The Best HomeKit Thermostat? Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium Review

[@TechJB65]

I bought the Ecobee Premum after watching your video @SilverHammer Surveillance. I had a Honey Well T5 and was very happy with it up until it went no response in homekit and could not for the life of me get it added back. I decided to see what was out there to replace it with and was torn between the enhanced and the premium. After watching your video, I was sold on the premium with the included room sensor and with Siri built in and with the new UI. I've had it installed for a couple of days and all the sensors are just now getting calibrated and I have to say, I'm glad I went with it. Everything just works as you would expect it to. Thanks George for the awesome video and I hope you are doing well my friend!!

[@lisajohnson8566]

Nice review. I have the Ecobee and it's about 6 months old now and I love it too. I'm techie enough to dig into all the settings and tweak it perfectly. I believe they call my model "The smart thermostate with voice control" and it came with one sensor. The sensor function I always had issue with but you nailed it as it's showing the average temp between the room that it is in and where the main unit is. Well this got to be an issue as I had my daytime "comfort setting" set to 70 degrees but the thermostate NEVER would show 70; it always showed 69. I have a small 1200 sqft home and this difference from room to room is negligible. But it always bothered me as the thermostat would always show 69 degrees. I unpaired the sensor and voila, now it shows 70. While the sensor is a nice idea and it does show whether the room is occupied or not the temp function for me is irrelevant. I'd love a way to switch off the temp sensor mode in the sensor and just use it for a room occupancy function. But I love the thermostat and it truly is an amazing device and ESPECIALLY with the app. Thanks again for the review.

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching!

[@FastRedPonyCar]

I updated last week from the Ecobee 4 to the new Premium. The UI update with the larger display and WAAAAY better scrolling up and down for the temp is a huge improvement but my biggest gripe is why they decided to totally change the pin layout connector??? Would it have been too much trouble to just leave it the same so I could have just popped the old one off and the new one on and been up and going? Minor gripe: it also would have been nice to be able to migrate my home/away/sleep schedule settings from the old one to the new one. Alabama had a $200 rebate (credit added to the bill) last year and the year before essentially paying for the whole ecobee 4 but they've ended that for now. Everyone should definitely check with their power company to see what rebates they have. We also got a $600 rebate from our gas company after home insurance covered the install of a replacement waterheater so we basically just pocketed the $600! We also got $1000 rebate (again, account credit) from the power company for upgrading from our old freon HVAC system last year. It was nice not having a power bill for half the year LOL

[@matthewschlemmer6063]

Thanks for the tip on checking with your energy company. I checked and got the Premium at $75 off!

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Nice!!

[@thegreatempire3882]

I thought the OPPD rebate was $75. Which is still good and I'm definitely looking into the ecobee or the best smart thermostats.

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

The rebate with OPPD has changed over the years. It is currently $75.

[@pnewman1112]

Do any of the Ecobees automatically switch from heat to cool and vice versa based on the temperature requested?

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Yes. You just use the “auto” setting.

[@tecunumantonatiu4484]

Great Tutorial, can 2 zones be controlled by one hub with the smart sensors?

[@erintherapy]

Did you/ anyone upgrade from the Voice Control version to the Premium version? I don't really feel the need for air quality sensor or the appearance or the UI. Is there a functionality improvement, or might you suggest "just get it cuz it's newer/ the software will be supported for longer"?

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

I upgraded from the Voice Control model. In addition to the Air Quality Monitor it also has a more advanced occupancy sensor built in. So it not only helps in the temperature control, but it’s more advanced if you use their security system. Otherwise, the aesthetics were enough for me. It’s much more “Premium” as the name suggests.

[@charlesrohl7635]

Love the look of the premium, but looking at either the enhanced or the 3.can you tell me if the 3 is able to sence humidity in the room ? I believe the premium and enhanced does ?

[@chrisrobinson3771]

In 2024 do you still feel the same? I have a Nest Learning Thermostat and I’m thinking of switching.

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

I still have this thermostat & I still absolutely love it.

[@bliglum]

Just got one of these to replace the crusty old "ProTech" standard thermostat in my home. Was not only tired of look at that, ugly, faded, discolored thermostat. But also looking forward to the smart features, and wifi control. Welcome to the future baby, YEAH!...

