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A smart thermostat enables you to adjust the temperature of your home remotely from anywhere in the world. Some models even have the ability to pre-heat your home before you arrive and automatically turn off when you leave, helping you save on energy costs. We have compiled a list of the top smart thermostats that cater to various budgets and premium models that seamlessly integrate with any smart home ecosystem.
It's essential to determine if a smart thermostat is compatible with your current HVAC and power systems before purchasing one. Failure to do so may result in difficulties with the installation process.
Can You Install a Smart Thermostat in Your Home?
It's worth noting that the majority of smart thermostats available today are only compatible with low-voltage power systems. To determine if your current thermostat is compatible, you can remove the cover faceplate and check the listed voltage. If the voltage is 100V or higher, most smart thermostats won't be compatible with your system.
Another way to identify a high-voltage system is by checking if your current thermostat has only two wires or if you have thick wires that are capped or stranded. If either of these is the case, it's likely that you have a high-voltage system that may not be compatible with most smart thermostats.
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In addition to the voltage and power system compatibility, it's important to note that many smart thermostats require a "C wire" (or "common wire") for power. If your current thermostat doesn't have a C wire, you may be able to purchase an adapter, but there's no guarantee that it will work with your specific HVAC system. It's best to consult with a professional HVAC technician or the manufacturer of the smart thermostat to determine the best course of action.
(Image Source: Ecobee)
If you prefer to have your smart thermostat installed by a professional, Technico offers a service that sends a fully vetted technician to your home as soon as today. Our experts will handle the installation process, connect the thermostat to your Wi-Fi network, and demonstrate how to use the essential features, ensuring that you get the most out of your new device.
Amazon Smart Thermostat: Best Budget Model
The Amazon Smart Thermostat is an affordable option with some high-end features and is compatible with Alexa. With Alexa Hunches, this smart thermostat uses artificial intelligence to learn your routines and automatically adjust the temperature when you're home, away, or asleep. You can control the temperature manually using the Alexa app on your smartphone and create custom schedules, as well as track energy usage history.
However, the Amazon Smart Thermostat lacks a built-in speaker and can only be controlled via voice commands with an Alexa smart speaker. Additionally, it's not compatible with temperature sensors, which means you can't set up different temperature zones around your home. Lastly, the Alexa app doesn't allow for individual control of multiple thermostats, so you can only set a single temperature for your entire home.
Amazon Smart Thermostat – ENERGY STAR certified, DIY install, Works with Alexa – C-wire required. $64.99 Amazon
Google Nest Thermostat: Best Mid-Range Model
The Nest Thermostat from Google is a budget-friendly option for those looking to save money on their energy bills. Its sleek design features a mirrored screen that displays important information, and it includes a geofencing feature that can automatically turn on Eco Mode when you leave home.
While the Nest Thermostat doesn't use AI to learn your schedule, you can create your own schedules in the app, and the thermostat will pre-heat or pre-cool your home before the scheduled time. Google claims that using these features can save users an average of 10%-12% on heating bills and 15% on cooling bills.
Overall, the Nest Thermostat is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly smart thermostat that can still help them save on energy costs. Its geofencing feature and scheduling options make it a convenient choice, and its elegant design is sure to look great in any home.
Nest Thermostat - Snow $115.00 in stock Amazon
Honeywell T9 WiFi Thermostat: Best for Large Homes
The Honeywell T9 Pro is an excellent smart thermostat option for large homes because of its temperature sensor feature. This thermostat comes with a sensor that can be placed in any room to control the temperature for that room individually, rather than heating or cooling the entire house.
The temperature sensor also includes a built-in motion detector that can automatically adjust the temperature when a person enters the room. This feature can help save energy and improve comfort levels throughout the home. Additionally, you can connect up to 20 of these sensors and use them to set an average temperature across your home.
While the Honeywell T9 Pro does not have built-in speakers, it is compatible with Alexa, Google, and Apple HomeKit smart speakers, allowing you to control the temperature through voice commands. You can also use the companion app to control the thermostat remotely and receive alerts when it's time to change your air filters.
Overall, the Honeywell T9 Pro is a great option for those looking to customize the temperature control in their large homes, and the added convenience of voice control and remote access makes it a top pick among smart thermostats.
Nest Learning Thermostat: Best for Home Automation
The third-generation Nest Learning Thermostat may be almost 7 years old, but it's still considered one of the smartest thermostats available today. This thermostat has the ability to learn your schedule and program itself to automatically adjust the temperature after just one week of use.
Additionally, the Nest Learning Thermostat has an Eco Mode that automatically switches on when you go to bed or leave for work. It considers factors such as weather and other outside elements to guide you to the right settings that will help save on energy bills.
Being the first smart thermostat to be awarded an Energy Star certification from the EPA, it's evident that the Nest Learning Thermostat can save you money. Google studied the energy bills of users in 41 states and found that this thermostat saved them between $131 to $145 per year. This means that this device could pay for itself in just 2 years.
While the Nest Learning Thermostat does not come with a temperature sensor, you can buy up to 6 sensors for $39 each or $99 for a 3-pack. This feature can help you control the temperature in specific rooms more efficiently.
Overall, the Nest Learning Thermostat is a reliable and well-known smart thermostat option, with its ability to learn and adapt to your schedule, and the potential for significant energy savings. Its compatibility with Alexa and Google speakers, and the option to purchase temperature sensors make it a versatile choice for any home.
Google Nest Learning Thermostat - Programmable Smart Thermostat for Home - 3rd Generation Nest Thermostat - Works with Alexa - Stainless Steel $189.00 Amazon
Eco bee Smart Thermostat Premium: Best Overall
The latest smart thermostat from ecobee, the ecobee Premium, is equipped with advanced sensors and uses radar to detect motion and occupancy more accurately. It also incorporates geofencing and AI technology to learn your routines and provide you with recommendations on how to optimize your schedule to save energy.
The ecobee Premium also features eco+ software that can adjust the temperature based on local energy demand and peak energy prices. It also has a "feels like" feature that will adjust the temperature based on humidity, helping you save up to 26% on heating and cooling costs according to ecobee.
Unlike cheaper thermostats, the ecobee Premium has an Alexa speaker built-in, eliminating the need for a separate smart speaker to control the temperature with voice commands. You can also enable Siri on the built-in speaker if you have a HomePod or HomePod mini.
In addition, the ecobee Premium is the first smart thermostat to include a built-in air quality monitor. This feature will notify you when your air quality drops below a certain level and provide tips on how to improve it. You will also receive alerts when it's time to change your air filters, and you can even have them automatically delivered when necessary.
Overall, the ecobee Premium is a smart thermostat with advanced features, including AI technology, eco+ software, and a built-in air quality monitor. With its built-in Alexa speaker and Siri compatibility, it's a convenient option for those who want to control the temperature with voice commands.
ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium with Siri and Alexa and Built in Air Quality Monitor and Smart Sensor $249.99 Amazon
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