The search for a smart thermostat that ticks all the right boxes can be overwhelming. With a plethora of options to sift through, it’s essential we look beyond mere temperature adjustments and focus on comprehensive solutions that cater to both our comfort and the planet’s wellbeing. Enter the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, a device poised to redefine your home’s energy conservation and connectivity with its innovative features.
The ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium excels in comfort, efficiency, and customer support. A 5-year warranty adds peace of mind, showcasing ecobee’s confidence in product durability. Their responsive support team ensures a smooth experience for users.
The ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium isn’t just another device; it’s a sophisticated piece of tech designed to adapt to your lifestyle and optimize energy use. At its core is a unique algorithm and integrated sensors that learn and predict your home’s heating and cooling needs. By using occupancy sensors and weather data, ecobee adjusts in real-time to keep your home at the ideal temperature. It considers your house’s characteristics, like size, layout, and response to weather changes, for efficient energy use and comfort. This showcases ecobee’s advancement in smart home tech.
Three Product Lines to Choose From
In addition to the Premium model, ecobee offers other variants in its smart thermostat lineup, each designed to cater to different user needs and preferences. Among these, the ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced and the ecobee3 Lite stand out for their unique features and value propositions.
The ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced: Mid-Tier
The ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced is a step down from the Premium version but still packs a punch in terms of functionality and efficiency. It retains the core features, such as smart home integrations, the mobile app for remote access, and the ability to learn and adapt to your routine. However, it differs from the Premium model by foregoing some of the more advanced sensors and features, such as the air quality monitoring and the glass finish of the Premium model. The Enhanced version is designed for users who want the smart capabilities of the ecobee without the full suite of sensors and the premium build.
The ecobee3 Smart Thermostat Lite
The ecobee3 Lite is the most budget-friendly option in the lineup. It offers basic smart thermostat functionality, including Wi-Fi connectivity, remote thermostat control via the ecobee app, and compatibility with most HVAC systems. Unlike its more advanced counterparts, the ecobee3 Lite does not include occupancy sensors or the ability to learn and adapt to your schedule autonomously. However, it is still an excellent option for those looking to step into the world of smart thermostats without the need for the more sophisticated features of the Premium or Enhanced models.
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Comparing these variants to the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, the differences become clear.
The Premium model stands out with its advanced sensors, premium build quality, and unique features such as air quality monitoring. It’s built for the consumer seeking not only to optimize their home’s energy use but also to enhance its overall comfort and health.
The Enhanced model, while still offering several of the smart features, trims down the luxury additions and some of the advanced sensors to provide a more cost-effective solution. Lastly, the ecobee3 Lite offers an entry-point with essential smart thermostat capabilities, ideal for those new to smart home technology or with simpler needs. Each variant balances performance, features, and price to meet the diverse requirements of ecobee’s customer base.
| Ecobee Premium | Ecobee Enhanced | Ecobee3 Lite | |
| Price | $249 | $189 | $149 |
| Includes remote Smart Sensor | Yes | No | No |
| Wi-Fi | Dual-band | Dual-band | Single band |
| Siri, Alexa built in | Yes | No | No |
| Display | 2.9 x 2.9 inches | 2.9 x 2.9 inches | 2.9 x 1.9 inches |
| Resolution | 540 x 540 | 540 x 540 | 360 x 480 |
| Air quality monitor | Yes | No | No |
| Smoke alarm detection | Yes | No | No |
| Built in speaker | Yes | No | No |
| Presence detection | Yes | Yes | No |
Seamless User Experience
Beyond its technical prowess, the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium shines in its user-friendliness. The intuitive touch screen interface is designed for ease, making it simple for users of all technological skill levels to adjust settings, view reports, and manage their home environments effortlessly.
The mobile app further enhances this experience, offering detailed analytics and remote control capabilities that allow homeowners to make adjustments to their home’s temperature and settings from anywhere in the world.
Not only does this ensure optimal comfort, but it also empowers users to make informed decisions about their energy usage. With features like detailed energy reports and maintenance alerts, the ecobee provides users with actionable insights that can lead to even greater energy savings and a lower carbon footprint.
This emphasis on a seamless user experience, combined with powerful energy management tools, positions the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium as a key player in the smart home technology market, appealing to both eco-conscious consumers and tech enthusiasts alike.
Installation Simplified
The installation process of the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is designed with the end-user in mind, ensuring that it’s straightforward and hassle-free. For those who prefer a DIY approach, the thermostat comes with a detailed, step-by-step guide that walks users through the entire setup. From identifying your current HVAC system’s compatibility to connecting the device to your home Wi-Fi network, every step is clearly laid out.
