The Brand Story
Ecobee: The Toronto Startup That Taught the Thermostat to Look Around
In 2007 three founders in Toronto, Stuart Lombard, Mark Malchiondo and John Metselaar, set out to rethink one of the most ignored devices in the house. A thermostat on a hallway wall knows only the temperature of that hallway. Ecobee's idea was to give it a network connection, and later, eyes and ears in the other rooms.
Chapter 1 · 2007 to 2021
From startup to Generac
Ecobee released its first smart thermostat in 2008 and grew into one of the best-known smart home brands in North America, adding cameras, contact sensors and room sensors over the years. In November 2021 the power equipment maker Generac announced it would acquire ecobee for $770 million, and the deal closed the following month. Ecobee remains headquartered in Toronto.
The Lineup
What HVAC365 carries
HVAC365 carries ecobee remote sensors, model EB-RSHM2PK-01, a two-pack of wireless room sensors that report temperature and occupancy to a compatible ecobee smart thermostat. Placed in bedrooms or a home office, they let the thermostat average or prioritize the rooms people are actually using, rather than reacting only to the spot where the thermostat hangs. That matters most in homes with a sunny room, a drafty addition or a bedroom far from the hallway. You will find them with our smart Wi-Fi thermostats and other thermostats.
At a Glance
Ecobee at a glance
- Founded
- 2007, Toronto, Canada
- Founders
- Stuart Lombard, Mark Malchiondo, John Metselaar
- First smart thermostat
- 2008
- Parent company
- Generac, since December 2021
- Acquisition price
- $770 million
Questions
Frequently asked questions about Ecobee
Who owns ecobee?
Ecobee has been owned by Generac since December 2021. Generac announced the $770 million acquisition in November 2021.
Where is ecobee based?
Ecobee is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where it was founded in 2007.
What do ecobee remote sensors do?
Ecobee remote sensors measure temperature and detect occupancy in the rooms where they are placed, so a compatible ecobee thermostat can balance comfort around the rooms in use.
Do ecobee sensors work with any thermostat?
No. Ecobee room sensors are designed to pair with compatible ecobee smart thermostats.
