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How to Adjust Ecobee Temperature for Humidity: Complete Guide

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When your ecobee thermostat shows 72°F but your home feels like 76°F in summer or 68°F in winter, humidity is likely the culprit. High humidity makes temperatures feel warmer, while low humidity makes them feel cooler. Understanding how to adjust your ecobee settings to compensate for humidity – and better yet, how to control humidity directly – will dramatically improve comfort while potentially reducing energy costs.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the relationship between temperature and humidity, how to configure your ecobee for optimal comfort across varying humidity levels, setting up automated humidity control, and troubleshooting common humidity-related comfort issues.

Table of Contents

Understanding Temperature vs. Humidity Comfort

Why Humidity Affects How Temperature Feels:

The Science of Thermal Comfort

How Your Body Cools Itself:

  • Perspiration evaporates from skin
  • Evaporation requires energy (heat)
  • Heat removed from body = cooling sensation
  • High humidity slows evaporation
  • Low humidity accelerates evaporation

The Comfort Equation:

  • Thermal comfort = Temperature + Humidity + Air movement
  • Not just temperature alone
  • 72°F at 30% humidity feels cool/dry
  • 72°F at 70% humidity feels warm/sticky
  • Same temperature, dramatically different comfort

Heat Index: What Temperature Really Feels Like

Summer Example (High Humidity):

Actual Temp30% Humidity50% Humidity70% Humidity90% Humidity
70°F69°F70°F71°F73°F
72°F71°F72°F74°F77°F
75°F73°F75°F78°F83°F
78°F76°F78°F83°F91°F
80°F78°F81°F88°F99°F

Key Insight: At 80°F with 90% humidity, it feels like 99°F!

Winter Example (Low Humidity):

Actual Temp20% Humidity30% Humidity40% Humidity50% Humidity
68°F65°F66°F67°F68°F
70°F67°F68°F69°F70°F
72°F69°F70°F71°F72°F
74°F71°F72°F73°F74°F

Key Insight: At 70°F with 20% humidity, it feels like 67°F.

Optimal Humidity Ranges

Ideal Indoor Humidity:

  • Summer: 40-50% relative humidity
  • Winter: 30-40% relative humidity
  • Year-round comfort zone: 35-50% RH
  • Below 30%: Too dry (static, dry skin, respiratory issues)
  • Above 60%: Too humid (mold risk, uncomfortable, condensation)

Why Seasonal Differences:

  • Winter: Lower humidity prevents condensation on cold windows
  • Summer: Moderate humidity comfortable without encouraging mold
  • Outdoor humidity affects indoor levels
  • HVAC operation impacts indoor humidity

Does Your Ecobee Have Humidity Sensing?

Understanding Your Ecobee’s Capabilities:

Models with Built-In Humidity Sensors

Ecobee Models with Humidity Sensing:

  • ✅ Ecobee SmartThermostat (2021+) – Built-in humidity sensor
  • ✅ Ecobee4 – Built-in humidity sensor
  • ✅ Ecobee3 – Built-in humidity sensor
  • ✅ Ecobee3 Lite – Built-in humidity sensor
  • ✅ Ecobee Smart (2019) – Built-in humidity sensor
  • ✅ Most ecobee thermostats since 2014 – Include humidity sensing

Checking If Your Ecobee Has Humidity:

  1. Look at main thermostat screen
  2. Humidity percentage displayed? (e.g., “45%”)
  3. If yes, you have humidity sensing
  4. If no, check Main Menu > Sensors
  5. Look for “Humidity” reading

Models WITHOUT Built-In Humidity:

  • ❌ Ecobee SmartSensor – Temperature and occupancy only (no humidity)
  • ❌ Very old ecobee models (pre-2014) – May lack humidity sensing

What You Can Do With Humidity Sensing

With Built-In Humidity Sensor:

  • Monitor current humidity levels
  • View humidity history (Home IQ)
  • Set up humidity-based alerts
  • Control humidifier/dehumidifier (if installed)
  • Make informed temperature adjustments
  • Track seasonal humidity patterns

