Dip and I recently read this post by Rob Day, who goes by the handle @cleantechvc on Twitter. We think that Rob really nailed it when it comes to the next phase of cleantech. Here are a few of his points that really resonate with us at ecovent.
Customer experience: Simpler. Easier. Better. This is our mantra. We’re always thinking about the customer experience. There’s technology out there that can fix every HVAC problem under the sun, but it isn’t easy. It’s like you need a dozen advanced degrees to just set the temperature you want and keep it consistent from room to room. It shouldn’t be that way. We wanted to design something so simple you install it yourself in a single afternoon.
Execution: You can make a product with all the features in the world, but it doesn’t matter if no one wants to buy it. And that comes down to execution. Nothing could be more critical. We’ve got beta testers knocking down our door to try out our system, and we want to make sure we deliver the very best possible product at the end of the day.
Start Small, Think Big: Couldn’t agree with this one more. We’re starting with an unloved, overlooked piece of home hardware that hasn’t changed in decades. The vent. But if we make one homeowner more comfortable, we’ve achieved our goal. When we’re thinking small, that’s our mission. But when you start to consider about the levels of energy savings, peace of mind, and fine-grained control we can offer, it’s easy to see the big picture.
It’s an honor just to be nominated (but we won!)
Meet Our Team: Rob Kim, Co-op extraordinaire
We’re Cleantech Open Finalists!
Can this integrate with NEST? I wan’t my NEST to talk to your ecoVents to turn on the furnace / AC as needed, for the rooms in use.
Can this integrate with NEST? I want my NEST to talk to your ecoVents to turn on the furnace / AC as needed, for the rooms in use.
Thanks for your comment Julian.
ecoVent is interested in integrating as many smart thermostats as possible. We hope to integrate with NEST soon, and help make the thermostat even more impactful.
Yoel,
Have you progressed integrating your Ecovent system with the Nest Thermostat? Like a lot of your target audience, I just bought my Nest Thermostat this year and am resistant to replacing it so soon. But I really like the true zone heating Ecovent offers. Keep in mind competitors will marry these two systems or even worse Nest will come out with their version of zone heating easily integrated with their existing thermostat drawing potential customers away from you.
Brent
Hey Brent,
Thanks for the comment. We are integrated with the Nest thermostat. We work really well together and are highly complementary.
Joel,
Great to hear you are integrated with the NEST thermostat. Can you tell me in more detail how they are integrated? Are the two apps also integrated, or do I need to use both apps?
Also, is this in cooperation with NEST, or are we violating any NEST use contract by using your Ecovent with my NEST thermostat?
Thanks,
Brent
Hi Brent,
We are working through Nest’s API, which lets third-party companies speak with the Nest. You can control the ecovent system and the Nest through our app.