Another WiFi / Programmable Thermostat Discussion

[GlennSullivan]

The Backstory
Currently have 3 existing Honeywell RTH8580 Programmable WiFi Touch Green Screen Thermostats - 2 in the house (2 zones) and 1 in the garage. Have had them in for 8 or so years, no issues at all except the green screens are impossible to read and interact with under most conditions, so we just use the Honeywell TCC app which is super simple to configure, program and use.

My in-laws are in their high 80's and are requiring more and more assistance. The thermostat in their house is an older non-programmable, non-Wi-Fi April Aire 8444 which we want to replace with a modern unit capable of remote programming, control and notifications.

Because I am very familiar with the reliability, operation and programming of the Honeywell units, I'm leaning toward their current TH9320 or RTH9600 which have nice color touch screens for easy local operation and interface with the existing Honeywell TCC App we have on all of our mobile devices and we already very familiar with.

The Questions
Some people I know have a lot of good things to say about the Ecobee smart thermostat (Enhanced or Premium).
Anyone have experience with both Honeywell 9000 series and Ecobee and have input on the differences / Plusses / Negatives / Preferences to either?

Thanks in advance for any information / input you can provide.

 

[Denwood]

I’ve installed about a dozen of the Ecobee stats, including nine in my commercial building. They are excellent, zero issues over 6-7 years now.

They can work completely independent of wifi, but also allow management remotely via web or phone. The remote occupancy/temp sensors are also nice to have and can be included (or not) with the main unit to average temps etc.

I’ve also made good use of the their web based analytics and low temp warnings (pushed to the phone app). Both have prevented potential issues with radiant floor freeze up, and also issues with our commercial overhead door seals. In that case the loading bay was unable to maintain temp (very cold/windy winter temps). Replacement two stage seals dropped runtime in that space about 75%.

 

[chinboys]

I like Ecobee and replaced 3 out of 8 Nest thermostats in my multi zoned home with such.
Ecobee also has satellite remote temperature sensors. Up to three can be paired to the parent unit to communicate amongst themselves to get the temperature averaged out if you have uneven cooling or heating zones.