Latest news with #Ecobee
CNET
3 days ago
- Health
- CNET
My Top 5 Smart Thermostat Tips to Beat the Summer Heat
It's not summer yet but the West Cost is already bracing for its first heat wave of the year, with other regions not far behind. I'm worried your smart thermostat may not be caught up on summer temperatures. Fortunately, the right changes to your settings can prep your home while ensuring you keep on saving money without your AC going off the rails. Smart thermostats excel at this kind of response, from automated changes to easy app updates even if you aren't home. These recommendations will have you set for the heat to come. Read more: The Best Smart Thermostats for Your Home 1. Set 'at home' heating to 68 Fahrenheit Set your thermostat to 68°F or below when winter comes knocking. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Check your summer scheduling in your app settings (such as the Ecobee app or the Google Home or Apple Home app) and use your scheduling options to set the daytime temperature -- when everyone will be home -- to 76 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. That's enough to keep the house cool without overheating or wasting energy. If you like the heat and can get a reliable breeze by opening windows, you may be able to bump settings up to 80 degrees or so to save more money. But when outdoor temperatures start soaring well above 80 degrees, close the windows so they don't dilute your cool air. Important note: Some US cities have cooling regulations that indicate thermostats can't be set above a certain temperature. They usually do this to prevent landlords from risking the health of the elderly or pets in an effort to save money during the hottest days. Check your city to see if it has any of these laws in place. 2. Set 'away/asleep' heating at 82 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit Google Home makes it easy to apply weekly schedules in minutes. Tyler Lacoma/CNET When everyone is out of the house for work or school, or asleep with a healthy dose of blankets, set your temperature trigger to between 82 and 85 Fahrenheit, depending on what feels the most comfortable. Lower temperatures are typically better when you're sleeping, while the house can usually endure higher temperatures when everyone is away -- although you should also think about what keeps your pets comfortable. Of course, we know that for some, sleeping when you're too hot is impossible. That's why it's also a good idea to remove some bedding for summer and crack open a window when temperatures get lower. Try to avoid setting up indoor rotating fans or similar solutions, as they'll eat into your electricity bill. 3. Turn on your Eco/CNET Most smart thermostats have an Eco mode or a recommended mode for saving as much money as possible. Ecobee even has an Eco Plus mode that adjusts cooling based on local electricity use in peak hours to save more energy. Enable these modes and apply them to your thermostat settings to see their suggestions. Nest thermostats, for example, have a green leaf icon that shows exactly when you're starting to save to make things easier. Usually, Eco modes are the best way to save on your bills without thinking about it and they tend to be reasonable. My Google Nest Thermostat Gen 4, for example, usually sets my "hold" eco mode to 82 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the day and can be adjusted from there. These modes combine well with learning modes that keep track of your manual preferences and home activity to automate savings suggestions over time. 4. Create a vacation mode Ecobee offers a dedicated vacation mode for its smart thermostat. Ecobee/CNET If your smart thermostat supports a vacation mode or alternate mode, set it up so that this alternate schedule is ready for summer trips. You may want it a little cooler in the day than your full away mode settings to help keep pets and plants comfortable, but maximize your savings by skipping any "at home" temperature bumps. If no one is at home and you're confident your house can withstand anything, close the shades and turn the cooling off entirely. Note that the Nest thermostat doesn't have a full alternate scheduling option but you can choose the "Add event" option for a similar result when creating your vacation plans. Read more: Home Security Prep If You're Taking a Trip 5. Move your satellite sensor to a common room Newer smart thermostats often come with a satellite temperature sensor that makes cooling decisions based on location. Nest Newer smart thermostats often come with a satellite temperature sensor or let you buy one as an add-on (here's a Nest version for $40). This allows the thermostat to make cooling decisions based on a different location beyond the often-central thermostat installation. That can be very useful if parts of your home stay too hot (living rooms with lots of electronics, kitchens with active ovens, etc.) while air near the thermostat cools down too quickly. However, be careful with this method because it could cost you more money in the long run (which may be a small price to pay for your comfort). To save money, you can move the sensor to the coolest room, such as a bedroom at night with the windows open. Complete your home prep by learning if a space heater can help you save money and your home checklist for leaving on vacation.
CNET
22-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
Grab Yourself These New Ecobee Smart Home Devices With Up to 38% Off in the Memorial Day Sale
We're mere days away from Memorial Day, and that means there are deals all over the place on just about everything. This is a good chance to get into starting your own smart home system, if you've not done so already. They can offer a lot of extra comfort if you do it right, so are worth diving into. If you've been hoping to get some devices yourself, then you'll definitely want to check out the Ecobee smart home sale currently going on at Amazon. The sale knocks 38% off a few different smart home options from Ecobee, making it really easy to add a bit more functionality to your house. There are a few different options on sale here, but there are a couple of standouts. The first is the Ecobee Smart Video Doorbell, which is 38% off at just $100. This thing has motion sensors, night vision and lets you talk to the people at your door too. Then there's the Ecobee Smart Thermostat premium with $30 off, which comes with an air quality monitor and helps you track your energy usage and reduce it as well. The thermostat can be great for helping to fine-tune your usage of AC in the Summer and heating in the Winter. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. These are some of the best smart home deals going on right now, so if you like the look of them, make sure you don't miss out. These deals are on until May 28, so don't wait around too long if you decide you want to get one. Why this deal matters Smart home devices can help in a plethora of different ways, and being able to save money on a few different kinds all at once just makes things simpler. These can help you stay safer, have a little more convenience and even keep that energy bill down too.