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Lol. Nice! I’m sure you’ll love it!

[@bagrubmeister4973]

Hi George I hope your treatment is going well. Now that you have had the premium for a while. How is it preforming? It it turning off and on the heat/ac accurately?

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

I love it. Yes, it works perfectly.

[@malejoj4548]

Do you like this one better than the Nest? I love the sensors on the Ecobee. That would work great in our house.

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Yes, this new one has me leaving the Nest Thermostat in the dust. Google will have to do something pretty spectacular to get me back.

[@malejoj4548]

@@GeorgeLangabeer Thanks!! Love your channel!!

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

@@malejoj4548 So happy to hear that! I appreciate the support!

[@ricks.9984]

Hey George. Good video but I'm looking for your input on the security features. Have you tried them?

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Their security features are great as long as you don’t mind paying their monthly fee.

[@Hosstyle.]

Can the Ecobee camera/video surveillance via thermostat be used without a monthly paid subscription?

[@ShaneCreates]

Great video George! I'm strongly considering upgrading my Ecobees to the new one, but haven't pulled the plug yet. Thanks for the video!

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Thank you sir! I’m really digging the refresh (long time coming). I highly recommend pulling the plug!

[@jcn115]

I’m starting to add HomeKit devices to my house, I have a question about the ecobee and HomeKit. With the ecobee in HomeKit, can a accessory be turned on when the AC turns on. In my house I have a room that uses a booster fan that needs to be turn on with a wall switch. If I put a HomeKit wall switch, can a scene be created to turn on the fan when the ac turns on?

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

You could definitely trigger an automation to turn it on based on temperature, But I’m not aware of a way to trigger it by the AC turning on.

[@barrykamin8776]

Thanks for producing this video. Two questions - is it ok to use the remote sensor outdoors with Colorado winters - also, during cold months I like to run the fan whether or not the heat is running. How to set this function?

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

You wouldn’t want to use the sensors outdoors. They are meant to balance the indoor temps. You can control the fan through the thermostat.

[@holmesphillip]

Great video George, I've been looking at getting a Homekit enabled thermostat. Good info on their newer models.

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Thanks! I’m very happy with. Best HomeKit Thermostat available IMO.

[@keithkamps77]

Nice review, I am looking into getting one because of the remote sensor feature. Can you tell me if it it possible to adjust the heating based on a single sensors reading or does it only work from an average. Thank You.

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Thank you & thanks for watching! You can set the temp based on a single sensor.

[@allanetzman2282]

Hi, I am looking to purchase two of these thermostats one for upstairs and one for downstairs however, my question is where the sensors upstairs not interfere with the one thermostat downstairs and vice versa and then what happens if you are sitting in your room or in the lounge and not moving with the Aircon turn off because the sensors are not picking you up?

[@ONI1013.]

I love this review. I’m just as “wish-washy” as you when it comes to looking for the best features in a smart home technology, hence why I also went back and forth between the Nest (Gen 2) and EcoBee (Gen 1). I stuck with the Nest for UI reasons and have been happy with it for last 5 years. But now maybe I’ll look into the Eco Premium. Hmm.. One question. Can you set up automation via Google Home or Alexa to run Fan only for 30+minutes?

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Best way to do that type of fan control is the Ecobee App. You don’t need Google or Alexa.

[@ONI1013.]

@@GeorgeLangabeer But I am needing Google or Alexa bc it’s part of my voice control automation in the morning. I don’t want to have manually go into an Ecobee app nor have the fan on a set schedule. Currently, when I wake up, I tell Google to “Wake me up.” And it activates my bathroom light, activates my fan, tells me the weather, and plays the news. Problem is, my Nest only allows me to automate the fan max 15 minutes per instance.

[@TechJunky777]

Another great video! 👍 I have an Ecobee3 model that I bought a few years ago and absolutely love it! Never had any issues with it. I love using the IFTTT app to create geofencing so when I leave the house it drops a few degrees and when I get home it’s the perfect temp again 😎 but would I upgrade? Not sure 🤔 Around the corner I’ve got a Samsung Family Hub refrigerator that has alexa so I could imagine both responding at the same time 🤣 Also, directly above the Ecobee in the hallway I’ve got a Nest Protect smoke/CO detector so I’m covered for the air quality that counts ✅ I also have extra sensors with my existing unit. So mostly for me the upgrade would be for aesthetics unless I’m missing something? As far as price goes It’s an incredible deal at $250 especially with a rebate so it’s a no brainer if you don’t already have a Nest or an older model Ecobee or are replacing something much older. But again is it enough for me to replace my existing Ecobee3? 🤷‍♂️ I don’t know….

