Is this a communicating furnace that needs a dedicated thermostat?

An Ecobee will work perfectly fine with this furnace. G96VTN0801716 is a variable speed furnace; there are no communicating features built into it. G96CTN0801716 is the communicating version of this furnace, so you can rest assured that an Ecobee will be compatible.

If you have any further questions, please call us and we will be happy to assist you.