Now that the days are starting to get colder, you may be using your thermostat a little more than you would like. Luckily, the ecobee Smart Thermostat with two SmartSensors is the best way of monitoring your electricity use and saving a little bit more each month. With this Prime Big Deal Days $80 reduction, you'll make up that for that in energy savings in no time. 

Though you could opt to wait for Black Friday which is just a month away, this is such a good deal at 30% off that we can't imagine it being beaten any time soon. Now is the perfect time to make an investment in your smart home. 

ecobee Smart Thermostat with two SmartSensors $80 off

Smart home deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Amazon

Coming with two compatible SmartSensors to pop on doors and windows, the ecobee Smart Thermostat is Alexa compatible — meaning you can change the temperature on the fly simply by talking out loud. You can set it to preheat or precool your apartment before arriving and can even account for humidity when you set your temperature. 

The Smart Sensors can detect when a window or door is open or closed and can give you a notification when its 120-degree motion sensor detects any movement in the home. You can even set up a few very smart features like turning down your heat when you open windows or turning it off when you leave the house. 

This makes it an excellent energy saver, as you can set up some intelligent features to control your home on the go. 

Not in the US? Scroll down for the best prices near you.

What you need to know

• ecobee has released a pair of new HomeKit-enabled thermostats.
• The latest thermostats include larger screens and new radar motion detection technology.
• Both thermostats are available today directly through ecobee and via select retailers.

After a series of leaks over the last few weeks, ecobee has finally taken the wraps off its latest smart thermostats — the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium and the ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced. ecobee's newest thermostats feature significantly larger screens, better motion detection, and more over the previous ecobee SmartThermostat — our top pick for the best HomeKit thermostats.

As you might have already guessed, the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is the company's new flagship offering which sports a stunning zinc chassis with smoother "waterfall edges" and a larger, four-inch screen. The screen on the Premium edition is 50% larger than previous models and coupled with an all-glass front, UI refresh, and higher 540 x 540 resolution, the thermostat is now easier to view from a distance.

Alongside the metal finish, the Premium ecobee thermostat is also the first smart thermostat to feature an integrated air quality sensor. ecobee's air quality sensor allows the thermostat to display estimated VOC and CO2 levels and relative humidity in the home and puts the data on display in the ecobee app and on-device. ecobee also still includes its signature SmartSensor with the Premium, which monitors temperature in remote locations around your home.

The top-of-the-line ecobee continues to be the only thermostat around that supports on-device Alexa and Siri voice control via a built-in microphone and speaker. While Alexa works right out of the box, Siri integration requires a HomePod mini as it relays commands through Apple's smart speakers before replying on-device. Of course, with HomeKit support, you can always control the thermostat via Siri on an iOS device or HomePod, even if you decide to disable the onboard mic.

On the other hand, the ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced forgoes the zinc frame, air quality sensor, SmartSensor, and built-in voice control in favor of a lower price. However, ecobee's Enhanced thermostat still includes the more extensive, four-inch display with increased resolution and smoother waterfall edges.

Both of ecobee's new thermostats also feature a new Radar Sensor for motion and occupancy detection. ecobee claims that, unlike a traditional passive infrared sensor, the new sensor allows the thermostat to determine occupancy from further away and around corners. The new sensor also allows for the cleaner, all-glass front design on the new thermostats as it rests inside the thermostat instead of within the small window seen on previous models.

ecobee's latest thermostats are available for purchase now through ecobee.com and select retail partners such as Amazon, Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowes. The ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium retails for $249.99, and the Smart Thermostat Enhanced retails for $189.99. ecobee is also continuing to offer the more affordable ecobee3 Lite model thermostat for $149.99.

The ecobee SmartThermostat is the best smart thermostat option for most people with built-in Alexa and Siri support, HomeKit and Google Assistant integration, and better external room sensors. HomeKit support helps fill in some of the automation gaps between the ecobee SmartThermostat and the Nest, and it gives you more options when setting up your smart home.

Still, if you want a smart thermostat that learns your behaviors, the Nest Learning Thermostat is an excellent choice. As it learns, the Nest Learning Thermostat creates an automatic schedule, and you can still make temperature adjustments either on the thermostat itself or with Alexa or Google Assistant.

ecobee vs. Nest: Key hardware differences

There are many similarities between the ecobee SmartThermostat and Nest thermostats, and both are great picks. But there are also crucial differences that are essential to be aware of before purchasing.

For starters, the Nest is a learning thermostat. It learns how you like your house to feel over time. Additionally, it can automatically set itself into Eco Temperature mode when you're away from your home (with location data provided by the Nest app on your phone) to save energy. The Nest Learning Thermostat will also offer suggestions for energy-saving settings that could help you save money on your heating and cooling bills.

The ecobee SmartThermostat's most significant hardware advantage is the included room sensor which enables custom climate controls. The ecobee room sensor provides external room temperature measurements allowing the SmartThermostat to react based on the temperature of specific rooms versus the room where it rests. These sensors detect the temperature of each room and whether or not anyone is in those rooms, letting you deliver heating or cooling as needed.

Here's the full-spec breakdown between these two heavyweights:

The truth is that no matter which of these thermostats you pick, you're going to be getting a quality product. Both thermostats offer clean, modern designs, and both allow you to control your home's heating and air from the comforts of your phone. The differences between the two are significant, and features like learning capabilities or remote room sensors will appeal to different people.

ecobee vs. Nest: Smart home integration

Another major factor to consider when deciding between the two thermostats is smart home integration. Like the Nest Learning Thermostat, the ecobee thermostat works with Google Assistant and Alexa. However, Alexa and Siri — if you have a HomePod mini in your home, are built right into the ecobee SmartThermostat, which features multiple microphones so it can hear your commands.

Beyond those two assistants, the ecobee SmartThermostat also works with Apple's smart home platform, HomeKit. HomeKit support lets you integrate the ecobee SmartThermostat with other HomeKit accessories, something you can't do with the Nest without configuring Homebridge or setting up a dedicated hub.

With HomeKit, you can even use the motion/occupancy capabilities in the remote room sensor to turn on and off the lights for activity through automation in the Home app. The ecobee SmartThermostat also works with the company's SmartCamera, plus Door and Window SmartSensors to offer a complete whole home monitoring solution through its Haven Home Monitoring Service.

ecobee vs. Nest: Which should you buy?

When picking a winner between ecobee vs. Nest, we recommend the ecobee SmartThermostat for most people. It's got Alexa and Siri built-in, which is great for direct control and HomeKit, letting you add it to your scenes with other HomeKit accessories and control the ecobee SmartThermostat with Siri.

Its external sensors in each room also tell you if people are in that room, letting your heating or cooling systems deliver what's needed more efficiently. Plus, it comes with one sensor in the box, which is not the case with the Nest.

What you need to know

• ecobee is rolling out a new software update for the ecobee SmartThermostat.
• New update enables on-device Siri voice control and AirPlay 2 audio streaming.
• Siri integration routes voice requests privately through a user's HomePod mini on the same network.

ecobee has announced the release of a new firmware update that brings on-device Siri voice controls to the ecobee SmartThermostat. With Siri integration, users can control smart home accessories, ask for weather updates, and send Intercom messages through our pick for the best HomeKit thermostat simply by saying Hey Siri.

Once updated, users can enable Siri for the ecobee SmartThermostat by tapping on a banner that appears in the Home app. While not explicitly mentioned by ecobee, users can also enable AirPlay 2 for the thermostat after updating. The feature — which Apple lists as a Beta, allows for wireless music streaming directly to the thermostat's internal speaker just like other AirPlay 2 speakers.

While Siri listens and responds to voice commands through the ecobee SmartThermostat, a HomePod mini is required to make the magic happen. Siri requests travel behind the scenes to a HomePod mini on the same network, maintaining the privacy benefits of Apple's voice assistant.

Along with Siri, the ecobee SmartThermostat also features direct integration with Amazon's Alexa. However, users can only have one voice assistant active at a time, but ecobee makes it easy to switch between the two over in the ecobee app.

During testing over the past week, we were pleasantly surprised by the thermostat's quick response times and the quality of the onboard speaker. Siri responses sound pretty much the same as what you get with the HomePod mini, and we have yet to come across any requests that the thermostat couldn't handle.

According to ecobee, the latest update is beginning to roll out now and will be available for all ecobee SmartThermostats over the next few weeks. The ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control is available now at ecobee.com and through various retailers for $249.99.

We're big fans of HomeKit around here and, with HomeKit Secure Video, we're big into HomeKit security cameras.

Right now, Amazon is giving you the chance to save on one of the best HomeKit Secure Video cameras by offering a 20% discount on the ecobee SmartCamera. Down to just $79.99, this is a match for the lowest we have ever seen it go. This camera even sold for as much as $180 until late last year.

The ecobee SmartCamera was one of the first to pick up HomeKit Secure video support meaning it now has the ability to store a rolling 10-days worth of recorded video directly to iCloud. Storing video in iCloud requires a paid iCloud+ subscription from $0.99 a month, but recorded video does not count against a user's available storage.

HomeKit Secure Video also allows the ecobee SmartCamera to utilize iOS 14's latest Home app features — Face Recognition, and Activity Zones. Apple's Face Recognition feature leverages a user's existing Photo Library to determine who is within a camera's view, and it can provide smart notifications that include names. Activity Zones allow users to exclude certain areas within the camera view, like a public sidewalk, to prevent nuisance notifications.

For additional security, SmartCamera owners can choose to pair HomeKit Secure Video with ecobee's Haven Home Monitoring subscription service. Haven leverages motion and presence data from other ecobee devices in the home, such as the ecobee SmartThermostat and SmartSensor for Doors and Windows to provide an automatic way to keep tabs on the home.

What you need to know

• ecobee has announced a price drop for the HomeKit-enabled SmartCamera alongside several new features.
• New features include upgraded tracking, Spotify, and smoke alarm detection.
• ecobee SmartCamera is available now for $129.99.

ecobee has announced that the company's HomeKit-enabled SmartCamera has a new low price, making the premium indoor camera more affordable than ever. Alongside the new price, the SmartCamera is also gaining a suite of new features, including upgraded tracking capabilities and Spotify integration.

As of today, the ecobee SmartCamera with voice control now has a new reduced price – $129.99 USD (from $179.99), as well as new, highly requested features.

• HomeKit Secure Video to safely stream and store videos taken on the ecobee SmartCamera with voice control on Apple's secure servers. To give users additional peace of mind, the Smart Camera leverages Apple's iCloud service to securely encrypt and store video clips, where they will stay.
• SmartFocus v2 to track the motion of multiple people and pans and zooms more smoothly.
• Spotify Connect to stream anything from Spotify through SmartCamera with voice control.
• Smoke Alarm Detection (with Haven subscription) to alert users and the family when the SmartCamera with voice controls hears the smoke alarm.

Now starting at $129.99, the ecobee SmartCamera works with both HomeKit Secure Video, as well as ecobee's Haven Home Monitoring service, allowing it to integrate with other devices for additional security. Accessories that work directly with the SmartCamera through Haven include ecobee's SmartThermostat, SmartSensor, and SmartSensor for Doors and Windows.

New features include an improved SmartFocus motion tracking system that pans and zooms in on a subject within its view more smoothly. Complete Spotify integration is also now available, which enables voice control over music streaming via the built-in Alexa capabilities. Finally, through Haven, users can now set the SmartCamera to notify them immediately if it detects that a smoke alarm is sounding.

The ecobee SmartCamera is available now at its new low price of $129.99 directly from ecobee at ecobee.com. While the SmartCamera is also available at various retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, pricing has not yet been updated to reflect the price drop.

What you need to know

• A new update for the ecobee SmartCamera is rolling out now.
• Update adds support for Apple's HomeKit Secure Video feature.
• HomeKit Secure Video allows users to store recorded video in iCloud and enables Face Recognition and Activity Zones capabilities.

ecobee has announced that it has begun rolling out a new update for the company's SmartCamera that adds support for HomeKit Secure Video. Available for free in firmware version 4.6.25.32, HomeKit Secure Video allows the ecobee SmartCamera to store video in iCloud and work with the latest iOS 14 HomeKit features.

With the addition of HomeKit Secure Video, ecobee SmartCameras now have the ability to store a rolling 10-days worth of recorded video directly to iCloud. Storing video in iCloud requires a subscription to the 200GB tier or higher, which starts at $2.99 a month, but recorded video does not count against a user's available storage.

