By Gadjo C. Sevilla
Ecobee is an innovator in the smart thermostat and smart home automation space.
The Ecobee 3 Lite smart thermostat is a more affordable version of the popular Ecobee 3 and integrates with Samsung SmarThings, Apple HomeKit as well as Amazon Alexa for voice control.
After having it installed, it was a breeze to use directly or remotely through the iOS and Android Ecobee app.
For me, the attraction to the Ecobee 3 Lite (SRT $219.00) is its ease of use, specifically its clear and tactile touchscreen.
Glancing through various settings and menus is dead-easy and super intuitive to all levels of users. I like how the Ecobee 3 Lite brightens up its display when approached, it is like a wake from sleep mode.
We've had a problem keeping our basement warm at night and it was so difficult to regulate temperature properly in that space. Thanks to the ability of Ecobee 3 Lite to connect to remote room sensors (which can sense if a room is occupied), getting the right temperature and saving on hydro costs is easier than ever.
Ordinary thermostats read the temperature in one place (usually the hallway) which can make other rooms uncomfortable. Sensors address the hot and cold spots in your home to deliver comfort in the rooms that matter most, like your bedrooms, home office, or living area.
Ecobee 3 Lite also knows what temperature it is outside and can automatically regulate indoor temperature for better savings. By being able to use local weather, it can quickly cool or heat your home more accurately.
My family hsa travelled quite a lot this year and the Ecobee 3 Lite has been a great tool because the Vacation Mode keeps energy use low and easy to adjust while we were away.
Ecobee 3 Lite even works with Apple Watch and allows you some control directly from the wearable. In terms of connectivity and ease of use. The Ecobee 3 Lite offers a lot for its price range.
Rating: 4 out of 5