Operation

Aux Heat Settings

When using some Sensi models with a heat pump, you can customize your auxiliary heat settings using the outdoor temperature provided in the Sensi app. Learn more about Aux Heat here. 

When Sensi is in Heat Mode, it will stage to your back-up auxiliary heating system as needed for efficient system performance and to keep you comfortable. These features allow some customization in how Sensi may or may not utilize your auxiliary heat.
 

Compatibility

Aux Heat Settings are currently only available for some Sensi models.

System compatibility

  • Heat pumps with one or two stages of auxiliary (“emergency”) heat systems

Compatible Sensi models

 

Using Aux Heat Settings

To use this feature, you need to have your Sensi thermostat set up properly as a heat pump and connected to Wi-Fi. 

Outdoor Weather Temperature

Sensi uses the zip code that you provided when you registered your thermostat to provide outdoor weather information for your area. This outdoor temperature is shown in the Sensi app. These features use this outdoor temperature to determine when to lock out the heat pump or your auxiliary heat system.

If your thermostat is offline or can’t update the local outdoor weather, Sensi will temporarily disable the Aux Heat settings, and control your system using system performance instead. 

Check your registered zip code

If you aren’t sure if you entered the right address when you registered your thermostat, you can always check it/change it in the Sensi app.

  1. Open the Sensi app.
  2. Tap on your thermostat name.
  3. Tap on the settings gear.
  4. Tap on Name, location & time.
  5. Adjust the address as needed.
  6. Tap the back arrow to save your changes.

 

Configure HVAC Settings

DIY Install

If you used the Sensi app to DIY install your thermostat, the app should have adjusted your HVAC settings correctly when you connected to Wi-Fi. 

  1. Open the Sensi app.
  2. Tap the + sign.
  3. Tap your Sensi model.
  4. Tap New Installation.
  5. Tap Not Mounted.
  6. Follow the steps to identify your thermostat wires and connect to Wi-Fi.

Pro Install

If a professional installed your Sensi thermostat, make sure that you’ve gone through the Sensi app to identify the wires they installed and connected to Wi-Fi. This makes sure the thermostat is setup properly to match your system type. 

  1. Open the Sensi app.
  2. Tap the + sign.
  3. Tap your Sensi model.
  4. Tap New Installation.
  5. Tap Is Currently Mounted.
  6. Follow the steps to identify your thermostat wires and connect to Wi-Fi.

Still not sure?

If you want to double check whether the settings are accurate, use this support article with instructions on how to manually set these HVAC settings.

 

Adjust the Aux Heat Settings

Once you have the correct HVAC settings, now you can access this Aux Heat menu and adjust as needed.

Sensi Touch 2

  1. At the thermostat, tap the menu icon.
  2. Tap Advanced HVAC Settings.
  3. Tap HVAC Equipment.
  4. Tap Configure.
  5. Tap Aux Heat Settings.
  6. Toggle AUX Lockout (Disables AUX Heat) and/or Balance Point (AUX Heat Only) On or Off.
  7. Adjust the lockout and balance point.
  8. Tap Save.

Sensi Lite

  1. At the thermostat, access your thermostat settings by pressing and holding the menu icon for 8 seconds or until you see "Setup Outdoor".
  2. Tap the menu icon 3 times.
  3. Adjust the Outdoor Temperature AUX Control (AUX Lockout).
  4. Tap the menu icon. 
  5. Adjust Balance Point (AUX Heat only).
  6. To exit this menu, tap the menu icon until you get back to the system mode change screen.

Aux Lockout and Balance Point

  • Aux Lockout: This feature will lockout the auxiliary heating system and will only use your heat pump to heat your home, when the outdoor temperature is above the temperature or set point you chose.
    • Settings Range: -4° to 80º
  • Balance Point: This feature will lockout your heat pump and will only use the auxiliary heating system to heat your home, when the outdoor temperature is below the temperature or balance point you chose.
    • Settings Range: -5º to 55º

*Aux lockout can never go below Balance Point