Butlr's Q&A
Get answers to some of the most asked questions by customers
Built-in radar occupancy sensor
I’m planning to replace my Nest thermostat with an Ecobee and want to keep things cost-effective. The Ecobee 3 Lite seems like a good option, but it doesn’t include a built-in radar occupancy sensor like the Ecobee Premium. My thermostat is in a hallway, so it would only detect motion when someone walks by. Do I actually need the built-in radar occupancy sensor, or could I rely on remote room sensors instead? Also, are there better alternatives for more accurate occupancy detection throughout the home?
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You’re asking the right question — and you’re already thinking ahead in terms of both placement and functionality.
The Ecobee 3 Lite is indeed a great economical choice. It supports SmartSensors (Ecobee’s wireless room sensors) that detect occupancy and temperature in specific rooms. These sensors enable the “Follow Me” feature, which automatically adjusts heating or cooling based on where people are detected in the house.
Now, the built-in radar occupancy sensor—available in Ecobee’s higher-end models like the Ecobee Premium—uses millimeter-wave radar technology to detect presence more precisely than traditional PIR (passive infrared) motion sensors. This means it can sense subtle movements (like someone sitting still) and can detect through certain materials or in low-visibility conditions.
However, since your thermostat is mounted in a hallway, the built-in radar occupancy sensor wouldn’t offer much extra value—it will mostly pick up transient motion as people pass by. In that case, Ecobee 3 Lite plus SmartSensors in high-traffic or occupied rooms (like bedrooms or living areas) will give you the same functional benefit for less cost.
That said, if you want to go a step further in precision occupancy detection and automation, you might look into Butlr’s radar-based occupancy sensors.
- Butlr uses thermal and radar sensing to anonymously track presence and movement—not just motion.
- It’s more accurate and privacy-safe, working in both light and dark conditions.
- Unlike a thermostat’s limited field of view, Butlr sensors can be deployed across multiple zones and integrated with HVAC, lighting, or security systems for intelligent energy optimization.
So, in short:
- If you’re budget-focused: Go with the Ecobee 3 Lite + SmartSensors — skip the built-in radar occupancy sensor.
- If you’re tech- or efficiency-focused: Consider Butlr’s occupancy sensors to build a more responsive, whole-home automation setup that truly understands presence, not just motion.
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