Published: 05/12/2019
Smart Thermostat Comparison
If you’ve started doing research on smart thermostats then you’ve most likely stumbled across Ecobee and Nest products. Ecobee and Nest, along with Honeywell, are two of the most well-known smart thermostat manufacturers. Generally speaking, if we have a client wanting to add a smart thermostat to their home, 95% of the time, they are debating between one of these two thermostats manufacturers.
While both thermostats have a large number of similarities. There are a few features that set each apart. To help you better determine which thermostat is best for you, I’ve outline the key differences and similarities of the Ecobee4 and the Nest (3rd Generation).
Comparison Chart
| Spec | Nest (3rd Generation) | Ecobee4 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $249 | $249 |
| Dimensions | 3.3"H x 3.3"W x 1.21"D | 4.29"H x 4.29"W x 1.03"D |
| Resolution | 480 x 480 | 320 x 480 | Colors | Stainless steel, white, black, copper, brass, polished steel, mirror black | Black |
| Sensors | Temperature, humidity, proximity, occupancy, ambient light, magnetic (for thermostat ring postition) | Temperature, humidity, proximity, occupancy | Seperate Temperature Sensor | Sold separately | Includes 1 with purchase |
| Compatibility | Heating (stages 1, 2, & 3), cooling (stages 1 & 2), heat pump, humidifier or dehumidifier, fan, power | Gas, oil, electric, dual fuel, conventional (2H/2C), heat pump (4H/2C), humidifer, dehumidifier, ventilator, HRV or ERV |
| Power Consumption | Less than 1 kWh/month | Less than 3.5 VA |
| Voice Control | NA | Built-in Alexa Voice Service |
| Languages | English, Dutch, French, Italian, Spanish | English |
| Certifications | Energy Star | NA |
| Warranty | 2-year limited warranty | 3-year warranty |
Nest (3rd Generation) Learning Thermostat
The all-new, third generation of the ever so popular Nest Learning Thermostat is more customizable than ever. Now available in seven separate colors, Nest can accessorize any space. From copper to polished steel, there’s a Nest for every home. Adding to the sleek, simplistic look of the Nest, the Farsight feature shows you the temperature, weather, or time upon recognizing you are there. Farsight is big and bright and visible from far across the room.
True to its name, the Nest Learning Thermostat automatically responds to changes in your life or seasonal changes. After simply a week of learning your home’s routines, Nest will program itself. Whether you like to start your day at the crack of dawn, are a night-owl, or work from home twice a week, Nest will quickly learn your schedule.
Available to be purchased separately, Nest lets you place wireless temperature sensors throughout your home for better consistency in each room.
The final feature I want to highlight is the fact that the Nest Learning Thermostat is just a small element to the Nest Home. All Nest products are made to work together. From lighting, locks, carbon monoxide detectors, and indoor/outdoor security cameras, Nest products easily integrate with one another.
Images courtesy of Nest.com
Ecobee4
The Ecobee4 includes a handful of great features that really set it apart from the competition. For one, Ecobee4 comes with Amazon Alexa built-in. Using voice commands, you’re able to tell Alexa to adjust the temperature, play music, or any other ‘skill’ that comes with Alexa. Unlike Nest, Ecobee4 includes an additional wireless temperature sensor that can be placed anywhere in your house giving you more control over your home’s overall temperature. Often times a thermostat only reads the temperature in one location making some rooms in your household uncomfortable. Plus, Ecobee lets you adjust the temperature, change the volume, and lets you set events (such as a vacation) while you are on the go using their app.
The last feature I wanted to highlight is Ecobee’s ability to learn your home’s unique energy profile to transform data points throughout your home into cost savings.
Images courtesy of Ecobee.com
Company Comparison
Nest first introduced the Nest Learning Thermostat in 2011 and it has since been its flagship product. Since then, Nest has broadened its line adding smoke detectors, security systems, smart doorbells, and smart locks.
In 2015, Google LLC acquired Nest in January of 2014 for $3.2 billion and has since then focused on further expanding their product line. According to a 2017 figure, Nest generated $726 million in revenue with a bump in sales over the holiday season. Needless to say, Nest is continuing to be a major player in the smart home market and I expect to continue to see great things from Nest.
Ecobee is a home automation company started out of Toronto, Canada in 2007. Ecobee was born out of the desire to conserve energy without the complexity of a programmable thermostat. Unlike Nest, Ecobee remains a private company.
Ecobee & Nest Rebates in Utah
I’d definitely take advantage of the Energy Savings Rebates that are offered in the state of Utah. Not every state is currently offering rebates and Utah is on the higher end of rebate terms. As of the date this blog was published, May 12th 2019, rebates in the state of Utah for a first-time purchase of up to two smart thermostats per household were a $50 instant rebate from Rocky Mountain Power Utah and a $50 instate rebate from Dominion Energy.
Details as provided by Rocky Mountain Power Utah:
“Get a $50 instant rebate on a Nest Thermostat if you purchase on nest.com. You’ll need to have an active Rocky Mountain Power residential account in Utah. You can purchase two thermostats per household, but the rebate does not apply on the Thermostat 2 Packs. If you receive an instant rebate, you won't also be eligible for the Rocky Mountain Power Utah post-purchase rebate.”
Details as provided by Dominion Energy:
“Dominion Energy will give you a $50 rebate if you purchase and install a Nest Thermostat in your home. You can get two thermostats per household. You’ll need to have an eligible Dominion Energy residential account.”
More information on rebates in other states »
How perk-it Can Help
Still can’t decide which smart thermostat is best for you and your home, Feel free to give us a call at (801) 910-9838 or if you prefer, by completing our contact form. We’re available for free in-home consultations, installations, or if you would just like to discuss your options over the phone.