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Thanks! The aesthetics was always my biggest problem with Ecobee, but I’m in love with the looks of this one. So for me, that was worth it alone. …I’ve also found the new radar system to be more accurate than the old PIR sensor.

[@TechJunky777]

@@GeorgeLangabeer The radar sensor might be the deciding factor for me. Anything that makes it more accurate is definitely worth it’s weight in gold! Thanks again for the info! 👌

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

You’re welcome! Thanks the comment & thanks for watching!

[@aleagueoftheirown197]

Hey George! Great, informative video!! I have the previous generation Ecobee. Do I need to install a new back plate for the Premium or would the previous one suffice? Thanks for your help!

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Hey! Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. It has a custom plate so you’ll need to replace it.

[@Metamorph666]

Just got mine today! From ecobee 3 lite to premium a big difference👌🏽 specially the screen size. Awesome videos as always🔥

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Very nice! 100% agree about the bump in screen size. Thank you!

[@bliglum]

The tiny, oddly placed display on the older ecobee's, with the less than intuitive interface were a bit of a dealbreaker for me.. But this new one looks to be a massive improvement.

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Yeah, the old one was lame in that regard. The new one is a great improvement.

[@twennywonn]

If you get this stat go through the time and patch and paint the wall so you don't need the trim ring.

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Definitely looks better without the trim ring.

[@Niranga]

I have Ecobee Lite installed now. Is it easy as unplug and plug if I want to replace with premium?

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

You need to replace the entire thing. But still a pretty easy install.

[@kyleflow8488]

Does anyone know if ecobee works with a heat pump system?

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Yes, it sure does.

[@MousyLeigh]

Yay George. I was searching how to use my new thermostat and came across your familiar face,

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Yay indeed! Did you get yourself the Ecobee Premium? I still have mine & still love it.

[@josebarba]

If I have a two story house, do I need two ecobee thermostats?

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

No. You can use one of their sensors for the 2nd floor.

[@AlmightyEye]

I'm on the verge of getting one of these, but I see this video is two years old, I can imagine there's a shiny new model on the way soon. With my luck, I'll get this and two weeks later a way better model is released!!

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

However you want to look at it, this is still one of the top 2 thermostats on the market.

[@Hogtownboy1]

if you have only 3 wires to old thermostat. get a pro to install it is very complicated and you need to open furnace

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Yes. Good point. If you're not comfortable with your own expertise level, get a pro.

[@Hogtownboy1]

@@GeorgeLangabeer i m a heating contractor. 90 per cent can be install by anyone. Only the 3 wire thermostat is very hard . I love the product

[@gregghayes6710]

Good work George. Got a question for you, do the remote sensors have the radar occupancy sensor in them? Also, are those occupancy sensors exposed to homekit?

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Thanks! The sensors don’t have the same radar, but I do find their newer smart sensors to be pretty accurate…& yes, they are in HomeKit & can be used for automations (but it’s got to be the newer smart sensor).

[@matthewd7719]

Does it now also make an audible chime when a door is opened while you are at home? Need this feature.

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

No, unfortunately not. Wish it did.

[@Duck_106]

Thanks for the video was on the fence I still have my ecobee 3. But I just bought the premium had to upgrade

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

You won’t be sorry!

[@roba168]

I know you said you can’t do the smart kitchen appliances but do you have the SimpleHuman trash can?

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Yep! I have several. Love Simplehuman.

[@bmw3842]

Does it connect to the same backplate. Or do you need to use the one that comes with the new unit?

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

You need to use the new one.

[@KorCanBoy]

Good summary of New Ecobee Premium and Enhanced. You should mention that Enhanced does not have ACC+ and ACC- connectors and thus cannot support Evaporative Humidifiers (2 wire) which is used in 80-90% of HVAC systems. Enhanced only support Humidifiers (1 -wire). I purchased Enhanced only to find out it does not support Evaporative Aprilaired 600 humidifier so I had to return and order new Premium. This RMA process is very slow and as they only provide credit 14 business days after receiving the return. I still do not have my credit and is waiting on Ecobee. Not happy about how slow they work.

