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Three Smart Thermostats on hexagon style light-blue orange bg

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Smart Home is like a tech-savvy place where Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets team up to make your home life better. Over the years, many users have been "decorating" their homes not only with decor but also with smart devices that make living in the house better, more convenient, and possibly more cost-effective. We started researching different categories of smart devices that are the best in the market and deserve to be caught by the customers. This time our attention is drawn to familiar Smart Thermostats, already known to millions of buyers. 

What Is a Smart Thermostat?

Smart thermostats belong to a category of innovative home devices designed to simplify and automate temperature control. By connecting to your home's HVAC system, a smart thermostat empowers you to manage heating and cooling settings remotely through your smartphone. The rising adoption of smart thermostats is evident, with projections indicating a worldwide revenue of over $25 billion by 2030, a significant increase from the nearly $4 billion recorded in 2023.

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Worldwide smart thermostats revenue from 2021 to 2030

Main Points Of Smart Thermostats

Before we dive into the list of the best smart thermostats of 2024, let's consider whether a thermostat truly helps save money, and what's the point of a smart thermostat.

The point of a smart thermostat is to enhance how homeowners manage their home's heating and cooling systems, offering both convenience and efficiency due to settings. Here are some benefits:

  • Energy Efficiency: Smart thermostats can learn your schedule and preferences, automatically adjusting the temperature to save energy when you're away or asleep, and ensuring comfort when you're home. This intelligent scheduling helps reduce unnecessary heating and cooling.
  • Convenience and Control: With a smart thermostat, you can control your home's temperature remotely via a smartphone app, whether in another room or away from home. This means you can adjust settings on the go, ensuring your home is always at your preferred temperature.
  • Learning Capabilities: Many smart thermostats can learn from your habits over time. They can automatically adjust settings based on your routine, such as turning down the heat during the workday or adjusting the temperature before you wake up without manual input.
  • Insightful Energy Reports: Smart thermostats can provide detailed reports on your energy usage, showing you when and how you consume energy for heating and cooling. These insights can help you make informed decisions about your energy use, potentially leading to further savings.
  • Integration with Smart Home Devices: Many smart thermostats can be integrated with other smart home devices, such as smart lights or voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. 
  • Maintenance Alerts: Smart thermostats can monitor your heating and cooling system's performance and send alerts if something seems wrong or when it's time for routine maintenance.

In conclusion, a smart thermostat enhances homeowners' user experience with heating and cooling systems exactly. Achieving savings relies on nuances. While writing this post, I delved into saving money bits of advice with thermostats and found similar insights in an article on the costs of living on BBC. The smart thermostat can save energy and money if you follow its recommendations and avoid changing the default settings. Many adjust the temperature manually, missing out on potential savings. In my opinion, some tech-savvy users who understand how to set up the thermostat can effectively save money by using its data and programming schedules.

Best Smart Thermostats 2024

We reviewed dozens of popular thermostats from well-known manufacturers and found the best among users, processed positive and negative reviews to simplify the moment of choice.

Amazon Smart Thermostat

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AST on the wall

In a world filled with smart devices, thermostats like the Amazon Smart Thermostat stand out for their simplicity and user-friendly controls that allow manual settings and complex programmable sequences to adapt to your daily routines. This device controls the temperature at your fingertips. It has a sleek minimalist design made from 1/3 recycled plastic with a clear compact LCD that provides easy-to-read temperature and settings. Please notice, that the device does not have a built-in microphone and speaker, so control is carried out using devices with voice assistants, such as Alexa. Amazon Smart Thermostat is quite easy to install, and for those who need more confidence in their installation skills, the manufacturer offers step-by-step instructions in the app and 24-hour support. I still recommend using the assistance of professionals when installing electrical appliances, but who among us does not try (and I have sinned too) to do everything ourselves?

Regarding savings - Alexa Hunches is a very convenient function, which consists of savings. Alexa Hunches is a feature that allows Amazon's voice assistant, Alexa, to offer suggestions based on your daily habits and the connected smart devices in your home. If Alexa detects an unusual pattern or if something is missing, such as a connected door being left unlocked at night, it will proactively suggest actions to help you maintain your routine and enhance home security. This thermostat is compatible with most 24V HVAC systems, including air supply, heat pump, and radiant boiler, but not 110-240V systems like electric baseboard heating. A C-wire power cable or adapter kit is needed for operation. Check compatibility before buying.

