Nest vs Ecobee Which Smart Thermostat Should You Install at Home
Smart thermostats have revolutionized the way we heat and cool our homes. With the ability to control the temperature from a mobile device or with voice commands, these devices provide convenience and energy efficiency. Two of the most popular options, Nest and Ecobee, are often compared against each other. In this blog post, we will provide an unbiased comparison to help you decide which one to install at your home.
Design
Both Nest and Ecobee have sleek designs that add a touch of modernity to your home. The Nest thermostat has a simple circular design with an LCD screen, while the Ecobee has a rectangular design with a touchscreen display. The Nest is available in 4 different colors, while the Ecobee comes in 2 colors. However, one downside of the Nest is that it can be harder to read from a distance, especially for those who are visually impaired.
Features
Temperature Sensing
One of the most important features of a smart thermostat is accurate temperature sensing. The Nest uses a single sensor in the device to detect the temperature, while the Ecobee uses multiple sensors which can be placed throughout the house. This means that the Ecobee can provide more accurate temperature readings across the house, making it ideal for larger houses or multi-level homes.
Voice Control
Both Nest and Ecobee can be controlled with voice commands using Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. However, the Ecobee comes with Alexa built-in, whereas the Nest requires an external device such as a Google Home or Amazon Echo.
Energy Efficiency
Both Nest and Ecobee are designed to help you save energy and reduce your energy bills. The Nest uses a feature called Nest Sense to learn your schedule, preferences and automatically adjust the temperature based on time of day and occupancy. The Ecobee on the other hand, uses a feature called Follow Me, which detects which rooms are occupied and adjusts the temperature accordingly.
Compatibility
The Nest is compatible with 95% of HVAC systems, while the Ecobee is compatible with 98% of HVAC systems. Both thermostats can be easily installed by following the instructions in the provided manuals.
Price
The Nest retails for around $249, while the Ecobee retails for $249 as well. However, additional sensors for the Ecobee can cost up to $79 each. In terms of price, both thermostats are similar.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision to choose between Nest and Ecobee comes down to personal preferences and needs. If you have a smaller house and want a device that is easy to use, the Nest may be the right option for you. However, if you have a larger house, multiple rooms, and want more precise temperature readings, the Ecobee is the better option. Both devices are energy-efficient, compatible with most HVAC systems, and offer voice control.
References
- Nest. (2021). Thermostats. Retrieved August 19, 2021, from https://store.google.com/us/category/connected_home?hl=en-US&utm_source=nest_redirection&utm_medium=van&utm_campaign=nest_2020_redirect
- Ecobee. (2021). Smart Thermostats. Retrieved August 19, 2021, from https://www.ecobee.com/en-us/smart-thermostats/