The package includes a Power Extender Kit (PEK) for homes without a common wire (C-wire), eliminating the need for professional installation in most cases. However, for homeowners who are not comfortable with DIY electrical projects, ecobee offers professional installation services. A certified technician can ensure that your smart thermostat is up and running optimally, providing peace of mind along with the added benefit of the extended 5-year warranty. Whether you choose to install it yourself or opt for professional help, getting your ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium operational is a smooth and painless process.
User Experience and Installation
Users rave about the shift from competition, like Google Nest, to ecobee, with testimonials highlighting the stark improvements in network connectivity and the absence of those frustrating disconnections. I, personally, found the Google Nest to be very problematic overall. After finally making the switch the the ecobee Premium, I barely even know the thermostat exists since it’s so self-automated for the most part. With simplicity in operation through both app and wall interface, it’s a clear step up into a seamless integration into daily life.
Installation is straightforward; taking about 45 minutes, it’s doable even for those less DIY-inclined with the assistance of the included Power Extender Kit (PEK). And trust me, if I can do it, anyone can. Professional installation is always an option, but ecobee’s approachable design makes it an accessible venture for many homeowners.
Energy Efficiency
Ecobee goes beyond standard efficiency promises. Its ability to slice up to 26% off yearly heating and cooling costs isn’t just a lofty claim; it’s ENERGY STAR certified. Plus, the added SmartSensor ensures that energy-saving is not just a blanket strategy, but a targeted move towards reducing hot or cold spots, precisely where it matters—resulting in a crafted comfort experience.
The colossal impact on energy savings facilitated by the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is nothing short of revolutionary. By implementing smart algorithms and leveraging the included SmartSensor, the device dynamically adjusts to your living habits and seasonal changes, optimizing energy use throughout your home. This personalization not only ensures your living spaces are always at the perfect temperature but also significantly reduces unnecessary energy expenditure.
Such intelligent efficiency not only lowers your utility bills but also contributes to a more sustainable planet by diminishing your carbon footprint. This proactive approach to energy management exemplifies how cutting-edge technology can lead to substantial economic and environmental benefits, making the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium a linchpin in the quest for more sustainable living solutions.
One real-life use case scenario that showcases the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium’s potential for saving money involves leveraging its geofencing feature. By utilizing the smartphone app, users can set the thermostat to ‘Away’ mode automatically when the last person leaves the house, ensuring that energy isn’t wasted heating or cooling an empty home.
Similarly, the thermostat can be programmed to shift back to ‘Home’ mode when it detects the first household member returning, ensuring the house is comfortable upon arrival. This smart adjustment can lead to significant savings on energy bills by optimizing heating and cooling patterns based on actual presence in the home.
Another scenario takes advantage of the ecobee’s compatibility with other smart home devices, such as smart blinds and ceiling fans. For instance, during warmer months, the thermostat can be set to lower the cooling demand on the HVAC system by triggering the smart blinds to close during the hottest part of the day and activating ceiling fans to circulate air more effectively.
This strategic coordination not only enhances personal comfort without excessive cooling but also drastically reduces energy consumption, subsequently lowering utility costs.
Through these innovative features, the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium positions itself as an invaluable tool for homeowners aiming to achieve substantial energy savings while maintaining optimal comfort levels.
Smart Home Integration
While competitors surely offer forms of smart integration, ecobee takes the lead with a product born ready for almost any home—compatible with most 24-volt residential systems. Offering support for a myriad of systems (gas, oil, electric, dual-fuel), it’s the smart speaker with Siri or Alexa Built-in, making it a hub of digital convenience and control.
The user interface (UI) of the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is elegantly designed, ensuring that functionality does not come at the expense of form. Its intuitive touchscreen display effortlessly guides the user through setup, daily use, and scheduling, making interaction straightforward even for those not tech-savvy.
The interface is crisp, responsive, and features easy-to-read icons and text, ensuring users can quickly glance at their system’s status or adjust settings without confusion.
Additionally, the mobile app mirrors this simplicity and elegance, providing a cohesive experience whether you’re adjusting settings from the couch or halfway around the world. This seamless integration of hardware and software enriches the user experience, setting a high bar for what homeowners can expect from a smart home device. Ecobee’s commitment to an accessible, user-friendly interface underlines its dedication to enhancing home comfort with technology that’s as delightful to use as it is effective.
The integration of Amazon Alexa into the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium takes this thermostat from a mere ‘thermostat’ to a central hub of the smart home ecosystem. With Alexa’s voice recognition capabilities natively built into the thermostat, users can effortlessly deliver voice commands for adjusting temperature settings, but also for controlling various aspects of their connected home. It’s like getting two amazing products in one.