I saw the mostly positive feedback, but some folks faced issues with installation. After that, the thermostat didn't quite nail its heating functions. There were also problems with a cluttered application and emergency heating settings (it is ignored). However greater number of users did not notice any problems, so there are no mass problems, and the Amazon Smart Thermostat deserves its place in the top smart thermostats of 2024.

 
 
Wi-Fi Connectivity Yes - 2.4 GHz only
Smart Home Compatibility Amazon Alexa
Learning Capability No
Geofencing Location-Based Adjustment
Voice Control Alexa-enabled devices
Specification Met Energy Star

Manual - PDF

 
 
 
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White Amazon Thermostat Product card

Amazon Smart Thermostat

Amazon Smart Thermostat – Saves money and energy - Works with Alexa and Ring - C-wire required

Price

$79.99

Google Nest Thermostat

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Nest Thermostat on the wall with text about compability

Google Nest Thermostat is another popular model at an adorable price. It has a simple design that is also functional, although not to the maximum (wait for it). With the Google Nest Thermostat, you can get pretty granular control over your HVAC system through the Google Home app, which is why for many users, this basic thermostat is their number one choice for a budget-friendly thermostat, and among other thermostat manufacturers, you can save money. The front of the Google Nest thermostat has a shiny mirror finish, displaying info when you're close. No touch screen, but it uses interactions happen through a touch strip on the right. It clicks as you swipe. Getting the hang of the touch strip might take some time, but you can handle all functions through the Google Home app, a great way to manage this thermostat.

Google Nest Thermostat is a high-performing and user-friendly device compatible with 85% of existing HVAC systems. It's straightforward to install and comes with detailed video instructions provided by Google. However, before undertaking a full install, ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials ready. It's worth noting that this thermostat requires two AAA batteries (included), which Google assures should last about two years due to its power consumption from your HVAC system.

The Google Nest Thermostat is fully controlled through the Google Home app. It allows for traditional programmable thermostat functions such as temperature and time interval selection, as well as modes for heating, cooling, and energy-saving. The thermostat also supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, enabling you to change the temperature via voice control, and providing regular updates such as when to change your HVAC filter for optimal system performance. The Nest Thermostat is elegant in design and comes in four different colors to match your interior. Again regarding the feedback, the majority is positive, as a sales leader should be, but some had problems with support and installation. Although it doesn't support additional sensors, it offers a great balance of design, performance, and value, especially for those already in the Google ecosystem.

Wi-Fi Connectivity 2.4GHz/5GHz
Smart Home Compatibility Amazon Alexa, Android, Google Assistant, iOS, nest
Learning Capability No
Geofencing Location-Based Adjustment
Voice Control Yes
Specification Met Energy Star

Manual: PDF

 
 
 
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Product card with Google Nest Thermostat Snow

Google Nest Thermostat

Google Nest Thermostat - Smart Thermostat for Home - Programmable Wifi Thermostat

Price

27% Off
$95.00

Google Nest Learning Thermostat

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Grey Learning Thermostat on the wall

The third-generation Google Nest Learning Thermostat is a capable learner - the thermostat can study your behavior and adjust the temperature based on the data analysis. Its availability to learn your behavior is amazing, and this is what we looking for. This thermostat needs to work in your home for about a week, it turns out to be enough to study user preferences and draw conclusions. In my opinion, an important thing in a smart thermostat is the ability to interact with other smart home appliances too. Although devices from Google are usually not compatible with the HomeKit program from Apple, the Google Nest, launched the Nest Weave protocol, which allows third-party developers to use the API to connect their own smart home devices. Simply put, Nest Weave is like a cool mesh network that works great with battery-powered gadgets, such as smart locks or window sensors, to set up unique networks at home

The Nest thermostat is compatible with a wide array of home devices through Wi-Fi, such as remote controls, lamps, clocks, activity trackers, and smart speakers. For instance, the Nest Cam can automatically alert you if movement is detected in the house while the thermostat is in Away mode. Moreover, Nest can be integrated with the IFTTT (If This Then That), a versatile software platform empowering users to create conditional statements for automating actions across various apps, devices, and services. This integration streamlines the process of harmonizing different technologies seamlessly, boosting productivity and personalization through no-code automation that enables adjustment of thermostat settings based on secondary triggers. Of course, Nest is compatible with Amazon's Echo, through voice commands (e.g., "Alexa, set the thermostat to 75 degrees").

