ecobee thermostat
ecobee's line of smart thermostats can help to provide energy savings for a variety of different HVAC systems. Their thermostats provide intelligent automation for your heating and cooling system, allowing you to reduce your energy usage while staying comfortable. Keep reading for a breakdown of the different ecobee smart thermostat options.
How we review smart thermostats
To review smart thermostats, we evaluate each one on the following categories and features:
- Mobile app - Can you control the device with a mobile app, and what kind of functionality does the app give you? Is it compatible with other smart home products?
- Energy savings - How much energy can the thermostat help you save? We look for products and devices that carry the ENERGY STAR seal for the most-efficient products.
- Installation - Is the thermostat meant for DIY installation or does it require professional installation?
- Price - How is the smart thermostat priced compared to other brands, and how does this compare to the amount of money you could save on your energy bill?
- Learning capability - Does the thermostat learn your heating and cooling preferences automatically, or do you have to program them?
- Warranty - Does the brand offer a warranty, and if so how long does the warranty cover your thermostat?
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission
ecobee smart thermostats
ecobee makes a line of small, efficient programmable thermostats meant to maximize energy-efficiency. These smart thermostats feature touch functionality, remote access, and a variety of options that allow for greater control over home heating and cooling. And similar to the Nest Learning Thermostat, Ecobee thermostats can learn your routines to better maximize your energy savings.
ecobee SmartThermostat with voice control
ecobee smart thermostat
The ecobee SmartThermostat with voice control provides maximum energy efficiency and ease-of-use compared to old thermostats. Voice commands makes it easier to program settings, control schedules, and change temperatures at a moment's notice all without having to leave your seat. Plus, the advanced eco+ system learns how to best heat and cool your home when energy costs are at their lowest while also reducing the strain on power grids.
Why buy - Being able to create custom schedules is a major selling point for smart thermostats, but being able to control all of those same things through voice functionality is an even bigger benefit. Plus, thanks to its eco+ system the ecobee SmartThermostat with voice control is the EcoWatch pick for best energy-saving smart thermostat.
Price - The ecobee SmartThermostat, technically the ecobee 5 of its line of products, is one of the more costly units on the market, priced at $250.
Warranty - ecobee products come with a three-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. The warranty protects against any defects in workmanship or materials that can occur under normal use. It does not, however, cover damage done through abnormal or excessive use. Details of the warranty will also depend on who you purchase the unit from.
How it works - There are a variety of ways that users can get greater energy-efficiency and savings. Users can program through the touch screen on the unit itself at any time. There is also a smart phone app that allows for programming and control remotely. Finally, the voice functionality provides programming without either of those things. Users can simply voice their commands to change temperature, set a schedule and more. It also includes an ecobee SmartSensor with occupancy detection to help control your energy use.
Mobile app - ecobee offers an app for controlling their smart thermostats. Users are able to gain all of the control and functionality that they normally would through the touch screen panel with the convenience of being able to make changes remotely. It is a higher level of control and convenience than ever before. While the thermostat comes with Amazon Alexa built in, it is also compatible with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT, and Samsung SmartThings.
Energy savings - The Ecobee SmartThermostat with voice control is ENERGY STAR certified. That means it has been tested for optimal energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR ratings indicate that said product can offer additional energy savings than others on the market. Users can expect to save 23% annually on their energy bills by using the Ecobee SmartThermostat with voice control. This can vary slightly depending on the age of the current HVAC system as well as the size of the home.
Installation - Installation can either be performed by a third-party retailer or done in a do-it-yourself project. Those attempting a DIY installation will find an installation guide accompany the thermostat. Standard installation will generally take about 45 minutes, though that can vary depending on the experience and general handiness of the person involved.
Certified refurbished ecobee4
ecobee4
Depending on budgets, going with a brand-new smart thermostat may not necessarily be an option. That is why having access to a refurbished smart thermostat can be a viable option. Plus, choosing a refurbished model is sustainable choice that saves e-waste and saves you money. Note, you may be able to find new ecobee4 models through third-party retailers.
Why buy - Each refurbished ecobee4 provides top-of-the-line smart thermostat functionality without paying the premium that comes with a brand new unit. Built-in Alexa functionality means you have voice control of your thermostat with your Amazon Echo or smart home for complete smart home functionality.