[@ONI1013.]

80-90% of HVACs have Evaporative Humidifiers?? How do I know if I have one?

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

It’s not even close to 80-90%. I’d bet you don’t.

[@ONI1013.]

@@GeorgeLangabeer Yeah that’s what I thought. No way 80-90%.

[@chomi1209]

I just bought my new house and I want to make it into a smart home, but some stuff is $$$ pricey. Thank you for the reviews, they're going to help me decide which devices to buy. Also I grew up in Omaha and I loved it there, the view you have for snowy days is awesome. It looks like all you need is a Jarvis 🤣🤣 and you would be set with all the smart devices.

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Awesome! Happy to help! We’ve moved from that place & I definitely miss that view! 😂

[@dhitch53]

Cool vid and info. I just installed my premium yesterday. I’m still learning it but its very user friendly and so is the app. I love having Alexa in that spot on the wall. And it’s beautiful looking. Peace and love.

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Thank you & thanks for watching! I’m glad you’re liking it so far!

[@AlexGower]

Status update?

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Update on what?

[@AlexGower]

@@GeorgeLangabeer on @d hitch review of the thermostat. Wbu?

[@johnp.2276]

Hi George, is the ecobee enhanced better then honeywell rth9600

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

In my opinion it is.

[@johnp.2276]

@@GeorgeLangabeer How so, can you give some details thanks

[@SeanBaker]

They've yet to come up with a new model that'll make me upgrade from the Ecobee3. I hope one day, they will.

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

What's it going to take for you to switch? lol....I think this new one is a very nice upgrade.

[@SeanBaker]

@@GeorgeLangabeer I have no idea! I don't use any Apple products, so HomeKit is of no interest. I don't care about Alexa. As long as I can, control it via app and use those room sensors, I'm good. If I was going to upgrade, it would be the Enhanced.

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

@@SeanBaker I admire your ability to stick to your guns. I wish I had that kind of willpower. lol...The Ecobee3 is still a great thermostat.

[@SeanBaker]

@@GeorgeLangabeer Darn you! I keep thinking about going to buy the Enhanced.

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Lol. Sounds to me like you’re past the point of no return. Do it! 😋

[@maribs87]

Thanks for the great video! This video definably made my mind and my purchasing an Ecobee smart thermostat today! Specially knowing about the rebate. I believe most people don't know about it. I checked the PGE website and it does apply.

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Thank you! Glad you found it useful!

[@roba168]

Finally something I can afford and relate to

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Are you buying one??

[@MrDford05]

If you have 2 ac units do you recommend purchasing two Ecobee Smart Thermostats?

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Depends on how they are currently controlled, but most likely.

[@JuanRomanMagdaraog]

I have upstairs/downstairs HVAC with separate ecobee thermostats, an ecobee 4 and a Smart SI. Just might get this new premium and swap out the 4 for the SI!

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Good plan!

[@rizwanrafeek3811]

Does this support turning on & off humidifier and managing the humidity on IOS APP on the smart phone? I had EcoBee4 before then I switched to Honeywell T10 PRO. With Honeywell T10 PRO I can turn on & off the humidifier and humidity control on the IOS App which EcoBee4 lacked. Does EcoBee Premium support this feature? Without this ability you would have to come to your thermostat and do manually increase or decrease and for turn on and off humidifier which I hate doing it in the middle of the night.

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

No, it does not.

[@rizwanrafeek3811]

@@GeorgeLangabeer Thanks for answering my question. Ecobee Thermostat Premium looks nice. I actually requested them by sending them an email and talking to tech support person from their Toronto office. They did not incorporate the feature I want, so I switched it. That was over 3 or 4 years ago, so I thought Ecobee Premium might have added this feature, but they didn't.

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

You’re welcome. That would definitely be a nice feature to have.

[@rizwanrafeek3811]

@@GeorgeLangabeer Just FYI... You can connect external humidifier to EcoBee model 4 and above but turning it on & off can only be done at Thermostat but not on IOS App.

[@ingridmbs18]

Amazing review

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@routerpete1674]

Just bought one. Thank you.

