Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
I unfortunately bought one of these. It’s crap. The software is ridiculously complicated and unintuitive. And now it just “checks out” periodically and doesn’t regulate my system’s functions until I disconnect and reboot it. And even then it’s a crapshoot as to whether it’ll comeback. I hate it.
I've had an Ecobee Smart thermostat for about 3 years and it has been easy to use and rock solid. Perhaps something is wrong with your unit?
 
Be careful with Ecobee; the company isn't really to be trusted. They closed API access for new developers a while back without giving any explanation, basically locking down the platform when it had built up a burgeoning developer community doing cool things like Beestat.

The fact that it supports Homekit means it'll always have local control and work well with Apple's ecosystem, but I'm a bit wary of a company that closes API access without explanation like that.
 
Be careful with Ecobee; the company isn't really to be trusted. They closed API access for new developers a while back without giving any explanation, basically locking down the platform when it had built up a burgeoning developer community doing cool things like Beestat.

The fact that it supports Homekit means it'll always have local control and work well with Apple's ecosystem, but I'm a bit wary of a company that closes API access without explanation like that.
I did not know this! A bit concerning.
 
  • Like
Reactions: centauratlas
I did not know this! A bit concerning.
Yeah... it's something to note if you wanted to integrate it with Home Assistant as well

As of March 28th, 2024, ecobee is no longer accepting new developer subscriptions, nor are existing developer accounts able to create new API keys. There is no ETA for when they will be allowed again. Existing API keys will continue to function.

In the meantime, you can use the HomeKit Device integration as a fully functional alternative.

 
Have to say, I love Ecobee’s gear. Their support is good too, about a year after I got my thermostat we had a power surge that damaged it (and a couple other parts of the HVAC system), it stopped being able to turn on the compressor for the AC, burned out one of the pins on the thermostat it seems. Ecobee walked me through moving one of the wires and then basically using their debug menus to change the pinouts to get things temporarily working and then sent me a new one free to replace it. I’ve recommended them to anyone replacing thermostats since, and installed a few in my friend’s and fam’s homes over the years. These look like solid upgrades for folks in the market for a new thermostat
 
  • Like
Reactions: xmach
Does anyone really pay full price that they need the disocunt thermostat?Just go to your electric companies website and get it subsidized. I think I paid $60 for the the premium ecobee
Thanks, wasn’t aware of this. I can get the new model for $25 after instant rebate from pg&e here in CA.
 
  • Like
Reactions: xmach and Rychiar
So is this pretty much an updated version of the Ecobee 3 Lite? That's what I've had installed in my house since I bought it, and I have been very happy. I haven't seen a reason to updated to any of the newer versions, since I don't need speakers/microphones built into the thermostat (I've already got HomePods, or HomePod Minis in most rooms).

I just wish Ecobee would support HKSV with their doorbell, and I would probably buy one right away. If I liked it I would end up buying multiple for friends and family, and possibly a second one for my house.
 
  • Like
Reactions: seek3r and xmach
I unfortunately bought one of these. It’s crap. The software is ridiculously complicated and unintuitive. And now it just “checks out” periodically and doesn’t regulate my system’s functions until I disconnect and reboot it. And even then it’s a crapshoot as to whether it’ll comeback. I hate it.

[…]

It’s not released yet, but I suspect this “new” version won’t improve your experience. Two thoughts (a) defective unit? (See next quote below) Or (b) is it in a weak WiFi-zone (thermostats are against walls and there could be interference).

I've had an Ecobee Smart thermostat for about 3 years and it has been easy to use and rock solid. Perhaps something is wrong with your unit?

Or maybe far from HomePod?

Be careful with Ecobee; the company isn't really to be trusted. They closed API access for new developers a while back without giving any explanation, basically locking down the platform when it had built up a burgeoning developer community doing cool things like Beestat.

[…]

I do not understand what this means, and I am not-sarcastically curious: Why is this a trust thing?

So is this pretty much an updated version of the Ecobee 3 Lite? That's what I've had installed in my house since I bought it, and I have been very happy. I haven't seen a reason to updated to any of the newer versions, since I don't need speakers/microphones built into the thermostat (I've already got HomePods, or HomePod Minis in most rooms).

[…]

Look at the features, I think it’s a downgrade of the Ecobee 3 Lite. Looks like an entry model to encourage an upgrade after a short life.

And I’m not sure anyone should want a speaker or microphone on their thermostat.
 
  • Like
Reactions: xmach
I bought a home that had an Ecobee already and was super excited because both my brother and his ex-wife have them (including a vacation home) and raved about great they are. Well mine must have been a lemon because it was total junk. The temp was off anywhere between 3 and 10 degrees, and yes I had this confirmed by an HVAC tech. The unit has an offset compensation setting to correct but that does no good if the unit itself isn't consistent. Sometimes it would read 8 degrees too hot then an hour later show 4 degrees too cold... it drove us insane.

