Is Ecobee Humidity Accurate? (Explained)

Coming from a tropical climate, the summers in my hometown were sometimes unbearable. First, there was the heat from the sun; to make things worse, the heat of summers was often accompanied by humid and cloudy afternoons. 

It was during those days I saw my Ecobee display start to go bonkers. 

At first, it seemed like a glitch. But later, I found out that Ecobee was actually trying to read the humidity of our room to provide a better cooling effect. 

So, in today’s article, I am going to talk about the Humidity Control feature of Ecobee Thermostats. 

Keep reading till the end to find out more. 

How Does Ecobee Measure Humidity?

Ecobee measures humidity using a built-in sensor located on the thermostat. 

The humidity sensor uses a capacitive technique to measure the amount of water vapor in the air. When the humidity sensor is exposed to the air, it absorbs some of the water vapor, which changes the electrical capacitance of the sensor. 

The change in capacitance is then converted into a digital signal that is displayed on the thermostat.

Is Ecobee Humidity Accurate?

The accuracy of Ecobee’s humidity readings depends on several factors, including the location of the thermostat, the placement of the humidity sensor, and the calibration of the sensor. 

In general, the humidity readings on the Ecobee thermostat are accurate, but there are some situations where the readings may be inaccurate.

Location of the thermostat

The location of the thermostat can affect the accuracy of the humidity readings. 

If the thermostat is located in an area that is exposed to direct sunlight or heat sources, such as a fireplace or radiator, it can affect the humidity readings.

Placement of the humidity sensor

The placement of the humidity sensor on the thermostat can also affect the accuracy of the readings. 

If the sensor is located in an area that is too close to a heat source or too far away from the main living area, it can affect the humidity readings.

Calibration of the humidity sensor

The accuracy of the humidity readings also depends on the calibration of the sensor. If the sensor is not properly calibrated, it can lead to inaccurate humidity readings.

How to Calibrate Ecobee Humidity Sensor

If you suspect that the humidity readings on your Ecobee thermostat are inaccurate, you can calibrate the humidity sensor to improve accuracy. 

Here are the steps to calibrate the Ecobee humidity sensor:

• Go to the Ecobee thermostat’s main menu 
• Open “Settings.”
• Choose “Sensors.”
• Select the “Calibrate” option next to the humidity sensor.
• To calibrate the sensor, follow the on-screen instructions.
• Allow the sensor to recalibrate before checking the humidity readings to determine whether they have improved.

Other Tips to Improve Ecobee Humidity Accuracy

• Keep the thermostat away from heat sources and bright sunshine.
• Check that the humidity sensor is appropriately positioned and not obscured by any items.
• Keep the thermostat clean and dust-free.
• Replace the filter in your HVAC system on a regular basis to guarantee optimal airflow.

Troubleshooting Inaccurate Temperature Reading

If you’re experiencing inaccurate temperature readings on your Ecobee thermostat, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the issue. 

Here are some potential solutions to try:

Check the Thermostat Location

The location of the thermostat can greatly impact temperature accuracy. 

If the thermostat is located near a drafty window or door, in direct sunlight, or in an area with poor airflow, it can lead to inaccurate temperature readings. 

Relocate the thermostat to a more optimal location to help improve accuracy.

Verify the Temperature Sensor Placement

Check that the temperature sensor is correctly installed and in a suitable location. 

The sensor should be mounted on a level surface, away from any heat sources such as lamps or appliances, and at a height of 5 feet above the floor. 

If the sensor is not installed correctly, it may generate inaccurate temperature readings.

Check the Thermostat’s Firmware

The Ecobee thermostat’s firmware may need updating to resolve any bugs or software issues that can cause temperature inaccuracies. 

To check for any firmware updates:

• Go to the “Settings”
• Select “System.”
• Any update available will show up, and the software will automatically install it. 

Calibrate the Temperature Sensor

Calibration is a process that helps adjust the temperature sensor’s accuracy. 

To calibrate the temperature sensor, follow these steps:

• Go to the “Settings” 
• Select “Sensors.”
• Choose “Calibrate” next to the temperature sensor.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to calibrate the sensor.
• Wait for the sensor to recalibrate and check the temperature readings to see if they have improved.

Check the HVAC System

Temperature errors might occur if the HVAC system is not operating properly. This usually happens when the vents are blocked. 

Check the air filters in the system and replace them as needed. 

Ensure that the vents are not obstructed and that the system is properly maintained.

Perform a Factory Reset

If all other troubleshooting steps have failed, a factory reset may be required to resolve the issue. 

To perform a factory reset:

• Go to the “Settings”
• Select “Reset.”
• Any update available will show up, and the software will automatically install it. 

Ecobee still not working?

If the issues still continue to drag on, then it’s better to call customer support and get the device fixed.