Ecobee, the celebrated Canadian smart home company, is taking a significant step regarding its older thermostat models. As of July 31st, it announced the cessation of support for its original smart thermostat models: EMS and Smart. This move marks the end of an era for devices that have played a crucial role in the smart home industry, particularly within Canada, where Ecobee has established a strong presence.
Introduced to the market in 2008, Ecobee's first connected thermostat revolutionized the way homeowners interacted with their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. By introducing the ability to control HVAC systems via the internet, these devices were at the forefront of the smart home movement. Support for these models has impressively lasted 16 years, demonstrating Ecobee's commitment to their consumer base and product longevity. However, both models were officially discontinued in 2013, signaling the eventual end to their lifecycle.
The discontinuation of support means that, starting from the specified date, these older models will no longer have the ability to connect to Ecobee's servers or receive any firmware upgrades. This decision has significant implications for users of these devices. While basic thermostat functionality will remain intact, any features that rely on server connectivity will cease to function. This includes the ability to control the thermostat via Ecobee’s Web Portal, access to weather information, and integration with other smart home devices. Additionally, users will lose access to HomeIQ and System Monitor features, both of which provide valuable insights into energy usage and system performance.
Recognizing the impact this will have on its customers, Ecobee is offering a generous 30 percent discount on a new thermostat to affected users, an initiative that underscores the company's ongoing commitment to its customer base. This offer aims to ease the transition to newer models, ensuring that users can continue to enjoy the benefits of a smart home ecosystem without significant disruption. To avail of this discount, customers must have received an email from Ecobee or, if not, they are instructed to contact support to obtain a discount code. However, it remains unclear whether this offer extends to Canadian customers, leaving some uncertainty within Ecobee's home market.
Despite the end of support for these legacy products, Ecobee’s decision reflects a broader industry trend towards continual innovation and the introduction of more advanced, energy-efficient smart home technologies. For Canadian consumers and those worldwide, this move underscores the necessity of staying updated with the latest advancements in smart home technology to ensure the highest levels of convenience, efficiency, and sustainability in their living environments.
Ecobee's pioneering journey from launching its first smart thermostat in 2008 to this recent announcement highlights the company's role in driving smart home technology forward. As it phases out support for its original devices, Ecobee continues to pave the way for the future of home automation, not just in Canada but globally.
