Lennox Service and Application Notes: Apple HomeKit
Document ID: ACC-18-03
Date: June 12, 2018
Supersedes: May 15, 2018
Apple HomeKit: Wi-Fi Accessory Configuration (WAC), HomeKit Pairing, Remote Access Configuration, iCloud Account and Sharing Access
This document provides instructions for configuring Lennox iComfort E30 and S30 thermostats with Apple HomeKit.
Applicable Thermostats
iComfort E30 and S30 1.0 and 2.0 Thermostats running Firmware Version 003.40.00 or later.
Introduction
Apple HomeKit technology offers a secure and convenient way to control home devices like thermostats from Apple devices such as iPhone®, iPad®, iPod touch®, or Apple Watch®. For optimal performance, iOS 10.3.1 or later is recommended. Remote and automated control requires an Apple TV® (tvOS 10.3 or later) or an iPad (iOS 10.3 or later) configured as a home hub.
Trademarks: Apple, Apple Watch, iPad, iPad Air, iPhone, iPod touch, HomeKit, and HomePod are trademarks of Apple Inc. The 'Works with Apple HomeKit' logo signifies accessories designed for Apple devices and certified to meet Apple performance standards. Apple is not responsible for device operation or compliance with safety standards.
Setup Overview
There are three primary methods for Wi-Fi Accessory Configuration (WAC) and HomeKit pairing:
- Out of the Box Setup Procedure during Thermostat Commissioning.
- Out of the Box Setup Procedure after Thermostat Commissioning.
- HomeKit Manual Setup.
For more information on Apple HomeKit, visit: https://www.apple.com/ios/home
The latest Lennox information is available at: www.lennoxicomfort.com. Look for the [support icon] on the bottom right of the page.
Apple iCloud Account
Your Apple ID is your universal account for accessing Apple services including the App Store, Apple Music, iCloud, iMessage, and FaceTime. A single Apple ID and password can be used for all Apple services.
Remote Access
The Apple Home app allows you to set up a home hub (HomePod, Apple TV 4K, Apple TV 4th gen, or iPad) to control HomeKit accessories remotely. This hub must be connected to your home Wi-Fi network and powered on to enable automation and remote control.
Wi-Fi Configuration and Pairing Prerequisites
To set up Wi-Fi and pair your thermostat with Apple HomeKit, ensure the following:
- You are located in the home where the E30 or S30 system is installed.
- Your home's wireless access point is operational and connected to the internet.
- Your iOS mobile device has Wi-Fi enabled and is connected to your home wireless network.
- You have a registered and active iCloud account.
Thermostat - HomeKit Setup
This procedure applies if HomeKit was not configured during initial thermostat commissioning or if the thermostat was previously configured by another user.
- On the thermostat's home screen, navigate to Menu > Settings > Home Kit.
- Select 'HomeKit factory reset'. A confirmation screen will appear (Figure 2: HomeKit Reset Screen). Select 'Yes' to proceed. This action will erase all HomeKit and WAC settings, allowing you to set up the iComfort E30 as a new accessory.
- The thermostat will then display a screen indicating it is ready for iOS device configuration (Figure 3: Wi-Fi Configuration).
- On your iOS device, open Wi-Fi Settings and locate the SSID for your thermostat (e.g., 'iComfort E30 e0Fcco' or 'iComfort S30 e0fc37'). Select this SSID.
- Under 'Set Up New Device', you should see your iComfort thermostat. Select it to continue.
- The next screen will prompt you to allow the accessory access to your network. Select 'Allow'.
- On the thermostat screen, a pairing code will appear. Use your iOS device's camera to scan this code (Figure 7: Use Camera to Read Code). If the camera cannot read the code, you can manually enter it (Figure 8: Pairing Code).
- Follow the on-screen prompts on your iOS device to complete the pairing process. You have 15 minutes to complete this procedure before it times out.
- Successful pairing will be indicated on the thermostat (Figure 9: Pairing Successful). You can then assign a location for the thermostat within the Apple Home app and add it to your favorites.
