Rheem and ecobee Launch EcoNet Smart Thermostat

Rheem and ecobee have partnered to launch the ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite | Works with EcoNet Technology, a new smart thermostat aimed squarely at HVAC contractors and their customers. Announced on February 12, 2026, in Atlanta, the product is available now through authorized Rheem, Ruud, and Friedrich distributors across the United States and Canada.

It is a notable alliance: Rheem brings one of the largest HVAC distribution and contractor networks in North America, while ecobee brings smart-thermostat software expertise. The result is a thermostat designed as much for the installer as for the homeowner.

Built for 24-Volt Systems and Contractors

The thermostat is a simplified option designed for 24-volt installations, the standard low-voltage wiring found in most North American homes. Key product features include:

• Simple installation, with configuration options that help contractors get homeowners the most out of their heating and cooling systems.
• Full accessory control, managing a one-wire HVAC accessory such as a humidifier, dehumidifier, or ventilator from the thermostat itself.
• Contractor-friendly registration, with intuitive QR codes and contractor contact fields that let installers register systems and warranties in minutes via the Rheem Contractor app.
• ecobee SmartSensor support, using wireless room sensors to even out hot and cold spots and maximize energy savings.

Rheem also teased TotalView, a new digital platform within the EcoNet ecosystem offering near-real-time monitoring and configuration for Pro Partners, though no exact launch date was given.

Wide Smart Home Compatibility

The thermostat works with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Alarm.com, plus the ecobee mobile app for remote control and energy tracking. That breadth matters: contractor-installed thermostats often end up in homes with mixed ecosystems, and native multi-platform support avoids the "which app do I use" confusion.

On energy savings, ecobee says homeowners can save up to 23 percent on heating and cooling costs annually, based on an internal analysis conducted in April 2021 for North American customers. As with all such estimates, real savings depend on climate, equipment, and usage patterns.

Background: The Contractor Channel Play

Most smart thermostat coverage focuses on retail buyers, but a huge share of thermostats are chosen by HVAC contractors during system replacements. By embedding ecobee’s software in a Rheem-distributed product with contractor-first tooling, the partnership attacks the market from the professional channel rather than the store shelf.

"ecobee is proud to collaborate with world-class partners to deliver scalable solutions that meet contractor needs and delight homeowners," said Dev Bala, VP of Product Management at ecobee. "This collaboration combines Rheem’s expertise in innovative heating and cooling solutions with ecobee’s leadership in smart home technology."

"Rheem’s collaboration with ecobee exemplifies our commitment to innovative, sustainable heating and cooling solutions," added Alex Housten, chief operating officer of Rheem Manufacturing Company.

Outlook

The partnership model itself may be the bigger story. As Matter matures and thermostat hardware commoditizes, differentiation is shifting to software, services, and distribution. Expect more HVAC manufacturers to pair with smart-home software specialists rather than building it all in-house.

For homeowners replacing an HVAC system in 2026, the practical takeaway is simple: ask your contractor what smart thermostat options come with the install. The answer is increasingly likely to be an ecobee-powered one.