Demonstrating the various versions of smart home technology

Modern Home Tech

ecobee3 Lite – Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat

The ecobee3 Lite has a legacy bridging from a brand that is focused on reducing the negative aspects of an environmental footprint, which is a win for us!  See our review below on the smart thermostat:

Pros:

    • Energy Savings:

      • The Ecobee3 Lite is designed to optimize heating and cooling efficiency, which can lead to significant savings on energy bills.
    • It offers energy reports that help users track usage patterns and identify opportunities to save energy.

  • Remote Access & Smart Home Integration:

    • Can be controlled remotely via the Ecobee app on smartphones or tablets, allowing you to adjust settings even when you’re away from home.
    • Integrates with smart home systems, including Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings for voice commands and automation.

  • Easy Installation:

    • The device is relatively simple to install, with an easy-to-understand installation guide and compatibility with a wide range of heating and cooling systems.

  • Sleek Design:

    • It has a modern, clean design that blends well with most home decors.

  • Affordable Option:

    • It’s more affordable than Ecobee’s higher-end models, like the Ecobee SmartThermostat, while still offering many key features.

Cons:

  • No Built-In Voice Control:

    • Unlike the more premium Ecobee models (such as the Ecobee SmartThermostat), the Ecobee Lite 3 lacks a built-in speaker or microphone for voice control. You would need a separate smart speaker like Amazon Echo or Google Home to use voice commands.

  • Room Sensors Sold Separately:

    • While the Ecobee3 Lite supports room sensors, none are included in the package. You’ll have to purchase them separately if you want to take advantage of this feature.

  • C-Wire Requirement:

    • It typically requires a C-Wire (common wire) for power. If your system doesn’t have one, you may need a power extender kit, which is included but can complicate installation for some users.

  • Lack of Learning Features:

    • Unlike some competitors (e.g., the Google Nest Thermostat), the Ecobee Lite 3 does not “learn” your habits over time and automatically adjust the temperature settings based on your daily routines.

Overall we recommend the ecobee3lite.  After 3 years of testing the thermostat has never failed and has been a great addition to the digital home portfolio.  If you are not trained in electrical work, we recommend hiring an electrician to assist with the C-wire installation.  Enjoy!

Click here to purchase the ecobee3 Lite!

Google – Nest Doorbell Camera – Wired (2nd Generation)

video doorbell camera

The Google Nest Doorbell camera is a sleek and modern door way into your digital home portfolio.  In our tested version the grey color seamlessly adds to curb appeal while remaining dominant when identified are the doorbell.  The illuminated light around the circle of the bell, adds to the elegance of its delivery.  Let’s see how it faired during our testing:

Pros:

    • High-Quality Video
      • Provides clear video resolution, often in HD with HDR for better visibility in various lighting conditions.
      • Offers a wide field of view (e.g., vertical view to see packages on the ground).

  • Smart Features

    • Integrates with Google Home for seamless smart home functionality.
    • AI-powered features like person, package, animal, and vehicle detection (with a Nest Aware subscription).

  • Two-Way Audio

    • Allows you to communicate with visitors or delivery personnel via the app.

  • Flexible Installation Options

    • Available in both wired and battery-powered versions, catering to different home setups.

  • App and Cloud Integration

    • Easy-to-use Google Home app for live viewing, notifications, and event history.
    • Cloud storage ensures data is accessible even if the device is tampered with.

  • Design and Build

    • Sleek, modern look that blends well with most homes.
    • Weather-resistant design for outdoor durability.

Cons:

  • Cost of Subscription

    • Advanced features like longer video history and familiar face detection require a Nest Aware subscription, which adds ongoing costs

  • Battery Life (Battery Model)

    • While flexible, the battery version may require frequent recharging in high-traffic areas.  The wired version is less of a headache once you get passed the installation initially, but in high traffic area you may deal with down time as the battery recharges itself.

  • Dependency on Google Ecosystem

    • Works best with Google products but might not integrate as well with non-Google smart home systems (e.g., Alexa).

  • Wired Installation Challenges

    • For the wired version, installation might be more complex, especially for homes without existing doorbell wiring.

  • Price

    • The initial cost is higher compared to some competitors, especially when considering the added expense of subscriptions.
Overall we would recommend the Google Nest Camera Doorbell.  We went with the wired version and had our electrician assist with the installation but completely doable on your own.  We’ve tested the bell for several years with no issues besides down time when the bell is recharging due to high traffic. Enjoy! 
Click here to purchase the Google Nest Doorbell!
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