HomeKit Secure Video also allows the ecobee SmartCamera to utilize iOS 14's latest Home app features — Face Recognition, and Activity Zones. Apple's Face Recognition feature leverages a user's existing Photo Library to determine who is within a camera's view, and it can provide smart notifications that include names. Activity Zones allow users to exclude certain areas within the camera view, like a public sidewalk, to prevent nuisance notifications.

To get started with the HomeKit Secure Video update, users need to install the latest firmware via the ecobee app. Here are the details from ecobee:

• Install the latest firmware (version 4.6.35.32).
• Ensure your device is set up with HomeKit, if it isn't it can be set up when registering the device.
• Or you can go to the "Home" app to add an accessory. Follow the instructions in the home app and scan the QR code on the back of the ecobee device when prompted.
• Key thing to note: users must have an ipad, homepod, or apple tv in their home so that they can use HomeKit Secure Video.

For additional security, SmartCamera owners can choose to pair HomeKit Secure Video with ecobee's Haven Home Monitoring subscription service. Haven leverages motion and presence data from other ecobee devices in the home, such as the ecobee SmartThermostat and SmartSensor for Doors and Windows to provide an automatic way to keep tabs on the home.

The ecobee SmartCamera is available at various retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy, as well as through ecobee.com for a suggested retail price of $179.99. ecobee's Haven Home Monitoring service plans start at $5 a month.

Although Cyber Monday sales are winding down, there is still time to save on some excellent smart home accessories, like this camera from ecobee. The ecobee SmartCamera, which is down to just $100 on Amazon currently, packs in a ton for the price — 1080p high definition image quality, motion tracking, HomeKit, wireless hub functionality, and Alexa on-board, it can do it all. Don't miss your chance to protect your home with this crazy good camera deal!

Haven, HomeKit, and hub

In my review of the ecobee SmartCamera earlier this year, I was extremely impressed by the 1080p high definition visuals as recorded video and live streaming produced a crystal clear view of my home both during the day and at night. I was also blown-away by the incredibly slick tracking feature that follows the action within its view by digital panning and zooming.

ecobee's Haven Home Monitoring subcription service allows the camera to work in conjunction with the ecobee SmartThermostat or pick for Best HomeKit Thermostat, as well as with the SmartSensor for Doors and Windows, and the basic SmartSensors used for monitoring temperature.

All of the ecobee devices can send you notifications the moment activity is detected while you are away by leveraging presence detection capabilities, and it can also be used to make smart heating and cooling adjustments. Oh and the SmartCamera also works as a hub for the SmartSensors for Doors and Windows, so you can use it to build out your own DIY security system.

Of course, I also really like how the ecobee SmartCamera plays nicely with HomeKit, which puts its live view available directly through the Home app on all of my Apple devices. Through HomeKit, the ecobee SmartCamera can turn on the lights automatically when it picks up motion, or it can be used as an intercom thanks to a great sounding internal speaker.

Although Cyber Monday is coming to an end, there are still plenty of deals to be had. Be sure to check out our guide to the best Cyber Monday deals that are still available, as well as our Best Apple Cyber Monday Deals roundup for more incredible savings!

With the holiday clock ticking down, there's only a bit of time left to grab a fantastic HomeKit-enabled device for that special someone. Whether it's as simple as a HomeKit smart plug, or a fancy new HomeKit thermostat — we've got you covered. If you still haven't gotten around to picking up a gift for everyone on your list, then check out these awesome HomeKit shopping ideas for smart home beginners — they are sure to be a hit!

The gift of HomeKit

If you have any smart home beginners on your list — or even seasoned HomeKit vets — these are the very best HomeKit shopping ideas for that special someone. From simple switches to the smartest of locks, these smart home devices are the best way to put a smile on the face of anyone who is just getting started in the world of connected tech.

If your giftee is starting fresh with HomeKit, then we recommend going with the HomePod mini. Apple's tiny smart speaker enables voice controls over HomeKit accessories through Siri, and it acts as a HomeKit hub for remote access. If that weren't enough, the HomePod mini is also an excellent way to listen to Apple Music, with tons of power coming from its incredibly small footprint.

If you are looking for something a little more fun, then check out the Nanoleaf Shapes Hexagons light panels. These awesome lights support millions of colors, and their modular design allows for creative installations. The Nanoleaf Shapes also react to music with flashes, pulses, and pops of color that will definitely wow everyone on your list.

Just because Independence Day is celebrated primarily outdoors, it doesn't mean that the party has to stop once you retire for the day. HomeKit lighting can simulate the pops and flashes of those banging fireworks displays inside of your home through automations and scenes, each of which are incredibly easy to set up.

All it takes is the right accessories, a few minutes of your time, and a few taps, and you will be celebrating in style. So let's put use the power of apps, automations, and scenes to make your Independence Day smarter.

Convenient celebrations

Before we dive into building our own, you may already have access to some of the best Independence Day theme scenes around. Nowadays, most color lighting accessories and apps include pre-configured scenes that can launch your celebration with just a tap or two. Nanoleaf in particular, offers some truly awesome scenes, so if you have the gear, here's how to put them to use.

1. Launch the Nanoleaf app.
2. Tap on Discover located at the bottom of the app.
3. Tap on the Paint palette icon.

4. Scroll down until you see the Fireworks and Firecrackers scene.
5. Tap the Download button.
6. Tap the checkbox next to the Name of your light panel.

7. Tap Download.
8. Type in a custom Scene name if desired.
9. Tap OK to save the scene.

The Fireworks and Firecrackers scene should now be lighting up your panels with bright pops of colors. You can make adjustments to the speed and delay for the scene by editing the scene from the Dashboard tab within the app. With faster speeds, you can really make your home come alive.

Have Philips Hue lighting in your home? There are some great third-party apps that can make your lighting look just as good without creating an automation. One of our favorites is OnSwitch for Philips Hue, which has quite a few different fireworks specific variants to choose from.

The Philips Hue team also offers up a more subtle solution for putting red, white, and blue, on your lighting through the Living Scenes Hue Labs Formula if you are willing to put in a little work. The Philips Hue line also includes outdoor lighting as well, so you can put the colors of the stars and stripes on display all night long.

Make it your own

If your HomeKit lighting's app doesn't include scenes for Independence Day or if you can't find one that speaks to you, don't worry, you can still make your own magic with automations. By creating your own automation, you can set your favorite shades of red, white, and blue, as well as just how bright your stars will shine.

Creating a custom automation in the Home app also enables you to tie it in with other HomeKit accessories, such as door sensors or locks. With the right mix, you can set your festive lighting inside to spring to life as soon as you return from the outdoor celebration. Let's create an automation that will do just that!

1. Launch the Home App.
2. Tap the Automation tab.
3. Tap the Add Button in the top right corner of the screen (looks like a plus sign).

4. Choose An Accessory is Controlled.
5. Choose the Accessory that will turn on your lights. I will choose the Schlage Sense door lock.
6. Tap Next.

7. Tap on the desired Accessory state used for the automation. I will choose Unlocks for my automation.
8. Tap Next.
9. Choose which Accessories or Scenes you'd like to control with this automation. I will choose my Nanoleaf Aurora, Canvas, and Hexagons.

10. Tap Next.
11. Long press on the Accessories in your automation to change their color. I will choose a combination of red, white, and blue.
12. Tap Done.

Now that your automation is created, the next time that the door is unlocked, it will set all of the assigned lighting to the exact colors and brightness automatically. Just remember to turn the automation off, or set your lighting back to normal shades once you are done celebrating the Fourth!

Keep your cool

Once the festivities are over, you may need to cool down from the summer's heat. Instead of running to the thermostat or the switch on the wall for the fan, let Siri take care of things for you. All you need is a HomeKit compatible thermostat, and either an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or HomePod, to make it all happen.

Let's create a scene that fires up the air conditioner in the home with just a shout. Don't worry its not that hard to do!

1. Launch the Home app for on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap the Add Button in the top right corner of the screen (looks like a plus sign).
3. Tap Add Scene.

4. Give your scene a Name. I will name mine "Cool Down".
5. Tap Add Accessories.
6. Choose the Accessories you want to add to your scene by tapping on them. I will choose my ecobee SmartThermostat.

7. Tap Done when you've selected your accessories.
8. Long press the Accessories in your scene to change their settings. I will set my thermostat to cool the home down to 72 degrees.
9. Tap Done when you've adjusted your accessories' settings to your satisfaction.

Now that your scene is built, you can start cooling down your home on demand with your custom voice command. So for this example, all I need to do is say "Hey Siri, Cool Down". Whether you shout to Siri on your HomePod when you enter, or if you summon the virtual assistant on your iPhone to start cooling a few minutes before heading inside, you won't be sweating for too long.

This scene doesn't just have to be a once a year thing, as you can tie it to time-based automations which will automatically cool your home at a set time. You can even use your iPhone's GPS location to turn it on when you arrive after a long day at the office.

Watch it all

If you just can't get enough of the outdoor visuals and your indoor lighting just won't cut it, then put your outdoor HomeKit camera to use. The quickest and easiest way is to fire up your camera's feed through the Home app, but you can take things further by bringing it to the big screen if you have an Apple TV. AirPlay is a great way to beam your view to the TV, here's how.

1. Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen to open Control Center.
2. Tap Screen Mirroring.
3. Tap on the name of your Apple TV.

4. Launch the Home app.
5. Tap on Rooms.
6. Swipe to the left or right to locate your Camera then tap on the Thumbnail image to begin viewing.

For those times where you still want to browse around on your phone, you can use a third-party HomeKit app on the Apple TV to view your cameras. Our favorite is HomeCam, which can show all of your feeds in a grid or full-screen view, and you can even set it to transition automatically between cameras.

How are you celebrating with HomeKit?

Have some big HomeKit plans for this year's festivities? What accessories and automations are you using to celebrate Independence Day? Let us know in the comments below!

Throughout the years and a rapidly evolving smart home market, ecobee remains as one of the industry leaders thanks to the ability to deliver incremental but impactful hardware and software upgrades. The company's latest SmartThermostat, while sporting a similar look and feel to its predecessors, still offers the best mix of convenience, compatibility, and smart features.

I recently made the upgrade to the latest SmartThermostat from an ecobee 3 Lite, and while the core features remain the same, adding a SmartSensor and Alexa to the mix definitely made me appreciate the new hardware. While I wouldn't say that it is worthy of an upgrade for those with previous versions, I can say that it is still one of the best options around for those new to the smart thermostat game.

Same, but different

ecobee SmartThermostat: The features

The latest ecobee SmartThermostat retains the familiar look of past offerings, with an all-black front with a touchscreen display positioned in the center. The 3.5-inch color LCD screen boasts a resolution of 320 x 480 and it acts as the on-device command center, with no additional hardware buttons to be found. The display portion attaches to a white base plate which houses the wiring terminals with a simple click.

Included with the SmartThermostat is everything needed for installation, except for actual tools. The SmartThermostat is compatible with the majority of HVAC units today, whether it's oil, gas, electric, conventional, or heat pumps. Unlike some competitors, ecobee includes a power extender kit that makes it compatible with homes that do not have a common wire right in the box. ecobee's flagship also works with HVAC accessories such as humidification systems and ventilators.

The SmartThermostat connects to home networks directly over Wi-Fi, without the need of an additional hub. In addition to Wi-Fi the thermostat has radios for Bluetooth, and 915MHz RF which facilitates connections to accessories like the included SmartSensor. The SmartSensor is a compact, completely wireless sensor that runs on a single coin battery, and has an equally modern design, complete with a metal stand. The SmartSensor is capable of temperature and motion monitoring, which allows it to work in-tandem with the thermostat to offer greater levels of comfort through averaging or setting which room takes precedent.

Just like with the SmartSensor, the thermostat portion packs in motion sensing, as well as occupancy sensing, and all sensors can integrate with ecobee's recently launched, Haven Home Monitoring service. Haven aims to make home security easy by automating arming/disarming the home based on presence, and can alert users to any unusual activity captured while out and about. Presence detection also works with ecobee's latest accessories, the SmartCamera, and the SmartSensor for doors and windows,

Both the Haven service and controls for the SmartThermostat happen through the ecobee app, which is available on iOS, Android, and via the web. Smart controls include staples like adjusting temperature, setting schedules, and reviewing usage trends. Adjustments can also be made via voice through integration with HomeKit, the Google Assistant, and Alexa.

Amazon's Alexa integration is deeper than mere account linking though, with an on-board microphone and speaker enabling the thermostat to make adjustments with just a shout. Alexa also allows the SmartThermostat to make/answer calls, act as an intercom to other Alexa devices in the home, and even play music through services like Spotify.