This functionality transforms the device into a fully-fledged Alexa voice hub, enabling users to manage lighting, security systems, and even multimedia entertainment, all without the need for a separate Amazon Echo device.
This deep integration provides a seamless experience where home comfort and smart home control converge. For example, a simple voice command such as, “Alexa, lower the temperature to 72 degrees,” or “Alexa, play my evening playlist,” illustrates how integrated services can deliver both convenience and an enhanced living environment. While it won’t do your laundry, yet, it still functions like any other Echo device the same.
Furthermore, the ability complements the voice-activated controls to receive news updates, set timers, and even shop online via Amazon, making the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium a pivotal component in the smart home that goes beyond mere temperature management.
This comprehensive approach to smart home integration not only simplifies the user’s daily routine, but also supports a lifestyle where technology actively contributes to a more comfortable and efficient home.
Beyond its advanced temperature control and seamless integration with major voice assistants, the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium takes smart home living to the next level. For those deeply invested in creating a fully connected home, ecobee’s interoperability with other smart devices is a major boon.
It effortlessly syncs with popular smart home systems like Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and SmartThings, allowing users to craft routines beyond heating and cooling.
Imagine waking up to your favorite playlist, the perfect room temperature, and the morning’s headlines displayed on your smart mirror—all triggered by your alarm going off. Additionally, the ecobee supports IFTTT, enabling customizable “if this, then that” scenarios that can adapt your home environment to your schedule and preferences, making it not just a thermostat, but a central command for your smart home ecosystem.
Air Quality Improvement
Unlike its closest competitors, ecobee’s built-in air quality monitor sets it apart as more than just a thermostat—it’s a guardian of your indoor air. It helps you monitor and manage what matters for a healthy living environment. The ecobee SmartThermostat Premium measures various air quality factors, including temperature, humidity, and VOC (volatile organic compound) levels.
It allows you to set alerts when these levels are outside your desired range. It even works with the ultra-sophisticated measure of pollen in your area. Plus, premium subscribers gain access to an Air Quality report that provides insights into how the ecobee is improving your air quality over time.
Smart Room Sensor: Enhancing Efficiency and Comfort
The premier version of the ecobee Smart Thermostat includes a game-changing addition that further enhances its energy-saving capabilities—the Smart Room Sensor. This innovative device is designed to work cohesively with the ecobee thermostat, enabling more precise and efficient heating and cooling of your home. The Smart Room Sensor monitors both temperature and occupancy in different rooms, ensuring that energy is not wasted heating or cooling unoccupied spaces.
One of the most significant benefits of the Smart Room Sensor is its ability to prioritize the comfort of rooms actually in use. For instance, if you spend most of your evening in the living room, the ecobee system will focus on maintaining your desired temperature in this area, rather than unnecessarily heating or cooling an empty bedroom.
This intelligent allocation of resources not only improves overall comfort but also leads to substantial savings on energy bills.
The ecobee’s ability to adapt to your household’s habits and preferences, adjusting the temperature accordingly, embodies the essence of a truly smart home system.
Furthermore, the inclusion of the Smart Room Sensor enhances the ecobee’s already impressive suite of features. By providing detailed insights into the temperature and occupancy patterns of different rooms, homeowners can make informed decisions about their energy use and optimize their heating and cooling schedule to match their actual needs.
This level of customization and efficiency is what sets the ecobee Premier version apart, making it an invaluable tool for anyone looking to reduce energy costs while maximizing home comfort.
The ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium not only elevates the comfort and efficiency within homes, but also brings a significant positive impact on the environment. By intelligently adjusting heating and cooling based on occupancy and weather conditions, this device reduces unnecessary energy consumption, directly contributing to lower carbon emissions.
The feature that allows users to track pollen levels and air quality further supports an environmentally friendly lifestyle, enhancing the well-being of its users and promoting a healthier planet. Through its sophisticated technology and energy-saving capabilities, the ecobee stands as a testament to how smart home devices can play a crucial role in fostering a more sustainable future.
Whether you’re an environmental enthusiast or seeking ultimate convenience and reliability, ecobee delivers on its promises, positioning itself as not only a worthy competitor, but also a leader in the smart thermostat market.
Pros of ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
- Enhanced Comfort: Smart Room Sensor technology ensures optimal temperature in occupied rooms.
- Energy Savings: Intelligent heating and cooling adjustments based on occupancy and habits lead to significant reductions in energy bills.
