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Ecobee 4 Rated
- Smart Capabilities
- Ease of Use
- Construction Quality
- Reliability
- Helps with Energy Efficiency?
- Value for Money
SHJ Verdict
Yes, the Ecobee 4 is expensive, but we think that this is one of the most important pieces of smart home technology available right now.
Not only can it key into all your other smart devices, as well as be controlled via Amazon Alexa, but it’s perfectly designed to help you save money and energy by becoming more energy efficient. It’s a real force for good in your home, plus it’s super easy to use.
There’s a new kid on the block in the world of home climate control — and it’s a world apart from the old generation.
Introducing the Ecobee4 Alexa-Enabled Thermostat with Sensor.
If you’re making your first foray into the smart home world, a smart thermostat is one of your most intelligent buys.
Not only can they help you save money on your energy bills and conserve the environment, but they can make your home a more comfortable place to live and be in too.
We’ve compiled absolutely everything you need to know in our Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat review below.
Let’s get straight to it, and see if it’s the right thermostat for you.
What is the Ecobee4?
Ecobee4 is the newest and smartest way to take control of the climate within your home.
This clever thermostatic device boasts top of the range tech to regulate the temperature in your home, eliminate hot and cold spots, and maximize the efficiency of your home heating and cooling systems.
But things get even better than that.
The Ecobee4 has been designed to be totally compatible with Alexa devices, and acts in the same way as an Echo or Echo Dot speaker to give you the benefit of many Alexa features as well as temperature and comfort control.
The sleek, modern design of the Ecobee4 smart thermostat is discrete enough to fit in anywhere, and features a square 3.5 inch touchscreen interface which clearly displays the temperature and allows for adjustment.
A simple neon light bar on the top of the device illuminates to let you know when Alexa is activated.
Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat Features
Customized Climate Control in Every Room
Traditional thermostats base their readings on the room in which they are placed, making their readings often wildly inaccurate.
With the Ecobee4, however, it’s a different story.
The device uses separate remote room sensors to monitor the temperature in each room individually and adjust it accordingly.
Not only that, but the Ecobee4 detects whether or not a room is occupied, and adapts the temperature for maximum comfort if someone is present. It comes supplied with one remote sensor for this purpose, but others can be purchased separately –up to 32 different smart sensors can be supported by the same Ecobee4 unit.
Eco-friendly Savings
Thanks to the Ecobee4’s individual remote room sensors with motion detectors, in addition to the temperature being adjusted for maximum comfort when someone is in a specific room, it is likewise adjusted for when the room is empty, resulting in a more energy efficient climate control system.
It can even detect your daily comings and goings and adapt the temperature accordingly automatically — so when you are not at home you’re spending less money heating or cooling your home, whether you’re out at work or away on vacation.
That’s a plus that’s better for the environment as well as your wallet.
The Ecobee4 provides free monthly energy reports so you can clearly see the savings you’re making.
Amazon Alexa Technology
If you’re unfamiliar with Amazon Alexa Voice Service, it’s essentially an intelligent, voice activated home assistant to which you can pose questions and get information, and complete tasks from managing your social engagements, to online shopping, listening to music and getting news and weather reports, playing games, ordering takeout or Ubers, sending gifts, listening to music and a wealth of other helpful and fun activities.
Like the Amazon Echo and Echo Dot which use Alexa, the Ecobee4 boasts 7 microphones specially designed using far field technology to be able to hear you clearly even when you’re not up close to the thermostat.
The speaker is the same as that used in the Echo Dot, so it’s powerful enough to make sure you can hear Alexa from across the room too.
Smart Home Compatible
The Ecobee4 boasts not only Alexa’s Smart home control capabilities, but also those of other smart home devices and systems.
This means it can be used to control everything from light levels, television channels and garage door operation to home security cameras with technology from Apple HomeKit, IFTTT, and Samsung’s smart home platform SmartThings as well.
Smartphone Control
There’s no need to panic if you’ve not told your Ecobee4 that you’re going to be away for a few days: you can simply stay in contact with the device via the handy smartphone app which allows you to adjust temperature settings wherever you are using your Android or iOS device.
Equally, if there is a problem while you’re away or a service is required, the Ecobee4 will send you an alert via the app to let you know something has gone awry.
The app also acts as a remote control to change the speaker volume settings or turn Alexa on or off.
Ecobee4 Set-Up
The Ecobee website features a host of helpful how to videos in order to get your Ecobee4 installed correctly with the minimum of fuss, but the process is really quite straightforward.
Physically mounting the unit on your chosen wall requires a few basic tools.
The first step is to turn off your current heating system at the main breaker switch, then remove your old thermostat cover.
After this it’s just a question of wiring the Ecobee4 in exactly the same way as the old unit, putting on the cover and turning the power back on. Always consult a professional if you have any doubts about the installation.
To get the ecobee4 up and running, you’ll need to register the device with your Amazon account.
This should automatically activate Alexa. Alexa can then be setup using the ecobe app on the device which will simply guide you through the process.
Take a look at this video to get a closer look at the install process:
Ecobee4 Review
The Positives
More Than Just a Thermostat
The fact that the Ecobee4 also comes with Amazon Alexa Voice Service already built in means that it can do much more than just adjust the temperature.
We’ve asked it to read us the news, set a countdown and more.
Plus, it’s got a built-in speaker for you to play music! And all without the need to spend additional bucks on an Amazon Echo or Echo Dot.
Control Smart Home Devices With Ease
The Ecobee4 integrates exceptionally well with all your existing and future Smart home technology — so much so that it quickly becomes the hub of the home.
It can make life run a lot more smoothly, leaving you more time to do the things you love.
Super Efficient
You really can save a lot of money with this thermostat.
Ecobee claim that on average Ecobee4 owners save on average a whopping 23% on heating and cooling your home over the course of a year — that’s pretty impressive stuff!
Accessory Support
Lesser smart thermostats struggle to regulate traditional devices like humidifiers and ventilators, but the remarkable Ecobee4 takes care of everything in one place.
Remote Access
It may have been sunny and warm when you left the house this morning, but the weatherman didn’t foresee those dark rainclouds approaching while you were out.
Fortunately with the ability to change the Ecobee4’s temperature settings remotely you can set the temperature remotely using your Smartphone to ensure your home is warm and toasty for when you return.
Hassle Free Setup
It might be a complex device, but the clear and comprehensive manual and the simple physical design of the ecobee4 make it super straightforward to install.
The Negatives
Cost
Whichever way you look at it the Ecobee4 is an expensive piece of kit, but it does give a lot of bang for the buck and it is one of the most high tech thermostats around.
Lack of Sensors
To get the most out of Ecobee4 it’s best to place a sensor in every room, but since the unit only comes supplied with a single sensor you’re going to have to dish ut some extra dollars to get all the sensors you need.
Overall Verdict
It may be a little on the pricey side, but the Ecobee4 is one of the best — if not the best — smart thermostats currently available, and considering the fact that with the integrated Alexa you can keep yourself entertained, organize your lifestyle, and boost your home tech for more stress free living, we think it’s definitely worth the investment.
Although there is an initial purchase cost, the Ecobee4 is the perfect choice for people who want to save money in the long run, and it is quick to make a return on the outlay.
Anyone who is looking for an easier, low cost life can benefit from the Ecobee4, and because it’s voice activated it can even benefit those with physical impairments that might make it difficult to use a traditional non-voice activated device. We love it!
Have you tried the Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat yet?
