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ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium Review - Making A Green Household One Item At A Time
Review of Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium costs $249.99 and is the brand's latest and most advanced connected thermostat; it fits perfectly with my smart home setup. I control almost everything in my house with voice commands, phone, and motion, from my coffee pot to my smart trash can. It allows you to manage your heating and to cool directly from your phone. Ecobee supports Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, HomeKit, and SmartThings platforms. Ecobee is known for its Smart Thermostats, but they design intelligent thermostats, cameras, and sensors that work excellently together to improve our quality of life.
What is Ecobee Smart Home
This smart device also boards an air quality monitor, comes with a small remote room smartsensor, and can serve as a home security appliance and a standalone Alexa-powered smart speaker. It's one of the most feature-packed thermostats I have ever gotten my hands on, and it easily earns a two-thumbs up for smart thermostats.
This is not a sponsored post. I bought my ecobee thermostat at Bestbuy; they also installed it. Free because I am a Total Tech Member. Being a member gives you a few perks, like free installation on items, shopping for certain sales before the general public, and more. The ecobee thermostat fits right in because I have a smart home setup.
[*Affiliate links are used in this post. By making a purchase, I may receive a commission. Thank you for supporting this is Bambam's Coop Lifestyle and Household.]
ecobee Smart Thermostats Innovative Design, Reliable Third-Party Support
Ecobee thermostats have an attractive design, plus the Smart Thermostat Premium boasts the most pleasing, aesthetic model yet. With its 4.1 by 4.1 by 1.0 inches (HWD), it's a tiny bit smaller than its counterpart Ecobee Smart Thermostat With Voice Control – 4.2 by 4.2 by 1.0 inches but has a more prominent, 4-inch color touchscreen made with glass with a 540-by-540-pixel resolution. It has a black display face, and Zinc trim with rounded corners completes the look. It includes a back speaker from which you can play AirPlay, Amazon Music, and Spotify tunes.
Ecobee The Best Smart Thermostat For Smart Home - Out of the box
What comes in the box?
What Is Included:
- thermostat;
- the mounting plate with twelve terminals;
- optional white wall trim plate;
- a remote room smart sensor and stand;
- a power adapter kit for homes that don't have C (common) wire;
- mounting screws;
- wire labels, and
- an installation guide.
You can put the included remote sensor in any room, and it will monitor occupancy and control the temperature. For an additional $99.99, you can buy a pair of smart sensors. Ability to pair up to 32 sensors with this thermostat; it helps provide uniform heating and cooling throughout every room in your home.
The ecobee thermostat uses the sensors to adjust the temperature based on room occupancy automatically; they can also serve as security devices that will send alerts whenever motion is detected.
The Smart Thermostat Premium is compatible with most 24V HVAC equipment and is compatible with conventional gas, oil furnaces, air conditioning systems, heat pumps, humidifiers, boilers, ventilators, and dehumidifiers. Some notable features of Ecobee are the new radar occupancy and motion-sensing technology, which enables the device to detect movement from a further distance than the PIR sensor found on the previous models. It can even register motion from around the corner.
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Key Features
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Review: Some key innovative features are a built-in Alexa voice assistant, an air quality sensor, Bluetooth radio, and dual-band Wi-Fi radio. Some of my favorite features that have come in handy in my home are the air quality sensor that monitors VOC (volatile organic compounds), humidity, and carbon dioxide levels and alerts me when the measurements are in an unhealthy range. You can set your preferred ranges. It is much more advanced than a standalone device such as the Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor or an actual air purifier. Still, it's a very nice additional feature to have.
Does Ecobee Work With Smart Voice?
You can use Alexa voice control, which comes built-in, or Google Assistant or Siri's voice commands with a compatible smart speaker to change your thermostat settings, get the latest news, play music, and check the temperature in rooms with a sensor. Although the Premium model also supports Alexa Drop calls and Alexa Calling and Messaging, it also supports the IFTTT and SmartThings platforms. You can use your smart thermostat with voice commands and control it with your phone while you are away or in your home.
Alternatively, you can use the colorful display on the device display to control the unit, as it provides information and settings. In addition, the current indoor temperature shows you the indoor humidity levels, the current air quality rating, whether clean or poor, the system mode, the set temperature, and local weather. It also has a menu and voice assistant buttons.