Without Humidity Sensor:

  • Use separate hygrometer for monitoring
  • Manual temperature adjustments based on comfort
  • Can still control humidifier/dehumidifier if installed
  • Consider upgrading thermostat for better control

Quick Comfort Adjustments

Immediate Temperature Changes Based on Humidity:

Summer: When It Feels Too Warm

If Ecobee Shows High Humidity (Over 55%):

Symptom: Temperature reads 72°F but feels like 75-76°F, sticky, uncomfortable

Quick Fix #1: Lower Temperature Setpoint

  1. Temporarily lower temperature 2-3°F
  2. Example: 72°F → 69-70°F
  3. Compensates for humidity’s warming effect
  4. Air conditioner will run more

Quick Fix #2: Run Fan Continuously

  1. Tap thermostat
  2. Quick Changes menu
  3. Set Fan to “On” (not “Auto”)
  4. Improves air circulation
  5. Helps evaporative cooling from skin
  6. Makes same temperature feel cooler

Quick Fix #3: Use Dehumidifier

  • If you have whole-house or portable dehumidifier
  • Target 45-50% humidity
  • Once humidity lowered, temperature feels appropriate
  • Can raise setpoint back to 72°F

Energy Note: Lowering temperature uses more energy than reducing humidity. Humidity control more efficient if available.

Winter: When It Feels Too Cold

If Ecobee Shows Low Humidity (Under 30%):

Symptom: Temperature reads 70°F but feels like 67°F, dry air, static electricity

Quick Fix #1: Raise Temperature Setpoint

  1. Temporarily raise temperature 2-3°F
  2. Example: 70°F → 72-73°F
  3. Compensates for humidity’s cooling effect
  4. Heating system will run more

Quick Fix #2: Add Humidity

  • If you have whole-house humidifier, ensure it’s running
  • Portable humidifier in main living areas
  • Target 35-40% humidity in winter
  • Once humidity increased, temperature feels warmer
  • Can lower setpoint back to 70°F

Quick Fix #3: Close Bathroom/Kitchen Exhaust Sooner

  • Exhaust fans remove moisture
  • Don’t run longer than necessary (5-10 minutes after shower)
  • Retains more humidity indoors
  • Helps in very dry climates

Using Ecobee’s Feel-Like Temperature Display

Some Ecobee Models Show “Feels Like”:

  • Calculates heat index or wind chill equivalent
  • More accurate comfort indicator than raw temperature
  • If available: Main screen or detailed weather view
  • Adjust setpoint to match desired “feels like” temperature

Setting Up Automated Humidity Control

For Homes with Humidifier/Dehumidifier Equipment:

Equipment Requirements

What Can Ecobee Control:

  • ✅ Whole-house humidifiers (installed on furnace)
  • ✅ Whole-house dehumidifiers (installed in ductwork or basement)
  • ✅ Ventilators/HRV/ERV (heat recovery ventilators)
  • ❌ Portable humidifiers/dehumidifiers (unless smart plug integration)

Wiring Requirements:

  • Humidifier/dehumidifier must be compatible with 24V control
  • Dedicated wire from thermostat to equipment
  • Professional installation typically required
  • Check ecobee.com/compatibility for your equipment

Humidifier Setup (Winter Humidity Control)

When You Need Humidification:

  • Winter months when heating runs
  • Indoor humidity drops below 30%
  • Dry air, static electricity, dry skin
  • Wood floors/furniture drying out

Connecting Humidifier:

Step 1: Physical Installation

  1. Professional HVAC installation recommended
  2. Humidifier installed on furnace plenum
  3. Wire run from thermostat to humidifier
  4. Typically connects to “ACC+” and “ACC-” terminals on ecobee
  5. Or dedicated humidifier terminal (varies by model)

