My Ecobee says “Calibrating” – Check HVAC For Filter Clogs

A few days ago, my Ecobee thermostat, which has kept my home cozy for a few months, threw me a curveball.

It got really hot inside, so I went to check on the thermostat, and there it was, flashing the message “Calibrating: Heating and Cooling Disabled.”

This unexpected message left me puzzled. I decided to wait it out but the message kept coming back.

My house was getting pretty uncomfortable temperature-wise by this time and my infant was not happy about it either.

The “Calibrating” message on your Ecobee thermostat screen indicates that it is measuring the current indoor temperature. However, if the message does not go away after 20 minutes, it means that there is an issue with your HVAC system. In most cases, this can be solved by changing the filter.

Update Your Ecobee’s Firmware First

Ecobee saying “Calibrating” means the thermostat is getting an accurate temperature reading for your space. It uses built-in sensors for temperature, humidity, and occupancy.

Calibration happens after installation and each time you reboot the device. During calibration, heating and cooling are disabled temporarily.

If calibration lasts more than 20 minutes after installation, there might be an issue with the HVAC system or your thermostat.

If your Ecobee firmware is not up to date, it will not function properly.

Firmware updates include bug fixes and optimizations that improve the overall performance and stability of your Ecobee device.

Without these updates, you may encounter issues or suboptimal performance.

Here’s how you can update your Ecobee firmware:

Check the Current Firmware Version:
From your Ecobee thermostat’s home screen, tap the Main Menu icon (three horizontal lines).

Go to “Settings” and select “About.”

Look for the “Firmware” section to find the current version.
Connect to Wi-Fi:
Ensure your Ecobee thermostat is connected to your home Wi-Fi network. If it’s not, go to “Main Menu” > “Wi-Fi” > “Network” to connect.
Enable Automatic Updates (Optional):
You can enable automatic updates to let your Ecobee download and install new firmware automatically when available. Go to “Main Menu” > “Settings” > “Preferences” > “Automatic Updates” and turn it on.

You can also check for updates manually by going to “Main Menu” > “Settings” > “About” > “Check for Updates.”

If a new version is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it. Your thermostat will reboot during the update process.

If The Firmware Is Up To Date, Check For Clogged HVAC Filters

If your Ecobee firmware is up to date, but the “Calibrating” message keeps coming back, it means that your thermostat is repeatedly rebooting.

In such cases, the thermostat powers off on its own when it calls for heat.

This could happen if the furnace unit gets too hot, triggering an automatic shutdown, and the fan runs to cool it down.

Since the Ecobee draws power from the furnace, it also turns off during this process.

A common reason for the furnace to power off when the thermostat is calling for heat is a clogged HVAC filter.

If you haven’t replaced your furnace air filter recently, it’s advisable to start there.

A dirty filter can restrict airflow, leading to overheating of the furnace and causing it to shut down intermittently.

Replacing the filter regularly can help maintain proper airflow and prevent this issue, ensuring your thermostat functions smoothly.

If you are unsure what HVAC system you have and how to change the filter, it is best to contact a technician.

Select HVAC Fan As ‘Fan Control In Heat Mode’

If you’ve tried replacing the filter and are still experiencing issues with your Ecobee thermostat, try changing the fan control settings. Here’s how:

Make sure your Ecobee thermostat device is on.

Tap the “Main Menu” button (usually located at the bottom left corner of the screen).

Go to “Settings.”

Navigate to “Installation Settings.”

Select “Equipment.”

Choose “Furnace.”

Look for the option “Fan Control in Heat Mode.”

Instead of using the default “Ecobee” setting, select “HVAC.”

Exit the menu and go back to the main screen.

Run your furnace and observe if it works without any issues.

When the Ecobee is in energy-saving mode, it waits to kick the fan on, which may lead to the furnace detecting a high-temperature limit and tripping the system.

By changing the fan control setting to “HVAC,” the fan will run more efficiently with the furnace, helping to avoid this problem.

If Nothing Else Works, Contact Ecobee Customer Support

If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps, including replacing the filter and adjusting fan control settings, and your Ecobee thermostat still isn’t functioning properly, it’s time to reach out to Ecobee Customer Support for assistance.

Ecobee’s support team is trained to help troubleshoot and resolve issues with their products. They will guide you through additional steps specific to your situation or schedule a maintenance visit.