Thoughtful touches

ecobee SmartThermostat: What I like

Installation of the ecobee SmartThermostat was incredibly quick and easy, especially since I was upgrading from an ecobee 3 Lite. ecobee has always included several thoughtful, installation-friendly touches in their thermostat line, and they are indeed present for the latest and greatest. These include clip-in wiring terminals, a built-in level, a power kit for installations without a common wire, and a trim plate.

Pairing the SmartThermostat was equally as easy, with just the ecobee app required to get things up and running. During the process, ecobee walks you through account registration, Wi-Fi setup, and asks series of questions related to your HVAC unit and your home. In total, with wiring, I estimate that installation and pairing took around 20 minutes, but of course this may vary.

Once paired, ecobee's app interface mimics the on-device display, making adjustments instantly familiar. Both the app and controls on device are responsive, reacting to taps and swipes with ease, and the decision to go with an entirely touch-based interface keeps things simple. I also like how ecobee's app provides an overview of the temperature in every room where SmartSensors are positioned, and how the thermostat can be set to average measurements to decide when to begin cooling or heating.

Just like with my previous ecobee 3 Lite, adjustments made remotely via apps or voice control are executed within a matter of seconds on device. The SmartThermostat has also been incredibly reliable, with adjustments never failing to take affect, and there has never been an instance where I was unable to access it at all. Speaking of access, I absolutely love that ecobee takes an agnostic approach to smart home integrations. While Alexa is built right in, users are given the ability to connect it to the Google Assistant or HomeKit, if desired.

Even though I prefer using HomeKit for everything, I do enjoy having Alexa available without having to devote precious counter or table space to another device. The on-board microphone is surprisingly effective, picking up Alexa commands from lengthy distances, and the speaker, while not the greatest quality, is enough to deliver easily identifiable responses.

Price and privacy concerns

ecobee SmartThermostat: What I don't like

Compared to other smart thermostat options, the ecobee SmartThermostat is a little on the pricey side. The higher price tag also does not guarantee that remote access will always be available, as with a lot of smart home accessories, there is always the threat of server down-time. I would definitely like to have seen local control options for Android users or those that do not use HomeKit available.

ecobee's app, while familiar and easy to use, does suffer from some strange hang-ups on iOS every once in a while. Through testing, I have ran across several instances where the app just simply fails to load any data when launched, which can be frustrating. While not necessary, creating and editing schedules in the app is equally frustrating, as I could not find a way to delete all of the pre-programmed times/comfort settings or start from a blank slate.

As great as having Alexa baked right in to the SmartThermostat is, its presence will definitely scare some away. ecobee handles the integration well by making Alexa an opt-in experience, providing quick controls to disable it, and features the familiar blue light to indicate that Alexa is listening.

However, just having an internet connected device with a microphone on-board will always be a little worrisome for many, and I would have liked to have seen a model that forgoes the mic. Sure the ecobee 3 Lite is still available, but it doesn't include compatibility with certain HVAC accessories, and lacks an included SmartSensor.

Something for everyone

ecobee SmartThermostat: The Bottom Line

Even with a slightly higher price tag than others, and some occasional app oddities, the ecobee SmartThermostat is simply one of the best thermostats on the market today. A sleek, modern design, easy installation, included SmartSensor, high levels of reliability, and compatibility with all of the major smart home platforms makes it easy to recommend to just about anyone.

ecobee's included SmartSensor continues to be one of the best innovations within the thermostat category, and when combined with a suite of smart features, enables the ability to just set it and forget it if desired. Power users retain the ability to set custom schedules, and can decide which room in the home is the most important to keep comfortable. All of this adds up to ecobee's SmartThermostat being one of the best smart home investments that you can make today, and still the one option that I do not hestitate to recommend.

Over the past few months, smart thermostat experts, ecobee, have been working on a transition from a single device category company to an effortless home security company. New products from ecobee include a smart camera, and a door/window contact sensor that works alongside a new home monitoring subscription service named Haven.

I have been testing out ecobee's new gear over the last week and a half, and have come away rather impressed by the company's camera debut. A simple set up process, excellent video quality, HomeKit support, and a fantastic Smart Focus tracking ability make it one of the best options around, but it does come with a cost, both upfront, and monthly.

Packed-in

ecobee SmartCamera: The features

The ecobee SmartCamera features a clean visual design, with an all black front, white frame, and sleek metal stand. The camera's stand allows for slight vertical adjustments, and its clever design allows it to mount on a wall with just a single screw. The camera is rated for indoor usage only and does not have an internal battery, so if the power goes out, the camera will not be able to be accessed.

Image quality of the camera is 1080p HD resolution, with an 180 degree field of view, and records at 30 frames per second. For night vision, the camera utilizes 3 infrared wide angle LEDs, and the camera supports 2-way audio with an integrated microphone. There are two physical buttons on the top of the camera which are used for voice control, one is a mute switch, and the other is a manual Alexa activation button which also serves double-duty as an on-device configuration menu.

ecobee's camera connects directly to a home network via Wi-Fi, over both 2.4ghz and 5ghz without needing a separate hub. The camera has Amazon's Alexa voice assistant built-in which enables voice commands for the camera and for other skills and services. The SmartCamera also supports HomeKit for streaming live footage on demand through the Home app, and while it doesn't support the Google Assistant, it does work with the ecobee Android app.

Software features include digital panning, zooming, and a siren activation option that works with other ecobee devices. Image processing, which is performed on device by an 8-core processor, can distinguish between humans and pets, and enables Smart Focus, which tracks activity by panning around to follow people within its view.

While the camera has 4GB of flash storage on-board, it does not save video locally. Footage is encrypted and sent to ecobee's cloud storage, which is available through the company's Haven Home Monitoring subscription service. A one month free trial is included with the camera, and after that, pricing for Haven starts at $5 a month for a single camera. The service offers a rolling 14-day timeline of events, and snapshots and videos can be saved to your phone's storage at any time.

Haven Home Monitoring works with other ecobee devices within the home such as its thermostats, room sensors, and the newly added contact door and window sensors. Haven's approach to home monitoring leverages the motion and occupancy sensors on existing devices to automatically arm and disarm the home, bypassing the need for keypads or fobs. Through location tracking, family members who are logged in to the ecobee app allows the system to distinguish if an unexpected entry into the home warrants a security notification.

Visual appeal

ecobee SmartCamera: What I like

Setting up the SmartCamera was quick and easy, with the entire process taking less than 10 minutes from unboxing to pairing. Attaching the metal stand doesn't require any tools, and all that is needed is to plug in the camera to an outlet. Pairing the camera through the ecobee app was straightforward with a series of prompts guiding the way. As a HomeKit fan, I like how ecobee integrated HomeKit into the setup process and not requiring additional set up later on.

Navigating the ecobee app is simple, with the newly added camera appearing in the list of home devices upon launch. Pulling up a live feed is just a tap away, and I like how ecobee put all of the camera's controls and settings into its own dedicated section. Speaking of controls, I enjoy having the options for panning the camera's view, siren, and manual recording alongside the live stream in both portrait and landscape views. These controls are responsive and fluid, with each firing pretty much as soon as you touch the associated button.

Loading up the live stream takes just a few seconds through the ecobee app, and rather oddly, is even faster using Apple's Home app. Footage streamed and captured by the SmartCamera is detailed, and clear, even staying smooth with high motion activity in front of it. Image quality remains crisp through black and white night vision, easily providing enough details to identify people or whatever the action may be within its view.

The SmartCamera's microphone quality was also quite impressive. When viewing a live feed, quality was good enough for actual conversations, without any weird lag or delays often seen with other cameras.

The camera's speaker quality is pretty much what you would expect for this type of device. Music streamed through Alexa was tinny, and lacking bass, I would put it on par with a 1st generation echo dot. Alexa voice responses were loud and clear, and for some reason, sounded richer than actual audio playing through the speaker.

Premium pricing

ecobee SmartCamera: What I don't like

Make no mistake about it, the ecobee SmartCamera is expensive when compared to existing offerings on the market. While the camera offers impressive visuals and the ability to track motion, it doesn't offer features like an internal battery or a local storage option.

Even though the ecobee SmartCamera sports on device processing, video that is recorded is stored in the cloud. Recording video requires a subscription to ecobee's Haven Home Monitoring service, which only adds to the already high cost of ownership.

Without a subscription to the service, the camera is well, not much of a security camera at all. Sure, you can stream live video on demand, and you can utilize it for use with HomeKit and on-device Alexa, but lacking the ability to record is definitely an issue. Obviously, I would have liked to have seen the company offer at least a day of recording ability, or a local option available, but I do understand that storing video in the cloud certainly isn't free for ecobee. I inquired about HomeKit Secure Video, Apple's privacy centric iCloud storage solution, and was told that it is something that is in the works, and should be available in the coming months which will give users a recording option without a Haven subscription.

My final complaints surround how the SmartCamera handles notifications for motion events and for sharing its video stream to HomeKit. For motion events, ecobee's iOS app will send an alert within a few seconds of the activity event, however, the notification does not include an image of the action happening in front of the camera. The notification only displays the following: "Activity Alert! We've detected activity while your home was armed".

On the HomeKit front, I noticed that turning off the camera in ecobee's app did not affect HomeKit, and you can still continue to see live video through the Home app. Equally odd is that turning off the camera in the ecobee app shuts down the camera's automatic night vision mode, so the Home app view won't be lit up during the night. This is certainly a fringe issue that I don't believe many will come across, but it is worth noting for privacy sake.

Impressive debut

ecobee SmartCamera: The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, the ecobee SmartCamera offers up some truly compelling features, including great image quality and on-device processing. While I expected great things from ecobee's hardware, I was still surprised just how well it performs considering that it is the company's first foray into category.

However, the SmartCamera is priced at the top end of the connected camera market, and it requires a subscription for recording. This makes the SmartCamera more of an investment, which takes it from being an easy recommendation for most, to a recommendation that hinges on price sensitivity.

If pricing is not of concern and you just want a solid, good-looking camera with great features and visuals, then you won't be disappointed with the ecobee SmartCamera. If you have reservations about price though, you may be better suited with another option, which is unfortunate considering just how good this camera is.

Introduced alongside ecobee's SmartCamera just a few weeks ago, ecobee's SmartSensor for doors and windows is another key part of the company's push into the home security market. The latest accessories work in-tandem with ecobee SmartThermostats and room sensors to enable a hassle-free way to keep tabs on the home.

Through motion, occupancy, geo-fencing, and ecobee's Haven Home Monitoring service, homeowners can come and go as they please without having to mess with keypads, apps, or fobs. I have been testing out the SmartSensors, along with the Haven service for the past week and a half, and I can say that having it all work harmoniously is quite compelling. As always though, there are a few things that keep it, and the service, from being the go-to solution for everyone.

Contact and motion

ecobee SmartSensor: The features

The ecobee SmartSensors sport a typical all-white two-piece contact sensor design but include nice touches like soft rounded corners. The larger portion of the sensor houses all of the smart tech, relaying the status of the home directly to an ecobee SmartThermostat or SmartCamera, which is required for operation. The smaller portion consists of a magnet that allows the smart sensor to determine when a door or window is opened or closed based on proximity.

Both portions of the sensor attach to doors, windows, and trim using double-sided mounting tape that comes pre-attached. Installing the sensor is quick and easy, with just a peel and stick after lining up the two portions on the desired surface. The sensor has a small on-board LED that flashes green when a change of status occurs, and the entire operation is powered by a single coin-shaped CR2477 battery that is rated for up to 3 years of use.

Unlike other contact sensors though, the SmartSensors also house a motion sensor. While the additional sensor may seem a little redundant at first, it actually makes a lot of sense if your home consists of large open areas. This allows the sensor to monitor the main points of entry, as well as other windows and doors within its view without having to place a sensor on each.

Sensor status is communicated wirelessly to an associated hub device within 80 feet, over a 915 MHz RF signal. Utilizing RF allows the sensor to operate directly with SmartThermostats and SmartCameras outside of potentially congested Wi-Fi and Bluetooth frequencies. If you have both the camera and a thermostat in your home, you are given the choice during setup as to which one will act as the hub for the sensors.

When combined with other ecobee devices and ecobee's Haven Home Monitoring subscription service, the sensors can send notifications when unusual activity is detected. ecobee's Haven utilizes all of the sensor data in the home, as well as geofencing on the phones of everyone in the household, to automatically arm and disarm monitoring without user intervention.

Pricing for the Haven service starts at $5 a month for unlimited entry detection with the SmartSensors, and includes support for video recording with the SmartCamera. In addition to notifications through Haven and the ecobee app, the sensors report their status through Apple's HomeKit, and are available to use with automations and quick status checks through Siri.

