❄️ If you’re seeing a snowflake icon on your Ecobee thermostat but it’s not blue, you’re probably wondering if your air conditioner is working correctly. The snowflake symbol typically indicates that your Ecobee is calling for cooling, and when it turns blue, it means the system is actively running. If the icon remains gray or another color, it may signal a delay or a system issue.
Let’s walk through the possible causes and step-by-step troubleshooting steps to fix the issue and get your cooling back on track.
What the Ecobee Snowflake Colors Mean
- Blue Snowflake: AC is actively running (cooling in progress)
- Gray Snowflake: AC is in a delay period (usually up to 5 minutes)
- No Snowflake: No cooling call or the AC is off
If your thermostat shows a gray snowflake and the temperature in your home is rising, it’s time to check a few things.
🔍 Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Snowflake Not Blue
1. Wait 5 Minutes – It’s Probably a Delay
Ecobee thermostats have a built-in 5-minute compressor delay to protect your HVAC system from short cycling. This means:
- After you turn on cooling, the system waits 5 minutes before starting.
- During this time, the snowflake appears gray.
What to do: Wait 5–6 minutes. If the snowflake turns blue, your system is working correctly.
2. Check Thermostat Settings
Verify that your Ecobee is actually set to cooling mode:
- Tap the mode icon (looks like a flame/snowflake/sun)
- Select Cool or Auto
- Make sure the set temperature is lower than the current room temperature
Tip: If it’s too close (e.g. 74°F set and 75°F room), the system might not start.
3. Look at the HVAC Equipment Status
Ecobee can show you whether it’s actively sending a cooling signal:
- Go to Menu > Settings > Equipment > Device Info
- Look for “Cool Stage 1” or “Cool Active”
If it says “inactive” — your system may not be receiving the signal, or Ecobee isn’t calling for cooling.
4. Inspect the Wiring (C Wire & Y Wire)
A common reason for miscommunication is improper wiring:
- Turn off power to your HVAC system
- Detach Ecobee from the wall plate
- Check if the C (common) and Y (cooling) wires are fully inserted and secure
Note: If you recently installed the Ecobee, double-check that the wiring matches your system’s configuration.
5. Check Air Conditioner Unit Outside
Head outside and listen to your AC unit:
- Is the fan running?
- Is there any humming or clicking but no startup?
If nothing happens, your AC might not be getting the signal, or the compressor may be tripped.
Quick test: Flip the HVAC breaker off for 1 minute, then turn it back on.
6. Reset Your Ecobee Thermostat
Sometimes a quick reset clears up software glitches:
- Go to Menu > Settings > Reset
- Choose Reset Registration and Preferences
- Follow on-screen instructions to re-setup the thermostat
Warning: You’ll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi and reapply your preferences.
7. Check for Frozen Coil or AC Issues
If your system is calling for cooling but not running, you could have:
- A frozen evaporator coil (turn off AC and let it thaw)
- A faulty capacitor or compressor
- Low refrigerant (requires an HVAC pro)
8. Contact Ecobee Support or HVAC Professional
If none of these steps resolve the issue:
- Contact Ecobee Support at ecobee.com/support
- Or call an HVAC technician to test your AC components
✅ Summary
A snowflake that isn’t blue usually means your Ecobee is either waiting to cool or unable to start your AC. Most of the time, it’s a built-in delay. But if it persists, follow the steps above to troubleshoot wiring, settings, and HVAC performance.
Keeping your Ecobee and AC in sync ensures your home stays cool when you need it most!