Rumor | Ecobee could be working on a new smart thermostat that can monitor air quality

Ecobee could be developing a new smart thermostat with a built-in air quality sensor. According to MacRumors contributor Steve Moser, the latest version of the Ecobee iOS app includes a hidden image of a SmartThermostat with an air quality measurement on the display.

Also unearthed in the update were descriptions such as “keep your home’s air clean with your SmartThermostat’s built-in air quality sensor” and “your sensor is calibrating your home”. The SmartThermostat’s air quality sensor would likely be used to trigger other smart home devices such as air purifiers or fans.

Alternatively, the gadget might be able to trigger notifications to your smartphone to warn you of poor air quality. Ecobee has not officially announced a new SmartThermostat, so there is no release timeline for the potential new product.

The current Ecobee SmartThermostat comes with a separate SmartSensor that you can use to detect room occupancy and alter the temperature automatically, such as switching the heating on when it senses a person in the vicinity.

Ecobee’s SmartThermostat has built-in Amazon Alexa and supports Apple HomeKit; plus, the device gained Siri compatibility last year. The company claims that the current thermostat can save you up to 26% on your annual energy bills. The Ecobee SmartThermostat is currently selling for the discounted price of US$199 on Amazon, a saving of US$50.

Buy the Ecobee SmartThermostat on Amazon