Step 2: Configure in Ecobee

  1. Main Menu > Settings
  2. Installation Settings > Accessory
  3. Select “Add Accessory”
  4. Choose “Humidifier”
  5. Select humidifier type:
    • Steam humidifier: Boils water, most effective
    • Fan-powered humidifier: Fan blows through wet pad
    • Bypass humidifier: Uses furnace fan, no dedicated fan
    • Pad humidifier: Passive, furnace fan blows through
  6. Confirm wiring matches
  7. Save settings

Step 3: Set Humidity Target

  1. Main Menu > Settings
  2. Comfort Settings
  3. Each setting (Home, Away, Sleep) can have humidity target
  4. Set desired humidity level:
    • Recommended winter: 35-40% RH
    • Very cold climate (below 0°F): 30-35% RH (prevent window condensation)
    • Moderate climate: 35-45% RH
  5. Humidifier activates when humidity drops below target
  6. Only runs when furnace is heating (most types)

Step 4: Configure Advanced Settings

Frost Control:

  1. Installation Settings > Accessory > Humidifier
  2. Frost Control settings
  3. Prevents over-humidification that causes window condensation
  4. Automatically reduces target in very cold weather
  5. Based on outdoor temperature
  6. Example: When outdoor temp below 20°F, limit to 35% RH

Minimum Runtime:

  • Ensures furnace runs long enough for humidifier effectiveness
  • Some humidifiers need 10+ minutes per cycle
  • Set in Installation Settings if available

Dehumidifier Setup (Summer Humidity Control)

When You Need Dehumidification:

  • Summer months, high outdoor humidity
  • Indoor humidity over 55-60%
  • Musty odors, condensation, mold concerns
  • Feels sticky/uncomfortable indoors

Connecting Dehumidifier:

Step 1: Physical Installation

  1. Professional installation recommended
  2. Whole-house dehumidifier in ductwork or basement
  3. Wire from thermostat (ACC+/ACC- or dedicated terminal)
  4. Some dehumidifiers self-powered, only need signal wire
  5. Others powered by thermostat (check compatibility)

Step 2: Configure in Ecobee

  1. Main Menu > Settings
  2. Installation Settings > Accessory
  3. Add Accessory > Dehumidifier
  4. Select dehumidifier type:
    • Overcool dehumidifier: Uses AC to dehumidify
    • Standalone dehumidifier: Dedicated dehumidification unit
  5. Confirm wiring
  6. Save settings

Step 3: Set Humidity Target

  1. Main Menu > Settings
  2. Comfort Settings
  3. Each setting can have dehumidification setpoint
  4. Set maximum desired humidity:
    • Recommended summer: 45-50% RH
    • High humidity climate: 40-45% RH
    • Mold prevention: 50% RH maximum
  5. Dehumidifier activates when humidity exceeds target

Step 4: Configure Dehumidification Method

Overcool Method:

  • Air conditioner runs below temperature setpoint
  • Cools home 1-2°F below target to remove moisture
  • May feel slightly cool during dehumidification
  • Most energy-efficient if you have AC

Settings:

  1. Installation Settings > Accessory > Dehumidifier
  2. Overcool Max: How much below setpoint (typically 1-2°F)
  3. Example: Setpoint 72°F, Overcool Max 2°F = AC cools to 70°F when dehumidifying

Standalone Dehumidifier:

  • Independent operation
  • Doesn’t affect temperature
  • Can dehumidify without cooling
  • Better for moderate temperatures with high humidity

Using AC for Dehumidification (No Dedicated Equipment)

If You Don’t Have Dehumidifier:

Air conditioning naturally dehumidifies, but effectiveness varies.

