Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium Review: Worth the Upgrade?
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Links to everything I mentioned are available here: [link].
Ecobee Premium Review: The Smart Thermostat That Saved Me $10,000 and Monitors Air Quality
When my electrician told me I needed a $10,000 furnace replacement because my Nest thermostat kept causing system failures, I was devastated. But switching to the Ecobee Premium not only solved my HVAC problems instantly, it also introduced me to air quality monitoring that's been a game-changer for my work-from-home productivity. Here's my complete review after using both generations of Ecobee thermostats.
Why I Ditched Nest for Ecobee (Best Decision Ever)
My Nest Learning Thermostat looked pretty on the wall, but it was causing me serious headaches. The system would randomly stall, the auto-schedule feature was completely useless, and I was staring down a massive repair bill. My electrician straight up told me to get an Ecobee because they work better with most furnaces and don't have the weird compatibility issues Nest is known for. The second I installed the Ecobee, all my furnace problems vanished. Seriously, it was like magic.
What Makes the Ecobee Premium Actually Worth It
The Ecobee Premium isn't just another smart thermostat. It comes with a SmartSensor that you can stick in any room, and the thermostat will prioritize that room's temperature. I put mine in the bedroom so I'm not freezing at night because the living room happens to be warm from afternoon sun. The 60-foot range means you can put these sensors basically anywhere.
But here's what blew my mind: the built-in air quality monitor. This thing tracks CO2 levels, chemical pollutants, and humidity all day long. I had no idea that the CO2 in my home office was making me feel like garbage. Harvard research shows high CO2 can tank your brain function by 60%. No wonder I was dragging through afternoon work sessions.
Energy Data That Actually Helps You Save Money
Nest gives you cute little summaries, but Ecobee gives you the real deal. I can download 18 months of detailed energy data and see exactly when my system runs, how much energy it uses, and spot patterns I never noticed. This isn't just tech nerd stuff either. I actually lowered my energy bills by adjusting my schedule based on this data. Nest just tells you "your system ran for 4 hours today" which is basically useless.
The Air Quality Thing Is Actually Life-Changing
I used to have a separate Awair Element monitor sitting on my desk tracking air quality. Having it built into the thermostat is so much cleaner, and it covers the important stuff: CO2, chemical fumes, and humidity. When CO2 hits 1000 ppm in my office, I can literally feel my brain getting foggy. The Ecobee pings my phone so I know to crack a window or take a break.
This isn't just feel-good wellness nonsense either. Studies from Oxford show people work 60% faster when CO2 levels are lower. Since I work from home, this directly impacts my income. Better air quality means better work, which means more money. Simple math.
Installation Was Surprisingly Easy
I'm not exactly Mr. Fix-It, but the Ecobee installation was pretty straightforward. They include a Power Extender Kit for older homes without the right wiring, which saved me from calling an electrician. The app walks you through everything step by step, and I had it running in under an hour. Way easier than I expected for a device this advanced.
Smart Features That Don't Suck
The Premium has Alexa and Siri built right in, so you can talk to your thermostat or play music through it. I don't use this much, but it's handy for quick temperature changes when my hands are full. It also plays nice with HomeKit, Google Assistant, and pretty much every other smart home system you can think of.
Ecobee vs Nest: Why Ecobee Wins
After living with both systems, Ecobee beats Nest in almost every way that matters. Better furnace compatibility, way more detailed energy data, remote sensors included in the box, air quality monitoring, and controls that actually make sense. The new Premium screen is huge and super responsive compared to Nest's sluggish interface.
Nest looks cooler and has that learning thing going for it, but honestly, I'd rather have a thermostat that works reliably and gives me useful information. The Premium's radar technology for motion sensing is also miles ahead of Nest's basic sensors.
Six Months Later: Still Love This Thing
I've been using the Ecobee Premium for six months now, and it's been rock solid. The air quality alerts have become part of my daily routine, my energy bills are noticeably lower, and I sleep better because the bedroom sensor keeps that room at the perfect temperature. Zero regrets on this purchase.
The only downside is that it doesn't track quite as many air quality factors as something like the Awair Element, but it hits the important ones that actually affect how you feel day to day.
Bottom Line: Should You Buy It?
At $329, the Ecobee Premium is absolutely worth it if you're upgrading from a basic thermostat or having issues with Nest. The SmartSensor alone costs $50 if you buy it separately, and you get air quality monitoring that could literally make you more productive at work. For anyone working from home or dealing with allergies, this is a no-brainer purchase.
Just make sure to check the compatibility tool on Ecobee's website before you order. Most systems work fine, but it's worth double-checking so you don't have any surprises during installation.
Watch My Full Video Review
I made a detailed video [link] showing the installation, all the features, and real-world testing with actual air quality readings. Check it out above if you want to see this thing in action before making a decision.
This review reflects my personal experience with the Ecobee Premium. Your results may vary based on your home's setup and usage. When in doubt, consult an HVAC professional for system-specific advice.
