What to Consider When Buying a Smart Thermostat
The most important thing to keep in mind when looking for the best smart thermostat for your needs is compatibility. While it’s not hard to install one of these devices, it’s crucial to make sure it can be used with your HVAC system first. Before you buy, ask yourself the following questions:
Does the smart thermostat need a C-wire?
Whether your thermostat has a C-wire (common wire) determines which devices you can install. If you already have a C-wire, you’re good to go, and can pick from an array of devices. If you don’t have a C-wire, you’ll need to choose a thermostat that runs on rechargeable batteries. Battery-operated thermostats will be easy to set up, but you’ll need to keep track of when the battery is low.
Is the smart thermostat compatible with your HVAC system?
There are multiple kinds of HVAC units, and your thermostat needs to work with the one in your home. You typically need a central HVAC system, Wi-Fi and a smartphone for full control. If your house has more than one temperature zone, you may need to get multiple thermostats.
Does the smart thermostat work with other smart home devices?
There are several smart home ecosystems these days, and they don’t always play well with each other. If you use Google Home, you’ll want a device that works with it. The same goes for Amazon Alexa or Apple HomeKit.
How We Chose the Best Smart Thermostats
In addition to testing the top thermostats on this list for over a month in our own homes to provide you with real-life, honest reviews, we also researched virtually every smart thermostats on the market.
We looked for features like efficiency, simple installation, connectivity and user-friendly displays. Brands like Nest, Amazon, Mysa and Ecobee are among the top contenders. We also included options that fit a wide range of heating and cooling systems, so that you can have smart options no matter what kind of system you’re working with in your home or apartment.
FAQ
What is the difference between a smart and programmable thermostat?
Smart thermostats are just like traditional, programmable thermostats, but they connect to Wi-Fi, can be remotely controlled from your smartphone and adapt and learn for optimal performance.
How do smart thermostats work?
Smart thermostats can be hardwired into your HVAC system, just like a standard thermostat, or run on rechargeable batteries. But it’s their Wi-Fi connectivity that really sets them apart. Once connected, the thermostat will sense your home’s temperature and automatically adjust according to your settings. You can run it manually or set it on a schedule. Some models can even “learn” your habits and set the right temperature when you’re home, away or sleeping.
Do smart thermostats use a lot of electricity?
The greatest benefit to installing a smart thermostat is saving energy and money. Some claim the thermostat will pay for itself in two years, while others tout up to a 23% savings on heating and cooling costs.
Of course, how you use it will ultimately determine how much you save. Additionally, it’s hard to beat the convenience of changing the temperature from your smartphone! With all these things combined, a smart thermostat is a no-brainer choice to upgrade your home to a smart home.
