I was in hvac for nearly 20 years. I can't tell you how many service calls I had to bill for simply because someone elderly had touched the thermostat and buggered the program.
I can see how that'd happen. My mother for example would have probably been slow to adjust to something like the Ecobee/Nest, but she always tried...but yeah, if something got unexpectedly changed it could be a problem.
That said, there ARE lockdowns that can be put in place on the Ecobee where you can lockout things with a password, so you can prevent unintended changes or whatnot, while leaving basic functionality (temp up/down) accessible. That could be an option to prevent unintended things from happening.
The other thing to keep in mind if you are installing this for an older non-techy family member is that you can setup the remote access to it and then fix or adjust things from your own house (from your computer or smartphone) for them - no home visit necessary.
Just got an email from that program at 3PM this afternoon actually stating that they were moving people off the waiting list to the potential list, so might still be worth applying. If I get an application (I applied, but I can't use it as existing smart thermostat owners are excluded) I can pass it on to someone here if they want it.
After they told me they'd be doing a full inspection of the house (attic and co...) i decided to pass.
I have an install coming up next month. I don't think there will be an inspection.
well maybe ill go for it then.The guy only went down to look at my furnace and to power it down for the install. The rest of the "inspection" happened in the living room. I just answered all his survey questions.
well maybe ill go for it then.
EDIT: yeah waited too long, wont happen till june now haha
Just got the ecobee3 lite installed. I don't see a benefit in this as someone is always home. .
Overnight setback if nothing else...and no home has someone present 24/7/365, so when the house is empty let it do it’s thing.