Simply quick

ecobee SmartSensor: What I like

As previously mentioned, setting up the ecobee SmartSensor is quite easy, with a simple peel and stick and pairing code scan. The ecobee app was quick to pick the sensors up, and I like having the option to decide which device acts as the hub that they are paired to, although there is no explanation or suggestions that recommend one over the other. I estimate that the entire setup process, from unboxing to pairing, took around 5 minutes.

After setup, I like just how well integrated the sensors are with the rest of my ecobee sensors and through the Haven service. By default, the SmartSensors are ready to use for home monitoring, which when combined with RoomSensors, the SmartThermostat, and SmartCamera, gave me a sense of security with essentially my whole home being covered. Through the usage of geo-fencing with ecobee's Autopilot mode, I really like how ecobee incorporates not just the phone of one person, but all of your household members to make arming and disarming automatic.

I also liked how the ecobee app keeps things simple for monitoring the home. Upon launching the app, I liked seeing a small status displayed for each sensor, and how the sensor's activity is merged with the rest of the home into one activity timeline. Each event is easy to understand, with just the name of the sensor, time, and the type of activity listed, such as "Pantry Door" opened.

Notifications for events captured by the sensor when the home is armed arrived within a few seconds and were reliable, (although times varied, more on that later) for every occurrence. While the iOS app notification only states that there is "Activity while your home was armed", tapping it brought up a thoughtful and informative screen within the ecobee app. This screen provides the exact time of the event, which device was trigged, and gives you the option to view SmartCamera feeds, turn on the camera's siren, dismiss the alert, or dismiss and disarm.

Reliably inconsistent

ecobee SmartSensor: What I don't like

While ecobee's SmartSensor packs in a motion sensor and sips power, it is expensive when compared to its competitors. The sensors are only sold in packs of 2 currently for $79, which puts them at a much higher price point, so much so that you could potentially buy 3 or 4 alternatives for the same price. Some competitors also include temperature and humidity sensors as well, which almost seems like a given on a sensor from ecobee, but they are strangely absent.

Speaking of other contact sensors available on the market, ecobee's offering is quite a bit bulkier than the rest. The large size makes the sensor stick out a decent distance from the door or window it is installed on and is easily noticed, even on white surfaces. I also found the vertical orientation of the ecobee SmartSensor to be slightly odd after using sensors installed horizontally for years, but it doesn't affect performance.

Despite notifications being reliable and delivered every time, my biggest issue with the SmartSensor is that the actual response times through both ecobee's app and HomeKit are inconsistent. Sometimes status updates and notifications can take as little as 2 to 3 seconds, but other times they can take upwards of 7 or 8 seconds. Since the sensor doesn't use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, I expected ecobee's solution to be faster and more consistent than others, but unfortunately, it isn't, which was a little disappointing.

Clever coverage

ecobee SmartSensor: The Bottom Line

In the end, the ecobee SmartSensors are somewhat of a mixed bag. On one hand, I certainly like how the sensors are reliable and can monitor more than just the door it is attached to, through the built-in motion sensor, and how simple managing them is. On the other though, the sensor's response times can be inconsistent, which keeps them from being a good fit for other things like HomeKit automations.

ecobee's SmartSensors are also expensive, and you will need a SmartThermostat or SmartCamera to pair them with for them to actually function as intended. Combined with a subscription to the Haven Home Monitoring Service, it makes purchasing the sensors something to carefully consider beforehand, and not just an easy impulse purchase.

If you already own ecobee devices in your home or if you just want a quick and easy way to add extra security without having to set up HomeKit, then the SmartSensors are definitely a great option. For those that use HomeKit and want a no-fee DIY monitoring solution, then other options may be a better fit, but ecobee's sensors are reliable, which is something that can't always be said about HomeKit. Finally, for those that do not have an ecobee thermostat or camera and do not plan to pick one up anytime soon, well, your decision is already made.

What you need to know

• Popular HomeKit partner ecobee has announced new two-factor authentication measures to secure your smart home.
• 2FA is opt-in but strongly recommended.
• It will protect your ecobee account and your smart home devices, ensuring only you and your family can control them and see the data they collect.

Popular HomeKit partner ecobee has introduced two-factor authentication to its app, bringing better security to your smartphone.

In a press release ecobee stated:

ecobee says that whilst 2FA is opt-in, rather than mandatory, it "strongly recommends using it for added security."

2FA will protect your ecobee account and all of your smart home devices. As with most systems, it requires a unique verification code to be sent to you via text message when you log in. The full instructions from ecobee are as follows:

You can set up 2FA through your account settings. Specifically:

Open the mobile app and select Account

1. Select Account Security
2. Enable Text Message (SMS) toggle and complete the setup flow
3. You will be asked for your ecobee password to confirm your identity, your phone number, and a code we send via SMS.

Upon confirmation, we will give you a unique recovery code. We strongly recommended saving the code for your reference in case your second method of authentication changes, which will happen if you change your phone number.

ecobee says that you'll also need the latest version of its iOS mobile app.

What you need to know

• ecobee has launched a subscription air filter delivery service.
• Service provides recommended filter types and replacement schedule.
• Three quality levels of filters are available, with pricing starting at $13.

ecobee has launched a new air filter delivery service that aims to provide timely replacements directly to the doorstep. The subscription service, which starts at $13, recommends filter types and replacement schedules for customers through a simple sign up process that involves answering a few basic questions such as current filter size.

As far as the filters go, ecobee is offering 3 quality tiers, basic, deluxe, and premium, each of which focus on MERV, MPR, and FPR values. Once a filter is selected, delivery preferences can be set, either through a recommendation, or according to preference with options ranging from monthly, to every 6 months.

ecobee ships the filters in pairs to reduce packaging, and says that the packaging that they are sent in is "fully recyclable". Filter change reminders on the company's line of connected thermostats can also be tied to the new service, sending notifications when needed.

Deliveries are shipped for free, and the service is now available for customers in the United States and Canada.

What you need to know

• A new report indicates that ecobee has halted development of a connected lighting line.
• Recent cuts may have also resulted in layoffs.
• Other upcoming products may still be on track for an April reveal.

The impact of the current economic downturn appears to be taking its toll on ecobee, with a new report from betakit indicating that the company stopped development of an upcoming smart lighting line. While ecobee has yet to confirm the report, an apparent internal email has surfaced which mentions an "indefinite hold":

It is unclear whether or not the recent change in direction will affect other upcoming products. While not officially announced, several leaks over the past year have shown off a potential HomeKit camera and door/window sensor from ecobee. The report speculates that the products may still be on track for an announcement in "mid-April".

According to the report, ecobee has also laid off up to 10% of its workforce through its various locations worldwide although some of the team working on the lighting line have been moved to other projects. In addition to the layoffs, the report states that ecobee's CEO, Stuart Lombard, has taken a 30% paycut, and freezes have been implement for salary increases and expenses.

What you need to know

• Family Account feature now available through ecobee app.
• Feature gives home owner ability to share access to ecobee thermostat.
• Up to 15 family members can be added.

ecobee is giving owners of its smart thermostat a way to easily share controls with the launch of its Family Accounts feature today. Available in the latest version (7.26.1) of the ecobee app home owners can now invite up to 15 family members to view home information, invite others, and of course, adjust the temperature of a connected thermostat.

Administrative privileges are only available for the home owner, which keeps account changes, removing devices, and access to other features such as eco+ out of everyone's hands. Accessing the new feature requires just 5 steps within the ecobee app, and on iOS, the invitation process utilizes the share sheet which gives the home owner the ability to invite others through messages, email, and a whole lot more:

1. Open the ecobee app and select "Account"
2. Select "Manage Homes"
3. Select the Home you want to invite someone to
4. Select "Home Members"
5. Select "Invite New Member"

Users can also find the new feature highlighted directly on the Home control screen within the app, with a small "Invite new members" banner appearing at the top.

What you need to know

• Ecobee has announced that Eco+ will soon begin to roll out to all of its customers.
• Eco+ is a free upgrade for Ecobee Thermostats.
• It includes humidity sensors, scheduling, time of use controls and more.

Ecobee has announced that it will soon begin to roll out its Eco+ upgrade to customers.

As reported by 9to5Mac, Eco+ is a free upgrade for Ecobee thermostats that improves efficiency.

Eco+ allows your Ecobee thermostat to adjust to your household's schedule, energy demand in your community and peak/off-peak pricing. For example, Eco+ can intelligently heat/cool your home at a time of day when electricity prices are low. Eco+ can detect fluctuations in indoor humidity to keep your house at your chosen comfortable temperature. It has a scheduling assistant to monitor your thermostat schedule and make recommendations as to how you can save, as well as detecting when you leave and enter your home and adjusting the temperature accordingly. All of this will allow Ecobee customers to continually manage the temperature of their home whilst reducing their own energy consumption, saving costs and reducing environmental impact.

Eco+ has 5 mains features, Feels Like, Schedule Assistant, Smart Home & Away, Time of Use and Community Energy Savings. Previously, Eco+ was only available to smart thermostat with voice control customers, now Ecobee says it plans to gradually make Eco+ available to all customers starting in early 2020.

However, if you're not patient enough for that, you can always try emailing Ecobee your thermostat's serial number, just in case you're eligible to upgrade sooner!

Newegg has the Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat on sale for $189.99, which is the lowest we've ever seen it drop. Even better, it's bundled with a smart room sensor, helping you stretch your dollars and smarten up your home even more. You'll also get a free TP-Link Kasa Smart Bulb, which is an incredible value for those looking to add to an intelligent home. Shipping is free. You're saving about $40 total compared to the usual cost before the free bulb is factored in.

This luxe thermostat features a glass finish, touch display, far-field voice recognition, and more. Having a smart thermostat can actually save you money over time. For instance, it can lower the temperature at night, or keep your house warmer when you aren't home.

The thermostat also features Alexa voice control built right in, so a few spoken words can adjust the temperature of your home. That functionality offers you a slew of Alexa skills, like music playback, weather forecasts, and drop-in calling. You can control it via the free app for iOS and Android, too. Installation takes 45 minutes or less, and the thermostat also plays nicely with Google Assistant, HomeKit, SmartThings, IFTTT, and more.

The smart sensor has built-in occupancy sensors which help your thermostat pay attention to rooms that matter and ensure that your entire home has an even temperature. For instance, if your bedroom tends to get warm at night, you can place a sensor in the room and your thermostat will keep the temperature lower. Alternatively, if there are specific rooms of the house that you don't use very often, or you just don't want to waste energy while you're not home, a sensor can help your thermostat avoid excess heating or cooling in unoccupied spaces. That means more money shaved off your power bill. Activation takes just a few seconds as well. Your purchase is backed by a three-year warranty.

In case you haven't heard, there's a new Ecobee Smart Thermostat on the block. First released in early June, it usually sells for $249, and while we've seen a couple of insignificant price drops, it just hit an all-time low of $235. That's 5% off the usual cost. Shipping is free with Amazon Prime, and your membership will also get you access to Amazon Prime Day next month.

$39.99 $80.00 Save $40 1618415289

The switch icludes built-in motion detection, ambient light sensors, and built-in Amazon Alexa. It's easy to install and gives you control over the switch from anywhere using the mobile app or even your voice. Pairs nicely with the smart thermostat.

$79.99 $99.99 Save $20 1617734526

This indoor Wi-Fi camera streams continuously in 1080p HD so you can always check in on what's happening using an app on your phone. It sends your phone notifications when motion is detected or even if your smoke alarm is set off.

An $80 value 1616597065

The switch icludes built-in motion detection, ambient light sensors, and built-in Amazon Alexa. It's easy to install and gives you control over the switch from anywhere using the mobile app or even your voice. Pairs nicely with the smart thermostat.

$199.00 $249.00 Save $50 1605780017

You can use the smart sensor to help you find the perfect temperature for the important rooms in your home. The thermostat has dual-band Wi-Fi, far-field voice recognition, a touch display, and the ability to work with all smart homes.

$149.99 $220.00 Save $70 1605106065

This is one of the best smart thermostats around with Amazon Alexa built right in and compatibility with Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit. Works with most residential systems. Use Amazon Prime to avoid the shipping fee and save a few bucks more.

This luxe thermostat features a glass finish, touch display, far-field voice recognition, and more. It also comes with a Smart Sensor, which keeps important rooms comfortable based on both occupancy and temperature. Having a smart thermostat can actually save you money over time. For instance, it can lower the temperature at night, or keep your house warmer when you aren't home.

