Brand | ecobee |
---|---|
Product Dimensions | 0.37"D x 1.56"W x 1.56"H |
Controller Type | Vera, Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, SmartThings |
Color | Black |
Power Source | Ac/dc |
Item Weight | 1.35 Pounds |
Voltage | 110 Volts |
Material | Plastic |
Shape | Rectangular |
Display Type | Touchscreen |
Control Type | Remote Control |
Control Method | Voice |
Connectivity Protocol | Wi-Fi |
Mounting Type | Wall Mount |
Style | ecobee3 |
Backlight | Yes |
Specification Met | energy |
Number of Batteries | 1 CR2 batteries required. (included) |
Manufacturer | Ecobee |
Part Number | EB-STATe3-O2 |
Item Weight | 1.35 pounds |
Item model number | EB-STATe3-O2 |
Batteries | 1 CR2 batteries required. (included) |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Size | Universal |
Item Package Quantity | 1 |
Number Of Pieces | 1 |
Type of Bulb | LED |
Number Of Holes | 1 |
Batteries Included? | Yes |
Batteries Required? | Yes |
Battery Cell Type | Alkaline |
Average Battery Life | 35000 Hours |
Warranty Description | 3-year limited warranty on materials and workmanship under normal use and service. Call customer service at 1-877-932- 6233 for more information. |
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ecobee3 Smarter Wi-Fi Thermostat with Remote Sensor, 2nd Generation
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Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
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Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | ecobee |
Product Dimensions | 0.37"D x 1.56"W x 1.56"H |
Controller Type | Vera, Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, SmartThings |
Color | Black |
Power Source | Ac/dc |
About this item
- Works with Alexa for voice control (Alexa device sold separately).
- Smart, really smart - intuitively understands when to turn on your heating or cooling equipment based on your home's unique energy profile, the weather outside, and thousands of other data points to make sure you're comfortable at all times
- Knows you have a life - senses whether anyone's home and which rooms are occupied, delivering comfort when you're at home and saving you energy and money when you're not
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This Item ecobee 3 Smarter Wi-Fi Thermostat with Remote Sensor, 2nd Generation | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | $218.99$218.99 | -9% $199.73$199.73 List: $220.00 | $187.95$187.95 | -12% $219.99$219.99 List: $249.99 | -25% $67.69$67.69 List: $89.99 | -10% $89.99$89.99 List: $99.99 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31 | — |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Alexa integration | 2.4 | 4.6 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 3.5 |
Tech Support | 2.4 | 5.0 | 3.7 | 3.8 | 3.3 | 3.0 |
Easy to install | 2.3 | — | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.1 |
Temperature Control | 3.2 | 5.0 | 3.9 | — | — | 3.8 |
Sold By | PROCOMP | Refined Deals | onncommerce | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | ANR TECH |
control method | voice | application | application | application | application | application, touch |
connectivity protocol | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi |
power source | Ac/dc | Ac/dc | — | — | Battery or C-wire | Corded Electric |
controller type | Amazon Alexa, Vera, Apple HomeKit, SmartThings | Android, iOS | Amazon Alexa, Android, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, iOS | Amazon Alexa, Android, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, iOS | Hand Control, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings | Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, iOS, Android |
specification met | energy | Energy Star | Energy Star | Energy Star | Energy Star | Energy Star |
material | Plastic | — | Metal | Metal | — | Plastic |
shape | Rectangular | — | Rectangular | Rectangular | Rectangular | Square |
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Product Description
Ordinary thermostats only read the temperature in one room, but are supposed to deliver comfort in all rooms. Ecobee3 remote sensors deliver the right temperature in the rooms that matter most. Now homekit enabled. Ecobee3 sensors know which rooms are occupied to deliver the right temperature in the right places. And they know whether someone's home to help you save energy and money when you're away. Ecobee3 comes with 1 free remote sensor that measures temperature and occupancy. You can have up to 32 sensors. The more you add, the smarter your Ecobee3 becomes at delivering comfort where it matters and savings where it counts.
