Energy Management – FAQs

QUESTION

Is your network secure?

ANSWER

Absolutely, the EcoSmart network is secure. EcoSmart devices communicate using the ZigBee communication protocol.

ZigBee and WiFi share the same 2.4 GHz band. However, ZigBee will not interfere with WiFi connections. ZigBee channels can squeeze in between the large WiFi channels without interference. We use channels 15, 20, 25 and 26.

ZigBee products have been designed to be immune to RF interference, the standard has 16 channels in the global 2.4 GHz frequency band, giving it plenty of room to inter-operate successfully with other systems operating in the same range.

QUESTION

Do I need a door contact?

ANSWER

As a rule, EcoSmart thermostats do not need supplemental occupancy detectors, since their built-in PIR sensors are correctly calibrated and strategically placed in the room. There are generally two exceptions: additional occupancy detectors are recommended in large spaces, and in spaces with multiple rooms (such as a living space and a separate bedroom).

EcoSmart door contacts can also serve a different purpose: they can detect patio doors and windows that have been left open. With this information, you can configure alerts to be issued, and you can trigger events, such as turning off air conditioning until the door or window is closed.

QUESTION

Do you have a support line?

ANSWER

Yes, our experienced EcoCare support team is available for all customers with EcoCare subscriptions. The team is located in our Waukesha, Wisconsin headquarters, alongside our development engineers, project managers and firmware developers.

QUESTION

Does the EcoSmart platform include door locks?

ANSWER

The EcoSmart platform interfaces with common door lock manufacturers like VingCard, Saflok and Salto. These door locks can be easily integrated into the EcoSmart network.

QUESTION

How does your humidity control work?

ANSWER

As you may be aware, running your air conditioner can reduce humidity. The problem is that air conditioning only runs until the room reaches a certain temperature, regardless of the humidity.

EcoSmart thermostats, on the other hand, control humidity using a “Refresh Cycle”. When a room is unoccupied, our thermostat instructs the HVAC unit to aggressively cool the room, not to a specific temperature but rather, to a pre-defined level of humidity. As long as the room is unoccupied, the HVAC unit is working to control humidity.

Then when the occupant returns to her room, the temperature returns to her preferred set point within a predefined number of minutes (8 minutes, for example).

It’s an intelligent compromise between a mold-free environment, guest comfort and energy savings. For more about humidity control, read our article, Outmaneuvering High Humidity.

QUESTION

How large is the viewing area of your onboard sensors?

ANSWER

To be perfectly clear, the sensors are not “viewing” anything or anyone. All EcoSmart thermostats feature PIR sensors, detecting motion and heat.

The further away someone is from the unit, the more motion will be required to detect him. We’ve defined three detection zones:

• 0-9ft Extreme Sensitivity Zone
• 9-18ft Medium Zone
• 18-25ft Larger Motion Zone

In spaces larger than this, we recommend an EcoSense+ occupancy sensor to complement the thermostat.

QUESTION

Can I communicate to other devices?

ANSWER

Yes. EcoSmart products are ZigBee HA compliant, so they easily interface with devices from other ZigBee HA Compliant manufacturers, like Saflok, Axxess, Control4, Volara, and many more. We pride ourselves on our interoperability with other technology: Smart door locks, voice controllers, intelligent TV’s…  In fact, we believe third party integration is one key to staying relevant into the future.