I have humidity issues in my house. The Ecobee sensor notifies me when it is too high; a feature humidity feature controls it. The air quality setting works well, too. We accidentally left some food in the garbage disposal, and when it got funky, the sensor notified us and advised us to open a window.
Ecobee SmartSensors and SmartCamera For Home Security
The thermostat has a lot of potential as a home security hub. For example, you can add Ecobee Smart Sensors for your doors and windows ($79.99 for a pack of two) and place Ecobee Smart Camera ($99.99) in your rooms. Similarly, the $5-per-month Standard Smart Security plan comes with 30 days of video storage for a single camera, motion alerts, entry, and smoke alarm detection – it uses the camera and thermostat to listen for your current smoke detector and freeze detection via the thermostat. The next plan, the $10-per-month Complete, adds 24/7 professional monitoring plus 30 days of video storage for unlimited SmartCameras.
Ecobee Smart Thermostat App Experience: How To Use The Ecobee App?
This model thermostat utilizes the same mobile app as the Ecobee Smart Camera and the earlier versions of thermostat models. It includes a panel on the Home screen that displays the thermostat's name, current room, specified temperatures, and temperature status: heat, cool, or hold. You can tap the panel to view the current humidity levels, air quality, room temperature, and set temperatures. The Ecobee also has Home, Away, or Sleep comfort settings; you can create personalized comfort settings.
For example, I work from home but go into the office for a week at a time, and I made an Office comfort setting for that week. Here, you view the current Comfort setting, Home, Away, Sleep and Weather, Mode, and Quick Changes buttons. If you tap the Weather button, see the current condition and the weekly forecast, and pressing the Mode button will toggle between heating, cooling, and off modes. Select one of the Comfort options mentioned above in the Quick Changes section and see what equipment is running.
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Eco+ Eco Friendly For A Green Household
To access the ecobee eco+ settings menu, tap the gear button in the upper right corner. From Here, you can configure the eco-friendly settings that reduce energy costs by halting the system when doors or windows open. It automatically adjusts the temperature based on humidity levels in your home. Furthermore, you can even configure the Home and Away settings to help save energy, create custom heating and cooling schedules, plus apply for Community Energy Savings rebates.
In other settings, you can add sensors, configure your Comfort settings, set your filter and maintenance reminders and alerts, select a temperature display -Fahrenheit or Celsius, and configure Spotify or Alexa preferences.
It is no secret that I constantly seek ways to live sustainably and naturally healthy lives. Although, sometimes, I fail miserably. But I don't get discouraged because I am only human. There are many reasons to love the ecobee thermostat, but its sustainable practices are the icing for me. Ecobee lightens our environmental and social impact by using more recycled plastics and ethically sourced materials in our products and wrapping them in fully recyclable packaging.
Ecobee Straightforward Setup, Excellent Performance
Ecobee is easy to follow, but as with any thermostat installation, the setup process does require you to work with low-voltage wiring. If working with low-voltage wires makes you uncomfortable, you can have it professionally installed. I had my thermostat professionally installed, but if you want to install yours, please follow the steps below.
To start the process, could you turn off the power to the existing thermostat at the breaker box, remove the thermostat, and take a picture of the wiring before removing any wires or the mounting plate? Run the wires through the back of the Ecobee mounting plate, attach each wire to its corresponding terminal, and attach the thermostat plate to the wall with the mounting screws. To level the plate, using the built-in level will assure you that the plate is level with the floor and ceiling. Next, could you snap the thermostat into place and restore power to the circuit?
Select your wiring configuration on the device and give it a name. You can also pair the sensor by pulling the tab from it and naming it. Then select Home, Away, and Sleep Comfort settings and configure Wi-Fi to finish the setup process. Select the current mode of my system, for example, heat, set the ideal winter temperature, and select your country and time zone. Finally, note the registration code on the screen and tap Finish.
