If you’ve recently installed an ecobee thermostat in your home, you may be wondering how to calibrate the humidity sensor. Luckily, it’s a pretty simple process that only takes a few minutes to complete.
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To calibrate the ecobee humidity sensor, you need to set your preferred temperature from the AC Overcool Max menu, set the fan to auto, and enable the dehumidifier. That way, the unit will start removing humidity from the air when it senses that the relative humidity is above your target setting.
If you live in a humid area and need help calibrating your ecobee humidity sensor to improve your home’s comfort, keep reading. This step-by-step guide will show you everything you need to do.
1. Install the Ecobee Thermostat in Your Home
Before you can even calibrate an ecobee sensor, you must have it installed in your home. The process will vary with the type of ecobee thermostat you have, so consult the instructions that came with your unit for more specific guidance.
Generally speaking, though, the installation process is relatively straightforward and shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to complete.
Here’s a general video guide on how to install an ecobee thermostat:
2. Turn on Your ecobee Thermostat
Once the thermostat is installed, go ahead and turn it on. You should see a welcome screen that says “Hi.” If you don’t see the welcome screen, it’s likely because you didn’t follow the correct installation steps.
If you see the welcome screen, follow the on-screen instructions to connect your device to Wi-Fi before proceeding to the next step.
Read: Nest Or Ecobee Thermostat. What To Choose?
3. Open the Main Menu
Once your ecobee thermostat is connected to Wi-Fi, you’ll see three horizontal lines on the left side of the display. These lines represent the main menu for your ecobee thermostat. Go ahead and press them to open up the menu.
A pop-up menu will appear with several different options, including:
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- Sensor
- System Cool
- Schedule
- Comfort Settings
- Vacations
- Installation, and more.
For our purposes, we’re interested in the “Installation” menu, so go ahead and select this.
4. Tap Installation From the Pop-Up Menu
Once you’ve selected “Installation” from the pop-up menu, another menu will appear with several different options, including:
- Equipment
- Thresholds
- Test Equipment
In this case, we’re interested in the “Thresholds” option, so you should select this.
When you do that, you’ll see a list of different settings that you can adjust. The setting we’re interested in is the “AC Overcool Max” option.
Read: Ecobee Humidity Sensor Problem
5. Set the Humidity Overcool Max to Your Preferred Temperature
The “AC Overcool Max” option allows you to set the threshold for when the AC unit will turn on to remove humidity from the air. The value ranges between 1°C (33.8°F) and 5°C (41°F) and sets the maximum degree to which the AC will cool the air to remove humidity.
However, you can set it to whatever temperature you want by sliding the bar to the left or the right.
6. Go Back to Main Menu
Once you’ve made your selection, press the “<” button in the top left-hand corner of the screen. The changes will automatically save themselves.
Now that you’re back to the main menu, you need to set the fan setting; specifically, you need to set it to auto mode.
Read: How To Fix Ecobee Thermostat AC Blowing Cold Air Through Intake Vent?
7. Set the Fan to Auto Mode
The next step is to go back to the main menu and follow these steps:
- Select “System.”
- Once you’re in the “System” menu, select “Fan.”
- On the resulting screen, you should see different options for how you can set the fan, including “Auto” and “On.” In this case, you want to select “Auto.”
8. Enable the Dehumidifier
The final step is to enable the dehumidifier. You can do this by going to the main menu and following these steps:
- Select “System.”
- Once you’re in the “System” menu, scroll down until you see the “Dehumidify Using AC” option.
- Toggle the switch next to “Dehumidify Using AC” to the “On” position.
And that’s it! You’ve now successfully calibrated your new ecobee thermostat.
However, if you get stuck at any step, be sure to watch the following video for a more visual guide on how to do this:
General Tips for Making Your Home More Comfortable
In addition to calibrating your ecobee thermostat to control humidity, there are a few other things you can do to make your home more comfortable.
Here are a few tips:
Invest in a Dedicated Dehumidifier
If you live in a particularly humid climate or have many people living in your home, you might want to consider investing in a dedicated dehumidifier.
Dedicated dehumidifiers are designed to remove moisture from the air and can be used in conjunction with your ecobee thermostat to improve the comfort of your home further.
Here are a few tips for choosing the right dehumidifier for your needs:
- Choose a dehumidifier with a capacity that’s appropriate for the size of your space.
- Check the dehumidifier’s review before making your purchase.
- Make sure the dehumidifier you choose is Energy Star certified.
For starters, check out this Honeywell TP30WKN Energy Star Dehumidifier from Amazon.com. It’s Energy Star certified, easy to use and maintain, and powerful, making it a great option for most people.
Read: Ecobee Lite 3 Vs. Ecobee Smart Thermostat: Differences, Worth Of Upgrade?
Use Exhaust Fans in a Humid Room
Another way to remove moisture from the air and improve the comfort of your home is to use exhaust fans in humid rooms.
Exhaust fans help to circulate the air and remove moisture from the room, making it more comfortable.
Here are a few tips for using exhaust fans:
- Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to remove moisture from the air.
- Make sure the exhaust fan is vented to the outside of your home.
- Turn on the exhaust fan when you’re cooking or showering, and leave it on for at least 30 minutes after you’re done.
Keep Your Home Clean and Pest-Free
A clean and pest-free home is a comfortable home. Dust mites, for example, thrive in humid environments and can cause allergic reactions in some people. Likewise, cockroaches and other pests are attracted to moisture and can make your home uncomfortable.
Here are a few tips for keeping your home clean and pest-free:
- Vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner.
- Wash bedding on a hot cycle once a week.
- Keep food sealed and stored properly.
- Fix any leaks or standing water in your home.
Read: Why Ecobee Thermostat Not Using Average Temperature From The Sensors? Troubleshooting Guide
Use a Humidifier in a Dry Climate
If you live in a dry climate, you might want to consider using a humidifier. Humidifiers help to add moisture to the air, making it more comfortable. A humidifier can also help reduce static electricity and make your home feel warmer.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using a humidifier, though:
- Be sure to clean the unit regularly. Otherwise, it can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria.
- Don’t overdo it. Too much moisture in the air can be just as uncomfortable as too little.
- Ensure that the humidifier is properly vented.
Place Plants Around Your Home
Plants not only add beauty to your home but can also help to improve the air quality. Plants help filter the air and remove pollutants, making breathing more comfortable.
Here are a few tips for choosing plants for your home:
- Choose plants that are appropriate for the climate in which you live: desert plants for dry climates, tropical plants for humid climates.
- Choose plants that are appropriate for the amount of light in your home: low-light plants for shady spaces and high-light plants for sunny areas.
- Avoid plants that are known to be poisonous: That way, you don’t have to worry about your kids or pets getting sick.
Conclusion
Creating a comfortable environment in your home is important for your health and well-being. So take the time to calibrate your ecobee thermostat correctly and implement other comfort-enhancing measures.
Doing so will help ensure that your home remains comfortable year-round—no matter what Mother Nature throws your way!