How to install Smart Thermostat Essential.

In most homes, installing an ecobee thermostat is an easy process that takes about 45 minutes. Follow the steps below or scroll down for installation guides, wiring diagrams, troubleshooting tips and more.

Check compatibility with your HVAC
Download the ecobee app to install your thermostat

ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential front-facing render

Installation videos

Install with a C wire

Descriptive Transcript

Title of media: How to Install ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential

Media type: Animated video with background music

Duration: 3:57

[0:00–0:10] [Visual: The ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential — a small, oval-shaped device with a black front display showing "72°F" and white edges — is shown on a dark green background with the ecobee logo visible. On-screen text reads: "Smart Thermostat ESSENTIAL Installation video." The thermostat rotates slowly to show its side profile.] Narrator: "Hi, welcome to the ecobee family. Step into comfort and energy savings with our Smart Thermostat Essential installation video."

[0:10–0:22] [Visual: Background transitions from dark green to white. The thermostat remains on screen. On-screen text reads: "Follow along with the ecobee app for extra guidance." Icons representing power, a home, and a globe appear sequentially alongside the thermostat. Text appears noting the installation takes approximately 30–60 minutes.] Narrator: "This video walks you through the setup while the ecobee app gives step-by-step detail. Smart Thermostat Essential works with most homes and heating and cooling systems. Check if your home is compatible."

[0:23–0:32] [Visual: A line drawing illustration of the ecobee Power Extender Kit (PEK) — a small white device with multiple wire connectors and an attached cable — is displayed with accompanying text indicating it is sold separately and available online.] Narrator: "Homes without a common wire or C wire can still support the Smart Thermostat Essential by using the ecobee Power Extender Kit, which is sold separately."

[0:33–0:44] [Visual: A smartphone screen displays the ecobee customer support interface, showing contact options including chat, phone, and email methods.] Narrator: "If you have questions during installation, our customer support team is here to help seven days a week by phone, email, or live chat."

[0:45–0:53] [Visual: Three animated icons — representing power, a chair (comfort), and a globe (environmental impact) — appear sequentially on screen.] Narrator: "Purchasing the Smart Thermostat Essential is a great way to save energy, live comfortably, while also helping the planet. Ready to install your smart thermostat?"

[0:53–1:07] [Visual: A smartphone screen displays the ecobee app icon highlighted among other app icons. Text instructions appear: "Download app. Create account. Add device." with links to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.] Narrator: "Let's get started. Begin installation by opening or downloading the ecobee app. Log in or create an account. Then add your ecobee device to your home by following the outlined steps in the mobile installation guide."

[1:07–1:13] [Visual: The contents of the thermostat box are displayed sequentially as simple graphic icons: the Smart Thermostat Essential, screws, drywall plugs, backplate, and a sheet of wire labels.] Narrator: "Your smart thermostat comes with screws, drywall plugs, backplate, and wiring labels."

[1:14–1:27] [Visual: A vertical list of black-and-white line icons illustrates the required tools: Phillips screwdriver, drill with 3/16" drill bit, Wi-Fi connection symbol, small flathead screwdriver, hammer, wire stripper, and pencil.] Narrator: "You'll need a Phillips screwdriver, a drill with a 3/16" drill bit, and a Wi-Fi connection. You may also need a small flathead screwdriver, hammer, wire stripper, and pencil."

[1:27–1:36] [Visual: An illustrated open circuit breaker box is shown with multiple labeled switches. Breaker switches are highlighted in blue in sequence, indicating they are being switched off.] Narrator: "First things first — turn off the power to your heating and cooling system. This step is important for you and your home's safety."

[1:37–1:40] [Visual: A line drawing animation shows the old thermostat's front cover being separated from its wiring base, illustrating the cover removal step.] Narrator: "Then remove the old thermostat cover."

[1:41–1:50] [Visual: The app prompts the user to photograph the existing wiring. The wiring panel illustration shows wires connected to labeled terminals, with wires highlighted in blue to indicate selection in the app.] Narrator: "The app will prompt you to take a photo of the old wiring so you can refer to it later. If needed, select the wires that are connected to the terminals."

