New Ecobee Smart Thermostat With Premium Design Revealed Ahead of Launch, Supports HomeKit and Hey Siri

[nutmac]

With thread I hope

While I too would prefer to reduce the number of Wi-Fi devices if Thread-based alternates are available, I think Ecobee benefits from being a Wi-Fi device.

Wi-Fi allows it to (1) share data with Ecobee's lab to create nifty Home IQ analytics, (2) doubles as Siri home assistant, and (3) operate as a hub to temperature and motion sensors.

Looking good! I’m hoping this has an OLED screen so the GUI elements just pop out like that on its black front. Right now you can plainly see the squared LCD screen on the current unit.

OLED would be a bad fit for devices like thermostat that displays static images. Perhaps local dimming LED backlight?

I hope the new Ecobee has a higher resolution display though.

 

[Analog Kid]

The value of these are all in the dynamic scheduling. As you’re able to allow the thermostat to build the schedule automatically taking into account things such as when you set the temperature and how long it takes your house to reach it. Also doing things like keeping the fan running while cutting off your AC compressor early to save energy in the summer.

You shouldn’t need to do much other than turning things up or down once in a while, but the less obvious extras translate to real savings.

This works if you keep to a schedule yourself, but if you don’t then I find the dynamic scheduling is more of a hassle than a feature. I don’t want my thermostat to decide when I should be awake or asleep…

I turn most of that off-- the benefits for me are the ability to control the thermostat temps with the home scene (turn off the lights, adjust the shades, set the temps all together) and the ability to measure and combine temperatures from multiple rooms.

 

[Scoob Redux]

I installed an Ecobee a couple years back and besides changing the furnace temp from the couch like 2x a year I never use it any differently than I would a normal programmable thermostat. Maybe I'm just a thermostat Luddite but I increasingly feel like these things are a solution looking for a use case. It was cool 5 years ago if you had a Nest but I feel like this particular fad is fading out.

I like that the Ecobee is HomeKit compatible, but doing anything other than a rotatable Nest dial feels like a hack now. And I get that Nest's click-wheel mechanism is likely patented or trademarked like crazy. It's just the most obvious and correct feeling way of adjusting the temperature and it looks the nicest. Besides the temperature automatically going down at nighttime now, I don't *really* use the smart features. We turn it down when it feels too hot and up when it's cold. It was mostly chosen for aesthetics.

I also chose my Ecobee for the look & feel, along with Homekit compatibility. I've never understood why anyone would need the "smart" features. I know when I'm home and when I'm going to bed better than the AI ever can. The last thing I want is a thermostat deciding that it needs to be warmer at 3am. I do use Siri or the iOS app to adjust temperature fairly often, so I do use that feature.

 

[RalfTheDog]

I installed an Ecobee a couple years back and besides changing the furnace temp from the couch like 2x a year I never use it any differently than I would a normal programmable thermostat. Maybe I'm just a thermostat Luddite but I increasingly feel like these things are a solution looking for a use case. It was cool 5 years ago if you had a Nest but I feel like this particular fad is fading out.

Before the virus, I traveled a lot. A smart thermostat let you turn the heat down as low as it would go without risking frozen pipes while out of town. When you land back in the United States, just crank up the therms to a nice level. When you get back home, your house is nice and warm, even when the outside temperature is -20.

There are worse things than spending days hopping from aircraft to aircraft, rushing for connecting flights and stuff, then coming home to a freezing house. When you step in the door, you want to just drop your defenses, be warm, jump in the shower, then sleep.

 

[izzle22]

My 5 year old Nest works perfectly with zero issues. I set it and forget it. Except for filter reminders and an occasional temp change I forget it's even there. I personally think the Nest is much more aesthetically pleasing compared to Ecobee. Just my opinion.

 

[RalfTheDog]

I hope you can continue to turn off the Amazon voice spy service. My nightmare is, you will be able to turn off the voice control, but it continues to listen to everything you say.

 

[Scoob Redux]

The value of these are all in the dynamic scheduling. As you’re able to allow the thermostat to build the schedule automatically taking into account things such as when you set the temperature and how long it takes your house to reach it. Also doing things like keeping the fan running while cutting off your AC compressor early to save energy in the summer.