Price - The $185-$200 price tag, combined with the "refurbished" tag, may sound scary. But there are a lot of functions, features, and things included that could make this a potentially great buy for those hoping to find a quality smart thermostat while reducing waste and cost. If you do find a new model through a third-party retailer, you will pay more than for a refurbished model.
Warranty - When purchased directly through ecobee, the ecobee4 comes with a limited three-year warranty. Like other ecobee devices, that includes protection against manufacturer defects as well as issues that occur through regular use. As is the case with other warranties, it will not cover irregular or improper use, so check the details on the warranty before use.
How it works - The ecobee 4 includes a ton of smart features. Programmable schedules for heating and cooling, touch-screen and app functionality, and a smart-learning function that adapts to your heating and cooling needs. Even better, it comes built-in with Alexa for voice control functionality and compatibility with Amazon Alexa smart home units. Every refurbished thermostat undergoes a rigorous recertification process and must pass the same quality assurance tests that a brand new thermostat does.
Mobile app - ecobee offers a smart device app for ios and Android devices that gives you greater accessibility and control. In addition to Alexa and touch-screen functionality, the smart phone app allows for remote access at any time so long as it is a device on the same Wi-Fi network. That means convenient use whenever, wherever the user desires.
Energy savings - The ecobee4, even when refurbished, is ENERGY STAR certified. Users have experienced a whopping 23% energy savings on their heating and cooling bill through the use of the ecobee4, making this brand one of the best for smarter energy use at home.
Installation - As is the case with other ecobee smart thermostat models, you have the option for professional installation as well as do-it-yourself installation. There is an accompanying quick installation guide, allowing for proper installation within 45 minutes depending on the experience level of the user.
ecobee3 lite
ecobee3 lite
The ecobee3 lite brings a lot of the same features and functionality that the ecobee4 offers at a slightly more cost-effective price. When looking for advanced temperature control, voice functionality, and energy savings, the ecobee3 lite has you covered. This model does not include any SmartSensor occupancy sensors.
Why buy - The large, easy-to-use display, smart phone app functionality, and even Alexa voice control mean that users can control their heating and cooling from anywhere. Plus, ecobee's advanced eco+ system allows the 3rd gen system to heat and cool your home when energy prices are lowest and when it will cause the least amount of strain on electric grids.
Price - At $170, it is slightly less expensive than even a refurbished ecobee4, as well as some of Google Nest and Honeywell's smart thermostat options. With professional installation, expect all costs to be about $200, though it can vary based on the installer.
Warranty - The ecobee3 lite is covered by a three-year limited warranty from ecobee. During that period, it covers the device from manufacturer defects and workmanship under regular service and normal use. Any improper use or lack of maintenance can void the warranty, so be aware before using.
How it works - Users have a multitude of ways to use the ecobee3 lite to save on their energy costs. Working with most modern HVAC systems, the ecobee3 lite works to limit the amount of energy used when heating and cooling the home through its eco+ system. This means it will use energy when costs are cheapest and will avoid using energy when demand is high to prevent extra strain on grids. It also includes an AC Overcool feature that can use your air conditioner to help lower the humidity in your home if you don't have a dehumidifier.
Mobile app - ecobee's smart phone app lets users program settings, create schedules, and even adjust current temperatures in real time. Remote functionality means that users do not need to be within range of voice control nor do they have to use the control panel to implement heating and cooling changes.
Installation - Though there are professional installers who can do the job, the ecobee3 lite comes with a quick install guide. Depending on the experience and general handiness of the person involved, it can take anywhere from 30-45 minutes from beginning to end.
Additional ecobee smart home products
ecobee smart thermostat products are designed to work with the ecobee SmartSensor. These remote sensors works to detect temperatures in individual rooms, like your living room or bedroom, helping to eliminate pockets of air that are too warm or cold. These room sensors can help make your system even more energy efficient.
ecobee thermostat energy rebates
Your local energy provider may offer rebates for using energy efficient smart thermostats. Check with them to see if there are rebates offered that may cover some or all of the costs of an ecobee smart thermostat.
ecobee smart thermostat FAQs
What is ecobee eco+?
The ecobee eco+ software takes their smart thermostats to a new level beyond just geofencing. It can actually detect when you have left your home, adjusting the settings to limit energy usage when you are not around. When you come back, it restores your comfort settings to the pre-set schedule and even learns your routine and preferences to keep you comfortable automatically. It also helps reduce strains on the electric grid in your area by using energy when it is cheaper to heat and cool your home. ecobee smart thermostats can save around 23% on energy usage with the eco+ capable of saving even more thanks to this unique function.