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Additional Information
ASIN | B00ZIRV39M |
---|---|
Customer Reviews |
4.1 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #421,609 in Tools & Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Tools & Home Improvement) #546 in Home Programmable Thermostats |
Date First Available | June 10, 2015 |
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, ease of installation, and remote sensors of the HVAC control thermostat. For example, they mention that it registers fine and reports temperatures, the manual is easy to follow, and the remote sensors are helpful. That said, they're happy with appearance, and value. That being said, opinions are mixed on connectivity, and tech support.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the quality of the thermostat. They say it registers fine and reports temperatures. The sensors help optimize temperature based on which rooms are occupied. The thermostat can average the temperature across all sensors and keeps their house at a more consistent temperature. They also mention that it works seamlessly with their gear and that it functions like a smartphone app.
"...The Ecobee3 keeps my house at a more consistent temperature than the old stat did, probably due to the smart recovery options that I have turned on...." Read more
"...- Sensors help optimize temp based on which rooms are occupied. - Auto Home / Away detection to save energy...." Read more
"...Selecting Home and Away is very easy to do -- the thermostat even senses when I approach, and as I mentioned, the iPhone app is also very easy to..." Read more
"...The interface seems to work flawlessly, it does seem to function OK, the install was really simple and I had no issues connecting any sensors..." Read more
Customers like the ease of installation with the ecobee3. They say the manual is very easy to follow and they provide videos online. They also mention that mounting the unit was made extra easy with a level built in to the backplate. Programming is quicker and easier than with the old product. Setting home/away schedules is painless. The setup on both stats is simple, but if you have a heat pump, be prepared for the question.
"...I haven't found any down-side to this stat, in fact the programming is so much quicker and easier than with the old stat that I actually use the..." Read more
"...from a PC, the website is more flexible than the phone app and easier to use. The web site allows you to copy days easily which is nice...." Read more
"...Installation was fairly straightforward, although I had some issues with an "E" and "W2" on my old thermostat that weren't jumpered,..." Read more
"...The app provides great step by step instructions and my son had no problems performing the installation of the power extender and thermostat, in..." Read more
Customers like the remote sensors in the HVAC control thermostat. They say they are helpful, and the occupancy sensor is a neat idea. The remote sensors can detect motion and temperature throughout the house. Customers also appreciate the ability to add multiple remote sensors. Overall, customers find the remote sensor in the product worthwhile.
"...The thermostat and each remote sensor has an integrated occupancy sensor which can trigger 'away' or 'home' modes based on occupancy...." Read more
"...The included remote sensor has a stand, a double sided adhesive pad or screw/wall anchor to mount it.2...." Read more
"...What sold me on the Ecobee3 though was the ability to use remote sensors...." Read more
"...One really cool feature is that the system detects if no-one is home and changes from Home to Away automatically...." Read more
Customers find the Smart Thermostat easy to use. They say it can be completely controlled via the app, the website, and of course by phone. Customers also say the controls are really good, and it gives them control on the go. They also mention that it allows them to control the Ecobee from pretty much anywhere.
"...control of heating and a/c systems and the stat does an admirable job of doing the control...." Read more
"...The interface is very slick, clean, and conservative looking. What sold me on the Ecobee3 though was the ability to use remote sensors...." Read more
"...It is touch screen and really easy to navigate and adjust (5) It is closer to the wall and is more attractive than the Nest..." Read more
"...You can override these at any time remotely or at home, with the ability to set a durations for the override, to keep the override in place until..." Read more
Customers like the appearance of the product. They say it's sleek, well designed, and nice. They also appreciate the clear, minimalist design and the conservative look. Some say the product is pretty cool, but it'll lack in several areas. Overall, customers are satisfied with the appearance and functionality of the thermostat.
"...A more attractive smart-phone app. Really, the app is rather dull looking and there is no option available to spiff it up...." Read more
"...The interface is very slick, clean, and conservative looking. What sold me on the Ecobee3 though was the ability to use remote sensors...." Read more
"...(which is very attractive)..." Read more
"...This thing is pretty cool, but it is lacking on several areas...." Read more
Customers like the value of the ecobee3. They say it's worth the money, saves them money by not running their system when they are away, and is practically free if they get in on rebates. Some say that the interface is happy with and it did cut their bills.
"...Both gentlemen I spoke with were polite, patient and knowledgeable...." Read more
"...customizing this cut-over point to make it the most efficient and cost effective. It works with the Amazon Alexa system...." Read more
"...It also means a somewhat lower electric bill...." Read more
"...-Works well and consistently-Price is consistently less than Nest..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the connectivity of the HVAC control thermostat. Some mention that the setup is very easy, it integrates with their iPhone and Apple HomeKit, and the next best feature is HomeKIT integration. They also like the option to connect to WiFi via the device itself, laptop, or tablet. However, others say that they have a remote sensor that constantly loses connection, and that the unit will not connect to a WiFi network if the SSID is not provided. They say they are experiencing disconnections and that it has a fairly weak wireless transmitter.
