Did you know that Ecobee paved the way for smart thermostats back in 2007 when they launched the first smart thermostat. Before the smart thermostat came along, programable thermostats had gained popularity. However, with time, came technological advances. And programable thermostats just couldn't be added to home automations during those times.
Lets fast-forward to today where programability and WiFi connectivity combined merge and create what we call smart devices that can be remotely controlled. And, ecobee didn't miss a beat with one of their newest smart thermostats on the market today.
The Ecobee Smart Premium Thermostat with Siri and Alexa and Built in Air Quality Monitor & Smart Sensor is exactly that, a premium model with all the bells and whistles that make it so great. Not to mention accessible. Being able to remotely control this smart thermostat is just one of the many reasons why it's ideal for someone who is blind or vision impaired. Most of us who are blind or V.I. already have cell phones with accessible features that help us navigate our phones and all our apps. In saying that, ecobee has an app that you can download which allows you to fully control your added thermostat with the app. They did a great job with making sure to match what you see on the app being the same things you can see and control on the thermostat and vise versa.
Now let's get into the features that make this thermostat premium. Based on your routines, this smart thermostat can save on energy costs. This means, you may prefer one temp during the day when you are either home or away. Another temp might be preferred while you sleep. Setting up the comfort levels and schedule on the thermostat or app will automate these preferences for you. The premium model also includes an onboard air quality monitor which monitors the air in your home, helping you breathe easier. This model is also the first in the ecobee line to feature a metal frame, giving it the look and feel of a premium thermostat. It also can detect when you are home or away with its built-in smart sensor. You will receive one room sensor with your premium thermostat. And, additional sensors are available and can be purchased separately. It also boasts a nice sleek glass touchscreen which feels much like your cell phone screen. There is also a geo tracking system you can set up on the app that allows your thermostat to know when you are arriving home so it can begin to cool or warm your home to your ideal at home setting before you even walk in the front door.
What makes this thermostat accessible, you might ask. Let me share the other features I love about the Ecobee Smart Premium Thermostat. For starters, not only is it Alexa and Siri enabled, you can select which of the two 'ladies' you want to connect to and interact with directly from the thermostat. In short, you won't need to even have an echo speaker to use voice activation with this thermostat. Since some people have their thermostats located in different places in their homes, this is a nice feature to have when an echo speaker just isn't nearby. I personally keep Spotify set to the lowest volume on my thermostat since it has a built in speaker. So, when I pass the thermostat in my hallway, the volume is on low but it sets a nice ambiance there. Yes, I know that isn't an accessible feature. But it's really a nice touch on an already awesome thermostat. Going back to the display on this thermostat. The premium version has the largest display of all the previous ecobee models. This makes being able to see the temperature that is displayed much easier if you have some vision. Also, when the thermostat is working to cool or heat your home, an illuminated light can be seen around the entire outer edge of the display. Also, all of the settings on the thermostat can be fully controlled directly through the app. I'd like to think that being voice activated and having full control of your thermostat from the app alone makes this smart thermostat accessible to the blind and vision impaired. But, I can't ignore all of the other amazing features that this thermostat has.
The only thing I needed help with was the installation.
My suggestion to you: *Please have a professional HVAC Tech install your thermostat to ensure that the thermostat is functioning properly.
It's for all of the reasons I mentioned above that I feel this thermostat is ideal for someone who is blind or vision impaired. After all, I do own this thermostat and I am vision impaired and have been since after birth.
But, don't take my word for it. Feel free to watch a demo by viewing the video below. Or, by clicking on any of the links after the video to read more about the Ecobee Smart Premium Thermostat with Siri and Alexa and Built in Air Quality Monitor & Smart Sensor. Also, feel free to do your own research and read other reviews about this thermostat so that you can determine if it's right for you and your needs.
If you are interested in adding more smart sensors in your home for this thermostat or any other ecobee thermostat, you can get them here:
Also, if you'd like to add smart sensors for your windows and doors which work together with your ecobee thermostat to conserve energy when your windows and doors are open for an extended amount of time, you can find them here:
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