The thermostat also features Alexa voice control built right in, so a few spoken words can adjust the temperature of your home. That functionality offers you a slew of Alexa skills, like music playback, weather forecasts, and drop-in calling. You can control it via the free app for iOS and Android, too. Installation takes 45 minutes or less, and the thermostat also plays nicely with Google Assistant, HomeKit, SmartThings, IFTTT, and more.

It's pretty complicated. To set it up, you'll need to download and create automations in a third-party HomeKit App like IFTTT since you can't do this with Apple's Home App. Even worse, factors such as the current temperature on your home's thermostat can cause your automation not to run when needed as the Eve Degree may be in a room where the temperature varies.

Once you create an automation that works, you'll also need to go back and create an automation to turn it off when it gets to your desired temperature. That's a lot to handle, especially for people who don't understand how to use these third-party apps. If you want to give it a shot, we can help you here. However, sometimes you just want something that works out of the box.

The absolute easiest way to control your home's temperature based on a remote sensor is by using an Ecobee thermostat. Most Ecobee thermostats include a room temperature sensor in the box, and they can determine when it needs to turn on the AC or heating to accomodate temperatures from rooms around your house.

Ecobee's room temperature sensors can even be set to override the sensor built into the actual thermostat, which is useful for homes where temperatures vary greatly.

The novelty value of being able to control home temperature with your iPhone or iPad is high, but in terms of real dollars and cents, Wi-Fi smart thermostats are expensive compared to normal programmable thermostats, especially if you require pro installation. The degree of energy savings will determine whether a Wi-Fi smart thermostat is a worthwhile purchase, and we're going to help you figure that out.

The core concept of saving energy in home heating and cooling is to leave your system off while you're asleep or away at work. Ultimately, you only want it running when you need it, with a little bit of wriggle room in the schedule so your home can reach a target temperature just in time. Both Wi-Fi smart thermostats and regular programmable thermostats can pull this off, but so can a bit of diligence with an older manual model.

Let's take a look at the energy savings that Wi-Fi smart thermostat manufacturers promote in their advertising, with the caveat that these numbers can vary wildly based on home size, insulation, local weather, type of climate control system, and how much time you spend out of the house.

As you might expect, the manufacturers are very clear that the savings numbers they offer are purely estimates and not guarantees. Ecobee claims their thermostats saved owners an average of 23% in heating and cooling costs in 2013, while Nest says they've saved 10 - 12% on heating and 15% on cooling between three studies, resulting in average annual savings of $131 - $145. Nest and Honeywell have savings calculators available where you can get a ballpark idea of how much money you can save. With these numbers, it would take at least a year for the thermostat to pay for itself in savings, and more likely two or three.

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates homeowners save an average of 10% annually with a programmable thermostat.

Next let's figure out how much of those savings are attainable with a significantly cheaper programmable thermostat. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates homeowners save an average of 10% annually on their heating bill with a programmable thermostat versus a traditional one. A 2004 study of 25,000 Quebec homes shows a meager 3.6% energy savings with a programmable thermostat. A natural gas billing study from 2006 shows a 6.3% savings with programmable thermostats. Saying a Wi-Fi smart thermostat provided 10% more savings than a traditional programmable thermostat would be optimistic.

The aforementioned savings estimates from Wi-Fi smart thermostat makers are relative to the original thermostat used. In many of these estimates, they're assuming you have an old thermostat that's not programmable or a programmable thermostat that isn't set up.

The latter scenario is apparently common. Out of 35,471 programmable thermostats monitored in New York and San Francisco in 2003, 53% were in "hold" mode and not programmed. Other studies back up this trend. Some researchers even posit that traditional programmable thermostats have wasted power because they haven't been set up properly, and that those with manual thermostats save just as much with good habits.

Overall, it's safe to say you can expect to save in the ballpark of at least 10% on your energy bill if you're using your thermostat right. It's clear that usability is a big issue in thermostats that has cost homeowners as an amalgam a whole lot of money. This latest breed of Wi-Fi smart thermostats, though only marginally smarter than the previous generation when it comes to regulating home temperature, are infinitely easier and more intuitive to use.

Sure, you can save a comparable amount with a lower-end thermostat, but that hinges entirely on whether or not you'll use it right, namely by turning the system down at night and before you head out for work. If it's not something you're doing already, odds are a hard-to-use system won't get you to start saving money, while a proper Wi-Fi smart thermostat will.

Upgrading your home with a smart thermostat requires a bit of an investment. Yes, you'll get out-of-home access to your heating and cooling, you'll be able to create schedules, you'll be able to make location-based changes to your temperature settings, etc., but you're still investing a good chunk of change (and a significant amount of time) when you choose to install a smart thermostat. If you'd like to pad your purchase a bit, consider looking for a rebate! Many utility companies offer rebates for smart thermostats — you just have to know where to look!

Here's a helpful guide for finding rebates on the best smart thermostats!

• ecobee4 Thermostat
• Nest Thermostat
• Honeywell Lyric
• Other thermostats

ecobee4

ecobee4 is a smart thermostat that features remote sensors. With these remote sensors you can measure the temperature of multiple rooms — not just the room or hallway in which the thermostat is installed. As such, you get more granular control and better comfort and energy efficiency in your house.

The ecobee4 comes with Amazon's Alexa voice assistant built in, thanks to embedded microphones that feature far-field voice recognition (the same technology that makes the Amazon Echo hear you from across the room) and a speaker that makes Alexa sound loud and clear, despite coming from a thermostat fastened to your wall.

That means, on top of having all the same great features as the ecobee3 (HomeKit-enabled, satellite room sensors, energy-saving benefits), you can use the ecobee4 in the same way you'd use an Echo, Echo Dot, or Tap. Ask Alexa to set a timer, adjust the lighting, give you the steps to a recipe, play some jazz — you can do it all right from your smart thermostat.

If you've got an ecobee4 and want to check for rebates on your investment, you can visit ecobee's rebate finder page. Just pop in your Zip code and click Search:

ecobee Rebate Finder

Nest Thermostat

Whether you go with the classic Nest Learning Thermostat or newer, less-expensive Nest Thermostat E, you know you're getting premium hardware and special learning features to add to your heating and cooling setup.

The Nest Learning Thermostat comes in four colors — white, copper, black, and stainless steel — and the adjustment ring around the outside of the device is made of metal. The Thermostat E comes in one color — white — and its adjustment ring is made of polycarbonate, though Nest says it's made to feel like ceramic.

Both the Nest Learning Thermostat and the Thermostat E pack in all the same functionality, save for one special feature: Farsight. Farsight uses the far-field sensor built into the Nest Learning Thermostat to detect when you walk by, lighting up to display the temperature, time, or weather.

If you can skip the far-field sensing feature and would rather have a thermostat that blends in instead of standing out, you can save money by choosing the Nest Thermostat E. That said, premium materials, multiple color options, and Farsight might be worth the extra money for some. Whichever model you choose, you can count on Nest's learning features that help you save on energy costs over time.

To save even more money, you can use Nest's rebate finder. Simply type in your Zip code and the system will present incentives in your area:

Nest rebates and rewards

Honeywell Lyric

Honeywell is a well-known home appliance company that offers several Wi-Fi connected thermostats, including three in its Lyric line. Its newest model, the Lyric Round, is an Energy Star certified thermostat that offers a simple, round design with a touchscreen display.

Like ecobee4 and Nest, Honeywell tries to cut down on energy use by intelligently applying heating and cooling at the right times. In addition to HomeKit compatibility, Lyric is also compatible with SmartThings (which is now owned by Samsung) and can be controlled through an iOS or Android app. The thermostat offers geofencing and scheduling options, notifications for things like low and high temperature and humidity, weather-based temperature control, and tools to improve energy savings.

Whether you let the thermostat adapt to your heating and cooling schedule as you go or you choose to set up a schedule from the get-go, this thermostat can help you take your mind off of the tedium that is managing your in-home heating and cooling settings.

If you'd like to save some money on your Honeywell Wi-Fi thermostat, check out the thermostat rebates page. Pop in your Zip code and find your savings:

Honeywell Thermostat Rebates

Other thermostats

If your smart thermostat isn't on the list, fret not! There are still rebates available for other Wi-Fi enabled thermostats — you just have to know where to look.

Energy Star has a database of rebates and special offers for smart thermostats. Simply enter your Zip code, click Find Rebates, and you're well on your way to making back some of the money on your investment.

Energy Star Rebate Finder

Questions?

Have any questions about finding rebates for your smart thermostat? Leave a comment or give me a shout over on Twitter!

Smart thermostats are a fantastic way to heat, cool, and monitor your home all form your iPhone or iPad. They have been on the market for years, and they keep getting better and better; however, ecobee consistently comes out on top when talking about the best smart thermostats. A big reason ecobee comes out on top is thanks to its room sensors.

What are ecobee room sensors?

ecobee room sensors are an additional accessory that you can pair with your ecobee smart thermostat which allows the thermostat to know the temperature of different rooms in your house.

Not only do the room sensors detect temperature, but they also have motion sensors so it can tell when somebody is in that room.

Why are room sensors so useful?

When you install a smart thermostat and set the temperature, the thermostat is only sensing the area around it. So while it may be 70 degrees in your main floor hallway where the thermostat is, the guest bedroom upstairs could be 75 degrees. These hot or cold spots in your house can be annoying, and make being in certain rooms uncomfortable.

Room sensors allow you to see the temperature in every room you put them in, meaning you have a better idea of what the temperature is over your whole house.

How do room sensors work?

Most houses don't have automatic dampers on their HVAC system, meaning when the heat or the AC goes on it will pump through the entire house. ecobee knows this is the case, and one of the main functions of the room sensors is to allow the thermostat to average the temperature in your house to try and combat those hot and cold spots.

Say you place a room sensor in your home office, and it's currently 73 degrees, but your smart thermostat in the front entrance is reading 70. Your ecobee smart thermostat will attempt to heat or cool your house to approximately 71 degrees as a middle ground. The more room sensors you have — which you can pair up to 32 with one thermostat — the more information your ecobee thermostat has to calculate a comfortable average.

On top of averaging, the room sensors also enable the "Follow Me" feature. This feature is used to detect the temperature in the rooms that are occupied. If you're in the living room and then decide to retire to your bedroom for some late night Netflix before bed, as long as you have room sensors in both rooms, ecobee will do its best to make sure the temperature is at the proper setting (as set by you) wherever you roam.

Of course, like any thermostat — smart or not — these room sensors can be heavily customized based on a schedule. So you can heat or cool your home at the precise times you want to and not waste energy when you're not in the house.

How much do they cost?

On their own, a 2-pack of the ecobee room sensors cost $79 on Amazon. So if you already have an ecobee3 or ecobee4 smart thermostat, you'll need to buy the sensors.

Of course, if you don't have an ecobee smart thermostat already, you'll need to get one. The good news is the ecobee4 comes with a room sensor in the box to get you started, but if you want to buy more you'll those will be an extra cost. The ecobee4 thermostat with a room sensor costs about $249.

See ecobee Room Sensors at Amazon

See why the ecobee4 is the best smart thermostat for 2018

With the holiday season in full swing, I'm certain many of our readers will be receiving some awesome tech gifts from loved ones. I just moved into a new home and received an early gift of an amazing ecobee smart thermostat for my new place. Although in my last home the installation was as easy as swapping some wires from the old system to the new ecobee, my new home wasn't as kind to us. But with a bout of googling and posting to HVAC support forums, we persevered and are enjoying the features of a connected thermostat!

Here's how you can set up your ecobee thermostat if installation isn't exactly going smoothly.

How to install your ecobee thermostat

We've briefly detailed how to go about the installation before. If everything goes as expected, here are the steps in short form:

1. Power off the breakers for the HVAC system (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning).
2. Remove the cover of the old thermostat.

3. Prior to unscrewing anything, label all of the wires with the provided stickers. Each wire should have an associated connector that is marked by a letter depending on what kind of additional services you have, like heating, A/C, humidifiers, etc.).
4. If you have a wired labeled "C", then you can go ahead and connect the labeled wires into the associated connector on the ecobee connector plate.

5. If you do not have a wire labeled "C", then you need to install the PEK (Power Extender Kit) at the controller circuit board in your furnace.
6. Once all is connected, you can plug in your thermostat and go on with the app installation detailed in our guide.

Running into snags

Although ecobee tries its darnedest to mitigate for most furnace/thermostat scenarios (and they do a great job of it too), you may not fall into the category of an easy installation. I fell into this unfortunate category in two ways. First, I had no wire labeled "C".