"...Easy to install using Echobee app. - Integration with Alexa devices whereby you can ask what current temp is and raise / lower / set temp for..." Read more
"...The Apple HomeKit integration is wasted on me since I don't use an iPhone, but for others it is a definite benefit...." Read more
"...One awesome thing about the thermostat is that it has SO many options that you can customize to fit your variables...." Read more
"...biggest issues, where I think this thermostat is either lacking features I consider required or features that really would make it the perfect..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the tech support. Some mention the web portal is amazing, the app is intuitive and working, and the software is generally quite good. However, others say that it takes some time to gather this information and make assumptions on what to do when exceptions occur. The remote sensors seem to take a long time to detect occupancy, and that the mobile app is buggy. The fast-stat website is pretty sparse, but it does include good PDF.
"...The interface is clean, responsive, easy-to-use...." Read more
"...While I thoroughly enjoy the product, I experienced an issue with the latest Android App (ver 3.1.1) that no longer works or opens on my phone..." Read more
"...The ecobee3, like most thermostats, allows you to override the program...." Read more
"...device is that it has SO many options that you may feel overwhelmed, confused, frustrated and lost...." Read more
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After considering the Honeywell, Nest, and Ecobee3 I chose the Ecobee3 and was one of the last 'lucky' people to pay the full price for it before it went on clearance. Purchased with the stat were an additional two remote sensors, probably unnecessary in my present house since there is really only one room other than the living room where I desire temperature control (the main bedroom, which tends to overheat because of poor air circulation). However, being somewhat of a technology lover I am experimenting with a sensor located on a table next to the couch so that the living room temperature can be controlled at that level while the wife and I are watching TV or movies. Why don't I just change the set-point to accomplish the same thing? I own the sensors, so I might as well make use of them.
Mounting and wiring the Ecobee3 was a straight-forward task, but then I have spent the last thirty-five years working as a temperature controls technician and systems programmer. Don't worry, though; you won't need all that experience. If you don't have a 'C' wire and your stat cable doesn't have a spare wire for you to connect for that purpose, Ecobee3 has you covered. Included in the box is a device that will give you a 'C' wire using only your existing stat cable. Once the stat is mounted and powered it is time to pair it with your network router. You don't have a router? Well, in that case you will be limited to local access, meaning you will have to access the stat from its own display for any and all data input and you will not be able to remotely access it from a smart-phone. You won't have an on-screen weather forecast, you won't be able to geo-fence (explanation forthcoming) and you won't have access to the Ecobee3 website with its usage data. Even without remote access the Ecobee3 is a wonderful programmable stat, but face it: I bought it so I could get online with it from anywhere.
Once connected to the internet a whole new world opens up. I have my geo-fencing set up based on my travel distances and comfort settings. If you are unaware of geo-fencing it is a method of setting your stat to 'away' and 'home' mode based on your distance from your residence. In order to use this technology you must have a smart phone assigned to your stat's account and you must carry it with you as you travel. The phone must be set up to broadcast its position. In determining a geo-fence diameter you should consider how much time it will take to recover from the 'away' settings and how close to your 'home' settings you want the house to be when you walk through the door. A geo-fence event occurs when your phone moves outside the fence area and another event occurs when your phone moves back into the area. Since those two events are distinctly different, one of them can trigger your Ecobee3 to transition to 'away' mode and the other can transition it to 'home' mode. A really nice feature of the Ecobee3 is the vacation scheduling. An alternative to geo-fencing, vacation scheduling will set your home to 'away' mode at a pre-determined date and time and then return it to 'home' mode at another pre-determined date and time. Multiple vacation schedules can be set up ahead of time and will not be forgotten by the stat.
Smart home and away is yet another method the Ecobee3 uses to help save energy (and money). The thermostat and each remote sensor has an integrated occupancy sensor which can trigger 'away' or 'home' modes based on occupancy. If the system is indexed to 'away' mode and one of the sensors senses movement the system will temporarily switch to 'home' mode. Conversely, if the system is in 'home' mode and no movement has been detected for a couple of hours it will switch to 'away' mode. The system can also be switched manually either at the stat or via the smart-phone app. I find it interesting to look at my sensors with my smart-phone and see that they are following my location accurately. Changing the active set-point manually can be done at the stat or by a smart-phone and you can choose to keep the override until you change it back or else allow the next change of schedule to change it automatically.
