Ecobee is a Canadian manufacturer of smart thermostats. They recently unveiled their HVAC subscription service where you could get a regular supply of filters. They will ship filters to your home, thus reminding you that you have to replace them.
I guess the question of everybody is: is it worth it? In this Ecobee filters review, I want to dig deeper into whether it is convenient to get this subscription and check if the filters are really worth the money.
What is the Ecobee filter?
Filters are used to “filter” dirty air from the outside before it is used in your house. Air-conditioning systems have filters that prevent dust from getting into your house.
For example, a car has an air-conditioning system that gets air from the outside and then is transported inside. But before that, this air has to be filtered to dust, leaves, pollen, and bugs that will not get through your car.
The air-conditioning system in your house works the same way. Ecobee, however, has done more extensive work. Not only did they produce filters, but they made it in such a way that they have different levels.
The filters that you get from Ecobee come in different grades. The best ones can even filter out bacteria. This ensures that the air you get is pure.
As the filter accumulates dirt, it gets filled. As such, you have to replace it. The common practice is to replace it once every three months, but there are those that you have to replace once every two months. Cases vary, but you have to change them more frequently if someone in your home has an allergy.
Types of Ecobee Filters
There are three main types of Ecobee filters. They are called Basic, Deluxe, and Premium.
- Basic – captures common pollutants like pollen, dust, mold, mites, and bacteria.
- Deluxe – a higher pried filter that can also capture pet hair.
- Premium – this one can outperform the other two. It is so dense that it can also filter out cooking oil, organisms that carry viruses, and even smoke.
Ecobee filters are made for the Ecobee smart thermostat. What this means is that it may not be compatible with your existing HVAC system. However, we can’t be too sure. HVAC systems have standards, so you might as well check the sizes available online and see if it fits your HVAC.
The Ecobee Filter Subscription
So, what is the Ecobee subscription? It is a subscription where the company will ship the filters to you according to a pre-determined schedule. You will pay for it monthly, and you will get a fresh supply for as long as you are subscribed.
Here are the steps to get started:
- Select your filter size
- Select a replacement schedule
- Check out and pay
It is up to you to choose which type of filter to get. All the three types I mentioned earlier are available in different sizes.
But why get a subscription? What are the benefits? Here are some:
Home delivery – if you order from Ecobee, you will get a fresh supply as per the schedule you selected. The package will be delivered to your doorstep, and you will get two filters in each package. There is no way you will forget to replace your filter. Just take note that they will also charge your credit card monthly.
Clean air – the Ecobee filters went through rigorous scientific tests. They offer three types of filters that have different ratings and capabilities. If you do not use a filter, you will be inhaling air directly from the outside. With Ecobee filters, you will be able to decrease particles from getting into your home by as much as 87%.
Energy conservation – regularly changing your filters can reduce energy consumption. If your filter is already full, the air the comes from the outside will also have difficulties getting in. It makes the HVAC motor work harder, and thus spend more energy. According to their studies, replacing your filters can help you save power by as much as 15%.
Ecobee also offers customer support. If you are unsure what to buy or how to subscribe, you can contact them and listen to their recommendations. They have different types of filters that will fit your environment.
Pros and Cons of the Ecobee Filter
Here are the pros:
- Reduce particles that carry viruses – yes, some particles carry viruses. With Ecobee, these particles will get into your home. If they do, the particles will circulate in the air inside your house and one of you will certainly inhale it.
- The estimate is that the filter can remove up to 87% of these particles. Not 100%, but it surely is better than nothing. To a great extent, it also eliminates pollution.
- Replacement reminder – let us face it: we do not change filters until we are told to do so. The Ecobee subscription allows you to change the filter if it is due. The entire process s automated. The computer systems know when you last bought your filter and will automatically schedule a replacement.
- Long life span – filters typically degrade after prolonged use. Ecobee has a fix for this. They designed their filters to last longer than the average ones without compromising on quality.
Here are the cons:
Cost – the Ecobee filter is more expensive than the others. This is not to say that you are not getting value for your money. You are. However, it may not be the best option if you are not that sickly or do not have the budget.
Also, you may need the services of a professional to install it. If you do not know how to do it yourself, you have to call service personnel to teach you how. This, of course, also costs money.
If you do not like the idea of a subscription, then my recommendation is to buy the filter from Amazon, not the Ecobee website.
If you have not used the Ecobee filter yet, it makes sense to buy one piece only. Measure the existing filter in your HVAC, and then check if Ecobee has an equivalent model.
Once you receive your Amazon package, test the results. Breathe in the air and try to determine if it does make a difference. Take note that you have to buy the right model. Some filters are made for hot and humid areas, and there are also regular filters for cold areas.
From here, you decide if it is worth the price. If you think you will need a subscription, then just head on to the Ecobee website to order.
Summary: Ecobee Filters Review
As far as my opinion is concerned, it does make sense to buy filters from Ecobee if you are concerned about your health. Their claim about different particles and organisms in the air are true. If you are suffering from any disease or have children who are sick, it makes perfect sense to buy the filters.
However, you have to know that the price is a tad higher than the usual ones. Ecobee has competitors in Amazon—and cheaper ones at that. I do not doubt that Ecobee performs better than the others, though, so get Ecobee if you have the budget for it.