[1:51–1:59] [Visual: Green labels are shown being applied to each wire on the wiring panel illustration, corresponding to their terminal connections. Wires are then shown disconnected from the terminals, with green labels still attached.] Narrator: "After entering your wires into the app, you will then label the wires with the provided green labels. Then use your screwdriver to loosen each terminal to disconnect the wires."

[2:00–2:05] [Visual: The old white rectangular backplate is shown mounted on the wall with wires behind it. A screwdriver removes the screws holding it in place. The backplate is removed from the wall, leaving the wires exposed.] Narrator: "Next, unscrew the old backplate from the wall."

[2:05–2:38] [Visual: On-screen text and illustrations describe the optional ecobee Trim Kit. The new ecobee backplate — a curved plate with terminal slots and screw holes — is positioned against the wall with wires fed through its center opening. It is held straight using the integrated level while a pencil marks the screw hole positions on the wall.] Narrator: "If you have any imperfections from your old thermostat, you can attach the optional ecobee trim plate before the backplate. The ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential Trim Kit is sold separately. In homes where the thermostat is installed on a junction box — a plastic or metal box that houses wires — the ecobee Essential Trim Kit is required to mount your smart thermostat. Now, place the ecobee backplate on the wall and insert the wires through it. Hold the backplate against the wall and straighten it using the integrated level while marking the holes with the pencil."

[2:38–2:47] [Visual: The backplate is removed. A handheld power drill bores holes into the wall at the marked points. Drywall anchors are inserted into the drilled holes.] Narrator: "Remove the backplate to drill holes. Insert drywall anchors."

[2:47–3:01] [Visual: The ecobee backplate is repositioned on the wall. Provided screws are fastened into the drywall anchors using a screwdriver, securing the backplate. Labeled wires are pulled through the center opening and inserted one by one into their corresponding terminals on the backplate.] Narrator: "Now attach the ecobee backplate using the screws provided. Next, pull the wires through the center of the backplate. Insert the green labeled wires into the side of their corresponding terminals."

[3:01–3:14] [Visual: A detailed technical illustration shows all wires fully inserted and secured in their terminal slots on the circular backplate. Terminal levers are shown in the depressed (locked) position. Wires are tugged and excess wiring is pushed back into the wall.] Narrator: "Terminal levers should be depressed, letting you know that the wires are in the right position. Tug on the wires to ensure they are securely connected and push excess wiring back into the wall."

[3:14–3:18] [Visual: The ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential — circular, with a dark front screen and white body — is shown being aligned and pressed firmly onto the wall-mounted backplate until it clicks into place.] Narrator: "Gently push your smart thermostat onto the backplate. You'll hear a clicking sound."

[3:18–3:24] [Visual: The electrical breaker panel is shown again. A hand flips the highlighted breaker switch back on, restoring power to the heating and cooling system.] Narrator: "Turn your heating and cooling system back on."

[3:24–3:46] [Visual: The thermostat screen powers on, displaying a series of letters and numbers during initialization, then shows a "Hi" greeting message. The screen subsequently transitions through setup screens including Wi-Fi connection and account pairing steps, ultimately displaying the main temperature screen at 72°F.] Narrator: "Your Smart Thermostat Essential should greet you with a 'Hi,' which means it's been installed correctly. Now follow the instructions on your thermostat to complete setup, which includes connecting it to your Wi-Fi network and ecobee account so you can control it from your mobile device. Congratulations, you've successfully installed your new smart thermostat."

[3:46–3:52] [Visual: A 3D animated aerial view of a modern house surrounded by trees and greenery is shown, suggesting a smart home environment.] Narrator: "Be sure to check out other ecobee smart devices for more comfort, control, and peace of mind."

[3:52–3:57] [Visual: A green screen background with the white ecobee brand logo appearing and stabilizing in the center of the frame.] Narrator: "Thanks for watching. Bye for now."

End of transcript.

Note: This transcript was prepared in accordance with WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.2.1 (Audio-only and Video-only — Prerecorded) and 1.2.3 (Audio Description or Media Alternative — Prerecorded). It provides a text alternative conveying all spoken dialogue, on-screen text, visual descriptions of meaningful action, and identifying information for people shown on screen.

Install without a C wire

Keep in mind, the ecobee Power Extender Kit (sold separately) is required for installation in homes without a C wire.