In addition, for reasons I could never figure out, despite turning off all the "smart" features it would come on even when the temp was in our comfort range. For example we would set it to 75 but the A/C would suddenly come on at only 73. Seriously WTF is up with that?

Sure being able to see and adjust the temp on my iPhone was great but when the unit thinks the temp is 8 degrees different then reality why bother? We nick-named it the Eco-liar. After three weeks of this nonsense I ripped the thing off the wall. A thermostat only needs to do TWO things: know the current temp and switch to A/C or heat as needed. My Ecobee FAILED miserable at those simple tasks. I replaced it with a "dumb" Honeywell unit and all these problems went away so I know it was the Ecobee and not our HVAC system.
 
Does it support Thread so it can operate without being directly on a Wi-Fi network?

Important point. Why no Thread (and Matter) support yet? It's 2025! Ditto for Wi-Fi 6 (Ecobee is still stuck on Wi-Fi 4)
 
I have an Ecobee Enhanced with 4 sensors. It has been working great since the install and I'm enjoying the cost savings.
 
Installed a Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium in a rental that had a dumb thermostat with electric strip based forced air heat. Big bills! The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium has paid for itself many times over. Also increased comfort. Impressive product.
I also have this model. It's the best one they have deployed to date and I have had many. Let's hope that they finally got the WIFI insulated so it does not affect the temp reading.
 
I bought a home that had an Ecobee already and was super excited because both my brother and his ex-wife have them (including a vacation home) and raved about great they are. Well mine must have been a lemon because it was total junk. The temp was off anywhere between 3 and 10 degrees, and yes I had this confirmed by an HVAC tech. The unit has an offset compensation setting to correct but that does no good if the unit itself isn't consistent. Sometimes it would read 8 degrees too hot then an hour later show 4 degrees too cold... it drove us insane.

In addition, for reasons I could never figure out, despite turning off all the "smart" features it would come on even when the temp was in our comfort range. For example we would set it to 75 but the A/C would suddenly come on at only 73. Seriously WTF is up with that?

Sure being able to see and adjust the temp on my iPhone was great but when the unit thinks the temp is 8 degrees different then reality why bother? We nick-named it the Eco-liar. After three weeks of this nonsense I ripped the thing off the wall. A thermostat only needs to do TWO things: know the current temp and switch to A/C or heat as needed. My Ecobee FAILED miserable at those simple tasks. I replaced it with a "dumb" Honeywell unit and all these problems went away so I know it was the Ecobee and not our HVAC system.
I have the three and it was not the best. The premium is a nicely upgraded version. Only a few months in on this one but is been far better. I too turn off smart features and basically dumb it down to a standard thermostat.
 
I bought a home that had an Ecobee already and was super excited because both my brother and his ex-wife have them (including a vacation home) and raved about great they are. Well mine must have been a lemon because it was total junk. The temp was off anywhere between 3 and 10 degrees, and yes I had this confirmed by an HVAC tech. The unit has an offset compensation setting to correct but that does no good if the unit itself isn't consistent. Sometimes it would read 8 degrees too hot then an hour later show 4 degrees too cold... it drove us insane.

In addition, for reasons I could never figure out, despite turning off all the "smart" features it would come on even when the temp was in our comfort range. For example we would set it to 75 but the A/C would suddenly come on at only 73. Seriously WTF is up with that?

Sure being able to see and adjust the temp on my iPhone was great but when the unit thinks the temp is 8 degrees different then reality why bother? We nick-named it the Eco-liar. After three weeks of this nonsense I ripped the thing off the wall. A thermostat only needs to do TWO things: know the current temp and switch to A/C or heat as needed. My Ecobee FAILED miserable at those simple tasks. I replaced it with a "dumb" Honeywell unit and all these problems went away so I know it was the Ecobee and not our HVAC system.
That is not my experience. I have one in one house and two in the other. The temperature is spot on and yeah controlling the thermostat from the phone is a bonus.

I don’t understand why you didn’t get a replacement. If my car behaved in such anyway off manner I would get it fixed. Obviously this behavior is not normal.

I think all of the energy saving features are good, but the one I really like is the remote sensor.
 
Based on what their support team told me, they are working on this [support for Thread networking]. Unfortunately, they could not give me an ETA for when it would be available. Hopefully soon.

Yes, let's hope so. ecobee's Smart Thermostat Premium was introduced in May, 2022 -- nearly three years ago. That's practically ancient (for example, for connectivity it relies on Wi-Fi 5, a very inefficient, 12 year old networking standard). Thread support can't come soon enough.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.