Maximize AC Dehumidification:

Method 1: Longer Run Times

  1. Lower temperature setpoint slightly
  2. Causes longer AC run cycles
  3. Longer runtime = more moisture removal
  4. Short cycles don’t dehumidify effectively

Method 2: Fan Setting

  1. Set fan to “Auto” not “On”
  2. “On” recirculates moisture from evaporator coil
  3. “Auto” allows moisture to drain
  4. Better dehumidification with Auto

Method 3: Lower Fan Speed (Professional Setting)

  • Slower fan = more time for moisture removal
  • Requires HVAC technician adjustment
  • Not user-adjustable in ecobee
  • Balances cooling vs. dehumidification

Limitations:

  • AC only dehumidifies when cooling
  • If comfortable temperature but high humidity, AC won’t run
  • Dedicated dehumidifier more effective
  • Consider adding dehumidifier if chronic high humidity issue

Manual Temperature Adjustment Strategies

When You Don’t Have Automated Humidity Control:

Summer Strategy: Temperature Compensation Table

Use This Guide to Adjust Setpoint:

Current HumidityDesired ComfortSuggested Temperature Setting
40-45% (Ideal)72°F feels like 72°FSet to 72°F (no adjustment)
50-55% (Moderate)72°F feels like 74°FSet to 70°F (2°F lower)
60-65% (High)72°F feels like 76°FSet to 68°F (4°F lower)
70%+ (Very High)72°F feels like 78°F+Set to 66°F (6°F lower) OR address humidity source

How to Use:

  1. Check current humidity on ecobee
  2. Determine desired “feels like” temperature
  3. Set ecobee to recommended temperature
  4. Reassess comfort in 30-60 minutes
  5. Adjust in 1°F increments as needed

Energy Impact:

  • Each degree lower increases cooling cost 3-5%
  • 4°F lower = 12-20% higher cooling bill
  • Better to reduce humidity if possible (dehumidifier more efficient)

Winter Strategy: Temperature Compensation Table

Use This Guide to Adjust Setpoint:

Current HumidityDesired ComfortSuggested Temperature Setting
35-40% (Ideal)70°F feels like 70°FSet to 70°F (no adjustment)
30-35% (Low)70°F feels like 68°FSet to 72°F (2°F higher)
25-30% (Very Low)70°F feels like 67°FSet to 73°F (3°F higher)
Below 25% (Extreme)70°F feels like 65°FSet to 74-75°F (4-5°F higher) OR add humidity

How to Use:

  1. Check current humidity on ecobee
  2. Determine desired “feels like” temperature
  3. Set ecobee to recommended temperature
  4. Reassess comfort in 30-60 minutes
  5. Adjust in 1°F increments as needed

Energy Impact:

  • Each degree higher increases heating cost 3-5%
  • 3°F higher = 9-15% higher heating bill
  • Better to add humidity if possible (humidifier more efficient)

Creating Custom Comfort Settings

Ecobee Allows Multiple Schedules:

Summer High-Humidity Schedule:

  1. Main Menu > Settings > Comfort Settings
  2. Create new setting: “Summer Humid”
  3. Set temperature 2-3°F lower than normal
  4. Use during humid days/weeks
  5. Switch back to normal setting when humidity drops

Winter Low-Humidity Schedule:

  1. Create setting: “Winter Dry”
  2. Set temperature 2-3°F higher than normal
  3. Use during very dry periods
  4. Switch back when humidity improves

How to Switch Settings:

  • Main screen > Current comfort setting
  • Tap to change
  • Select appropriate setting for current conditions
  • Or schedule specific times

Using Smart Home Integration

If You Have Smart Humidifier/Dehumidifier:

Via Smart Plug + Automation:

  1. Plug portable humidifier/dehumidifier into smart plug
  2. Use IFTTT, Home Assistant, or other automation
  3. Trigger based on ecobee humidity reading:
    • IF ecobee humidity > 55% THEN turn on dehumidifier
    • IF ecobee humidity < 35% THEN turn on humidifier
  4. Set temperature based on whether unit running

Complexity: Moderate to advanced Effectiveness: Good for portable units Limitation: Not as integrated as whole-house systems

Monitoring Humidity Levels

Tracking Humidity for Better Decisions:

Using Ecobee’s Humidity Display

Real-Time Humidity:

  1. Main thermostat screen shows current humidity
  2. Percentage displayed (e.g., “45%”)
  3. Updated continuously
  4. Based on built-in sensor

Checking Humidity on Mobile App:

  1. Open ecobee app
  2. Home screen shows current conditions
  3. Humidity percentage visible
  4. Tap for more details

Home IQ: Humidity History

Analyzing Humidity Patterns:

  1. Login to ecobee.com (web portal)
  2. Home IQ section
  3. Select date range
  4. View humidity graph over time
  5. Correlate with:
    • Temperature settings
    • HVAC runtime
    • Weather conditions
    • Comfort levels

Insights from Home IQ:

  • Identify humidity patterns (time of day, seasonal)
  • See impact of humidifier/dehumidifier
  • Determine if humidity control adequate
  • Make data-driven adjustments

Setting Up Humidity Alerts

Get Notified of Humidity Issues:

Configure Alerts:

  1. Main Menu > Settings
  2. Installation Settings > Reminders & Alerts
  3. Humidity Alerts (if available)
  4. Set thresholds:
    • High humidity alert: Over 60% (mold risk)
    • Low humidity alert: Under 30% (comfort/health)
  5. Notification methods:
    • Thermostat display
    • Push notification (app)
    • Email alert

Why Alerts Help:

  • Know when to adjust temperature
  • Reminder to run humidifier/dehumidifier
  • Early warning of potential issues
  • Proactive comfort management

Using Remote Sensors for Humidity Zones

Limitation: Standard ecobee SmartSensors do NOT measure humidity

  • Only temperature and occupancy
  • Cannot see humidity in individual rooms

Alternative:

  • Use separate room hygrometers
  • Wireless hygrometers with app (AcuRite, Govee, etc.)
  • Place in key rooms
  • Monitor humidity variations
  • Adjust temperature by zone if mini-splits or zoned system

Troubleshooting Humidity-Related Comfort Issues

Common Problems and Solutions:

Problem: Home Feels Warmer Than Thermostat Setting (Summer)

Diagnosis: High Humidity

Symptoms:

  • Ecobee reads 72°F
  • Feels like 75-76°F
  • Sticky, clammy feeling
  • Humidity over 55-60%

Solutions (In Order of Effectiveness):

1. Run Dehumidifier

  • Whole-house dehumidifier if installed
  • Portable dehumidifier (70-pint for whole home)
  • Target 45-50% humidity
  • Once achieved, 72°F will feel like 72°F

2. Improve AC Dehumidification

  • Set fan to “Auto” not “On”
  • Lower temperature setpoint to extend runtime
  • Clean/replace air filter (improves efficiency)
  • Have coils cleaned (dirty coils reduce dehumidification)

3. Identify and Eliminate Moisture Sources

  • Long hot showers (use exhaust fan)
  • Cooking (use exhaust fan, cover pots)
  • Drying laundry indoors (vent dryer outside)
  • Leaks or water intrusion (fix immediately)
  • Plants (many plants = more moisture)
  • Aquariums (use covers)

4. Improve Ventilation

  • Open windows when outdoor humidity lower
  • Use exhaust fans appropriately
  • Consider whole-house ventilator (HRV/ERV)

5. Lower Temperature Temporarily

  • Last resort due to energy cost
  • Lower 2-4°F to compensate for humidity
  • Until humidity addressed

Problem: Home Feels Colder Than Thermostat Setting (Winter)

Diagnosis: Low Humidity

Symptoms:

  • Ecobee reads 70°F
  • Feels like 67-68°F
  • Dry skin, static electricity
  • Humidity under 30%

Solutions (In Order of Effectiveness):

1. Run Humidifier

  • Whole-house humidifier if installed
  • Portable humidifiers in living areas
  • Target 35-40% humidity in winter
  • Once achieved, 70°F will feel like 70°F

2. Reduce Moisture Loss

  • Don’t over-ventilate (limit exhaust fan runtime)
  • Weather-strip doors/windows (prevents dry outdoor air infiltration)
  • Reduce furnace fan “On” time (distributes dry air less)

3. Natural Humidification

  • Indoor plants (add moisture)
  • Water bowls on radiators (if applicable)
  • Leave bathroom door open after shower (moisture spreads)
  • Air-dry laundry indoors (adds humidity)

