Does Ecobee Have a Battery Backup?

Ecobee offers battery-operated smart thermostats that use different sensors and digital integrations to control the temperature inside your home. They are energy efficient, and you can even control them through your smartphone or voice commands. However, many wonder if Ecobee smart thermostats feature a battery backup if the power goes out. 

Ecobee thermostats do not have a backup battery. They are primarily powered through wiring to your HVAC unit, while only the temperature sensor is powered through a battery.

There are different versions of the Ecobee with different size batteries. Read below for more information about the battery and the benefits of owning an Ecobee thermostat.  

Does the Ecobee Thermostat Have a Backup Battery?

Like most smart thermostats, the Ecobee is designed to be hardwired into an existing HVAC system. While some devices also include a backup battery in case the power goes out, Ecobee thermostats do not. The only battery in this device powers the temperature sensor, which allows the thermostat to determine the temperature of a room.

This battery-powered sensor does, however, save your programmed settings if you have a power outage or power surge. When this happens, the sensor somewhat acts like a backup battery, holding your programmed settings until the power comes back on.

How to Turn Ecobee On After a Power Outage

If the power in your home goes out, your Ecobee thermostat will turn itself off. Depending on the wiring in your home, it may come back on automatically when power is restored. If not, you can follow the steps below to turn your Ecobee thermostat back on after a power outage:

• Check your circuit breaker and make sure the fuse is in the on position.
• Wait for 30 minutes for the thermostat to reset and go back online.
• Adjust the temperature to your desired setting.

Following these steps will ensure you get your smart thermostat back up and running as soon as possible. 

How Long Do Ecobee Sensor Batteries Last?

An Ecobee smart thermostat’s 3-volt CR-2032 battery will usually last between 18-24 months. The Ecobee Smart Sensor, an auxiliary temperature sensor you can place in other areas of your home, uses a CR-2477 battery that generally lasts between 3-5 years.

When your Ecobee’s battery starts running low, you will be notified through the app. This alert allows you time to change it and keep your settings. 

How to Change an Ecobee Sensor Battery

If you’ve had your Ecobee thermostat for a while, you may need to change the sensor battery. Luckily, this is relatively simple to do. Just grab your new battery and follow the steps below:

• Pry off the battery cover using the lock tab. 
• Pop the old battery out. This may be a bit difficult, as the batteries fit in rather snugly. 
• After removing the old battery, insert the new battery positive side up. 
• Allow the prongs to hold the battery in place. 
• Finally, replace the battery cover. 

Some Ecobee thermostats feature a stand. If your thermostat has one of these stands, you will need to remove it to access your battery compartment. 

What Are the Benefits of an Ecobee Thermostat?

The Ecobee Smart Thermostat is an excellent addition to any home, allowing you to easily control temperatures through your smartphone or voice commands. In addition to this, it can be programmed to help with other tasks around the home.

An Ecobee thermostat can also be used as home monitoring equipment. It can detect when someone returns home or adjust the airflow if a window or door is left open for too long. If there is a sudden or unexpected temperature drop, your Ecobee smart thermostat will adjust the temperature in your home to counterbalance it. 

As mentioned above, Ecobee smart thermostats remember your programmed schedule even after power outages. If you ever experience a power failure, the Ecobee can start right back up and adjust the temperature settings to maintain comfort in the home.

The Ecobee can also help you follow heating and cooling trends. With the Ecobee app, you can see when you use the most energy and track it to make adjustments. According to Ecobee, this feature can help homeowners save up to 23% on their monthly heating or cooling bills. 

Some models feature a vacation mode, as well. Vacation mode can help keep your house cool in the summer while you’re on vacation. It can also warm up your home in the winter to prevent pipes from freezing if you go away for the holidays.  

In Conclusion

Unlike some other models, the Ecobee smart thermostat does not feature a backup battery. It is designed to be wired directly to your HVAC system, and only the device’s sensor is powered through a battery. Although there is no backup battery, this thermostat is strong enough to maintain your scheduled routines and settings even after an interruption in power.