The Ebobee3 can be controlled by "Alexa" via an Echo or Dot, but I don't have either of those devices and therefore cannot give an opinion.
There are numerous settings for fine-tuning the control of heating and a/c systems and the stat does an admirable job of doing the control. The Ecobee3 keeps my house at a more consistent temperature than the old stat did, probably due to the smart recovery options that I have turned on. Yes, the Ecobee3 costs way, way more than a twenty-five dollar programmable unit and to some folks that is enough to dismiss it as totally unnecessary; but, I think it will result in savings over time, maybe even enough savings to pay for it. So far I haven't found any down-side to this stat, in fact the programming is so much quicker and easier than with the old stat that I actually use the scheduling now! And if it doesn't pay for itself? I will still like it and still recommend it.
Here are some things that could be added to the Ecobee3 that might make it more appealing. Combination camera/remote-sensor modules that could display video across the internet. A method of using the occupancy sensors to trigger intrusion alarms. A more attractive smart-phone app. Really, the app is rather dull looking and there is no option available to spiff it up. It would be nice to be able to use photos or video feeds as wallpaper so that you would see your house when you sign on, and see individual rooms when clicking on a sensor. Instead all you get is a white-on-black display that looks like the stat. OK, there is a little bit of orange and blue to signal heat or cool, but practically speaking it's white on black. This is an area where I think the Nest wins, although it's app isn't exactly a masterpiece either. The Apple HomeKit integration is wasted on me since I don't use an iPhone, but for others it is a definite benefit. I would like to see the screen colors be selectable instead of set-in-stone white on black. I think that is enough of a list for now. None of those things is a deal-breaker or deal-maker since this stat is worthy in its own right.
From what I understand, everything that I have said here would apply equally to the new Ecobee4 since it is essentially the same stat with the addition of Alexa functionality. Shopping for a smart thermostat is an exciting adventure, but finding the perfect fit is not so easy. Each stat has functionality that the others don't have, which means that the one eventually chosen will probably be missing something you want; but, in the end you will end up with a vastly better stat than the one you remove.
Edit August 23, 2017.
I set my Ecobee up to run the fan a minimum of ten minutes each hour since that option is available. Since I work during the day and spend a lot of time gone on weekends I didn't notice an issue I was having; however, one evening a couple of weeks ago while watching television there was a rather loud thumping sound in the attic that actually shook the house. It happened three or four times during the evening and I finally realized it was my air handler doing it. The unit had never done this before I switched to the Ecobee3, so I went over all my settings and decided as a first step in troubleshooting to disable the minimum fan run time. The thumping went away and has not returned. The software in the Ecobee evidently has a glitch that allows more than one process to try to control the fan af one time which is causing the fan to stop and restart before it actually is all the way stopped. I am glad I found this out before my fan motor was destroyed. As stated, once I disabled the fan minimum run time the problem went away. I have emailed tech support with the description of the problem and am waiting for them to tell me it is resolved before I go back to using the minimum run time. If this is a big issue for anyone, you might want to wait until it is resolved by Ecobee. It is not a big issue for me and I still like the stat, but be aware that if you use this function you may be putting your fan motor at risk.
The product came well packaged with paper based environmentally friendly packaging. I prefer this to Styrofoam which tends to crumble and make a mess. They've included wiring labels which are extremely useful when installing the ecobee. There's also choice of back plates and the required screws, wall anchors and a well thought out installation guide. The included remote sensor has a stand, a double sided adhesive pad or screw/wall anchor to mount it.
2. Removal/Installation - 15 minutes
I removed my old Honeywell dumb thermostat. It had a wiring block attached to the back plate. I carefully labelled each wire using the included labels as I removed them. I attached the new back plate. Very conveniently there were already holes from another thermostat exactly where needed, so no drilling required. My system used markings consistent with those provided in the guide. I had a C wire for power, so I had no need for the included Power Extender Kit. I re-connected the wires as indicated in the guide for a conventional system. I attached the thermostat to the back plate and restored power.