The "C" wire is a powered wire that supplies 24VAC to your thermostat. Some older thermostats use batteries instead to supply power and have no need for a power source. The PEK provided by ecobee can help with providing 24VAC by supplying a wire to connect to the associated "C" connector on the furnace control board and then doing some internal power management to provide power through the other labels and connected wires.

My next obvious step was to install the ecobee-provided PEK. So down to the furnace room I went, opened the side furnace hatch to get access to the internals and was greeted with this nightmare:

Secondly, not only did I not have a wire labeled "C", but I also did not have an associated furnace control board with any labeled wires. Yikes!

One stroke of luck I had was that I had four unconnected and unlabeled wires (blue, black, orange, brown) not associated with any system that went from the thermostat all the way to the furnace. Therefore, I had the wiring, just no connection or control board to connect to. But fear not; here are some steps we took to get things working.

WORKING WITH HVAC WIRING IS HAZARDOUS! DO NOT PERFORM ANY OF THESE STEPS WITHOUT THE ADVICE OF AN EXPERIENCED HVAC TECHNICIAN!

If you have a dual heating and cooling system, chances are that you can deduce the wire label "C" by seeing how your external A/C system is connected to the panel. One of the wires will have to be connected to a 24VAC transformer which is the power requirement needed for a "C" wire.

1. Turn the furnace breakers off.
2. Trace the wiring from the thermostat to the furnace. Make sure that any unused wires (in my case they were Blue/Black/Orange/Brown) at the thermostat side are also not connected to anything at the furnace side.
3. Trace the 2-conductor wiring from your OUTSIDE AC unit to the furnace. One of the conductors will be connected to the YELLOW conductor from the thermostat (most likely using a marrete). The other conductor will be connected to C side of the 24VAC transformer. My 24VAC transformer was in the very back behind all of the wired mess. But once I pushed the wires aside (DOUBLE CHECKING THE BREAKERS WERE OFF!) I could visibly see a rectangular transformer with it's 24VAC specifications listed upon it.
4. Pick any one of the unused conductors (the blue conductor its what I picked) from the thermostat wiring, and connect it along with the other conductor from the outside AC unit to the C side of the 24VAC transformer (they should all be in the same marrete).
5. Make certain there are no exposed wires and turn the breakers back on.
6. Test the connection with a multimeter at the thermostat end of the wiring by seeing if you detect 24VAC between the wire you just connected at the furnace (in my case blue) and the RH red wire.
7. Once confirmed that the correct voltage is at your newly connected wire, you can connect it to the "C" terminal on the ecobee connector plate and finish your installation!

One last thing

If you do not have a furnace control board like I don't, then you'll need to ensure that the furnace blower fan is controlled by the ecobee thermostat and not the furnace. This can be done on the ecobee thermostat itself under preferences.

Final thoughts

Do you have any "smart" installs-gone-wild stories you'd like to share? Let us know how you fixed them in the comments!

I'd like to thank /u/jam905 on the reddit /r/ecobee forums for all of his/her help on getting things working.

Updated May 2017: Added Amazon's listing for the ecobee4 smart thermostat.

Ecobee4 is now available for purchase

The cat's out of the bag, folks, and the Alexa-enabled ecobee4 smart thermostat is very real and very awesome!

The ecobee4 comes with embedded microphones that feature far-field voice recognition (the same technology that makes the Amazon Echo hear you from across the room) and a speaker that makes Alexa sound loud and clear, despite coming from a thermostat fastened to your wall.

That means, on top of having all the same great features as the ecobee3 (HomeKit-enabled, satellite room sensors, energy-saving benefits), you can use the ecobee4 in the same way you'd use an Echo, Echo Dot, or Tap. Ask Alexa to set a timer, adjust the lighting, give you the steps to a recipe, play some jazz — you can do it all right from your smart thermostat.

Ecobee4 is available for purchase; the Alexa-enabled smart thermostat will run you $249.

See at Amazon

Ecobee sends out teaser for a "big reveal" on Facebook

I just got an email this morning from Ecobee that's hinting at something big coming from the company on May 3. Here's an excerpt from the email along with an animated GIF that reveals something awfully familiar:

Ecobee says it'll be making an announcement on its Facebook page via Facebook Live. You can keep an eye on Ecobee's Facebook page by Liking it. I'll update this post on May 3 with any details the company shares!

Alleged Ecobee 4 marketing materials leak

The Verge has just made my morning. The site shared a glorious discovery from Dave Zatz of Zatz Not Funny that suggests Ecobee's next smart thermostat is about to get a whole lot smarter. According to product marketing materials discovered by Zatz, the ecobee4 smart thermostat will feature Amazon's Alexa smart assistant.

Let me be clear: We're not talking Amazon Alexa support — the ecobee3 already features Alexa support — we're talking full-on, built-in Alexa. Zatz Not Funny recently shared FCC documents that show a speaker on the back of the device. The new marketing materials show an LED light strip across the top of the device that's reminiscent of other Alexa-Enabled devices. And lest ye think it'll just be a fancy way to adjust the temperature in your home, the marketing materials seem to suggest otherwise. From Zatz Not Funny:

I may or may not have cursed excitedly when I came across this leak (I definitely did). My love for the ecobee3 Smart Thermostat is well-documented: It's a superior thermostat to the popular Nest Learning Thermostat, it's a HomeKit-enabled device, it features remote room sensors (that are also HomeKit-enabled), and it integrates with almost every smart home platform. That Ecobee might build Alexa into the device makes my love grow 10 sizes. I'm going to enjoy having Alexa in yet another place in my home, but I think there's something more important here: Folks who have yet to add an always-on smart assistant to their smart home setup can kill two smart birds with one smart stone. Thermostats are typically installed in centralized locations within the home; adding smart thermostat functionality and a voice-controlled assistant in a central location, all in one purchase is a fan-friggin'-tastic deal.

While we're on the subject of leaks and rumors, our friends at Thrifter have unearthed a nearly $60 discount on the ecobee3 smart thermostat. Could these ongoing discounts from ecobee be a sign that it's trying to clear out stock of the ecobee3 before launching ecobee4? 🤷‍♀️ I'm not sayin' … I'm just sayin'.

Snag the excellent Ecobee3 smart thermostat at one of the best prices we've seen

I don't know about you, but my fingers are crossed for an Alexa-Enabled Ecobee Smart Thermostat. The future is just so doggone exciting, folks.

Ecobee is rolling out an update for its ecobee3 smart Wi-Fi thermostat that enables HomeKit compatibility for its motion and temperature sensors. Now you can use the individual sensors as HomeKit-enabled accessories of their own, increasing your home automation possibilities!

When it comes to smart thermostats, I'll say this time and time again: Ecobee's ecobee3 Smart Wi-Fi Thermostat is the best money can buy. Not only is it HomeKit-enabled (a must for me), but it also features a handy trick that many other thermostats don't: remote room sensors that keep track of temperature and motion in different locations within your home. Why is this important? Because not all rooms are heated (or cooled) equally — the sensor helps your thermostat understand the actual temperature throughout your home, not just the area around your thermostat.

One thing that disappointed me about the ecobee3, though, was that the temperature and motion sensing capabilities were walled off from HomeKit and the iOS Home app. Ecobee must've heard me crying myself to sleep at night over it, 'cause they've updated their firmware to give users access to the motion and temperature sensors!

If you have an ecobee3, keep your eyes peeled for firmware update 3.7.0.969 (it's rolling out). In the meantime, you can plan some nifty new tricks for your smart home by checking out my piece on adding Automations with the iOS Home app. Think of the possibilities!

• How to create automations in the iOS Home app

Have you upgraded your thermostat?

And if you're still on the fence about which smart thermostat makes the most sense for your home, take it from me: You honestly cannot go wrong with the ecobee3.

Between the HomeKit compatibility and the remote sensors, it slides right on past the competition. It was incredibly easy to set up, too, which can be a bit of an issue for other smart thermostats out there.

If you're running iOS and you're looking to go smart with your HVAC, it's a no-brainer.

See at Amazon

Just purchased or received a new Ecobee3 HomeKit-enabled thermostat? Once you've done all the initial wire-work and installation, it's time to get your thermostat talking with HomeKit.

How to set up your Ecobee3 with HomeKit

1. Open the Ecobee3 app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap the Settings button in the upper right corner.
3. Tap Add HomeKit-enabled Ecobee3.
   
   
   

4. If you don't already have a HomeKit home set up, you'll be asked to create one now.
5. The app will display all HomeKit-connected Ecobee3 thermostats. If you have more than one, you can tap Say hi to identify the right one. When you know which one you want to add, tap Add.
6. On the Ecobee3 thermostat screen, the HomeKit code will appear. Scan it with your iOS device (or manually enter the code) to pair the two.
   
   
   

7. On the thermostat, you'll see a "Paired with HomeKit" alert, along with a note about the disabling of Auto mode. Press OK to continue.

You can now use your Ecobee3 thermostat with Siri commands, third-party HomeKit apps, as well as the default Ecobee3 app.

How to reset your Ecobee3 HomeKit connection

If your Ecobee3 thermostat has, for whatever reason, de-synced from HomeKit—or if it never got set up properly in the first place—you can reset your Ecobee3 HomeKit connection with fairly minimal trouble.

1. Go to your Ecobee3 thermostat and tap on the Main Menu button (the three lines in the lower left corner).
2. Scroll down to Settings and tap on it.
   
   
   

3. Scroll down to Reset and tap on it.
4. Tap on Reset HomeKit.
   
   
   

5. After the warning, tap on the Yes button.

You can now follow the steps in the previous section and set up your thermostat once again with HomeKit. I'll note that this only resets the thermostat's HomeKit connection—it won't erase your entire HomeKit house. (To do that, you need to take a more thorough approach.)

Questions?

Let us know in the comments.

We've gathered up five of our favorite WiFi thermostats that are available right now. Between being aware of our location, learning our daily habits, paying attention to the weather, and factoring in the latest energy rates, this new breed of appliance has added an exciting dimension to the home. Besides, you also stand to save a few bucks on your energy bill, and be a little more eco-friendly in the process.

READ: Our top WiFi thermostats for iPhone and iPad!

ecobee3

ecobee is the grand-daddy of WiFi thermostats. On top of monitoring the climate of the room in which the primary thermostat is installed, remote sensors relay the status of other rooms throughout the house, providing comprehensive data for ecobee to manage your home temperature. Automated intelligent adjustments are made based on your activity around the house, changes in energy prices, and local weather.

Buy now - $249.00

Nest

Nest is a hugely popular Google-owned WiFi thermostat. The slick design carries it a long way, but it's also quite smart. A leaf icon helps you identify when Nest has achieved particularly efficient home temperature management, and a log lets you see exactly what kind of adjustments it's making throughout the day on your behalf. Nest is a great fit for the connected home with direct service tie-ins with Philips hue, Dropcam, Whirlpool washers, their own Protect smoke detectors, and plenty more.

Buy now - $249.00

Honeywell Lyric

Honeywell is part of the old guard of thermostats, and have upgraded to meet the latest generation head-on. A motion-sensing front face lights up the display when you get close, with easy-to-access shortcuts for regular events. Your iPhone's GPS can keep the Lyric apprised of your location and make preparations if you're on the way home. Humidity monitoring is actively factored in to temperature adjustments for a finely tuned experience.

Buy now - $179.99

tado

tado is a simple system built for controlling air conditioning systems over infrared with the help of companion sensors around the house. With a geo-aware app, tado can start up your A/C when you're headed home, and turn it off when you're on the way out. Connectivity spans HomeKit, IFTTT, and SmartThings. tado is an easy choice for anyone with standalone air conditioning units.

Buy now - $199.99

Zen Thermostat

Zen Thermostat bucks a trend of extreme automation and is pared down to the bare essentials. A simple dot grid shows the current temperature, while a touchscreen allows you to turn up or down the heat as you see fit. There are no algorithms to predict activity, as the developers have no interest in "thinking they're smarter than you". Still, Zen plugs into a variety of standards, including ZigBee and OpenHome, plus you can schedule climate changes like on most thermostats. For anyone into the minimalist look, Zen is a good place to start.

Buy now - $199.99

Your favorite WiFi thermostats?

Those are our picks for WiFi thermostats, but there are plenty of others out there. Let us know your favorites in the comments!

One of the great features of SmartThings is the open platform. That means the system isn't just compatible with first-party devices, but a plethora of officially (and unofficially) supported devices as well. One such device that works with SmartThings — though isn't yet officially supported — is the ecobee 3 smart WiFi thermostat.