4. Check Furnace Settings

  • Oversized furnace cycles too quickly (doesn’t humidify long enough)
  • Very high furnace temperature dries air more
  • Professional assessment if chronic issue

5. Raise Temperature Temporarily

  • Increase 2-3°F to compensate
  • Until humidity addressed
  • Energy cost increase

Problem: Humidity Too High Despite AC Running

Diagnosis: AC Not Dehumidifying Effectively

Possible Causes:

  • AC oversized (short-cycles, insufficient dehumidification)
  • Dirty evaporator coil
  • Fan set to “On” instead of “Auto”
  • Refrigerant low (poor performance)
  • Condensate drain clogged

Solutions:

1. Optimize Settings

  • Fan to “Auto”
  • Lower temperature to extend runtime
  • Disable “Heat Dissipation” or similar features

2. Maintenance

  • Replace air filter
  • Clean evaporator coil (professional)
  • Check condensate drain clear
  • Annual AC tune-up

3. Add Dehumidifier

  • If AC fundamentally can’t keep up
  • Dedicated dehumidifier more effective
  • Whole-house or high-capacity portable

4. Address Oversized AC

  • If unit too large, short-cycles
  • Professional evaluation
  • May need replacement with properly-sized unit (expensive)

Problem: Humidity Too Low Despite Humidifier Running

Diagnosis: Insufficient Humidification

Possible Causes:

  • Humidifier undersized for home
  • Home very leaky (losing humid air)
  • Furnace running constantly (dries air faster than humidification)
  • Humidifier not functioning properly

Solutions:

1. Check Humidifier Function

  • Verify water supply connected and flowing
  • Check humidifier pad/filter (replace if clogged)
  • Ensure power connected
  • Professional service if needed

2. Increase Humidifier Output

  • Adjust humidifier setpoint higher
  • Some have manual control separate from ecobee
  • Clean/replace pad more frequently

3. Add Capacity

  • Portable humidifiers in living areas
  • Supplement whole-house unit
  • Multiple units if very large home

4. Reduce Air Leakage

  • Seal air leaks (weather-stripping, caulking)
  • Humid air escaping is wasted
  • Improve home envelope

5. Consider Larger Humidifier

  • Current unit may be undersized
  • Professional assessment
  • Upgrade to higher-capacity model

Advanced Humidity Control Strategies

For Optimal Comfort and Efficiency:

Seasonal Humidity Targets

Create Season-Specific Settings:

Summer (June-September):

  • Target: 45-50% RH
  • Temperature: 72-74°F (depending on preference)
  • Dehumidifier active
  • AC fan on “Auto”

Winter (December-March):

  • Target: 35-40% RH (adjust for climate)
  • Temperature: 68-70°F (depending on preference)
  • Humidifier active
  • Monitor for window condensation

Spring/Fall (Shoulder Seasons):

  • Target: 40-50% RH
  • Temperature: 70-72°F
  • Less humidity control needed
  • Natural ventilation possible

Configure in Ecobee:

  1. Create comfort settings for each season
  2. Set appropriate humidity targets
  3. Manually switch when seasons change
  4. Or use vacation/program features to schedule

Humidity-Based Temperature Setback

Energy Savings Strategy:

Concept:

  • When away, let humidity drift
  • Compensate with temperature when home

Away Setting:

  • Summer: Allow humidity to rise to 60%
  • Winter: Allow humidity to drop to 30%
  • Less humidifier/dehumidifier runtime = energy savings
  • Temperature setback also saves energy

Home Setting:

  • Restore humidity to comfort range
  • Adjust temperature based on current humidity
  • System brings both back to comfort zone

Savings:

  • 10-20% reduction in humidity control costs
  • Especially effective for vacation settings
  • Combine with temperature setback for maximum savings

Using Outdoor Humidity Data

Some Ecobee Models Show Outdoor Humidity:

  • From weather service, not sensor
  • Use to make proactive adjustments

Strategy:

