Ecobee and other smart thermostat users (Next) how do you set it for vacancies?

[Jake179]

I want to upgrade to a smart thermostat so I started testing using an Ecobee that I have for my home.  

It does let you monitor the temp and set it remotely which is nice.  However, there is no way to set it to be at a fixed level when the unit is vacant, unless I am missing something?  You can override the temp, but it will automatically go back to one of the "home", "away" or "sleep" comfort settings at the next time on the calendar.  

How do I set it to be at a fixed level for a few days of vacancy without having this issue and without having to completely re-do my calendar?  Seems like a basic function that they don't let you do with this thing.

Does Nest have this same issue? 

Thanks in advance for any insights.

[Trang111]

Nest actually partnered with AirBnB in designing some of their features.

The Honeywell series of smart thermostats also works well and does what you are looking for..

[Robin1536]

Can’t you just set it to away mode for those days and it adjusts the temperature range accordingly?

[Joan2709]

@Jake179 

Not familiar with Ecobee, but we use Emerson Sensi and the app allows user to set temp at whatever they want. We found the "scheduled" and "away" settings confusing to use for a vacation rental, so we don't use those settings. Instead, we set a temp range limit for guests (so they don't exceed those even if they try on the keypad in the house) and then manually adjust the temps when the unit is vacant from the app. If a guest will be checking in, we adjust the temps to a a typical 70deg F. After the guest checks-out and home is vacant we go back to 60deg winter and 77deg summer.

Just remember not to make your vacant temp too hot in summer. It makes the refrigerator compressor run constantly and will wear it out sooner.