Descriptive Transcript

Title of media: How to Install ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential for Homes Without a C wire

Media type: Animated video with background music

Duration: 4:13

[0:00–0:10] [Visual: The ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential — a rounded-square device with a black digital display showing "72°F" — is shown mounted on a green wall with the ecobee logo visible. On-screen text reads: "Smart Thermostat ESSENTIAL Power Extender Kit installation video."] Narrator: "Hi, welcome to the ecobee family. This video walks you through installing the ecobee Power Extender Kit for your Smart Thermostat Essential."

[0:10–0:19] [Visual: The thermostat remains on screen. Customer support contact information — including a toll-free phone number and support email address — appears alongside the thermostat image.] Narrator: "If you have any questions during installation, our customer support team is here to help seven days a week by phone, email, or live chat."

[0:20–0:39] [Visual: A line drawing illustration of the ecobee Power Extender Kit — a small white rectangular device with multiple attached wires — is displayed with text directing viewers to check compatibility at ecobee.com/compatibility. On-screen text notes it is sold separately and lists incompatible systems.] Narrator: "The ecobee Power Extender Kit is used to install the Smart Thermostat Essential when no common wire — also known as C wire — is present. Check if you have a C wire by using the ecobee compatibility checker. Homes without a common wire can still support the Smart Thermostat Essential with our Power Extender Kit, which is sold separately. The Power Extender Kit is installed at the control board of the furnace or air handler. It is not compatible with dual transformer, fan coil, or communicating units."

[0:40–0:59] [Visual: A line drawing animation shows the furnace or air handler control board cover being removed, revealing the wiring inside. A close-up illustration of the terminal block follows, showing wires labeled R, G, Y, W, and C connected to their corresponding terminals. Wires are animated to demonstrate proper placement and the combining of R and G wire functions.] Narrator: "To install your Power Extender Kit, you'll need at least R, G, and Y wires from your existing thermostat. The Power Extender Kit works by combining the functions of the R and G wires into a single connection. If you see a W wire, don't worry — it's not needed for installation."

[1:00–1:15] [Visual: A close-up of a wiring panel shows terminals labeled R, G, Y, W, and C with wires connected. One wire is highlighted in blue to indicate it is the W wire. An electrical breaker panel is shown with its door open; a hand flips the power switch off. On-screen text reads: "Turn the power off."] Narrator: "Before beginning the installation, make sure to turn the power off."

[1:16–1:28] [Visual: The interior of the furnace or air handler electrical control unit is shown with its circuit board and connected wires visible. A smartphone is used to photograph the wiring. On-screen text reads: "Before disconnecting, take a photo of the wires."] Narrator: "Head to your home's heating and cooling system. Remove the cover panel and locate your thermostat wires. Before disconnecting them, label each wire with the provided white labels and take a photo for reference."

[1:28–1:46] [Visual: A furnace wiring diagram shows terminals labeled W1, W2, Y1, Y2, G, R, and C. Wires are shown being disconnected step by step — first from W1, then Y1, then W2 — with each removal clearly illustrated.] Narrator: "Disconnect the R, G, and Y wires from your heating and cooling control board. If there's a W wire, make sure to disconnect it. Ignore any other wires and leave them connected. The Y wire will have two wires in it — only the one Y wire going to the thermostat should be removed."

[1:47–2:00] [Visual: A wiring diagram shows four wires labeled W, Y, G, and R with connecting lines illustrating their sequence. A small white rectangular electronic device — the Power Extender Kit — is shown from multiple angles with four wires connected to terminals labeled W, Y, G, and R, and four buttons on top.] Narrator: "Insert the wires you just disconnected — R, G, Y, and W — into the correct terminals of the Power Extender Kit. Each terminal will lock down when the wire is inserted correctly, ensuring they are secure. Quick tip: give the wires a gentle tug to make sure they are secure."

[2:00–2:19] [Visual: The Power Extender Kit is shown with wires connected to terminals labeled Y, W, G, and R. The W wire is highlighted and shown being moved. A detailed wiring schematic illustrates the connections from the Power Extender Kit terminals (Y, W, G, C, R) to the corresponding furnace control board terminals, with wires connected step by step: Y→Y1, W→W1, G→G, R→R, C→C.] Narrator: "Attach all five white labeled wires from the Power Extender Kit to their corresponding terminals on the control board. Remember, the Y and C control board terminals will have two wires."