You shouldn’t need to do much other than turning things up or down once in a while, but the less obvious extras translate to real savings.

Except I'm not interested in savings, I'm interested in maximum comfort. So when a "smart" thermostat decides to save energy, it usually means doing something I don't want it to do. The AI can never learn my schedule (which is variable) well enough to predict what I need. Only I know what I need from my climate control. I love my Ecobee, but only because i don't allow it to do anything automatically.

 

[Analog Kid]

Either they’re running down stock of the existing models for an imminent release, or their supply chain is as fubar as everyone else’s and we won’t see the new ones for 6 mos….

 

[OddMacFan]

I installed an Ecobee a couple years back and besides changing the furnace temp from the couch like 2x a year I never use it any differently than I would a normal programmable thermostat. Maybe I'm just a thermostat Luddite but I increasingly feel like these things are a solution looking for a use case. It was cool 5 years ago if you had a Nest but I feel like this particular fad is fading out.

I moved from a standard thermostat to a “smart” thermostat last fall when I installed a central humidifier. I wanted a single device which could control heat, A/C, and humidity, and most advanced thermostats that can do that are contractor-only items (yes, I know they are available online sans warranty).

That left me with aftermarket options from the likes of Ecobee, Nest, and Emerson (Sensi).

Since I don’t prefer the Google ecosystem, I tried Ecobee. I really had high hopes. It put heat, A/C, and humidity control in one box, and could pull outside air temperature and provide automatic humidity adjustment. I loved the data it collected on system temperature and runtime overlayed with outside air temperature. There was one huge problem: its temperature sensor was way too sensitive, and would increase or decrease simply by walking or standing in close proximity to the unit. This would result in temperature swings inside the home caused by erratic system operation (this is with eco+ disabled). I tried many suggestions to fix it, spent hours with tech support, plugged holes in the wall, etc. The temperature reading just remained too unstable to fit within our preferences for system operation.

There were other small indicators that the unit was borne of a technology company and not a company experienced with system controls, which I did not consider to be a positive trait for a device whose primary purpose is to be a system controller.

Ultimately, I returned it and purchased a Sensi Touch. It is a bit less feature-rich, but includes the core functionality I sought and is clearly designed and built to be a system controller. I can still control it from an app or through HomeKit, and it does a much better job of dampening the room temperature readings which I experienced with Ecobee.

 

[RalfTheDog]

My 5 year old Nest works perfectly with zero issues. I set it and forget it. Except for filter reminders and an occasional temp change I forget it's even there. I personally think the Nest is much more aesthetically pleasing compared to Ecobee. Just my opinion.

The reason I don't use Nest is, it's owned by Google. If Google can find a way to sell your data, they will. Never allow a Google device with a microphone near your house.

 

[XTOTHEL]

Took a quick look at the product listing on Lowes and looks like it might go for $329.99 CANADIAN (Aprox $256 USD, so probably around $249.99 MSRP).

 

[el-John-o]

Really like my EcoBee, most of the time.

At the time I was shopping, it was the ONLY one that worked without a "C" wire without using some sort of trickery (like constantly cycling the furnace) that may lead to damage on older equipment. Their solution is pretty brilliant. You mount a box down at the furnace itself, attach the C wire there, and then it just uses the existing wires to carry power and data; rather than trying to 'retain' the existing functions (which is unnecessary once you have the 'box' at the furnace itself).

This one looks a LOT nicer for sure. I've never liked the way mine looked. I really did choose it solely because it was the only one compatible with my current HVAC system without making some sort of a modification first.

 

[kuwxman]

The reason I don't use Nest is, it's owned by Google. If Google can find a way to sell your data, they will. Never allow a Google device with a microphone near your house.

If only this opinion was posted in every thread, multiple times, with a Google related product would people know a fraction of the population doesn't like Google... All that, while ironically, allowing the MUCH more intrusive and data stealing Amazon in to their homes instead.

 

[izzle22]

The reason I don't use Nest is, it's owned by Google. If Google can find a way to sell your data, they will. Never allow a Google device with a microphone near your house.

I get that although I have very little data I care about Google selling and big brother or sister can listen in on all sorts of devises. I'm too old to give a crap about any of that and honestly wouldn't of cared when I was younger.

At this point in my life what I do care about is the products I have working properly and looking good.