Wi-Fi Accessory Configuration (WAC)
The Wi-Fi Accessory Configuration (WAC) Active screen shows three status indicators:
- Unit is ready for Configuring iOS device to begin WAC.
- Destination Wi-Fi network has been received from Configuring iOS device and is being applied.
- Almost done, checking for Internet connection before exiting.
NOTE: An error message like "network not configured" indicates failure. "Internet connection not available" indicates a lack of internet access.
Apple HomeKit Pairing
To add the thermostat to a specific home in the Apple Home app:
- Open the Apple Home app on your iOS device.
- Select the desired home.
- Tap 'Add Accessory'.
- The app will guide you through the accessory setup process, including allowing network access and scanning the pairing code displayed on the thermostat.
Additional Thermostat HomeKit Menu Options
The HomeKit menu on the thermostat provides access to several functions:
- Enter WAC Mode: Used for changing to a new wireless access point or updating the existing password.
- Auto WAC Mode: Automatically enters WAC mode after a reboot if WAC is not configured. This is enabled by default and can be turned OFF via Menu > Settings > Advanced Settings > Restart.
- HomeKit User Reset: Removes existing Apple HomeKit user settings and paired iOS devices, but retains Wi-Fi connection settings. This option is available only if the thermostat is already added to a user's iCloud account.
- HomeKit Factory Reset: Removes all thermostat Wi-Fi settings, Apple HomeKit user settings, and paired iOS devices, returning the HomeKit function to factory default. Proceed to the 'Wi-Fi Accessory Configuration (WAC)' section to reconfigure.
- Apply Firmware Update Now: If available, this option allows you to update the Apple HomeKit firmware. A progress indicator will display during the update.
(Description of Figure 10: HomeKit Menu: A screenshot of the thermostat's HomeKit menu showing options like 'enter WAC mode', 'auto WAC mode', 'HomeKit user reset', 'HomeKit factory reset', and 'apply firmware update now'.)
(Description of Figure 11: Firmware Update Progress Indicator: A screenshot showing a message indicating "Homekit firmware update is in progress. Please wait...")
Factory Reset Smart Hub
If a service technician needs to reset the E30 or S30 Thermostat, there is an option to preserve Apple HomeKit settings.
- Initiate the factory reset for the Smart Hub.
- A subsequent screen will offer the choice to reset Apple HomeKit settings. Select 'NO' to keep the existing HomeKit configuration.
(Description of Figure 12: Apple HomeKit Factory Reset: A screenshot of the Smart Hub reset screen offering options to 'reset Smart Hub', 're-configure system', 'reset all HVAC equipments', 'factory reset thermostat', and 'factory reset Smart Hub', with a warning about erasing HomeKit and WAC settings if 'yes' is selected for HomeKit reset.)
Notifications or Actions Required
A notification icon ? will appear on the thermostat's home screen if actions are required for Apple HomeKit, such as a firmware update. Once the update is applied, the notification will disappear.
(Description of Figure 13: HomeKit Notification: A screenshot showing a notification icon ? next to a settings icon ⚙️ on the thermostat's screen.)
How to Setup Apple TV and Configure for HomeKit as a Hub
To use your Apple TV as a HomeKit hub for remote access and automation:
Setup Apple TV
- Power and Network: Plug in your Apple TV. Connect it to your router via Ethernet cable for a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi setup is optional later).
- Connect to Devices: Use an HDMI cable to connect the Apple TV to your television. For Apple TV 4K, ensure you use an HDMI 2.0 or later cable. If using a receiver or switch box, connect the Apple TV to it first, then connect the receiver/switch box to the TV.
- Turn on TV and Setup: Power on your television and select the correct input source to view the Apple TV setup screen. If the screen doesn't appear, consult your TV manual. For further assistance, visit https://support.apple.com/en-us/ht200197.
- Connect Remote: Press the touch surface of your remote to connect. If connection fails, press and hold the Menu and Volume Up buttons for five seconds.
- Language Settings: Select your language and region using the remote's touch surface.