  • Check forecast outdoor humidity
  • High outdoor humidity forecasted → lower indoor setpoint preemptively
  • Low outdoor humidity expected → add humidification proactively
  • Prepare system before outdoor conditions affect indoor comfort

Whole-Home Air Quality Integration

Combining Humidity with Other Factors:

Smart Ventilation:

  • Ventilate when outdoor conditions favorable
  • HRV/ERV can exchange air without extreme humidity changes
  • Ecobee can control ventilator based on humidity and temperature

Air Purification:

  • Some purifiers affected by humidity
  • Very low humidity: More dust, less effective purification
  • Very high humidity: Filter clogs faster
  • Balance humidity for optimal air quality

Configuration:

  1. Installation Settings > Accessory
  2. Add ventilator if applicable
  3. Set ventilation schedule
  4. Can trigger based on humidity thresholds

Humidity Control Without Smart Equipment

For Homes Without Automated Systems:

Manual Summer Humidity Control

Strategies:

1. Strategic Ventilation

  • Open windows at night (when outdoor humidity lower)
  • Close windows during humid daytime
  • Cross-ventilation when possible
  • Use window fans to exhaust humid air

2. Portable Dehumidifiers

  • 30-50 pint capacity for bedrooms
  • 70-pint for main living areas
  • Built-in humidistat models
  • Set to 45-50% RH
  • Empty regularly or use continuous drain

3. Bathroom/Kitchen Management

  • Always use exhaust fans when showering/cooking
  • Run 10-15 minutes after activity
  • Close doors to contain moisture
  • Wipe down after showers

4. Temperature Adjustment

  • Monitor ecobee humidity
  • When high (over 55%), lower temp 2-3°F
  • When controlled (45-50%), normal setpoint
  • Keep notes to establish pattern

Manual Winter Humidity Control

Strategies:

1. Portable Humidifiers

  • Cool mist or warm mist (personal preference)
  • 1-gallon capacity for bedrooms
  • 3+ gallon for living rooms
  • Built-in humidistat models preferred
  • Set to 35-40% RH
  • Refill daily, clean weekly

2. Passive Humidification

  • Bowls of water on radiators (if applicable)
  • Houseplants (add 10-20% more humidity)
  • Air-dry laundry indoors
  • Leave bathroom door open after shower
  • Cook with lids off (moderate amount)

3. Reduce Moisture Loss

  • Weather-strip doors and windows
  • Close fireplace damper when not in use
  • Limit exhaust fan use to necessary times
  • Storm windows/plastic film on single-pane windows

4. Temperature Adjustment

  • Monitor ecobee humidity
  • When low (under 30%), raise temp 2-3°F
  • When controlled (35-40%), normal setpoint
  • Balance comfort and energy cost

Health and Home Considerations

Why Humidity Control Matters Beyond Comfort:

Health Impacts

High Humidity (Over 60%):

  • Mold growth (respiratory issues, allergies)
  • Dust mites thrive (asthma triggers)
  • Bacterial growth
  • Feels uncomfortable, poor sleep quality
  • Exacerbates respiratory conditions

Low Humidity (Under 30%):

  • Dry skin, cracked lips
  • Respiratory irritation, bloody nose
  • Increased susceptibility to colds/flu (viruses survive longer)
  • Eye irritation, especially contact lens wearers
  • Static electricity (minor shocks)

Optimal Health Range:

  • 35-50% RH for most people
  • Minimizes both dry air and mold/dust mite issues
  • Better immune function
  • Better sleep quality

Home Protection

High Humidity Risks:

  • Mold on walls, ceiling, furniture
  • Wood rot
  • Peeling paint
  • Corrosion of metal
  • Electronic damage
  • Musty odors
  • Condensation on windows → water damage

Low Humidity Risks:

  • Wood floors shrink, crack, separate
  • Wood furniture cracks, joints loosen
  • Musical instruments damaged (especially wood)
  • Wallpaper edges curl
  • Static electricity damage to electronics
  • Increased dust