 

[rkelez01]

Unless I’m missing something my current EcoBee literally supports all of this already?

Now, it does look nicer, I’ll give you that. So more power to new owners, but seems pointless to upgrade to right?

 

[RalfTheDog]

If only this opinion was posted in every thread, multiple times, with a Google related product would people know a fraction of the population doesn't like Google... All that, while ironically, allowing the MUCH more intrusive and data stealing Amazon in to their homes instead.

I make sure I disable Alexia before I allow a device in my home.

I get that although I have very little data I care about Google selling and big brother or sister can listen in on all sorts of devises. I'm too old to give a crap about any of that and honestly wouldn't of cared when I was younger.

At this point in my life what I do care about is the products I have working properly and looking good.

Working from home, I deal with quite a few confidential documents and conversations at my house.

 

[izzle22]

I make sure I disable Alexia before I allow a device in my home.

Working from home, I deal with quite a few confidential documents and conversations at my house.

Yeah I do not. Google, Amazon and Apple are all welcome to the many conversations I have with my wife and 2 cats. Hopefully it provides much entertainment to all who are listening.

 

[Numbah One]

I wonder if the air quality monitoring is linked to the filter replacement algorithm? Also, while it's possible to turn off the voice control, I'd prefer to order one without the built-in microphone or speakers so it cannot be enabled remotely.

 

[ipedro]

Call me superficial but this was the reason I have never bought an Ecobee product. I'm not going to put a piece of cheap plastic on the wall of my home where everything else is curated for beauty and design. This is why Nest was successful: it made a thermostat beautiful and intuitive to use.

Ecobee's premium version is nicer but I still think it falls short, notably in the UI. I don't want to have to tap through a hamburger menu. Nest's dial is the perfect design for both adjusting the temperature, practically with your eyes closed, and navigating the deeper menus. Glass and metal are a step in the right direction though.

 

[Mousse]

Like other Ecobee models, the Smart Thermostat Premium will be compatible with Apple's smart home platform HomeKit, and support "Hey Siri" voice commands for tasks such as setting the temperature and sending Intercom messages.

And y'all just lost the "dad" market. No dad in his right mind would buy a thermostat that kids can adjust easily.

 

[TonyC28]

I installed an Ecobee a couple years back and besides changing the furnace temp from the couch like 2x a year I never use it any differently than I would a normal programmable thermostat. Maybe I'm just a thermostat Luddite but I increasingly feel like these things are a solution looking for a use case. It was cool 5 years ago if you had a Nest but I feel like this particular fad is fading out.

I’m kinda with you on this. I’m a big HomeKit fan but the thermostat is about the least important part of it all in my opinion.

 

[gaximus]

I installed an Ecobee a couple years back and besides changing the furnace temp from the couch like 2x a year I never use it any differently than I would a normal programmable thermostat. Maybe I'm just a thermostat Luddite but I increasingly feel like these things are a solution looking for a use case. It was cool 5 years ago if you had a Nest but I feel like this particular fad is fading out.

I have one installed with a temperature sensor for every room (which work HomeKit automations, really nice to have kids lights turn on low when they get up to use the bathroom at night.) which helps for seeing temps and making sure everyone is comfortable. Also being able to control my whole house humidifier is nice.

 

[hxlover904]

I haven't been a huge fan of the eco+ (data sharing with utilities?) and removing the Homekit automations behind the eco+ feature. But are there any other Homekit thermostats that have room sensors? That's the major feature I like about the ecobees (second to cutting my electric bill literaly in half). I'm up for changing to a different brand but I'd really like to have the room sensors (because they do integrate with homekit automations).

 

[OddMacFan]

I haven't been a huge fan of the eco+ (data sharing with utilities?) and removing the Homekit automations behind the eco+ feature. But are there any other Homekit thermostats that have room sensors? That's the major feature I like about the ecobees (second to cutting my electric bill literaly in half). I'm up for changing to a different brand but I'd really like to have the room sensors (because they do integrate with homekit automations).

Honeywell T9/T10 support room sensors.

 

[robertmorris2]

I don't know. I've got one upstairs and it does a good job, but I wouldn't upgrade. It's a thermostat it regulates the temperature of the home. I don't think I need an ultra-fancy one.