3. Troubleshooting - 70 minutes
After a few minutes it became clear it was blowing hot air and the temperature inside quickly became uncomfortable. This is still Florida summer and it's hot enough already! I assumed I had mislabeled something or connected it to the wrong terminal. So I called ecobee support. A nice Canadian fellow walked thru a few things, but we ran into some issues. I could not read the sun faded label on the outdoor condenser to determine what kind of system we were dealing with. He asked me to remove the cover from the evaporator/air handler unit inside to check the wiring block, but the builder hung mine from the ceiling of the garage and I had no desire to work on unfamiliar equipment on a ladder in a sweltering garage. He suggested that I had wired the ecobee as a conventional system when it was actually a heat pump system. Those are quite common in Florida. Since I was not the original owner of the house, I had made the incorrect assumption it was a conventional system. With his guidance we moved some of the wires around, but the unit still put out hot air. It turned out the setting for the O/B reversing valve was wrong, it changes the direction of flow on a heat pump system so as to switch it from heat to cool. Once corrected the cold air was working again. This is not the fault of ecobee, it was mine for not knowing what kind of system was in my recently purchased house. The ecobee supports AUX heat, which we have. It only kicks on when the outside temp gets too low for a heat pump to be really effective. This is rare where I live we, but a really nice to have when we get the rare cold snap.
3. Setup - 10 minutes
It powered up and walked thru the setup screens to connect to wi-fi. From that point I used the ecobee iPhone app to setup a basic schedule and register it. The screens are pretty clear. You are better off doing the schedule from a PC, the website is more flexible than the phone app and easier to use. The web site allows you to copy days easily which is nice.
4. Usage
So one of the first things I discovered is that Siri/HomeKit needed help. I wanted to try out the voice commands, which are explained in the FAQ here:
https://www.ecobee.com/faq/what-voice-commands-can-i-use-to-control-my-homekit-enabled-ecobee3/
When trying to get the current temp of a sensor named "Office" it kept giving web pages about how temperature affects office productivity. I later discovered some features require iOS 10, which had just been released. Again, this is not an ecobee issue, it was an Apple issue. After upgrading it worked much better. This implies you need an iPhone that compatible with iOS10, currently that's at least an iPhone 5. The new Home app that comes with iOS 10 found and added the ecobee automagically (in my world, that's a word). We do not have an Android device to try it out from there. This is my first step into home automation and I expect to add controls for vertical blinds, lights, a video camera/doorbell and a door lock.
The device averages temperature across sensors, including the main device. I'm a work from home guy, so during the day I use the home office sensor to set temperature. I added a comfort setting called Home Office that uses only that sensor after everyone else is off to school/work. The office tends to run warm because it has a lot of electronics running. Once people start returning home around 3PM the Home setting takes over using average temp and runs until bedtime. I left my office sensor on the stand rather than mounting it permanently, so I can move it to the bedroom at night when the Sleep setting kicks in and uses just that sensor. The Home setting takes over again right before we get up and raises the house by a few degrees, until everyone else leaves again. Thus far this has worked well. I expect I’ll need to tweak settings a bit has the weather cools and we can once again open windows and let the fresh air flow. I may break down and buy a sensor pack after I see how this works after a few weeks. I see in the FAQ that it does try to predict how long it takes to cool/heat the house and starts early enough to reach the set point at the desired time. Keep that in mind when creating the schedule. I like the way the main unit senses your presence and changes the display accordingly. It also has the ability to setup a security code to keep tampering hands out of the settings. So far I very much like the device and what it does.
5. Support
Mostly due to my own failings, I spent over an hour on the phone with support. I found them a pleasure to work with. Both gentlemen I spoke with were polite, patient and knowledgeable. I spent 15 years doing customer support and I appreciate the professionalism displayed. I think I held 2 or 3 minutes on the first call and got right to a tech on the second call. They appear to be staffed well enough to avoid the “email us and we might answer when we can” approach a lot of other tech companies take. Kudos for doing that, your customers do notice.
Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2016
The product came well packaged with paper based environmentally friendly packaging. I prefer this to Styrofoam which tends to crumble and make a mess. They've included wiring labels which are extremely useful when installing the ecobee. There's also choice of back plates and the required screws, wall anchors and a well thought out installation guide. The included remote sensor has a stand, a double sided adhesive pad or screw/wall anchor to mount it.