[2:20–2:37] [Visual: The side view of the furnace is shown with the Power Extender Kit mounted magnetically on its side near the control board, with all wires connected. The furnace cover panel is then closed and reinstalled.] Narrator: "The Power Extender Kit has a magnetic backing for easy mounting near the control board. Quick tip: mount the Power Extender Kit on the side of the system instead of the bottom to avoid potential water damage. Close your heating and cooling cover panel to finish the first step of installing your Power Extender Kit."

[2:38–2:52] [Visual: The old wall-mounted thermostat (rectangular with a display screen and buttons) is shown with its cover being pulled off to expose wiring. Green labels are applied to each wire at the furnace terminal connections. All wires are then disconnected from their terminals one by one, with green labels remaining attached.] Narrator: "Next, head back to your old thermostat. Remove the cover and label the wires with the provided green labels. Finally, remove the old wires…"

[2:52–3:00] [Visual: The old backplate is unscrewed from the wall and removed. A new circular ecobee backplate is positioned on the wall, aligned, and secured with screws, with wires fed through the center. The labeled wires (C, G, R, Y, W) from the Power Extender Kit are shown as individual illustrated labels.] Narrator: "…and unscrew the backplate from the wall. Mount your new thermostat backplate on the wall and pull the wires through."

[3:00–3:24] [Visual: A detailed wiring schematic for the Power Extender Kit is displayed, showing the new terminal assignments. Labeled connections indicate: R/RC/RH wire → R terminal; G wire → C terminal; Y wire → G/PEK terminal; W wire → W1 terminal. Additional terminals (O/B, W, G, R, C) are labeled on the diagram.] Narrator: "There will be some minor wiring changes once the Power Extender Kit is installed. Note: the R, RC, or RH wire goes into the R terminal. Connect the remaining wires to their terminals on the new thermostat backplate — insert the wire labeled G wire into the C terminal, the Y wire to the PEK terminal, and the W wire to the W1 terminal."

[3:24–3:30] [Visual: The circular ecobee backplate with all wires connected is shown. The ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential — a square device with rounded corners and a dark front face — is pressed firmly onto the backplate until it clicks.] Narrator: "Now the wiring is complete. Gently push the smart thermostat onto the backplate."

[3:31–3:34] [Visual: The electrical breaker panel is shown again with its door open. The heating and cooling circuit breaker switches are flipped back on to restore power.] Narrator: "Turn the power back on to the heating and cooling system."

[3:35–3:57] [Visual: The ecobee thermostat is shown mounted on a white wall with a decorative vase and plant leaves visible nearby. The thermostat screen powers on, displays a "Hi" greeting message, then transitions to show the temperature reading of 72°F. The screen cycles through setup prompts including Wi-Fi connection and account pairing.] Narrator: "Your Smart Thermostat Essential should greet you with a 'Hi,' which means it's been installed correctly. Now follow the instructions on your thermostat to complete setup, which includes connecting it to your Wi-Fi network and ecobee account so you can control it from your mobile device. Congratulations, you've successfully installed your new smart thermostat."

[3:58–4:04] [Visual: A digital rendering of a modern two-story house shows thermostat placements on interior walls and floors, illustrating smart home coverage. The view transitions to a 3D miniature model of the house with white walls, dark gray roof, and surrounding greenery. The model fades out.] Narrator: "Be sure to check out other ecobee smart devices for more comfort, control, and peace of mind."

[4:05–4:13] [Visual: The ecobee brand logo in white lowercase text fades in on a solid green background and holds steady until the video ends.] Narrator: "Thanks for watching. Bye for now."

End of transcript.

Note: This transcript was prepared in accordance with WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.2.1 (Audio-only and Video-only — Prerecorded) and 1.2.3 (Audio Description or Media Alternative — Prerecorded). It provides a text alternative conveying all spoken dialogue, on-screen text, visual descriptions of meaningful action, and identifying information for people shown on screen.

Illustration of a junction box wiring on a light green background

Did you know?

If your thermostat installs over a junction box, you'll need to to pick up the Smart Thermostat Essential Trim Kit (sold separately) to install Smart Thermostat Essential. The trim kit is also handy for covering up any unsightly blemishes on your wall left by your old thermostat.

Learn more