CNET
15-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
This $100 Ecobee Smart Video Doorbell Has Never Been So Cheap
We're big fans of smart homes, and there are tons of ways to get started if you're looking to get involved yourself. There are plenty of bulbs and plugs, but when it comes to smart security, you can't beat a smart video doorbell. That's especially the case when you can get one like this Ecobee offering for just $100. The Ecobee Smart Video Doorbell would normally set you back around $160, but right now you can pick one up for its lowest-ever price. Even better, you don't have to jump through any hoops either -- there are no coupons to clip or discount codes to enter here. Note that this is a limited-time deal, though, and we can't promise it'll stick around for long. As for the video doorbell itself, there's a lot to like feature-wise. The camera is a 1080p HDR model, offering clear and vibrant images of whoever is at your door. And since the camera is smart, you can see those images anywhere using your phone or tablet. The camera also supports Apple HomeKit, so the video will appear in the Home app on the iPhone, iPad and Mac -- but HomeKit Secure Video is not supported. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. Other features include advanced radar verification and motion, person and package detection, two-way talking, night vision and more. Need other devices for your setup? Be sure to check out our list of the best smart home deals. Why this deal matters Smart home appliances usually have a hefty price tag, so when a solid deal like this one comes around, it is worth grabbing. And this deal is only around for a few more hours, as the Amazon Spring Sale wraps up tonight. If you want to make a smart upgrade, add Ecobee's Video Doorbell to your cart now.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GNRC Q1 Earnings Call: Home Standby Demand and Tariff Mitigation Shape Outlook
Power generation products company Generac (NYSE:GNRC) reported Q1 CY2025 results beating Wall Street's revenue expectations , with sales up 5.9% year on year to $942.1 million. Its non-GAAP profit of $1.26 per share was 30.5% above analysts' consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy GNRC? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $942.1 million vs analyst estimates of $921.1 million (5.9% year-on-year growth, 2.3% beat) Adjusted EPS: $1.26 vs analyst estimates of $0.97 (30.5% beat) Adjusted EBITDA: $149.5 million vs analyst estimates of $129.2 million (15.9% margin, 15.8% beat) Operating Margin: 8.9%, up from 7.5% in the same quarter last year Free Cash Flow Margin: 2.9%, down from 9.6% in the same quarter last year Market Capitalization: $7.52 billion Generac's first quarter results were largely driven by elevated shipments of home standby generators, with management attributing this to ongoing power outages—particularly from wildfires in California—and increased consumer interest. CEO Aaron Jagdfeld noted that residential product sales, including the ecobee smart thermostat line and energy storage systems, outperformed internal expectations. The company highlighted both supply chain optimization and favorable sales mix as key contributors to improved gross margins. Looking ahead, Generac's forward guidance reflects heightened uncertainty from evolving tariff policies and potential shifts in consumer spending. Management emphasized that current price increases and ongoing cost reduction initiatives are intended to fully offset the anticipated impact of tariffs. Jagdfeld explained, 'Our updated outlook assumes that current tariff levels hold for the remainder of the year,' and noted that a more cautious economic environment is likely, but the company does not foresee a full recession in 2025. Generac's management identified home standby generator demand and residential energy technology momentum as primary drivers of first quarter performance. The company also highlighted the impact of tariffs, proactive pricing actions, and new product launches as shaping both current results and future expectations. Home Standby Generators Surge: Shipments rose at a mid-teens rate year-over-year, fueled by increased power outages, especially in underpenetrated markets like California. However, close rates remained pressured due to demand exceeding sales and installation capacity. Residential Energy Technology Growth: Ecobee's smart thermostats and energy storage systems saw strong sales, with ecobee connected homes rising 17% year-over-year. Management believes the new entry-level thermostat will help capture value-seeking customers. Tariffs and Pricing Actions: Management described the current 145% China tariff and other trade measures as creating a $125 million cost headwind in the second half. To mitigate this, Generac implemented broad price increases of 7%–8% across products, aiming to offset the impact dollar-for-dollar at the EBITDA margin level. Supply Chain Diversification: Less than 10% of materials are now sourced from China, down from prior years, and new product lines are expected to further reduce this exposure. The company is leveraging its international manufacturing footprint and automation investments to enhance flexibility and resilience. C&I Product Dynamics: Commercial and industrial product sales declined due to softness in rental and non-standby applications, partially offset by gains in telecom and industrial distribution. The upcoming launch of large megawatt diesel generators is expected to address new market segments, including data centers. Management's full-year outlook is shaped by the interplay between tariff-driven cost pressures, pricing actions, and evolving consumer demand, with an emphasis on maintaining margins and supporting product launches. Tariff Uncertainty and Mitigation: The company's guidance assumes tariffs