If you haven't heard of it before, SmartThings is a smart home system that supports various connected devices like door sensors, smart locks, motion sensors, connected lights, and much more. Using SmartThings is one of the easiest ways to get started making your home a smart one.

Diving into this, we're assuming that you're already a SmartThings user. If not, you'll have to pick up a SmartThings hub, and you'll probably want a few connected accessories to go along with it. Keep in mind too that SmartThings is an insanely extensive platform, and we'll only be diving into a portion of what you can do with it here as it pertains to the ecobee 3.

Using the ecobee 3 with SmartThings, you have the ability to take total control over your heating and cooling beyond just what the thermostat itself can do, and also control the temperature in your home based on actions of other devices like door/window sensors, motion, switches, or even presence sensors.

The biggest thing to note here is that while the ecobee 3 works great with SmartThings (I've been using one for a few months) it's still not officially supported. (The platform does support older ecobee devices, just not the ecobee 3, yet). That means you'll need to use a custom device type and smartapp, both of which can be found here. If you don't know much about custom devices or apps — not to worry. The instructions there are very thorough, so you should have no problems getting up and running for the first time. The basis is to add the custom ecobee 3 device type, then use a smartapp on your mobile device to get it all set up. I did all these steps with no issues, and the SmartThings app found my thermostat without a hitch.

Once you have your ecobee 3 integrated into your SmartThings setup, the fun begins. There truly are a ton of ways to use your thermostat with SmartThings, but it really comes down to what other devices you have on your system, and just what exactly you want to accomplish. For me, I use my ecobee 3 temperature to talk to SmartThings via IFTTT and trigger an external switch for a window AC unit. Sounds like a lot, but it's simple, and works like magic.

The possibilities for using the ecobee 3 with your SmartThings system really just depends on your actual setup. I have various motion & door sensors, a few presence sensors, water sensors, and door locks in my house. All of these can be connected to the ecobee 3 (or any SmartThings-compatible thermostat) with ease, to perform any number of actions.

The custom ecobee 3 device type within SmartThings allows you to take total control of your thermostat. You'll have the ability to change the temperature, view alerts, and change modes all from the SmartThings app.

SmartThings allows you to go above and beyond what the ecobee 3 can do just on its own. As in my use case, you can use the ecobee 3 to talk to other switches for things like fans or heaters, branching out from just what is connected to your HVAC.

If you have one room that is cooler than others during the winter, you can use your ecobee 3 remote sensor to talk to SmartThings, and use it to turn on a space heater for a certain temperature threshold. Conversely, you can do the same to turn on a fan switch should the humidity be too high, for example.

Even though the ecobee 3 has scheduled modes built in, you can also automate them through SmartThings. Using the modes within SmartThings, you can change the temperature based on home or away (or any other mode you have setup. So when everyone leaves the house, SmartThings can set the temperature accordingly to save on heating/cooling costs. When you return, it sets the temp right where you need it without you ever touching a button.

You can also tie in your ecobee 3 and SmartThings with IFTTT — giving you even more control for custom triggers and actions. While you can use IFTTT directly with your ecobee 3, you can go even deeper by adding SmartThings into the mix as well. Doing so gives you access to all of your SmartThings-connected devices so you can do anything from flashing your Hue lights if your house gets too warm, to calling your phone if the humidity is too high.

After the initial setup, there really are dozens and dozens of ways to use the ecobee 3 with SmartThings. As I said earlier, it's really only limited by your specific setup and what devices you're using with SmartThing. Any way you look at it, the ecobee 3 and SmartThings are a killer combination.

Hit up the links below for more!

• Buy the ecobee 3 Smart WiFi Thermostat at Amazon
• Buy a SmartThings Hub at Amazon
• Using ecobee 3 with IFTTT
• Setting up your ecobee 3 with SmartThings

IFTTT — recently rebranded to just IF — is an extremely powerful tool for our connected universe, and pairing it up with the center of your smart home is a no-brainer. Recently added to the IFTTT arsenal of channels is the ecobee 3 smart WiFi thermostat. Using IFTTT with your ecobee 3 allows you to take even more control over your heating and cooling system, interacting with other smart services & devices in your home and making your life a whole lot easier.

The ecobee 3 is already an insanely smart thermostat out of the box, but bundle in some great IFTTT recipes and you have many amazing tools at hand. Much can be done within ecobee already, but IFTTT expands the arsenal of available tools, while integrating with other smart devices & services.

The ecobee IFTTT channels offers a wide variety of triggers and actions for your thermostat. These range from simple triggers like indoor temperature or humidity thresholds, to more advanced features like schedule override. With the handful of triggers & actions at your disposal, there are a ton of options available for automating your ecobee 3. Let's take a look at just some of what you can do with this awesome service.

If you're not an IFTTT user, you'll have to get things up and running there first. Just head to IFTTT.com, sign up and connect your services. From there you can browse channels and create recipes to get things automated. You can also snag the iPhone app so you can do all of these things from your phone as well. Note that IFTTT recently split their service into two parts — If and Do. This piece will mostly cover the If side of things, as there aren't any Do recipes for ecobee at this time.

The overall process consists of creating an if this, then that recipe (hence IFTTT). So for the ecobee 3, we'll be basing recipes on triggers from the ecobee 3 (like temperature change) or actions from other devices (like opening a door, or a preset time).

IFTTT offers a huge variety of channels that apply to the smart home — from the ecobee 3 itself to other devices like SmartThings and Wemo — so you'll be able to dive in and do all kinds of crazy things there.

Some basics start at getting alerts (email, SMS) when the ecobee 3 temperature reaches a high or low threshold, alerts when someone changes the temperature, or alerts for the outdoor temperature or humidity. You can also log events to a Google Doc, like changes in temperate or thermostat modes.

While the ecobee 3 itself features built-in scheduling, you can do a bit more of that through IFTTT as well. You can create a time-based recipe to change the temperature, or create various schedules for thermostat modes. IFTTT's location services also lets you change things when you come and go from home, or even another location — which is great for things like turning on the heat at home when you leave the office.

Beyond these simple recipes, the real beauty of IFTTT lies in how it ties your smart devices together. Using other services like SmartThings, Wemo, Philips Hue, or even just an iOS device, you can have your ecobee 3 perform based on actions of other devices, or vice versa. Here are a few recipes you can activate right now with minimal work.

• When I get to the office, set the thermostat to Away
• Set ecobee to home when SmartThings detects you've arrived
• If it is very cold, run the heating a little extra to prevent frozen pipes
• Add a vacation to your calendar? Create a vacation on ecobee
• Put ecobee thermostat to Sleep Profile when Up sleep mode enabled

You can setup actions like having your ecobee 3 turn on an external fan based on outdoor temperature, or turn off the heat/AC when a door or window is opened. I have a few recipes like this setup, using my ecobee 3 as a trigger for certain devices. My main one — since I have no central AC in my house — triggers a Wemo switch that's connected to an external AC unit. When the temperature on the ecobee 3 reaches a certain high point, it turns on the switch. When it reaches a preset cooler low point, it turns the switch off again. It's essentially a power saver mode of sorts for my outdated window unit, all running through IFTTT.

The fun doesn't stop there though — there are dozens of recipes that you can take action on. Wear a Fitbit? You can set your ecobee 3 to turn up the heat when you wake up, or lower the temperature when you're sleeping. If you have a smart sprinkler system, you can set the ecobee 3 to turn it on when the humidity reaches a certain level. The possibilities run deep.

The list of recipes goes on and on and on. Here are the basics of adding automation to your ecobee 3 using IFTTT from the web:

• Login to IFTTT
• Click My Recipes, then Create Recipe
• Click This
• Choose your trigger channel and action and click Create Trigger (either the ecobee 3 or another device)
• Enter any required info
• Click That, choose a channel and action
• Click Create Action, then Create Recipe

If you own an ecobee 3, there's no reason not to play around with IFTTT. It's crazy awesome to link up your WiFi thermostat to other smart devices, but even if you don't have any, you can still use a few recipes to make your home even smarter.

Buy an ecobee 3 Smart WiFi Thermostat at Amazon

As soon as we finished installing the Ecobee3 wifi thermostat, we immediately began using it with our iPhones and our Apple Watches. Those are the devices with have with us all the time, so having Ecobee on them was a no-brainer. When we wanted to do even more, however, we went to the iPad!

Since we'd already registered with Ecobee, all we had to do for our iPad was download the app and log in.

You can do everything on your iPad that you can do directly on the Ecobee3 touch screen, maybe even more. That's because the iPad app has graphs that let you better appreciate the status of your system over time. Also, Because the iPad is so big, you don't have to jump between screens either. Almost everything you want is right there at your finger tips, almost all of the time.

That includes the main menu, where you can check the status of the system and sensors, set your schedule and comfort settings, add vacation plans, set reminders and alerts, and get more information about your Ecobee3.

It also includes weather, which gives you detailed information about your local temperature, precipitation, and more. Since your Ecobee3 can perform actions based on outside conditions as well as inside, it's important information to have in-app. And it includes quick changes, where you can find convenient toggles for things like turning the fan on or off.

That means you can put your feet up and not only control but consider your Ecobee3 system right from your couch, kitchen, or anywhere you want.

The Ecobee3 can be controlled by the on-device touch-screen, the ecobee3 iPhone app, and now also with the Apple Watch. I have to admit, even though it's limited, it's also absolutely amazing. The idea that I can monitor and control the climate in my house from the kitchen table, from bed, from the back porch, or from far away is something straight out of science fiction.

The Ecobee3 watch app tells you the current temperature and the temperature it's supposed to be. Those will always be slightly different, but knowing both you can adjust if and as needed. There are also buttons for the Ecobee3 and the remote sensor.

Force touch options include Fan on, Fan Auto, Home, or Away. Again, it's just the essentials, but it's incredibly convenient to have those essentials always available and right on your wrist.

Once we set up and installed the Ecobee3 wifi thermostat, the next step was to set it up on our iPhone. To do that, we downloaded the Ecobee3 app and then registered a new user using the code provided by the thermostat. We set up our account name and password, and then we were good to go.

Once the app is installed, you can do everything on your iPhone that you can do directly on the Ecobee3 touch screen. That's all accomplished using the three tabs on the bottom.

The first — hamburger icon — takes you to the main menu. From there you can check the status of the system and sensors, set your schedule and comfort settings, add vacation plans, set reminders and alerts, and get more information about your Ecobee3.

The second — weather icon — takes you to the weather section. Just as the name implies, this screen provides you with detailed information about your local temperature, precipitation, and more. Since your Ecobee3 can perform actions based on outside conditions as well as inside, it's important information to have in-app.

The last — hamburger gear icon — takes you to quick changes. Also as the name implies, here's where you can find convenient toggles for things like turning the fan on or off.

That makes it incredibly convenient to manage the entire system. Instead of having to get up and switch rooms or floors, I can just open the app and check the temperature and make any changes I may need.

That's especially true because it works over cellular, not just wifi. So, thanks to Ecobee3, I can now control the temperature in my house no matter where I am. All I need is my iPhone and an internet connection.

ecobee makes a smart thermostat that connects to your existing central heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system and then connects that system to your iPhone or iPad. Now the company is launching a new version of the ecobee3 hardware that's also enabled for HomeKit, which adds support for scheduled and triggered actions, and for voice control via Apple's Siri virtual personal assistant.

When asked what HomeKit brought to the smarter thermostat, ecobee told iMore:

The new, HomeKit-enabled version of ecobee3 will be available in July from the Apple Store. Pricing remains $249 for the thermostat and a starter sensor, and $79 for a pair of additional sensors.

iMore recently took a look at installing and setting up the current ecobee3, and we've also put together a full HomeKit explainer for the technical details, and a HomeKit FAQ to answer the most common questions.

Full ecobee3 press release below.

Available at Apple Stores in July

TORONTO (June 2, 2015) –– ecobee Inc. today announced that the ecobee3 smarter wifi thermostat now supports Apple HomeKit, allowing users to better manage their environment and ensure comfort where it matters most in their home. The beautifully designed and smart ecobee3, from the maker of the world's first wifi connected smart thermostat, is the first smart thermostat built with HomeKit support and will be available at Apple Stores in July.

"As the first HomeKit-enabled smart thermostat, we couldn't be happier to bring this revolutionary technology to customers," said Stuart Lombard, president and CEO of ecobee. "The new ecobee3 uses wireless remote sensors to deliver the right temperature to the rooms that matter most, and now customers can conveniently control their temperature using Siri on their iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, or the ecobee app."

