Ecobee has several smart thermostat models, and because of their similar looks it can be hard to tell them apart. Comparison charts help explain the features and specs side by side for every model. Currently Ecobee sells three smart thermostats on the market: the Ecobee SmartThermostat, the famous Ecobee 4 and the cheap Ecobee 3 Lite.
All models work with separate sensors. Those sensors give info about temperature and occupancy. Some years ago Ecobee joined with Amazon, so newer devices after the Ecobee 3 received Alexa skill.
Compare Ecobee Smart Thermostats
You can reach the same by buying Ecobee 3 together with Amazon Echo or Dot. Even so, because of the link to Alexa devices, the Ecobee 4 is the better choise.
Some features are only for the Smart Thermostat Enhanced, like support for HVAC accessories, dual-band Wi-Fi and a built-in radar sensor for occupancy. It can save up to 26% in annual heating and cooling, while the Ecobee 3 Lite saves up to 23% in annual savings. If you take the usual cost of electricity and natural gas for heating and cooling, multiply it by 26%, you get savings up to 284 USD yearly.
The annual savings range according to energy and place.
The zinc body adds weight to the Premium thermostat and creates a more elegant look with silver details, rather than the white plastic body of older models and the current base-level Ecobee 3 Lite. One reason for the more expensive version is the bigger screen. Ecobee promised that owners of models with small screens will receive an update soon.
The Ecobee 3 model has a quad core chip and can work with second generation sensors as well as older ones. That is a nice touch for users already in the Ecobee system.
With Ecobee everything registers and shows in charts. Every time the setpoint is changed manually, it records. The schedule view shows home temperatures, humidity and when settings like Awake, Away or Sleep were active.
Ecobee compares your house to a hypothetical one where the thermostat never moves, and estimates the savings on the bill. Community comparisons help you see how runtime, energy use and efficiency stack up.
Being able to control the temperature by phone and make changes from anywhere is great. The thermostat allows you to rule the temperature from a distance, keep comfort in important rooms and stay informed about events at home. When other features do not matter, the right Ecobee model depends on those that interestyou most.