Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium Review
Luxurious Climate Control
Updated Dec 21, 2023
By Eric Patterson
Share this article
4.5/5
Smart Home by Design’s Verdict - The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium redefines the way we interact with our home climate systems. It stands out with its intuitive interface, energy-saving features, and seamless integration with smart home ecosystems. This thermostat doesn’t just adjust the temperature; it learns your habits and preferences to provide comfort and efficiency like never before.
PROS
✅ Advanced Sensor Technology: Utilizes room sensors to maintain consistent temperature and occupancy detection for energy savings.
✅ Voice Control: Integrated with Alexa and Siri for hands-free adjustments and smart home control.
✅ Eco+ Feature: Learns your schedule and preferences for automatic adjustments, enhancing energy efficiency.
✅ Air Quality Monitoring: Tracks indoor air quality and suggests improvements.
✅ Easy Installation: Straightforward setup process that’s compatible with most HVAC systems.
✅ Smart Home Integration: Works seamlessly with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings.
CONS
❌ Price: Premium features come at a higher cost compared to basic models.
❌ Requires C-wire: Installation might need professional assistance if a C-wire isn’t present.
-
◦ Integrated Indoor Air Quality Monitor: Features a built-in sensor to monitor your home's air quality, tracking factors like VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and CO2 levels, and provides recommendations to improve air quality.
◦ SmartSensor Included: Comes with an Ecobee SmartSensor, which detects both temperature and occupancy in different rooms, allowing for more precise and efficient temperature control throughout your home.
◦ High-Resolution Glass Touch Display: Boasts a vibrant, high-resolution glass touch display that's not only easy to use but also adds a touch of elegance to your home's decor.
◦ Advanced Smart Home Integration: Seamlessly integrates with most major smart home ecosystems, including Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT, for comprehensive control and automation.
◦ Voice Control with Alexa Built-in: Includes a fully integrated Alexa experience, allowing you to control the thermostat, play music, set timers, and access all other Alexa skills directly from the device.
◦ Energy Savings: Utilizes advanced algorithms to learn your schedule and preferences, automatically adjusting for energy savings without sacrificing comfort. Provides detailed energy reports and insights through the Ecobee app.
◦ Sleek, Premium Design: Features a premium metal finish, making it a stylish addition to any room.
◦ Radar Occupancy Detection: Employs advanced radar technology to detect occupancy, enhancing its ability to manage your home’s temperature and energy usage intelligently.
◦ Dual-Band WiFi Support: Offers more reliable connectivity and faster response times by supporting both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi networks.
-
◦ Homes Concerned with Air Quality: Ideal for homeowners looking to maintain or improve indoor air quality, especially in areas prone to pollution or for families with allergies and asthma.
◦ Tech-Savvy and Design-Conscious Users: Perfect for individuals who appreciate the integration of technology and design, offering a high-end look and feel along with advanced smart features.
◦ Energy-Conscious Households: Suitable for those aiming to reduce their environmental impact and lower energy bills through intelligent heating and cooling adjustments.
◦ Smart Home Enthusiasts: A great choice for users deeply invested in smart home technology, looking for a thermostat that offers broad compatibility and seamless integration with other devices.
◦ Families Needing Zoned Temperature Control: With the included SmartSensor and compatibility with additional sensors, it's ideal for families wanting to manage the climate in different rooms or zones based on occupancy and preference.
◦ Voice Control Users: Offers hands-free control for users who enjoy the convenience of voice assistants, with Alexa built-in for direct access to numerous skills and commands.
◦ Remote Management: Appeals to homeowners who value the ability to monitor and control their home environment remotely, ensuring comfort and efficiency even when away from home.
-
How does the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium save energy?
By learning your schedule and preferences, the thermostat makes automatic adjustments to optimize energy use. Features like Home/Away mode and eco+ software adjust the temperature based on occupancy and weather forecasts, ensuring energy isn't wasted heating or cooling an empty home.
Can I control the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium when I'm not at home?
Yes, through the Ecobee app on your smartphone or tablet, you can control your thermostat from anywhere. This includes temperature adjustments, setting schedules, monitoring energy use, and receiving alerts.
Does the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium work with room sensors?
Yes, it includes one SmartSensor in the box and is compatible with additional SmartSensors. These sensors help manage hot or cold spots by measuring temperature and occupancy in different rooms, providing more balanced comfort throughout your home.
Can the thermostat monitor indoor air quality?
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium has a built-in air quality monitor that tracks indoor air quality factors, such as VOCs and CO2 levels. It provides recommendations for improving air quality, like increasing ventilation.
