There are a variety of tools and implements that revolve around the idea of home improvement schemes. The options that are immediately available for consumption are vast and multifaceted. Some of the items you may find in the course of your explorations may seem simple and common sense, while other gadgets add an air of sophistication and unprecedented convenience to your daily routine. There are a number of considerations you need to weigh before you can make any final purchases. How can you determine which tool is worth your hard earned money and which ones you should skip? The overarching guiding factor you should use to guide every investment decision you make has to do with the impact the purchase has on the way you move through your daily routine. One of the most notable devices to have entered mainstream consciousness is the Wi-Fi thermostat. What is this device about? Is it worth the investment?
Ecobee3 Review
Simply put, Wi-Fi thermostats are devices that allow you to control the heating and cooling aspects of your personal living space. The distinguishing feature that separates a Wi-Fi thermostat from the programmable home thermostat is its ability to make temperature adjustments remotely. By using a reliable internet connection, you can easily manipulate the temperature levels in your own home via a web page or even your mobile phone. There are a number of tangible benefits to be gained from the decision to purchase a Wi-Fi thermostat. By making the right changes, you can realize huge savings over time by reducing your energy use. Cases where you forgot to turn off the heating or cooling functions in your own home can be easily remedied by using such a device. The market is currently saturated with various variations of this unique device. Considerable attention has been paid to the Ecobee3 WiFi Thermostat. Let’s take a closer look at the features and functions of the device in question and calculate its value as a viable purchase that you might want to make.
Design
There have been a number of Wi-Fi thermostats that have garnered a significant amount of attention over a period of time. Canadian company Ecobee has produced a distinctive product that creates a strong sense of identity in the relatively saturated market for wireless thermostats. Most of the wireless thermostats you can find are shaped like a hockey puck. The Ecobee3 sets itself apart from the competition by having an incredibly stylish casing. The device is housed in a 3.9-inch black square-shaped case with rounded corners. In terms of width, the wireless thermostat is less than an inch thick (0.90 inches to be precise). The physical package of the device is completed with a 3.5-inch full color touch screen. Behind the device, a white-walled plate contains 11 terminal connections for heat pumps, air handlers, refrigeration, heating, and accessories. Consumers who are interested in the question of device compatibility will be interested to know that the Ecobee3 is compatible with most 1 and 2 stage HVAC systems on the market today.
User interface
A quick review of the Ecobee3 wouldn’t be complete without a scan of the device’s screen. The screen of the device records the current temperature that a room has. The right side of the interface features a vertical slider for users who are more interested in manually setting the temperature. The degree of responsiveness of the Ecobee3 has a relatively pleasant degree of sensitivity. Overall, the screen itself is deeply responsive to every gesture and the interface lends itself well to an easy and intuitive browsing experience. The only negative that some users may find trouble with has to do with the slider settings. Some people may find the slider to be too sensitive. You may need to perform a few measured gestures before you can finally reach the desired temperature mark. All in all, the slider may be the only minor flaw in a slick interface.
The device interface is where users go to make the necessary adjustments to the HVAC system. If you want to set the fan run times to a specific schedule, you’ll need to spend most of your time fiddling with the controls. One of the distinguishing features that you may want to take advantage of is the extensive programming options that the Ecobee3 possesses. People who are constantly traveling can make good use of the wireless thermostat’s ability to work with their departure and arrival dates. There is also a wide variety of alerts that you can use. People who have trouble keeping track of HVAC maintenance needs would do well to familiarize themselves with alerts covering filter replacements, maintenance schedules, and other notable notification features.
Application support for wearable devices and the sensor
The biggest draw that most consumers want to consider has to do with the remote control features of the device. For people who want to manipulate the device with their iOS or Android device, the Ecobee3 comes with basic apps for those devices that allow each user to manipulate the basic functions found in the native menus of the wireless thermostat. Users who intend to use the mobile phone app to make modifications to the device’s remote sensors may end up being disappointed. The modifications in question must be made in the device’s own thermostat.
The box comes with a single remote motion and temperature sensor that can be easily assigned to any room of your choice. This sensor automatically measures the temperature of the entire room and sends a signal to the wireless thermostat to ensure that the device maintains the proper degree of room temperature. The sensor automatically detects movement to bring the room to a comfortable temperature level and suspends all heating and cooling mechanisms in place when the space is empty. Users who want to purchase additional sensors have to shell out around $79 for each additional sensor.
Installation Procedures and Overviews
When it comes to the installation procedures, everything is straightforward and easy to learn. People unfamiliar with the details surrounding thermostat wiring procedures can easily become acquainted with a quick glance at the device’s installation guide. If you are still a bit hesitant about going through the installation procedure yourself, you may need to hire a professional. All in all, the Ecobee3 comes in a sleek package and has a user-friendly interface. Installation procedures are simple and easy to understand, and web and app support for a variety of iOS and Android devices is second nature. The only grip people can find with the device has to do with the slider. Overall, the Ecobee3 is a solid device for people looking for a reliable wireless thermostat.