We read dozens of feedback and customers say while installation may require some effort, Nest's comprehensive instructions and responsive customer support ensure a smooth setup process. The thermostat's design is both aesthetically pleasing and functional - their words, featuring a large display and an interface that supports interaction with multiple smart devices simultaneously. However, it's worth noting its inability to monitor temperatures in multiple rooms concurrently and its lack of support for Apple's HomeKit, which may limit its appeal to users deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem. With its "no programming" feature, it is essential to acknowledge that the investment is worthwhile. As evidenced, reduced human intervention leads to increased savings

 
Wi-Fi Connectivity Working Wi-Fi connection: 802.11b/g/n @ 2.4GHz, 5GHz, Wireless interconnect: 802.15.4 @ 2.4GHz, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
Smart Home Compatibility Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, nest
Learning Capability Yes
Geofencing Location-Based Adjustment
Specification Met Energy Star
HVAC Compatibility Works with 95% of systems
 

Installation manual: PDF

 
 
 
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GN Learning thermostat with leaf on display

Google Nest Thermostat

Google Nest Learning Thermostat - Programmable Smart Thermostat for Home - 3rd Generation Nest Thermostat - Works with Alexa

Price

$199.00

ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium

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Smart Thermostat on the blue wall

ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is a well-known selection in the realm of smart thermostats, earning notable affection. Compatible with nearly all HVAC systems, the manufacturer advises buyers to use an online compatibility checker. We introduce this bundle with SmartSensor which has reached the heights of customer popularity thanks to perfect control of the temperature. You can place SmartSensor in your most important room, such as a children's room or a bedroom. The use of SmartSensor is not limited to temperature measurement, and you can find more details on the ecobee website. Powering this thermostat requires a C wire, however, Ecobee provides a power extender kit if you cannot find a C wire in the wall after removing the previous model. It operates with single and dual-stage furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, fans, and so on. Adding to its appeal, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium works with built-in Siri (Apple Home hub required to enable it), built-in Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, SmartThings, and IFTTT, enabling an easy weather check before adjusting the day's heating or cooling.

Furthermore, it employs radar technology to enhance the temperature readings and spot the presence of people in the home, even from afar or around corners. An embedded air quality monitor alerts you about poor air quality guides you to improve it, and sends reminders when your furnace's air filter needs changing. Serving as a comprehensive home monitoring hub, the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium includes an in-built smoke alarm detection and sends alerts for potential break-ins when your system is enabled. Get notified during sudden temperature drops that could potentially cause harm. 

After checking reviews in online stores, let's summarize the positive points, namely that ecobee Premium Smart Thermostat boasts a beautiful industrial design. It's broadly compatible with various smart home ecosystems. A key feature that stands out is its outstanding user interface available both on the device and within a well-designed application. This device uses a radar-based motion detection system and provides support for remote temperature and motion sensors. Plus, it's extremely easy to install and configure.  A minor drawback is that Siri support requires an Apple HomePod or HomePod mini. Another disadvantage is that the air quality sensor doesn't trigger your HVAC system's fan to circulate the air. So why it's the best? ecobee Premium Smart Thermostat is a leader in its class, encapsulating everything a modern smart home device needs. Compatibility with almost all HVAC systems, the ability to use almost any voice assistant, and (I almost forgot) Spotify integration, many built-in security sensors, and of course remote control from the application. Well, simply, it has a rather modern look. And, of course, about savings - the manufacturer claims 26% annual economic efficiency, thanks to various settings and schedules. And it is worth holding back and checking if it works with the application's monthly reports. I would also like to mention the younger brother of Premium Thermostat - ecobee3 Light. This is a stripped-down premium version, but it can satisfy most of the needs of the general public even with fewer features than the premium and enhanced version.

