Why I Upgraded to the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
After 6 months with my old programmable thermostat, I decided to test the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium. At $249.99, it’s not cheap – but with built-in Alexa, Siri support, and air quality monitoring, does it justify the premium price? Here’s my detailed experience.
What Makes the Ecobee Premium Different?
Most smart thermostats adjust temperature. The Ecobee Premium goes further with indoor air quality monitoring and voice control built-in – no separate Echo or HomePod required.
Key Features at a Glance
- Built-in Alexa & Siri: Control with voice, play music, check weather – directly from the thermostat
- Air Quality Monitor: Tracks VOCs and CO2 levels, alerts when air needs refreshing
- SmartSensor Included: Detects occupancy and temperature in other rooms for balanced comfort
- 4-inch HD Touchscreen: Crystal clear display with intuitive interface
- Energy Reports: Monthly savings breakdown and efficiency tips
- HomeKit, Google & Alexa: Works with all major smart home platforms
Quick Verdict
The Ecobee Premium is worth it if you want voice control without extra devices and care about air quality. For basic temperature control, the cheaper Ecobee3 Lite suffices.
Ecobee Premium vs Nest Learning Thermostat
| Feature | Ecobee Premium | Nest Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.99 | $249.00 |
| Voice Assistant | Alexa + Siri built-in | Google Assistant (requires speaker) |
| Air Quality | Yes – VOCs & CO2 | No |
| Remote Sensor | 1 included | Sold separately ($40) |
| Learning | Schedule-based | Auto-learning |
Installation: Easier Than Expected
I’m not an electrician, but the DIY installation took 25 minutes. The Ecobee app guides you with step-by-step photos. Key points:
- Works with 95% of HVAC systems (check compatibility on ecobee.com)
- C-wire required (power adapter included if you don’t have one)
- All tools included in the box
6-Week Test Results
I tested the Ecobee Premium through winter heating and here’s what happened:
Energy Savings
My first month bill dropped 18% ($34 savings). The SmartSensor detected I was away 3 afternoons and auto-adjusted.
Air Quality Alerts
Surprising feature: it alerted me when cooking VOCs spiked, prompting me to open windows. Actually useful, not gimmick.
Voice Control Daily Use
« Alexa, set temperature to 72 » works instantly. I also use it for timers, weather, and Spotify – replaces my kitchen Echo Dot.
What I Liked (Pros)
- ✅ No extra smart speaker needed – Alexa built-in works great
- ✅ Air quality data is genuinely useful – changed my ventilation habits
- ✅ SmartSensor balances temperature – bedroom finally matches living room
- ✅ Beautiful display – looks premium on the wall
- ✅ Detailed energy reports – gamifies saving money
- ✅ HomeKit integration seamless – Siri works perfectly
What Could Be Better (Cons)
- ❌ Pricey – $250 is steep vs $169 Ecobee3 Lite
- ❌ No auto-learning like Nest – you set schedules manually
- ❌ Speaker quality just « okay » – fine for voice, not music
- ❌ App occasionally slow – 3-second delay sometimes
Who Should Buy the Ecobee Premium?
Buy if you:
- Want voice control without buying Echo/Dot separately
- Care about indoor air quality (allergies, asthma, new baby)
- Have temperature imbalances between rooms
- Use Apple HomeKit ecosystem
Skip if you:
- Just want basic temperature control (get Ecobee3 Lite at $169)
- Want auto-learning schedules (get Nest Learning)
- Already have smart speakers everywhere
Where to Buy
Amazon has the best price with Prime shipping. Often on sale for $229.
👉 Check Current Phttps://amzn.to/4qmAKDerice on Amazon
*Affiliate link – I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting independent reviews!
Final Verdict
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium earns its 4.5/5 rating. At $249.99, it’s not for everyone – but if you value built-in voice control and air monitoring, it’s the best premium thermostat available.
My recommendation? Buy it if the air quality feature matters to you. Otherwise, the Ecobee3 Lite saves $80 for core smart features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it work without WiFi?
Basic temperature control works, but smart features, app control, and voice commands require WiFi.
Can I install it myself?
Yes, if you’re comfortable with basic wiring. Most users complete in 20-30 minutes. Professional installation costs ~$100.
Is the air quality sensor accurate?
Compared to my standalone Awair monitor, readings were within 10% – accurate enough for home use.
Does it work with heat pumps?
Yes, compatible with most heat pump systems. Check ecobee.com/compatibility to confirm.
What’s the warranty?
3-year manufacturer warranty. Amazon offers extended 4-year protection for ~$25.
Conclusion
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium justifies its price with unique features competitors lack. Built-in Alexa + air quality monitoring make it the smartest thermostat I’ve tested.
Have questions about the Ecobee Premium? Ask in the comments!