Designed for homes with more than one room, the ecobee3 smarter wifi thermostat and remote sensors measure temperature and occupancy in multiple locations, resulting in increased comfort when you're home and energy savings when you're away. The sleek and functional ecobee3 addresses varying temperatures and begins conserving energy to deliver savings immediately after installation. The ecobee3 saves homeowners an average of 23 percent on their heating and cooling bills.  

Apple introduced HomeKit in iOS to communicate with and control connected accessories in a user's home. It can be used to enable users to discover HomeKit accessories and configure them and can be used to create actions to control those devices.

Users can group actions together and trigger them using Siri. HomeKit is built on a secure foundation with end-to-end encryption which provides customers a secure connection between their iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and HomeKit-enabled accessory.

Pricing, Availability and Compatibility

The HomeKit-compatible ecobee3 will be available for $249 when it goes on sale in July at Apple Stores. The ecobee3 thermostat comes with one free wireless remote sensor and supports up to 32 sensors total. Additional remote sensors can be purchased in a package of two for $79.The ecobee3 is designed to be compatible with 95 percent of residential heating and cooling systems in North America and does not require a C-wire when using the included Power Extender Kit. To ensure ecobee3 will work in your home, visit www.ecobee.com/compatibility.

About ecobee

ecobee Inc. introduced the world's first wifi connected smart thermostat in 2009. The company's award-winning thermostats have enabled hundreds of thousands of consumers to control their home comfort anytime and from anywhere, using their smartphone, tablet or computer. For more information visit www.ecobee.com.

Our friends at Android Central recently took a deeper look at Google's Nest, so we thought we'd do the same thing with the ecobee4, which as thermostats go, might be even smarter. And we're starting with a hands-on install!

• $249 - Order now

Step 1: Disconnecting the dumb

Right from the start, Ecobee did a good job with the instructions. They made the process seem simple, which took a lot of the stress out of something that could otherwise seem like a major change to your home.

First, we went into the garage to power off the HVAC system (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning). A couple of switches later, and we were ready to go. That meant taking the cover off the old thermostat.

The next step was the most daunting: We had to label all the wires. Ecobee provided stickers to make it easier, but it was slow going just because none of us had ever done anything like that before. For example, there was a warning about high voltage systems, which we didn't really understand. So, we ignored it and proceeded anyway. It turned out fine, but some extra help here would have been appreciated.

From there we followed the instructions carefully — we matched the wires from our old thermostat to the stickers Ecobee provided. Because we had the wire labeled "C", we got to skip ahead. If we hadn't, we'd have had to install the power extender kit as well.

Step 2: Setting up the smart

Attaching the back wall plate was also easy, but it wasn't obvious. There were only two sizes, but one was already attached to the unit and we didn't realize it. Once we figured that out, it was simple to install. ecobee4 even comes with a level, which is great, because it makes it easy to keep it straight.

Because the old thermostat was a horizontal rounded rectangle, and the ecobee4 is a circle, they don't cover the same wall area. That means Georgia has an excuse to will need to repaint.

Reconnecting the wires proved to be the biggest challenge. We couldn't figure out from the directions how to match them back up. So, we called Ecobee support. Even though it was a weekend, they answered quickly. While we were initially told we'd have to wait for a customer service rep, the rep answered almost immediately.

Once we started talking, the rep asked a few questions, which we answered, and then he told us exactly how to proceed. That level of support is impressive!

Next we plugged in the actual ecobee4 unit, then went down to the garage to turn the HVAC system back on. The Ecobee screen lit up right away with instructions on what to do next. We followed along to set up wifi, to register online with the provided code, and to get everything up and running. Much of it was done right on the ecobee4 touch screen, which was great. The registration was done on the iPhone, which was also great.

The remote sensor was even easier. We removed the battery sticker and it paired immediately. The we placed it, as recommended, in a high traffic area.

Step 3: Climate controlled!

The entire ecobee4 installation and setup was faster and easier than we expected, and now we're happily testing the smart thermostat on both our iPhones and Apple Watches.

That will be the subject of our next installments!

• $249 - Order now

Wifi thermostats are making their way into more and more homes. Gone are the old mercury dials that simply turned your system on or off & adjusted the temperature, here to stay are new devices that you can customize and control from a mobile device when you're miles away from home. In our pursuit to find the best wifi thermostat of them all, we spent some time with the ecobee3 — a new device that has plenty of smart features — and some that make it even smarter than the competition.

The ecobee3 is a simple, understated thermostat that takes control of your smart home and does much of the thinking for you. It's not overloaded with settings that will confuse the average homeowner, but still gives you plenty of control over your entire heating and cooling system. What's awesome about the ecobee3 is that it not only monitors the temperature in just one room like a standard thermostat, but it can actually watch over up to 32 rooms with ecobee3 sensors.

The ecobee3 isn't much bigger than a standard thermostat. It won't take up much space on your wall, and definitely isn't an eyesore like some other, larger thermostats. The only color available currently is black, but even on my white wall, the ecobee3 looks great. It's square with rounded corners, and there are two mounting options available depending on your setup. In most cases, the smaller mounting plate will do best as it sits behind the unit and doesn't protrude around the edges. For those needing to cover up an old install (holes in the wall, mismatched paint) there is a large plate included as well that will do the trick.

The ecobee3 supports conventional 2H/2C, heat pump (4H/2C) including 2-stage, gas, oil, electric, dual fuel, humidifier, dehumidifier, ventilator, and HRV or ERV. Basically, any standard system will be okay with the ecobee3.

If you're even the least bit handy, you shouldn't have too much trouble installing the ecobee3. If you already have a wifi thermostat or powered unit, you're in good shape. If not, the ecobee3 comes with a Power Extender Kit to help with the install. The kit allows you to tap into the powered C wire at your furnace, rather than having to run a new wire up to your thermostat. Having done this in the past, I know what a pain it can be, so the fact that this is even an option when installing the ecobee3 is awesome. This will definitely make life easier for those upgrading from an outdated, non-powered unit.

The box includes a set of labels to stick onto your old wires so you know what's what before you begin. After that, take out the old wires (of course make sure your power is off first), pop off the old unit, and install the ecobee3 back plate. Once you're done, snap on the ecobee3, power things up and you're good to go. The ecobee3 will run you through a quick setup to get everything going and functioning properly. You can use the touchscreen on the unit to get setup, but you'll have to fire up the mobile app too so you can connect your ecobee3 and control things from afar (more on that later).

After setup, the ecobee3 takes a bit to calibrate, so just be patient while it does its thing. When done you can walk away, or dive a bit deeper into the settings to tweak things up as needed.

Using the ecobee3 is easy as can be. Everything you'll need immediately — reading & changing the temperature, checking the weather, viewing the humidity, or getting to settings — is all right on the main screen.

In the middle of the screen you'll see the current temperature. On top sits the system mode (heat/cool/auto/off) and humidity indicator. On the bottom of the screen is the main menu, weather and quick change.

To change the set temperature, simply tap the slider on the right side of the screen and drag it up or down to the desired temperature. The unit will reflect the change, and below the temperature indicator you'll see a note of the current setting.

The bottom left icon gives you access to the main menu, where you'll find everything you need — access to settings, schedule, sensors, comfort settings, vacation, reminders, and more.

Diving into the main menu, you can easily change settings for heating & cooling, as well as your ideal comfort levels. These levels — noted as Home, Away, and Sleep — can be automatically changed on a set schedule, or when your presence isn't detected. The schedule lets you have preset temperatures for every day of the week (or you can just copy one and make them all the same) and it abides by your selected comfort levels. So you can choose to have the heat come on at 6am each day to 68 degrees, then go down to 60 at 10:30pm when you go to bed.

What's cool here is that you can enable what ecobee calls Heating Smart Recovery. With this on, the unit will actually bring your house to temperature by the desired time, rather than power on at that time. For example, I have my house set to heat to 68 at 6am. Rather than the ecobee3 turning on the heat at 6am, it goes on prior to my set time and brings the house up to temperature so it's 68-degrees at 6am. Warm, toasty, and awesome.

Sensors

One of the coolest features of the ecobee3 is the ability to use external sensors in different rooms across your home. So not only will your ecobee3 unit pick up the temperature from where it's placed (your living room for example), but you can also use sensors in other rooms to get an average temperature across the entire house. In my case, my office is always way colder than the rest of my house, so placing a sensor on my desk allows me to have the temperature of the room sent to the ecobee3 where it adjusts the heating accordingly based on an average of the two temps — very cool stuff. Plus you can add in a ton of sensors as you see fit (a two pack is $79) so you can have total control over your home.

The sensors also feature a follow me function, so you can choose to only take into account temperatures from rooms that have recent activity. So if you're not active in your family room or basement, those temperatures won't be included in the average for the home.

The ecobee3 will also pay attention to when you're home or away. So even if your home schedule is running, the device will recognize if you're actually not and then adjust the temperature accordingly. Same if your away schedule is set but someone is actually home. So you can go about your business while the ecobee3 does the thinking for you.

There are plenty of other things to tweak within the settings as well. Home / away modes, temperature thresholds, alerts and more. You can choose how the ecobee3 reacts when you change the temperature during a schedule period (hold permanently, hold until next action). There isn't too much to be overbearing, yet just enough to give you the control you need to have everything set just the way you want.

Of course, you can also control your ecobee3 when you're not in the house using the companion mobile app. The app doesn't have the deep settings of the thermostat itself (nor does it need them) but it lets you control the temperature, turn your system on or off, change schedules, edit vacations, and check alerts among other things.

The main screen of the mobile app essentially mirrors the display on your ecobee3 unit. You'll see the current set temperature, temperature slider, system mode, humidity, and even weather. It's clean, simple, and just plain works. I haven't had any issues with the app whatsoever in my few weeks of use.

The web interface is much of the same, just with more of a dashboard layout and a few different options. But being able to access your ecobee3 from mobile and the web is awesome and super easy.

Although not officially supported, the ecobee3 works with SmartThings as well — so if you're a SmartThings user you can integrate the ecobee3 with your current setup. You'll need to add a custom device type and tweak a few things, but you'll then be able to control your thermostat through the SmartThings app as well — including temperature, system functions, and more. You can also create actions using the ecobee3 like turning down the heat if a door is left open, or turing it up when you arrive home. Loads of possibilites.

I do have to say that I love my ecobee3. I've played with a bunch of other wifi thermostats in my connected lifetime, and so far this is the one that stands out to me the most. It offers features that are on par with other big names like Nest and Honeywell, and it's extremely easy to setup and just plain works. I've had zero issues with it and that's how I like it.

The sensors have been huge for me as well. Having a split-level house I've often had a hard time getting the temperature where I need it on all levels of my home, but thanks to the ecobee3 sensors, I've been able to have more control over what's going on, making for a more comfortable living space all around. (Now I just need more to fill up all my other rooms!)

If you're in the market for a new thermostat for your connected home — look no further than the ecobee3. It's available now for $249 and will pay for itself in no time at all.

• More info / purchase ecobee3 at Amazon

Ahead of the launch of HomeKit devices, Apple has started selling the Ecobee3 smart thermostat in its online and physical stores. The Ecobee3 will share shelf space at Apple with the competing Google-owned Nest Learning Thermostat, showing Apple is starting to expand the category with more products. The thermostat retails for $249.95.

Unlike other smart thermostat, the Ecobee3 could be paired with up to 32 wireless sensors to detect temperature readings in different rooms so that the thermostat could adjust the temperature accordingly.

Like Nest, Ecobee3 can be paired with a smartphone for temperature adjustments that way.

At its retail price, Ecobee3 is the same price as Nest. If you're curious about the Ecobee3, be sure to check out our hands-on at Connectedly.

Source: Apple

Earlier this month, ecobee has introduced the ecobee3 smarter wi-fi thermostat and wireless remote sensors. What makes it stand out is that it can measure temperature and occupancy in multiple locations, resulting in increased comfort when you're home and energy savings when you're away. We got up close and personal with the ecobee3 on Monday. Go watch the video!

The ecobee3 features a 3.5-inch capacitive touchscreen display with a newly designed user interface. Working with its remote sensors, the ecobee3 recognizes which rooms are occupied and automatically adjusts the temperature based on the readings in those rooms. The more sensors you add, the smarter your ecobee3 becomes at delivering comfort where it matters and savings where it counts.

The iOS and Android apps have a very similar user interface from the actual thermostat.

The ecobee3 smart thermostat with remote sensor is available now in the US and Canada for $249 through their website, ecobee.com. It comes with one free wireless remote sensor. Additional remote sensors can be purchased in a package of two for $79. Do you want this in your home? Let us know what you think!