- Set Up with Device: Choose 'Set Up with Device' to transfer settings like iTunes, iCloud, and Wi-Fi credentials from your iOS device. Follow the on-screen instructions on both devices. Alternatively, select 'Set Up Manually' if needed.
Configure Apple TV as HomeKit Hub
- On your Apple TV, open Settings.
- Navigate to Accounts.
- Ensure you are signed in with your Apple ID.
- Open iCloud.
- Verify that HomeKit status reads 'Connected'. If not, click to connect.
Apple TV Setup Videos:
Apple HomeKit App
The Apple Home app, identified by its ? icon, allows you to operate your thermostat. After launching the app and selecting the Home icon, you can access thermostat functions. During setup, you assign your thermostat to a specific room.
(Description of Figure 14: HomeKit Room Selection: A screenshot of the Apple Home app showing a 'Default Room' with assigned accessories and the option to 'Edit' or add accessories.)
(Description of Figure 15: HomeKit Mode Selection: A screenshot of the Apple Home app displaying thermostat controls, including options for 'Off', 'Heat', 'Cool', and 'Auto' modes.)
(Description of Figure 16: HomeKit Temperature Adjustment Tool: A screenshot of the Apple Home app showing temperature adjustment sliders for heating and cooling set points.)
HomeKit Access with Others
How to Share
To grant access to your home to family members or guests:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Select HomeKit.
- Tap on your home.
- Tap 'Invite People'.
- Enter the iCloud address of the person you wish to invite.
- On their device, they should accept the invitation via a banner prompt or by navigating to Settings > HomeKit.
How to Remove
To revoke access for a guest:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Select HomeKit.
- Tap on your home.
- Swipe left on the person's name.
- Tap 'Delete'.
NOTE: The thermostat may still need to be removed from the guest's device even if they no longer have network access.
(Description of Figure 17: HomeKit Room Detail Screen: A screenshot showing details for a room in the Apple Home app, including temperature and humidity.)
(Description of Figure 18: HomeKit Room Detail Screen: A screenshot showing accessory details in the Apple Home app, including Manufacturer (Lennox), Serial Number, Model (S30 2B), Firmware, and an option to 'Remove Accessory'.)
Adding or Removing Thermostats - Apple HomeKit
Adding Thermostats
Follow the procedures outlined in the "Thermostat - HomeKit Setup" section (page 2). Ensure each thermostat is assigned a unique name. Additional thermostats also need to be added via the Lennox iComfort Companion App (refer to Figure 20).
Removing Thermostats
Navigate to the room containing the thermostat in the Apple Home app. At the bottom of the screen, select "remove accessory" to remove the thermostat from Apple HomeKit.
HomeKit - Lennox iComfort Companion App
The Lennox iComfort Companion App is available on the Apple App Store. It requires your Apple account credentials to log in and is a requirement for Lennox to offer its own Apple Home Kit App. The app's screen layout and adjustment methods differ from the standard Apple Home Kit App.
Home Screen: The Lennox iComfort Companion App mirrors the Lennox consumer portal app's look and feel. Unlike the Apple Home app, it allows adjustments only for the main thermostat zone, not additional zones. A key benefit is that no internet access is required for in-home thermostat adjustments when connected to the local Wi-Fi network. The app communicates directly with the thermostat.
(Description of Figure 19: Lennox Companion App Home Screen: A screenshot of the Lennox iComfort Companion App home screen showing current temperature, heating/cooling set points, and mode controls.)
Menu Options
Access the menu by tapping the icon in the upper-right corner for additional settings:
- Home Settings
- Room Settings
- Thermostat Settings
- Adding Thermostats (also required when adding via Apple HomeKit App)
- Privacy Policy and App software version.
(Description of Figure 20: Lennox Companion App Menu Selection: A screenshot of the Lennox iComfort Companion App menu showing options like 'Home Settings', 'Room Settings', 'Thermostat Settings', 'Add Lennox Therm...', 'Privacy Policy', and 'App Build v7'.)