 
Wi-Fi Connectivity Dual-band Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n @ 2.4GHz, 802.11 a/n/ac @ 5GHz
Smart Home Compatibility Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, IFTTT
Learning Capability No
Geofencing Location-Based Adjustment
Specification Met Energy Star
Additional feature Spotify Connect and Amazon Music
 
 

 

 

Installation manual: website

 
 
 
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black ecobee thermostat with white SmartSensor

ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium

ecobee New Smart Thermostat Premium with Smart Sensor and Air Quality Monitor - Programmable Wifi Thermostat - Works with Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant

Price

$244.00

Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat

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Sensi thermostat on blue bg

Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Thermostat is a smart device that you can trust to faithfully follow your settings without making preemptive assumptions. Its design is simple yet logical, and much emphasis has been invested in its programmability. Compatible with Single-Stage, Multi-Stage, and Heat Pump systems, the Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi ST55 is indeed a flexible choice for diverse home configurations. This smart thermostat offers advanced programmability, giving you the ability to set up to 8 different periods per day for 7 days. This feature allows users to tailor their heating and cooling schedules to their daily routines accurately. Additionally, it supports voice control through Vera, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and SmartThings, effectively integrating with other smart devices for a seamless home automation experience. The combination of these features defines the Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi ST55's role in upgrading home climate management, simultaneously promoting energy savings and convenience.

The Emerson Sensi ST55 thermostat impresses users with its easy installation, clear and simple interface, and compatibility with various systems. It offers customization options, integrates with voice assistants, and provides detailed usage reports. Negative facts of Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi thermostat reviews included multiple issues including lack of intuitive programming, battery depletion, overheating, connectivity problems, and poor customer support. Users experienced malfunctions leading to overheating and safety concerns, indicating reliability and user-friendliness challenges. The positive feedback significantly surpasses any negatives, making the Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi thermostat highly recommended for its simplicity and effective manual settings.

 
Wi-Fi Connectivity Yes
Smart Home Compatibility Works with Amazon Alexa, Google
Assistant, Apple HomeKit (c-wire
required), and Samsung SmartThings
Learning Capability No
Geofencing Location-Based Adjustment
Specification Met Energy Star
 
 

Installation manual: PDF

 
 
 
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Clear white style photo with Sensi thermostat

Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat

Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat for Smart Home, DIY, Works With Alexa, Energy Star Certified, ST55

Price

23% Off
$99.50

General Step-by-Step Instructions for Installing Smart Thermostats

  1. Turn Off Power: Safety first. Ensure the power to your heating and cooling system is turned off at the circuit breaker to prevent any electrical hazards.
  2. Remove Old Thermostat: Carefully remove the faceplate of your old thermostat to expose the wiring. Tip: take a picture or note the wiring connections for future reference. Then, unscrew and disconnect the wires before removing the backplate from the wall.
  3. Check Wiring Compatibility: Examine the wires to ensure compatibility with your new smart thermostat. Most smart thermostats require a C-wire. If you don't have one, check if your smart thermostat provides an alternative solution or adapter.
  4. Install Thermostat Baseplate: Place the new thermostat's baseplate against the wall. Use a level to ensure it's straight, then mark the screw holes. Drill holes if necessary, insert any drywall anchors provided and secure the baseplate to the wall.
  5. Connect Wires: Refer to the picture or notes you took earlier to connect the wires to the new thermostat. Each wire should go into its respective labeled terminal. Ensure each connection is secure.
  6. Attach Faceplate: Once all wires are connected, carefully attach the thermostat's faceplate.
  7. Turn Power Back On: Restore power at the circuit breaker to your heating and cooling system.
  8. Set Up and Connect: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to complete the setup. This often involves connecting the thermostat to your Wi-Fi network, downloading the manufacturer's app, and following in-app instructions to configure your thermostat.
  9. Test the System: Ensure the thermostat controls your heating and cooling system as expected. Adjust settings and preferences through the thermostat itself or the app as needed.

Remember, these steps are general guidelines. Your smart thermostat may have specific requirements or additional steps, so it's crucial to consult the detailed instructions provided by the manufacturer. Proper installation and setup will ensure your smart thermostat works efficiently and effectively.

Bottom Line

There are numerous compelling reasons to invest in a smart thermostat. The primary ones relate to the convenience of setup and control, as well as substantial cost savings with proper use - something we've previously highlighted. By simply adhering to the thermostat's recommendations and retaining the default settings, you stand to save both energy and money. Many individuals manually tinker with the temperature and miss out on these potential savings. Picture the luxury of always being able to maintain your desired temperature, whether you're relaxing on the couch, watching TV, or heading home on a chilly evening. Thanks to remote control capabilities, this level of comfort is always at your fingertips

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