Optimal Home Protection:

  • 30-50% RH year-round
  • Prevents both moisture damage and over-drying
  • Extends life of home materials and furnishings
  • Reduces maintenance costs

Measuring Success

Verifying Your Adjustments Work:

Comfort Assessment

Track Over 1-2 Weeks:

  • Document temperature setting
  • Document humidity level
  • Rate comfort (1-10 scale)
  • Note any issues (too warm, too cold, sticky, dry)
  • Identify patterns

Optimal Result:

  • Comfort rating 7-8 or higher
  • Temperature setting reasonable (not extreme)
  • Humidity in ideal range (35-50%)
  • No health or home issues

Energy Monitoring

Check Home IQ:

  • HVAC runtime before adjustments
  • HVAC runtime after adjustments
  • Humidifier/dehumidifier runtime
  • Compare energy use

Goal:

  • Similar or better comfort
  • Same or lower energy use
  • Humidity control more efficient than extreme temperature settings

Long-Term Tracking

Seasonal Comparison:

  • Compare current summer to last summer
  • Temperature settings
  • Comfort levels
  • Energy bills
  • Adjust strategy for next season based on learnings

Conclusion

Adjusting ecobee temperature settings to compensate for humidity is most effective by understanding that every 10% increase in humidity makes the same temperature feel approximately 2°F warmer in summer, while every 10% decrease in humidity makes it feel roughly 2°F cooler in winter, allowing you to lower your summer cooling setpoint 2-4°F when humidity exceeds 55% or raise your winter heating setpoint 2-3°F when humidity drops below 30% to maintain equivalent comfort. However, this temperature compensation approach is a reactive workaround—the superior long-term solution involves installing and configuring whole-house humidification and dehumidification equipment that your ecobee can control automatically, maintaining optimal 35-50% relative humidity year-round while allowing comfortable temperature setpoints.

The most efficient comfort strategy combines proper humidity control (40-50% RH in summer, 35-40% RH in winter) with moderate temperature setpoints (72-74°F cooling, 68-70°F heating), as controlling humidity is significantly more energy-efficient than compensating with extreme temperature adjustments—every degree of temperature change increases HVAC costs 3-5%, while proper dehumidification or humidification allows 2-4 degree temperature reduction/increase in perceived comfort without actual temperature changes. For homes with compatible equipment, configuring your ecobee’s accessory settings to automatically control humidifiers and dehumidifiers based on target humidity levels (found in Comfort Settings for each schedule) provides hands-free optimization.

Understanding that air conditioning naturally dehumidifies but only when actively cooling helps explain summer comfort issues—when outdoor temperatures are moderate but humidity is high, the AC won’t run enough to control moisture, creating situations where temperature reads comfortable (72°F) but humidity makes it feel warmer (75-76°F). Setting your ecobee fan to “Auto” rather than “On” improves AC dehumidification by allowing moisture to drain from the evaporator coil rather than being recirculated, and slightly lowering the temperature setpoint to extend AC runtime provides more dehumidification even if the temperature itself is already adequate.

For winter comfort when heating systems dry indoor air, whole-house humidifiers installed on your furnace and controlled by your ecobee’s humidifier accessory settings provide the most effective and convenient solution, automatically adding moisture when humidity drops below your configured target. The ecobee’s frost control feature (found in Installation Settings > Accessory > Humidifier) prevents over-humidification during extremely cold weather by automatically reducing the target humidity to prevent window condensation, intelligently balancing comfort with home protection.

Monitoring your home’s humidity through your ecobee’s built-in sensor, tracking patterns via the Home IQ web portal, and setting up humidity alerts (over 60% or under 30%) enables data-driven decisions about temperature adjustments and humidity control strategies. The optimal approach combines proper equipment (humidifier/dehumidifier), smart ecobee configuration, strategic temperature adjustments based on current humidity levels, and good home practices (appropriate ventilation, moisture source control) to achieve comfortable, healthy, energy-efficient indoor conditions throughout all seasons.