No, ecobee is not owned by Amazon. It was acquired in 2021 by Generac Holdings, a prominent energy technology company and generator manufacturer.
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium costs the same as its Nest rival, but it includes a few extra features that might win you over. We love that it comes with a remote sensor and a built-in smart speaker, but the biggest highlight is Apple HomeKit support.
The Amazon Smart Thermostat is a budget-friendly, ENERGY STAR-certified device priced around $80. Manufactured with Honeywell Home technology, it allows you to easily control and schedule your HVAC system remotely via the Alexa app.
Ecobee is owned by Generac Holdings Inc., a leading manufacturer of energy technology solutions and backup power products. Generac acquired the smart home company for up to $770 million in late 2021.
Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
– Temperature Offset: Use the calibration feature to adjust the temperature reading. – Sensor Problems: Make sure sensors are placed in open areas and not blocked.
Ecobee thermostats are built to last an average of 10 to 12 years. Because they are hardwired into your HVAC system, they do not rely on batteries to maintain power, allowing their hardware and internal components to serve your home long-term.
Nest. The Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) is another really popular choice for smart home technology. It's a perfect Ecobee alternative since it's also built for low-voltage HVAC systems, like furnaces, central air, and heat pumps.
Ecobee is best for smart home integration, multi-room comfort, and detailed energy reporting. Honeywell is ideal if you want a reliable, no-nonsense setup, traditional physical interfaces, and lower upfront costs.
Ecobee does not charge a fee for basic thermostat features or app access, but offers optional Smart Security subscription plans starting at $5/month for video storage and professional monitoring.
The best thermostat for your home depends on your smart ecosystem, system type, and budget. Three top-tier brands dominate the market, each excelling in specific areas:
Jeff Bezos does not own Amazon entirely, but he is the company's founder, its executive chairman, and its largest individual shareholder with a roughly 9% ownership stake.
The Amazon Smart Thermostat is an affordable, Alexa-centric device suited for budget-conscious users who want basic smart controls. The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential is a step up, offering a built-in touchscreen, broader smart home compatibility (Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant), and advanced eco-friendly scheduling features.
Price Differences
Upfront prices are one thing, but you need to think in terms of value for the money as well: Nest Learning Thermostat: $279.99 (includes one temperature sensor). Ecobee Premium: $249.99 (includes one SmartSensor). Mysa: $159, no accessories needed.
Other systems that ecobee thermostats are not compatible with: Millivolt systems (e.g., wall heaters or floor heaters) DC voltage (e.g., heating and cooling systems in recreational vehicles) Proprietary systems (non-standard wire labels, e.g., 1,2,3,4 or A,B,C,D, indicate your system is proprietary.)
The best wireless smart thermostat depends on your ecosystem and wiring. The Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) is the top choice for design and AI scheduling, while the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is best overall for smart home integration and room-by-room temperature balancing.
ecobee All Smart Thermostats in Smart Efficiency - Walmart.com.
Smart Thermostat Premium, SmartThermostat with voice control, and ecobee4 all have Alexa Built-in. Once you connect them to Alexa, you will be able to talk to Alexa directly through your thermostat.
Ecobee is a Canadian home automation company, though its parent company is American.
The best thermostat brand depends on your smart home ecosystem and heating setup, but Ecobee, Google Nest, and Honeywell Home are the top choices. They offer features like geofencing, remote app control, and energy savings to help lower utility bills.
Thermostat tinkering
Adjusting your thermostat just a few degrees can increase your heating bill by more than 10%. Changing to a programmable thermostat can make a huge difference and save you money by allowing you to automatically manage your heating needs so you don't use energy when you don't need to.
Our top pick, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, not only controls your heating and cooling but also serves as a voice assistant, an air quality monitor, and a home security device.
In general, industry experts say you can set your thermostat between 50 and 65 degrees when you're away in winter. But don't go lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit, or you run the risk of pipes freezing in extreme cold.
Smart thermostats offer remote control and energy savings, but have key drawbacks. These include high upfront costs, potential compatibility issues with older HVAC wiring, a steep learning curve for app interfaces, and dependence on a stable Wi-Fi connection. Furthermore, they often lack significant savings for those who work from home.