We get to install beautiful, new smart thermostats like this Ecobee in an Ottawa home all the time. They’re popular, they’re smart, and they can absolutely help you save money and make your home more comfortable.
But here’s a truth that many homeowners don’t realize: the best smart thermostat isn’t always an Ecobee.
The “best” thermostat is the one that is designed to “talk” perfectly to your specific furnace or heat pump. While Ecobee is one of the best universal thermostats on the market, it can’t always unlock the full potential of high-end, modern equipment.
The Difference: “Universal” vs. “Communicating”
A universal thermostat (like Ecobee or Nest) is designed to work with most HVAC systems. It speaks a basic language: “turn on heat,” “turn off fan,” “run humidifier.” It’s a fantastic upgrade for 90% of existing systems.
A communicating thermostat, on the other hand, is made by the same manufacturer as your equipment (like Lennox, Rheem, or Amana). It speaks a complex, proprietary language.
This is where the real magic happens.
When you invest in a top-of-the-line, variable-speed furnace like the Lennox SLP99V, its main advantage is that it doesn’t just run at “high” or “low.” It can make tiny, precise adjustments to its fan and heat output, running at 30% or 50% or 70% capacity.
A universal thermostat cannot control this. It will just run it like a simple two-stage furnace.
Pairing that advanced furnace with its own Lennox S40 Smart Thermostat allows the system to communicate perfectly. The thermostat can control the fan speed down to 1% increments, get advanced diagnostic alerts directly from the furnace, and manage your entire system (furnace, heat pump, and humidifier) in perfect harmony.
You’ve paid for a high-performance machine; you need the right “brain” to run it.
Why Pro Installation is About Matching, Not Just Wires
A professional installation isn’t just about hooking up the “C-wire.” Honestly, that’s the easy part.
The real value of an expert installation is system design and matching.
Our job as HVAC professionals is to ensure you’re getting 100% of the performance you paid for.
- For most homes: An Ecobee is a brilliant upgrade. It’s smart, has the best remote sensors, and gives you great control over your humidifier and furnace.
- For new, high-end systems: We will almost always recommend the manufacturer’s communicating thermostat. It’s the only way to unlock the full efficiency, comfort, and advanced features of your Rheem R962V furnace or your new cold-climate heat pump.
Installing a generic thermostat on a high-end communicating system is like putting budget tires on a Ferrari. It’ll drive, but you’re completely wasting its potential.
The Bottom Line
A smart thermostat is one of the best upgrades you can make. But before you buy one, let us help you choose the rightone.
Ecobee is a fantastic tool, but sometimes a specific Lennox, Rheem, or Amana model is the correct tool for the job. Our experts will design a perfectly matched system where every single component—from the furnace to the humidifier to the thermostat—is working together at peak performance.