Do ecobee thermostats come with Alexa?
Depending on the type of ecobee smart thermostat that you purchase, it may or may not come with Alexa functionality built-in. Alexa-compatible units allow for pairing with Amazon Echo smart home devices for voice control functionality. That means users can set programming and schedules through the console, app, or voice function.
Ryan Womeldorf is a freelance writer who covers technology and consumer goods, including smart home tech. He is a husband and father of two (five if you count his pups).
Here are three new films to watch this Earth Week that will transport you from pole to pole and introduce you to the scientists and activists working to save our shared home.
1. The Year Earth Changed
Where to Watch: Apple TV+
When to Watch: From April 16
The coronavirus pandemic has brought home the stakes of humanity's impact on the environment. But the lockdowns also proved how quickly nature can recover when humans give it the space. Birds sang in empty cities, whales surfaced in Glacier Bay and capybara roamed the South American suburbs.
The Year Earth Changed captures this unique year with footage from more than 30 lockdowned cities between May 2020 to January 2021. Narrated by renowned wildlife broadcaster David Attenborough, the film explores what positive lessons we can take from the experience of a quieter, less trafficked world.
"What the film shows is that the natural world can bounce back remarkably quickly when we take a step back and reduce our impact as we did during lockdown," executive producer Alice Keens-Soper of BBC Studios Natural History Unit told EcoWatch. "If we are willing to make even small changes to our habits, the natural world can flourish. We need to learn how to co-exist with nature and understand that we are not separate from it- for example if we closed some of our beaches at for a few weeks during the turtle breeding we see that it can make a huge difference to their success. There are many ways that we can adapt our behavior to allow the natural world to thrive as it did in lockdown."
2. After Antarctica
Where to Watch: San Francisco International Film Festival
When to Watch: 12 a.m. PST April 9 to 11:59 p.m. April 18
In 1989, Will Steger led an international team of six scientists and explorers to be the first humans to cross Antarctica by dogsled. Steger and his team weren't just in it for the adventure. They also wanted to draw attention to the ways in which the climate crisis was already transforming the icy continent and to rally support for the renewal of the Antarctic Treaty, which would keep the continent safe from extractive industries.
In After Antarctica, award-winning filmmaker Tasha Van Zandt follows Steger 30 years later as he travels the Arctic this time, reflecting on his original journey and once again bringing awareness to changes in a polar landscape. The film intersperses this contemporary journey with footage from the original expedition, some of which has never been seen before.
"Will's life journey as an explorer and climate activist has led him not only to see more of the polar world than anyone else alive today, but to being an eyewitness to the changes occurring across both poles," Van Zandt told EcoWatch. "But now, these changes are happening in all of our own backyards and we have all become eyewitnesses. Through my journey with Will, I have learned that although we cannot always control change, we can change our response. I feel strongly that this is a message that resonates when we look at the current state of the world, as we each have power and control over how we choose to respond to hardships, and we all have the power to unite with others through collective action around a common goal."
After Antarctica is available to stream once you purchase a ticket to the San Francisco International Film Festival. If you miss it this weekend, it will screen again at the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival from May 13 to May 23.
Tasha Van Zandt
3. The Race to Save the World
Where to Watch: Virtual Cinema
When to Watch: From Earth Day, April 22
While many films about the climate crisis seek to raise awareness about the extent of the problem, The Race to Save the World focuses on the people who are trying to stop it. The film tells the story of climate activists ranging from 15-year-old Aji to 72-year-old Miriam who are working to create a sustainable future. It follows them from the streets to the courtroom to their homes, and explores the impact of their advocacy on their personal lives and relationships.
Emmy award-winning documentary filmmaker Joe Gantz told EcoWatch that he wanted to make a film about climate change, but did not want to depress viewers with overwhelming statistics. Instead, he chose to inspire them by sharing the stories of people trying to make a difference.
"Unless millions of people take to the streets and make their voices heard for a livable future, the politicians are not going to get on board to help make the changes needed for a sustainable future," Gantz told Ecowatch. "I think that The Race To Save The World will energize and inspire people to take action so that future generations, as well as the plants, animals and ecosystems, can survive and thrive on this planet."
Check back with EcoWatch on the morning of Earth Day for a special preview of this inspiring film!