2. Removal/Installation - 15 minutes
I removed my old Honeywell dumb thermostat. It had a wiring block attached to the back plate. I carefully labelled each wire using the included labels as I removed them. I attached the new back plate. Very conveniently there were already holes from another thermostat exactly where needed, so no drilling required. My system used markings consistent with those provided in the guide. I had a C wire for power, so I had no need for the included Power Extender Kit. I re-connected the wires as indicated in the guide for a conventional system. I attached the thermostat to the back plate and restored power.
3. Troubleshooting - 70 minutes
After a few minutes it became clear it was blowing hot air and the temperature inside quickly became uncomfortable. This is still Florida summer and it's hot enough already! I assumed I had mislabeled something or connected it to the wrong terminal. So I called ecobee support. A nice Canadian fellow walked thru a few things, but we ran into some issues. I could not read the sun faded label on the outdoor condenser to determine what kind of system we were dealing with. He asked me to remove the cover from the evaporator/air handler unit inside to check the wiring block, but the builder hung mine from the ceiling of the garage and I had no desire to work on unfamiliar equipment on a ladder in a sweltering garage. He suggested that I had wired the ecobee as a conventional system when it was actually a heat pump system. Those are quite common in Florida. Since I was not the original owner of the house, I had made the incorrect assumption it was a conventional system. With his guidance we moved some of the wires around, but the unit still put out hot air. It turned out the setting for the O/B reversing valve was wrong, it changes the direction of flow on a heat pump system so as to switch it from heat to cool. Once corrected the cold air was working again. This is not the fault of ecobee, it was mine for not knowing what kind of system was in my recently purchased house. The ecobee supports AUX heat, which we have. It only kicks on when the outside temp gets too low for a heat pump to be really effective. This is rare where I live we, but a really nice to have when we get the rare cold snap.
3. Setup - 10 minutes
It powered up and walked thru the setup screens to connect to wi-fi. From that point I used the ecobee iPhone app to setup a basic schedule and register it. The screens are pretty clear. You are better off doing the schedule from a PC, the website is more flexible than the phone app and easier to use. The web site allows you to copy days easily which is nice.
4. Usage
So one of the first things I discovered is that Siri/HomeKit needed help. I wanted to try out the voice commands, which are explained in the FAQ here:
https://www.ecobee.com/faq/what-voice-commands-can-i-use-to-control-my-homekit-enabled-ecobee3/
When trying to get the current temp of a sensor named "Office" it kept giving web pages about how temperature affects office productivity. I later discovered some features require iOS 10, which had just been released. Again, this is not an ecobee issue, it was an Apple issue. After upgrading it worked much better. This implies you need an iPhone that compatible with iOS10, currently that's at least an iPhone 5. The new Home app that comes with iOS 10 found and added the ecobee automagically (in my world, that's a word). We do not have an Android device to try it out from there. This is my first step into home automation and I expect to add controls for vertical blinds, lights, a video camera/doorbell and a door lock.
The device averages temperature across sensors, including the main device. I'm a work from home guy, so during the day I use the home office sensor to set temperature. I added a comfort setting called Home Office that uses only that sensor after everyone else is off to school/work. The office tends to run warm because it has a lot of electronics running. Once people start returning home around 3PM the Home setting takes over using average temp and runs until bedtime. I left my office sensor on the stand rather than mounting it permanently, so I can move it to the bedroom at night when the Sleep setting kicks in and uses just that sensor. The Home setting takes over again right before we get up and raises the house by a few degrees, until everyone else leaves again. Thus far this has worked well. I expect I’ll need to tweak settings a bit has the weather cools and we can once again open windows and let the fresh air flow. I may break down and buy a sensor pack after I see how this works after a few weeks. I see in the FAQ that it does try to predict how long it takes to cool/heat the house and starts early enough to reach the set point at the desired time. Keep that in mind when creating the schedule. I like the way the main unit senses your presence and changes the display accordingly. It also has the ability to setup a security code to keep tampering hands out of the settings. So far I very much like the device and what it does.
5. Support
Mostly due to my own failings, I spent over an hour on the phone with support. I found them a pleasure to work with. Both gentlemen I spoke with were polite, patient and knowledgeable. I spent 15 years doing customer support and I appreciate the professionalism displayed. I think I held 2 or 3 minutes on the first call and got right to a tech on the second call. They appear to be staffed well enough to avoid the “email us and we might answer when we can” approach a lot of other tech companies take. Kudos for doing that, your customers do notice.