Next, I download the Ecobee mobile app, create an account and a home name, and tap the plus button in the upper-right corner of the Home screen to add the device. Next, you can select the Thermostat from the list and confirm the device is installed; alternatively, you can say No and follow the on-screen setup instructions, which cover the above step. You should be all set up after entering the Menu screen's registration code. With the ecobee mobile app I created, I can fully control the thermostat with voice commands, create custom schedules, and so much more.
Ecobee THermostat Options
- Smart Thermostat Enhanced – $189.99 (VIEW DETAILS)
- ecobee3 lite – $149.99 (VIEW DETAILS)
- SmartThermostat With Voice Control – $219.99 (VIEW DETAILS)
Ecobee Smart Home Bundles
Smart Security Starter Kit – $269.99
- $59.99 in bundle savings*
Get whole home protection that starts with your thermostat, plus 2 free months of professional monitoring.
What’s included:
- 1 × SmartThermostat Premium
- 1 × SmartSensor
- 2 × SmartSensor for doors and windows
- $109.97 in bundle savings*
Peace of mind with clear camera views and sensors that detect motion and activity. Plus, get 2 free months of professional monitoring.
What’s included:
- 1 × SmartCamera with voice control
- 2 × SmartSensor
- 4 × SmartSensor for doors and windows
The ecobee is considered one of the best smart thermostats available, along with the Nest thermostat. As a Siri voice assistant, the Premium has no trouble delivering the news, sports, turning lights off, and local weather conditions when I say the command. It plays songs from my Apple Music library without issue, though its speaker distorts while on high volumes. I didn't turn this feature off because the Ecobee thermostat would start to play music randomly.
ecobee - Premium Smart Programmable Touch-Screen Thermostat with Siri, Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant - Black
The featured Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium can control your heating and cooling, also functions as a smart speaker; security device; monitors the air quality, and supports several third-party platforms.
Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Generation) with Nest Temperature Sensor
The third generation Nest Learning Thermostat has all the smarts of the previous thermostats. It adds new features, including a larger display, a furnace monitor, geofencing support, and a few more sensors.
Worth the Premium
Yes, ecobee is a good thermostat and is worth the money. When you buy the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, you get a sleek and versatile smart home thermostat that also serves as a Siri voice assistant, air quality monitor, and home security device. It installs easily, performs well, and is a lovely accent to any room with its excellent design. Furthermore, Ecobee has a single remote room sensor and works well with Google Assistant, HomeKit, IFTTT, and SmartThings platforms. I use Apple HomeKit to control my home's thermostat and all other smart devices. For $249, I also like the Nest Learning Thermostat, which is an excellent alternative if you prefer Nest devices. I want you to know that it doesn't work as an intelligent speaker nor monitor the air quality like the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium. Also, it doesn't support HomeKit or IFTTT but is still a terrific, competent alternative to spend less money.
Final Thoughts: Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium Is It Worth The Cost?
The feature-rich Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium controls your heating and cooling, works as a smart speaker and security device, monitors air quality, and supports many third-party platforms. The Ecobee Premium Thermostat is a first choice for Homekit users because it has deep Homekit support.
FAQ: Questions And Answers
Systems that ecobee thermostats are not compatible with: Millivolt systems (e.g., wall heaters or floor heaters) DC voltage (e.g., heating and cooling systems in recreational vehicles) Proprietary systems (non-standard wire labels, e.g., 1,2,3,4 or A, B, C, D, indicate your system is proprietary.)
You can visit the Thermostat Compatibility Checker to see if you determine if the ecobee is a right fit for you.
ecobee thermostats work seamlessly with Apple HomeKit on all iOS devices including Apple Watch and all leading smart home ecosystems.
- Alexa Built-in.
- Google Assistant.
- Apple HomeKit.
- Samsung SmartThings.
- If This Then That.
If you prefer no to to talk to your Ecobee thermostat—or you don't want it listening—you can easily turn the microphone off.
ecobee eco+ works by detecting fluctuations with indoor humidity to ensure your home constantly feels like the temperature you've set on your thermostat. The eco+ keeps your home energy efficient and comfy even during unusually high or low humidity.
When you use the occupancy information reported by your ecobee thermostat's built-in occupancy sensor and the sensors paired with your ecobee, Smart Home and Away tracks your household's comings and goings to set the temperature for comfort or energy savings.