What voice assistants is the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium compatible with?
It's compatible with major voice assistants, including Amazon Alexa (with Alexa built-in), Apple Siri (through Apple HomeKit), Google Assistant, and others. This allows for hands-free control and integration into voice-activated routines.
Do I need a C-wire to install the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium?
While a C-wire is ideal for installation, the thermostat includes a Power Extender Kit (PEK) for systems without a C-wire. This kit helps ensure compatibility with most HVAC systems.
What is the eco+ feature?
Eco+ is a suite of advanced algorithms designed to learn and adapt to your schedule, improving comfort and energy efficiency. It takes into account factors like humidity, time of day, and local energy demand to make smart adjustments.
How does the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium handle homes with multiple zones?
For homes with zoned heating and cooling systems, multiple Ecobee thermostats can be installed and managed through the Ecobee app, allowing for customized temperature settings in different areas of your home.
Is professional installation required for the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium?
Professional installation is not required for most users. The Ecobee app provides a step-by-step installation guide. However, if you're not comfortable with basic wiring or your system needs a C-wire installed, professional installation might be a good option.
How does the thermostat contribute to a healthier home environment?
By monitoring indoor air quality and providing actionable insights to improve it, such as recommending when to increase ventilation, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium helps maintain a healthier living environment.
Specifications
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Compatibility | Works with most HVAC systems including conventional (2H/2C), heat pump (4H/2C), humidifier, dehumidifier, ventilator, HRV, or ERV |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n @ 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, Bluetooth 5.0, 915 MHz radio for SmartSensor |
Smart Home Integration | Amazon Alexa Built-in, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, SmartThings, IFTTT |
Display | 3.5" full-color LCD touchscreen, 320 x 480 pixel display |
Audio | Speaker and microphone for Alexa, Intercom functionality |
Features | SmartSensor included, occupancy detection, temperature and humidity sensing, air quality monitoring, eco+ software for enhanced savings |
Power | Hardwired (C-wire required) or power extender kit (included) for systems without a C-wire |
Installation | DIY installation, guided setup via the Ecobee app |
Dimensions | 4.29 in x 4.29 in x 1.0 in |
Warranty | 3-year limited warranty |
Environmental Certification | ENERGY STAR® certified |
Come back later for our comprehensive review.
Trending in Smart Home Thermostats
4.7/5
Google Nest Learning Thermostat Review: Control Home Comfort
The Nest Learning Thermostat is an advanced, energy-efficient home temperature control device designed to learn and adapt to your schedule and preferences. It features a sleek, user-friendly design and offers remote control via a mobile app, voice assistant compatibility, and integration with other smart home devices. Its easy DIY installation, along with an option for professional setup, makes it accessible for a wide range of users, positioning it as a valuable investment for enhancing home comfort and reducing energy costs. Read our review ➤
4.5/5
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced Review: Smart Heating & Cooling
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced is a game-changer in home climate control, offering intuitive features that cater to both comfort and energy efficiency. With its sleek design, this thermostat goes beyond traditional temperature adjustments, incorporating advanced sensors and smart algorithms to maintain optimal living conditions while minimizing energy usage. Read our review ➤
4.3/5
Honeywell Home T5 Thermostat Review: T5 for Temperature Triumph
The Honeywell Home T5 Thermostat offers straightforward, smart temperature control with flexible scheduling and geofencing features. Its compatibility with various smart home platforms and easy-to-use interface make it a practical solution for modernizing home heating and cooling. It strikes a balance between functionality and affordability, making it appealing for everyday use. Read our review ➤
4.4/5
Honeywell Smart Color Thermostat Review: Color Your Comfort Smartly
The Honeywell Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat combines functionality and aesthetics, offering customizable color touchscreens and remote access. Its smart alerts and energy-saving features ensure comfort and efficiency, making it a smart choice for those looking to upgrade their home climate control. Read our review ➤
Explore All Categories
I'm Eric, the founder of Smart Home by Design. Coming from a strong leadership background at GameStop, I discovered my true calling in bridging the gap between technology and everyday convenience, sparking my venture into the smart home industry. These experiences ignited my passion for smart technology and led me to create a company that focuses on enhancing people's lives through innovative smart home solutions. At Smart Home by Design, we do more than just install devices; we integrate technology into homes in ways that are meaningful and user-friendly, making your home smarter and your life easier.
Note, when you make a purchase through the retail links in our content, our team might receive a modest commission. Smart Home by Design never takes payment for editorial reviews, promoting only those products we have personally installed and evaluated in our homes. Read more about our policies here.
Email me: eric@smarthomebydesign.com