sensor 2 Pack - Comfort, Security, Energy Savings - Smart Home - Compatible with ecobee...
  • Place sensors in the rooms that matter most to experience comfort that stays with you
  • Works with all ecobee thermostats to deliver comfort where it counts and help manage hot or cold spots
  • Detects motion to deliver comfort when you’re home, save energy when you’re away, and adjust temperature in rooms that are in use
  • Works with ecobee Smart Security to send notifications when motion is detected
  • No wires. Installs in seconds
Bestseller No. 6
ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control - Programmable Wifi Thermostat - Works with Siri, Alexa,...
  • Save up to 26%*per year on heating and cooling costs. ENERGY STARcertified. Included SmartSensor (50 dollar value) adjusts the temperature in the rooms that matter most to reduce hot or cold spots to keep you comfortable.*Compared to a hold of 72°F/22°C.
  • Included SmartSensor keeps you comfortable where you are, not just where your thermostat is. Simply place SmartSensor in the bedroom, office, or child’s room for total comfort and control.
  • Control from anywhere with your iOS or Android device
  • Integrates seamlessly with your preferred smart home system.
  • Comes with Siri and Alexa Built-in for hands-free control, your way
Bestseller No. 7
Ecobee EB-STATE3LTRF-01 3 Lite Smart Thermostat - Certified Refurbished
SaleBestseller No. 8
ecobee4 Smart Thermostat with Built-in Alexa, Room Sensor Included
  • SAVE MONEY: Homeowners save up to 23% annually on heating or cooling costs, plus ecobee pays for itself in under 2 years (compared to a hold of 72 degrees).
  • ROOM SENSORS: Place them in the rooms that matter the most and have the temperature balanced throughout your whole home. Measuring both occupancy and temperature, sensors signal your ecobee Smart Thermostat to automatically switch to the right mode for comfort when you’re home or for savings when you’re not. One Room Sensor included, 2-pack sold separately
  • EASILY INSTALL YOURSELF: It only takes about 30 minutes, thanks to an easy to follow installation guide and an in-app step-by-step walkthrough. Everything you need comes in the box, including a Power Extender Kit for homes with no common wire (C-wire). Compatibility- Gas, oil, electric, dual fuel, Conventional (2H/2C), Heat Pump (4H/2C), Humidifier, Dehumidifier, Ventilator, HRV or ERV
  • CONTROL FROM ANYWHERE: Easily adjust your thermostat from wherever you are using your iOS (iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch) or Android device. The ecobee mobile app is available in the App Store or on Google Play. Works with: Apple Homekit, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, IFTTT and more.
  • BUILT-IN ALEXA: Control your thermostat using your voice with built-in Alexa. Ask to play music, hear the news, set a timer, adjust the temperature, and so much more. Wifi connectivity is ieee 802.11 b/g/n at 2.4 GHz. Tip-make sure your HVAC panel is fully closed. Some systems will not turn on if the cover panel has not been closed properly.Voltage Type:Line Voltage
SaleBestseller No. 9
ecobee EB-STATe3L-01 3 Lite Thermostat, Wi-Fi, Works with Amazon Alexa
  • Works with Alexa for voice control (Alexa device sold separately).
  • Your ecobee3 lite powers on through the C and Rc terminal. Be sure to insert your R/Rc/Rh wire in the Rc terminal of your ecobee3 lite thermostat.
  • Fast, easy installation - install your ecobee in 30 minutes or less. The step-by-step guide on our mobile app and free expert support make it easy.Smarter comfort - your ecobee understands your local weather, schedule and desired comfort settings, to ensure your home is at the right temperature at the right time
  • Personal energy reports - get free monthly reports on how much energy you’ve saved and tips on how you can save even more
  • Peace of mind - your ecobee monitors your heating and cooling systems and alerts you If it senses that something isn’t working properly. Refer userguide before use
SaleBestseller No. 10
Ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat with Whole Home Sensors (1 Door/Window, 1 SmartSensor)

FAQs:

Question

How long does ecobee take to activate?

It will take approximately 45 minutes to complete the installation. The thermostat will need to be calibrated, taking between 5 and 20 minutes.

Why is my ecobee not connecting to WiFi?

This can be due to the distance or obstructions between your router and Ecobee, outdated firmware on your router, or power interruptions.

How do I update my ecobee firmware?

When a new version of the firmware for your Ecobee becomes available, it will be downloaded and installed automatically.
You can contact Ecobee support if the update does not occur automatically, and they will manually push the update or repair your thermostat for you.

What version is my ecobee?

Select the ‘About’ option from the ‘Main Menu’ of your Ecobee to find out what version it is running. You’ll be able to see the Ecobee version that you have listed there.

Last update on 2024-03-21

Lance Ulanoff is a renowned tech journalist, commentator, and on-air expert with over 36 years of experience. He has held esteemed positions including Editor in Chief of Lifewire and Mashable, where he delved into the impact of technology on daily life. Lance's expertise has been featured on major news programs globally, and he has made appearances on Fox News, CNBC, and the BBC.