Buying guide for Best smart thermostats
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Sometimes, you wake up feeling a little chilly, so you turn the heat up a few degrees to make your morning routine a little more comfortable. Eight hours later, you return to a stiflingly hot house. That's money you literally burned away. With a smart thermostat, that would never happen again.
The best smart thermostats are capable of complex programming, know when you are home at an uncharacteristic time and can adapt. A smart thermostat with an app that provides detailed power usage reports along with money-saving tips is highly desirable. You'll need one that's reliable, fits in with your home decor and, above everything, is compatible with your current heating and cooling system.
If you're ready to save money on your energy bill, you can purchase one of our favorite options. We're particularly fond of the Ecobee New Smart Thermostat Premium because of its temperature sensor, air quality monitor and voice assistant compatibility. However, if you want to make the most informed choice possible, read on, as we'll give you the skinny on features to look out for and critical factors to consider.
Best smart thermostats available now
What makes a thermostat smart?
There's no straightforward answer to that question because each model has different features. But smart thermostats usually offer several of the following benefits:
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Temperature scheduling
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Learning ability: knows when you leave and return; can detect if you are home at an unusual time.
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Humidity sensors
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Remote control via Wi-Fi
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Monitoring and control from virtually anywhere via an app
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Touch-screen control
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Voice recognition (requires additional device)
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Email alerts and phone notifications
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Detailed power consumption reports and money-saving tips
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Integration with smart home systems
Key considerations
Smart thermostats offer tremendous convenience, particularly with the busy lives we lead today. However, there's more to choosing the best smart thermostat than you may think.
Compatibility
There are hundreds of heating and cooling systems, and that number is multiplied by possible combinations. Although smart thermostat makers try to cover all the bases, there's always a chance of incompatibility, so it's essential that your model works with your home's existing equipment. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Check out your HVAC system: Most high-quality smart thermostats, such as the Google Nest Learning (4th Generation) and Ecobee New Smart Thermostat Premium, work with most modern HVAC systems and even the majority of older systems. However, it's best to inspect your HVAC system before purchasing a smart thermostat to determine if it is compatible.
- Consider hiring a professional: If you're not sure what kind of HVAC system you have, you can use an online smart thermostat compatibility tool, which is usually available for free on manufacturer websites. If you're still unsure, it's best to contact an HVAC technician to have a look at it. Also, depending on your system, it might be necessary for an HVAC technician to install a smart thermostat.
- Locate your C wire: Keep in mind that smart thermostats are designed to work with low-voltage systems, and some require a common wire (C wire). A C wire supplies constant power to a thermostat, which is necessary for thermostats with smart automation features.
- Install a C wire if needed: If your HVAC system doesn't have a C wire and the smart thermostat you purchase requires it, you'll need to have one installed. Though manufacturers may say it isn't necessary, a C wire is the most reliable solution for consistent performance and optimal results.
Installation
Every manufacturer claims their device is easy to install, and some offer online videos to help. Many owners agree, saying that if you can wire a light switch, you have all the necessary skills. However, if the power between your furnace and thermostat fluctuates, you'll probably suffer intermittent Wi-Fi failures. If you don't currently have a C wire and you need one installed, getting it fitted by an electrician can easily cost $150 or more.
We touched on this earlier, but it cannot be stressed enough that it is essential to find out what your current system has and what your smart thermostat needs. Otherwise, you could end up wasting your time and money on an incompatible thermostat and fruitless installation processes.
Integration
Smart thermostats are an ideal addition to a smart home, giving you the ability to control an ever-expanding range of in-house appliances from almost anywhere. If you're building a smart home, you'll want to investigate which smart thermostats are compatible with your network.
The product description should state clearly which smart automation networks are supported, and if you already have one in place, it's best to get a thermostat that's compatible with it.
The Ecobee New Smart Thermostat Premium, for example, is compatible with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Alexa, and the Ecobee 3 Lite Smart Thermostat works with Google Assistant, Alexa and Vera. The Sensi Touch 2 Smart Thermostat works with SmartThings, and the Honeywell Home Wi-Fi 7-Day Programmable Thermostat supports IFTTT.
The primary benefit of smart home integration is that you can control all the smart devices on your network from your smartphone and even sync their functionality. For example, you can give Alexa a command from your smartphone to turn up the temperature on your smart thermostat.
Reliability
Modern electronics tend to be highly reliable. We've looked at feedback from thousands of users and found very few reported problems. There are rare complaints about Wi-Fi stability and a few about confusing instructions, but there are hardly any complaints about actual functionality.
You can rest assured that the smart thermostat you install in your home will not only be convenient for monitoring indoor temperatures but will also run efficiently to help you conserve energy and save money. Our testing team was particularly impressed with the Google Nest Learning Thermostat, which allowed testers to "[save] energy by using the Eco mode."
Design
Some people like a smart thermostat with a colorful touch screen, while others prefer a less obtrusive look. There are many options to choose from, but all smart thermostats have an innocuous look and are designed to blend in with walls. They don't stick out, and most units measure around 3 by 3 inches and don't exceed 4 inches in diameter. The smart thermostats with the most aesthetically pleasing designs include the Amazon Smart Thermostat, Google Nest Smart Thermostat, and Google Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd and 4th Gen), which our testers called "clean and sleek."
Price
The best smart thermostats on today's market range from $120 to $300. The best models, such as the Ecobee New Smart Thermostat Premium, Google Nest Learning Thermostat and Sensi Touch 2 Smart Thermostat, cost over $200. However, there are some terrific options for under $150, such as the Amazon Smart Thermostat, Sensi Smart Thermostat and Google Nest Smart Thermostat.
If you use the technology to its fullest, you will save money on your electric bills. In general, you can reduce cooling energy consumption by 15% and heating energy consumption by 12%, although some manufacturers claim that amount can be over 20%. However, there are a few things to be aware of:
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There's a learning curve to getting the most from your smart thermostat. It's all too easy to ensure your home is at the temperature you want and not go any further.
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To really make an impact, you need to look at the feedback the thermostat generates and be proactive.
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It may be a while until your initial investment is returned. Many homes have more than one thermostat, and in most cases, they will need to be individually replaced. If you've got three thermostats now, you'll need three smart thermostats.
Is buying a smart thermostat a smart idea?
If you're happy with your current "non-smart" system, do you still need to upgrade? Here are a few things to consider:
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A smart thermostat will save you money over time.
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Smart thermostats allow you to make your home comfortable any time of year. You can match your heating and cooling needs to your lifestyle with remarkable precision.
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Depending on the system, you can change the settings from your armchair or from anywhere in the world.
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Less energy consumption is better for the environment.
Tips for using a smart thermostat
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Carefully choose its location: Smart thermostats should be installed away from drafts or hot spots that can give false readings.
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Download the app: Wi-Fi controls your smart thermostat when you're at home. If you want to control it from across town, you need a mobile app.
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Voice-control access: Voice-compatible smart thermostats still need another device, such as an Amazon Echo or your smartphone, to access that feature.
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Protect it from curious children: If you're concerned about younger family members adjusting settings on your smart thermostat, look for a model with password or lock-out options.
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Consider your budget and needs: Low-cost smart thermostats offer plenty of options if you're on a budget. But if you're creating a fully integrated home, look to the higher end.
