Depending on the brand and functionality of your current thermostat, you may find two sets of wire terminal labels. The type of system you have will determine which labels to use.
Remember that a conventional A/C unit only provides cooling. While a heat pump is also an outdoor compressor, it provides both cooling and heating. If your outdoor compressor runs in the fall/winter, you may have a heat pump. If your only heat source comes from an indoor furnace or boiler system, or if you do not have heat, then you have a conventional A/C unit. If you’re unsure of your system type, you may need to reference the model number of your outdoor compressor, and/or contact the manufacturer of your outdoor unit.
Example Wire Labels
- Conventional
- R, Y, G, W, W2, Y2, C
- Heat Pump
- R, Y,O B, W, Aux, E, C
Example Thermostat Models with Dual Labels
Common examples of thermostats with two sets of wire terminal labels are shown below.
Make sure to check your original thermostat. If it has two sets of labels, choose the inside or outside set of labels based on whether you have a conventional or heat pump system.
After confirming your system type, use the Sensi app to walk through the installation steps and choose the correct wiring labels. Make sure to take a picture of your wiring before uninstalling the original thermostat.
HVAC Issues
If you experience any of the following issues after installing the Sensi, you may have wired the Sensi incorrectly:
- System runs past your desired set point
- System provides hot air when in the Cool Mode
- System provides cool air when in the Heat Mode
- Both heat and cool run at the same time
- System does not turn on
To double-check your wiring, go back through the wire picker in the Sensi app installation path and refer to the picture you took before you uninstalled your original thermostat to be sure you used the correct set of wire labels.
- Open the Sensi app.
- Tap the + sign.
- Tap your Sensi product.
- Tap New Installation.
- Tap Not Mounted.
- Tap Next 5 times to get to the wire picker to re-enter your original labels.
*A C wire is required for the following Sensi models:
- Sensi Touch smart thermostat
- Sensi Touch 2 smart thermostat
- Sensi smart thermostat – heat-only, cool-only, and heat pump systems only
- Sensi Lite smart thermostat – heat-only, cool-only, and heat pump systems only
Learn more about the c-wire and what options are available if you do not have one.
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