- Air Quality Monitoring: Built-in air quality monitor helps maintain a healthy living environment by tracking temperature, humidity, and VOC levels.
- Seamless Integration: Effortlessly connects with major smart home systems like Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and SmartThings.
- Customizable Control: Supports IFTTT for personalized “if this, then that” scenarios, adapting your home to your schedule and preferences.
- Solid Warranty: Comes with a three-year product warranty, providing peace of mind and cost confidence.
Cons of ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
- Price Point: Higher upfront cost compared to standard thermostats and some smart thermostat competitors.
- Subscription for Full Features: Access to premium air quality reports and other advanced features requires a subscription.
- Complexity for Some Users: The breadth of features and customization options may overwhelm less tech-savvy users.
- Dependence on Internet: Requires a steady Wi-Fi connection for most smart features, limiting functionality during outages.
- Installation Requirements: May require professional installation for users unfamiliar with wiring or those with incompatible HVAC systems.
Final Nerdy Thoughts
The ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium stands out as an innovative solution for homeowners looking to enhance the comfort and efficiency of their living spaces. Despite its higher price point and potential complexity for some, the benefits, including energy savings, sophisticated climate control, and smart home integration, substantiate its value. Nerdy Home Tech fully endorses the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium for its forward-thinking features and reliability. It represents a blend of technology and usability that is hard to match in the smart thermostat market today.
In a market where thermostats vie for attention, the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium emerges as a comprehensive, user-friendly solution dedicated not just to temperature control, but to a holistic approach to home care. You’re not just buying a thermostat; you’re investing in a smarter, healthier home ecosystem.
With a solid three-year product warranty, the cost-confidence balance is clear. Considering the potential savings on energy bills and the full suite of features from home security to air quality monitoring, the value proposition stands strong.
Nerdy Home Tech recommends the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium for those seeking to make their homes smarter and more energy-efficient.
Features
| Brand | ecobee |
| Model Name | Smart Thermostat Premium |
| Product Dimensions | 2.9"D x 4.09"W x 4.09"H |
| Controller Type | Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, iOS, Android |
| Special Feature | Wired Smart Thermostat, Siri, Amazon Alexa |
| Color | Black |
| Specific Uses For Product | Furnace |
| Temperature Control Type | Heating, Cooling |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth |
| Included Components | ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, ecobee SmartSensor, Backplate, Wire labels, Screws & drywall plays plugs, power extender kit (for sysytems without a c-wire), trim plate, and quick start guide |
| Item Weight | 1.4 Pounds |
| Voltage | 24 Volts |
| Material | Metal |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Control Type | Button Control |
| Control Method | App |
| Connectivity Protocol | Wi-Fi |
| Style | Thermostat |
| Backlight | Yes |
| Specification Met | Energy Star |
| Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Manufacturer | ecobee |
| Part Number | EB-STATE6-01 |
| Item Weight | 1.39 pounds |
| Country of Origin | Malaysia |
| Item model number | EB-STATE6-01 |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Special Features | Wired Smart Thermostat, Siri, Amazon Alexa |
| Batteries Included | Yes |
| Batteries Required | Yes |
| Battery Cell Type | Lithium Ion |
| Warranty Description | 3 year manufacturer. |
- Save up to 26% per year on heating and cooling costs. ENERGY STAR certified. Included SmartSensor (50 dollar value) adjusts the temperature in the rooms that matter most to reduce hot or cold spots to keep you comfortable. Compared to a hold of 72°F.
- Built-in air quality monitor alerts you to poor air quality, provides tips on how to improve it, and reminds you when it’s time to change your furnace’s air filter.
- Premium materials and advanced engineering mean a large, vibrant display with a cinematic interface, a timeless design, and next level occupancy sensing.
- ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is a complete home monitoring hub that includes built-in smoke alarm detection and alerts to possible break-ins when your system is armed. Get notifications during sudden temperature drops that could cause damage. ecobee Smart Security plan required
- Comes with a smart speaker and your choice of Siri or Alexa Built-in. Control your home using the power of your voice and listen to your favorite Spotify playlists and podcast through your thermostat’s speaker. Apple home hub required to enable Siri on Smart Thermostat Premium
- Compatible with most 24VAC HVAC systems: furnaces, ACs (2H/2C), heat pumps (2H/2C + 2 stage AUX), boilers, PTACs, and fan coil units (3 fan speeds). Includes Power Extender Kit for C-Wire-less homes, ensuring easy installation.
- If a window or door is left open for 5 minutes ecobee will alert you and automatically pause your heating or cooling, saving you money while helping the environment. SmartSensor for doors and windows and an ecobee Smart Security subscription required to access this feature
