There are several differences between the Ecobee Smart Sensors Vs Room Sensors. First off, the name already says one is just a regular room sensor while the other is a fully kitted smart sensor.
This article is going to analyze Ecobee Smart Sensor Vs the Room Sensors, such that you will be best guided on which to go if for any reason you are in the market for a sensor.
Generally speaking, sensors are additional accessories that come with your Ecobee smart or any thermostat at all, and when paired with the thermostat, the thermostat can automatically detect the temperature of different rooms in your house and can also tell when somebody is in that room, with the help of motion sensors.
With the increase and evolvement of thermostats, from just the regular to smart ones, the sensors that accompany them have equally been improving and Ecobee is a leading brand in this regard, which is why we are discussing the Ecobee smart sensors Vs room sensors in this guide.
Differences Between Ecobee Smart Sensors Vs Room Sensors
When you get to experience the Ecobee smart sensor Vs the room sensor, you will discover that the room sensors are just the older version of the Ecobee smart sensors that performs the same role and functionality as the newer Ecobee smart sensors, but the newer sensors are just better at those roles because they have been designed to work smart.
So, it is safe to say that the Ecobee smart sensor is the second-generation sensor replacing the Ecobee room sensor, and the most remarkable difference when analyzing the Ecobee smart sensor Vs room sensor are its more elegant redesigned appearance, extended battery life, wider viewing angle, and the range it can be placed from the Ecobee thermostat.
Now, let’s analyze the Ecobee smart sensors Vs the room sensors much more closely;
Pet Immunity
You cannot talk about Ecobee smart sensor Vs the room sensor, without mentioning pet immunity. Remember we said sensors can detect and read motion as that helps them know if a room is occupied, then adjusts the temperature to suit you.
The challenge here is, the room sensors read and detect all kinds of movements, which oftentimes could just be your pet and not you or any human at that.
Meanwhile, the new-improved smart sensor has better occupancy detections, which is the pet immunity feature that works by minimizing false readings triggered by your pets.
Moreover, Ecobee also offers suggestions on where best to place your sensors to prevent your pets from setting off the occupancy detection feature.
Physical Outlook
Another significant difference between the Ecobee smart sensor Vs the room sensor is their peculiar physical outlook.
While the old room sensor had a noticeable cutout to enable motion/occupancy detection alongside the logo of a bee, the new smart sensor is just one smooth surface with no alterations, except for the Ecobee logo at the right side of the sensor.
The down part of the Ecobee smart sensor is a triangle with a rounded base, whereas that of the room sensor is triangular. Both sensors have a universal white color.
Faster Response
This is another distinct thing about Ecobee smart sensor Vs the room sensor because when we said the Ecobee smart sensor and room sensors are similar in functionality, with the smart sensor only being able to perform better, a faster response was one of such reasons.
The Ecobee smart sensor has faster detection compared to the Ecobee room sensor as the smart sensor captures and sends more temperature and occupancy data more often than the room sensor does.
Adding to that, both sensors use 915MHz but the Ecobee smart sensor has a faster transmission speed which improves Smart Features like Follow Me and Smart Home/Away.
Communication Range
The distance between your remote sensors and your Ecobee thermostat matters, like that, can render your sensors unreliable or cause them not to work altogether.
The maximum acceptable range of the sensors is 45 feet, while the open-air range of the sensors is probably 100 feet or more.
If your base unit is in a central location in your home, there is a 90-foot diameter circle where you can place your sensors. That range should satisfy the majority of homeowners.
Keep in mind that walls and other obstacles will shorten the range. If you are having connectivity problems, there is a good chance you are on the outer edge of the range. So, readjust.
Some Facts About Your Sensors
Having dissected some of the distinct differences between the Ecobee Smart sensor Vs room sensors. We will now pinpoint some fun facts about your sensors. So, here we go;
- Sensors are designed with a motion detector that helps Ecobee know which parts of your house are active. They also include a temperature sensor that works to regulate the temperature and keep it at the most suitable state at every point in time.
- In case you are wondering the mechanism behind the motion sensors, they are passive infrared motion sensors. This means they use the natural infrared radiation given off by all objects as a means of detecting motion and therefore work regardless of light or dark.
- The remote sensors run on battery power so they can be placed anywhere you like, without you having to worry about cable connections. For the room sensors, the recommended battery is CR2032 (the little silver coin-shaped batteries)which can keep the sensor running for 18-24 months, but for the new Smart Sensors use a CR2477 which should last for 5 years. This is another notable difference between the Ecobee smart sensor Vs the room sensor.
- Replacing your battery need not be a problem, as Ecobee will let you know when the batteries are running low and due for a replacement. Ecobee advises that you do not place your sensors in areas with lots of motion, as that can reduce the battery life. This feature is present in both the Ecobee smart sensor and the room sensor.
- Lastly, Ecobee thermostats can connect to a maximum of 32 sensors. Although, I do not readily see the reason why anyone will need that many sensors but just so you know, the ability is there. Ideally, four sensors should be able to meet your needs except you have a space that is larger than life itself.
So that is it, the differences between the Ecobee smart sensors Vs the room sensors. So, now you know which sensor to steadily walk towards and which to walk away from.