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Awesome! Let me know what you think!

[@leogonzalez728]

Great Video. Thank you for the review.

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

You’re welcome & thanks for watching!

[@gp62902]

I just installed the Ecobee Enhanced model and is awesome.

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Happy to hear you’re loving it!

[@bbllaakkee]

does this thing LOCK on a specific temp? Nest won't do that. just contemplating changing to this if it will lock on one temp and not a range.

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

When you say lock on a certain temp, tell me exactly what you mean? This will lock on a temp, but so will Nest. You don’t have to use the smart temps on either of them. Kind of defeats the purpose of a smart thermostat though. Lol

[@jw1731]

@@GeorgeLangabeer hahah I had good chuckle over that. Imagine someone asking, “a bicycle is cool and all, but can you WALK with it?”

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

@@jw1731 😝

[@bbllaakkee]

@@GeorgeLangabeer when you lock a Nest it locks on a range though, from say 70-72. it won't lock on just 71 or whatever number you want.

[@Itsmelucky4]

Who would’ve thought they the industry could fool us into upgrading our thermostats. At one time you only just stuck with the one that came with the house unless it was faulty or you got a new Unit. But I guess they figure if smart phones can do it then why not try to rack in the profits as well.

[@MrKyoo]

Great video. I may have to upgrade now from the lite version.

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

You won’t be sorry! It’s worth the upgrade.

[@Viewer765]

What’s the best as of 2023

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

This same thermostat is.

[@Viewer765]

@@GeorgeLangabeer does it support thread and matter

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

It does not support Thread (as of now) & it doesn’t need to support Matter because it’s already compatible with all the platforms

[@Viewer765]

@@GeorgeLangabeer any smart thermostat that have thread yet. Who’s best now nest or ecobee or another

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

@Viewer765 Ecobee is still the best. I still have this thermostat and I still love it.

[@jodybenjamin925]

I had one installed with a new heat pump today. I hate it. No instructions. Online instructions have very few pictures, and since the computer is not in the room with the thermostat, it is very hard to figure out what they are talking about. Plus the online verbiage is laden with jargon. Comfort setting just seems to mean temperature. No hint if it is supposed to work with a heat pump. Not user friendly. At all.

[@flawlessrs]

Nice review!

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Thank you & thanks for watching!

[@JROD809]

Another great video hammer! Sold on Ecobee !

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Thanks! Let me know what you think if you get one!

[@1gooseslayer]

I bought one. Thank you for the review!

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Awesome! Let me know what you think!

[@NewHomeTech]

Just got mine in today

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Install it yet? What do you think??

[@NewHomeTech]

@@GeorgeLangabeer no 😭 it’s for the new house being built but I did open it up to look at the new body and it’s very nice and premium looking.

[@dans3256]

My eco bee schedule does not work..it turn on the air conditioning 30 min before it is supposed to..so not a great product for time of use

[@mikkybricks]

Yes, so that it's just cool enough in time for your arrival. Imagine your freezing house with the heater turning on just when you're getting home?

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Yes. That feature is by design.

[@dturtle7893]

How can you turn off the radar?

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Why would you turn off the radar?

[@kristoferlowell]

#offtopic What knife is that?

[@kristoferlowell]

James Folsom perhaps?

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

“The James Brand”.

[@kristoferlowell]

@@GeorgeLangabeer Yeah. Looked familiar. The Folsom?

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Yep!

[@sneakwastaken]

The planet is fine.

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

The planet is less than fine.

[@sneakwastaken]

So gullible

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

lol. Wow. Thanks for watching. 🙄

[@johnp.2276]

App is worthless its slow, when you loose wifi at home the app still says its connected do the test shut off your wifi and see what happens

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

I’ve never had a single issue with the app & I’ve been using it since 2008.

[@glendekoker3682]

So they can spy on you?

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

What?

[@glendekoker3682]

Has ability to listen in my home very dangerous ? Also doesn't work properly if not connected? Sorry I have it.@@GeorgeLangabeer

[@2beatteam01]

Nest Sucks

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Very constructive Comment. Lol

[@arah8079]

EcoTrust using the coupon code NWNatural I received my ecobee premium for free with free shipping

[@GeorgeLangabeer]

Nice!