Thinking about purchasing a smart thermostat? The following models from the top brands can help you save on annual energy costs and increase comfort year-round.
- Amazon Smart Thermostat
This smart thermostat is compatible with Alexa but requires an Alexa-enabled smart speaker or display. But the thermostat doesn’t require Alexa to function. The Amazon Smart thermostat is Energy-Star certified and can help you save an average of $50 annually. With a minimalistic interface, the smart thermostat is easy to adjust according to comfort preferences. You’ll need a C-wire or C-wire adapter to install the Amazon smart thermostat.
- Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is more expensive than other options but offers voice control using Alexa without requiring an additional Alexa speaker or display. The thermostat can also integrate with Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Spotify.
- Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat
The T9 smart thermostat from Honeywell is equipped with remote humidity, proximity, and temperature sensors, making it one of the best smart thermostats on the market. This model has a touchscreen, one smart room sensor, and temperature and proximity detection capabilities.
- Nest Learning Thermostat
If you choose the Nest Learning Thermostat, you’ll enjoy the benefits of a far-field sensor that picks up your presence from a distance and automatically displays the temperature on the screen. This smart thermostat also offers Family Accounts, which is the option to set up multiple accounts for individual household members. The Home/Away Assist tracks each member’s phone location to determine which account settings to follow once the member is home.
How to Choose a Smart Thermostat
When considering the features and benefits of individual smart thermostats, here are a few criteria to review.
- Learning features
Smart thermostats are designed to automatically learn your patterns and temperature preferences.
- App and voice control
Many smart thermostats can be controlled with a mobile app that also provides real-time information about the HVAC system.
- Geofencing
This feature allows homeowners to set up a virtual border around the home. When the border is crossed, the HVAC unit is automatically adjusted.
- Motion and proximity sensors
Sensors provide valuable information to the smart thermostat to improve comfort and support energy efficiency. Various sensors can detect activity and presence that indicate it’s time to adjust the temperature or light up the screen.