remain at current levels, with any changes posing both risk and opportunity. Generac expects price increases and cost reduction programs to fully offset tariff-related expenses at the EBITDA margin. Residential Demand and Outage Activity: Management is watching for continued elevated power outages and associated generator demand, especially in less mature regions like California. Should outage activity return to baseline, shipment volumes could decline. New Product Launches and Channel Expansion: The second half of the year will see the launch of next-generation home standby generators and energy storage systems, expected to broaden appeal and improve installation efficiency. Growth in the residential dealer network and enhanced marketing are seen as supporting long-term sales and close rates. Tommy Moll (Stephens): Asked about the go-to-market approach for new large-scale diesel generators targeting data centers. Management confirmed they will leverage their nationwide service network, mirroring their telecom strategy, and highlighted in-house customization as a key differentiator. George Gianarikas (Canaccord): Inquired about indications of softening demand due to higher prices or macro uncertainty. CEO Jagdfeld explained that while higher prices can dampen demand, generator sales historically remain resilient during outages, and current consumer spending appears steady. Mike Halloran (Baird): Sought clarity on the drivers behind the widened guidance range and tariff exposure. Management stated the lower end reflects potential demand softness, but expects price and cost actions to offset tariff impacts at the EBITDA margin. Jerry Revich (Goldman Sachs): Asked about trends in lead-to-order conversion rates following elevated interest. Jagdfeld said close rates were under pressure but should recover over the year as distribution and marketing efforts ramp up. Jordan Levy (Truist Securities): Queried about residential energy technology, particularly the rollout of PWRcell 2 and ecobee's progress. Management reported strong initial interest and sees consolidation in the storage supplier market as an opportunity for further growth. In the next few quarters, the StockStory team will be monitoring (1) the impact of new home standby generator and energy storage product launches on sales and installation efficiency, (2) the effectiveness of tariff mitigation measures, including further supply chain diversification and pricing strategies, and (3) trends in power outage activity—especially in emerging markets like California. The progression of government policies on tariffs and energy incentives will also be critical in shaping demand and profitability. Generac currently trades at a forward P/E ratio of 15.7×. At this valuation, is it a buy or sell post earnings? Find out in our free research report. The market surged in 2024 and reached record highs after Donald Trump's presidential victory in November, but questions about new economic policies are adding much uncertainty for 2025. While the crowd speculates what might happen next, we're homing in on the companies that can succeed regardless of the political or macroeconomic environment. Put yourself in the driver's seat and build a durable portfolio by checking out our Top 6 Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 176% over the last five years. Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+782% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
Android Authority
08-05-2025
- Business
- Android Authority
Your doorbell cam might have just picked up Google Home support
TL;DR Ecobee is finally getting Google Home smart camera support. The company has so far only confirmed compatibility with its wired Smart Doorbell Camera. Smart cameras are a great, affordable way to keep an eye on your home and valuables, whether you're traveling across the country or just hanging out in the backyard. And we've got no shortage of options to choose from when it comes to companies making them. If you're not committed to just one brand, though, that can quickly turn into a messy situation where you're juggling multiple apps. Luckily, Google Home is happy to help, and it's becoming even more helpful this week as it adds support for its latest camera manufacturer. Once connected to Google Home, working with cameras from different companies becomes a lot easier. You can see them all together in one big list in the app on your Android phone, or even pull up feeds on smart displays like your Nest Hub. Major brands like Arlo and Wyze have supported Home for ages, and last year we saw Philips Hue join the club. Now Ecobee cameras are coming to Home, as well. Ecobee's a brand you may associate first with smart thermostats, but like so many other companies, once you dip a toe in the waters of smart home devices, it's difficult to resist the temptation to expand. Right now the company has two camera options in its lineup: the indoor SmartCamera and a wired Smart Doorbell Camera. In today's announcement, Ecobee only shares Home support for the Doorbell Camera. We've reached out to see if it has any plans to extend that to the indoor cam, as well. Just like with any other smart camera that has come into the favor of Google Home, you'll now be able to access your feeds with convenient voice commands. And if you've also got an Ecobee Smart Security subscription, you'll still be able to enjoy its benefits like package detection and its 30-day video history. Google doesn't maintain an exhaustive list of third-party cameras it supports in Home, but it feels like we've got to be getting close to the end of the stragglers, at least among major brands. Are you still waiting for Home support to come to some of your smart cameras? Let us know whose door we've got to go beating down in the comments below. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
