How Does Ecobee Work? Smart Sensor And Room Thermostat Comparison

Being able to control the temperature in your home is paramount, as this allows you to keep your spaces comfortable no matter the season. Given the current market, however, it can be difficult to find one that suits your automated home needs.

Most homeowners remain unaware that sensors, including Ecobee sensors, are now valued across the country for their convenience and accessibility. They adjust your home’s temperature, assisting either your heater or air conditioning system. As a result, you not only enjoy a more comfortable home but a cost-effective one. 

You also don’t have to worry about wasting money on temperature sensors that don’t really work. We’ve broken down everything you need to know about Ecobee sensors, including the many different types and how each can be beneficial to your home.

There’s no need to fret, we’re here to ensure that you arrive at a well-informed purchase decision. Let’s begin!

What Exactly Do Ecobee Sensors Do?

Why should you choose Ecobee sensors? For one, they’re one of the best smart sensors in the market. Although most smart thermostats monitor your entire home’s temperature, the Ecobee monitors using a remote sensor that targets multiple areas of your home. You don’t have to get a room sensor for the bedrooms, for instance, or a bathroom sensor. 

The Ecobee sensor analyzes the temperatures of every nook and cranny, and then allows you access to the average temperature values throughout the day. It also features a “Follow Me”, which allows you to adjust and match preferences from room to room. This has been designed to reduce cold and hotspots, ensuring that your air conditioning or heating system performs accurately. In the long run, you’ll be enjoying energy savings and maximum comfort. 

You can also track your movements through the Ecobee sensors, as they also offer functions like “Home” or “Away.” You can set up a schedule to control when you’ll be home and when you’ll be out, but if necessary, the system is also programmed to override your control—especially when you accidentally leave the heater or air conditioning on for too long and unused. 

To sum it all up, purchasing an Ecobee sensor means you enjoy the following benefit:

• Energy savings
• Maximum comfort
• Comprehensive tool that can work seamlessly with your existing heater or air conditioning unit

Ecobee Room Sensor VS Smart Sensor: What’s The Difference?

When you search for Ecobee, you may end up coming across articles like “Smart Sensor vs. Room Sensor: What Is Better?”, which can lead to confusion. Is there a difference in how to use them, for example, or perhaps variations in sensor placements?

Before we head on over to our recommended Ecobee sensors, it’s important to address this common question first—when it comes to room sensors and smart sensors, what truly sets them apart? Let’s take a look at these different factors:

Factor #1: Quick Response 

Quick response pertains to the sensor’s ability, and here’s how the two sensors differ:

• Smart Sensor: This one has a much faster detection response, as it captures and sends out more data often about temperature and occupancy. As a result, you’ll be able to enjoy improved smart features like “Follow Me” and “Smart Home.”
• Room Sensor: Although using the same 915MHz radio waves, it is slower compared to the smart sensor in terms of capturing and transferring data. 

Factor #2: Range

Range is exactly how it sounds like—it pertains to the range of which your sensors can accommodate in your home from the thermostat. Here’s how the two of them differ:

• Smart Sensor: It has an improved range of up to 60 ft.
• Room Sensor: It has a range of only 45 ft. 

What else to consider: Barriers and obstacles like thick walls, floors, and other devices can affect the range. It’s best to invest in a longer pairing range!

Factor #3: Power And Design

Power and design are non-negotiable features of smart sensors, especially among Ecobee devices. Power pertains to the energy the device uses to function, while design pertains to how it is presented for use and display.

• Smart Sensor: It uses a CR-2477 coin-cell, which lasts for up to 5 years. It’s also designed to have a more curved front face, which allows it to detect occupancy better. It also comes with a magnetic mount that attaches to a satin-steel stand.
• Room Sensor: It uses a CR-2032 coin battery that can last up to a year. Its design is squarer compared to the smart sensor, and can click in place once put back into the plastic stand. 

Factor #4: Pet Immunity

When it comes to your furry friends, it’s important to remember that they can accept the occupancy detection feature, too. This feature minimizes false readings, giving you more accurate data. Here’s how each differs in this regard: 

• Smart Sensor: It is designed with better occupancy readings, as it can detect beyond the room and ensure fewer instances of false readings.
• Room Sensor: Still equipped with occupancy detection, you can have it installed in rooms where your pets frequent. However, expect the range to be limited.

Factor #5: Viewing Angle and Dimensions 

Viewing angle refers to the space your sensor can detect, helping it gather motion detection readings. Dimensions, on the hand, pertain to the depth, height, and width of the device. Here’s how the room and smart sensors differ:

• Smart Sensor: This offers a better viewing angle of 140° horizontally and 100° vertically. With a wider viewing angle, it can send out better motion detection reports for saving energy. It’s bigger than the room sensor by 0.23 inches in depth. 
• Room Sensor: This comes with a 20° horizontal and 25 to 30° vertical, but unlike the Smart Sensor, it is much more compact and convenient to use.                                                      

Ecobee Smart Thermostat With Voice Control

If you want an excellent thermostat that has wide compatibility with most major smart home hubs, then look no further than the Ecobee Smart Thermostat with Voice Control. This amazing product can connect with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings. It even has IFTTT compatibility to ensure that you have a hassle-free, comfortable experience without lifting a finger.

The voice control feature of the Ecobee Smart Thermostat allows you to activate and adjust your heating and cooling system without going to the thermostat itself. The device is fairly easy to install, and you can rest assured with its 3-year warranty coverage.

Ecobee Lite Smart Thermostat

If you are looking for something more compact, the Ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat is the one for your home. This device has a sleeker design without sacrificing the features of the other smart thermostats. It is hardwired and does not require you to buy any batteries. With its mobile app connectivity, you can control it anytime and anywhere.

Like the previous product, this thermostat works well with Ecobee Smart Security and SmartSensors.

Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat

The Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat is the best product to get if you are looking for immense value. One of the best features of this product is that it comes with an Ecobee SmartSensor, so you can place that sensor in the rooms that matter most. You can even purchase more sensors for better coverage.

Ecobee Smart Sensor 2

The Ecobee Smart Sensor 2 is a highly advanced temperature sensor that has improved range, response speed, and coverage compared to its predecessor. It works well with all Ecobee Thermostats and has a battery life of up to five years.

Ecobee Room Sensor 

The Ecobee Room Sensor may be an older sensor, but it still has great compatibility with many Ecobee thermostats. It has a respectable sensor range of up to 45 feet, and its battery can last up to a year, depending on usage.

Conclusion

Although it may not seem like much, temperature plays a vital role in making a warm and happy home. There’s a reason why heating and air conditioning units are valued features of any home, but as with everything, it comes at a cost. 

You will be expected to constantly customize the temperature to make sure it remains at a comfortable level. At the same time, you also have to think about your energy bills. Thankfully, smart sensors can help make the job easier.

They heat, cool, and monitor your home with ease, and since they have been on the market for years, all you need to do is to choose one that best suits your home. They keep getting better and better, but Ecobee remains to be the best out there. 

As you finalize your purchase plans, make sure to keep this guide in mind!

Ready to purchase yours? Here’s a quick recap of our recommended Ecobee products:

• Ecobee Smart Thermostat With Voice Control
• Ecobee Lite Smart Thermostat
• Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat
• Ecobee Smart Sensor 2
• Ecobee Room Sensor