Over the past few years, smart thermostats have become more popular as the weather gets more extreme and unpredictable. These helpful gadgets can help you save money and take the guesswork out of maintaining your home’s cooling and heating schedule. Not sure where to start? Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list of the best smart home thermostats to help you save this summer (and beyond).
What Is a Smart Home Thermostat?
Smart home thermostats allow you to automate your heating and cooling scheduling. They operate in conjunction with an app, smart speaker, or other internet-controlled device. Most models will also learn your temperature preferences and make automatic adjustments at certain times of day – such as when you leave for or return from work. Some smart thermostats will even tell you when it’s time to change your air filter or perform maintenance. They also allow you to monitor energy usage so you can troubleshoot fluctuations in your electricity bill.
What Are the Top Smart Home Thermostats?
1. For Those Who Want it All: EcoBee Smart Thermostat with Voice Control
The EcoBee Smart Thermostat is easy to integrate into your existing smart home system, and can even act as a hub, thanks to its Amazon Alexa platform. Besides being able to respond to heating and cooling commands, it can also can read you the day’s news, play your favorite music, or even respond to calls. Additionally, the EcoBee Smart Thermostat is equipped with 32 sensors that can detect your presence and adjust the temperature accordingly.
According to EcoBee, when you use its energy-saving features, such as eco+, and effectively schedule heating and cooling cycles, you may be able to save up to 26% on your energy costs.
2. For Those Who Want a Sleeker Look: Google Nest Learning Thermostat
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat is arguably the most recognizable on our list. This device offers a sleek, modern look that comes in multiple colorways. The latest device in the Google Nest line, it’s focused on smart learning features that help you save money by learning and adapting to your preferences. Once installed, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat instantly starts adapting to your life. According to Google, after only one week of usage, the device should be able to program itself to your routine.
You can also control your smart thermostat from anywhere with the mobile Nest app. If you have more than one Nest device, such as Google’s doorbell, security cameras, or smoke detectors, you can control it all from the same Nest app.
3. Best Bang for Your Buck: Amazon Smart Thermostat
If you’re looking for an affordable option, look no further than the Amazon Smart Thermostat. This device can be managed via the app or Alexa voice command, making it a no-brainer if you already use Alexa for other devices in your home. The Amazon Smart Thermostat doesn’t include things like room sensors or integrations with multiple platforms, but the cost-effectiveness of this model more than makes up for it.
This device also requires a C-wire for installation, so if your current system doesn’t have one, you’ll need to purchase one separately. Aside from the C-wire requirement, this model is a breeze to install.
4. Best For Beginners: Honeywell Lyric T5 Smart Thermostat
The Honeywell Lyric T5 Smart Thermostat is easy to use and easy to set up, making it an ideal option for the less-than-tech-savvy consumer. This device easily integrates with any smart home platform and is also intuitive enough to send notifications to your smartphone. It will let you know when it’s time to change your air filter and even warn you about extreme temperatures.
Although you’ll need to set up your schedule manually, the Honeywell Lyric T5 Smart Thermostat does have excellent geofencing (meaning the device knows when you’re coming and going). You can even set up the device to change the temperature to your liking before you return home.
With the days getting longer and temperatures getting hotter, there’s no better time to upgrade to a smart home thermostat.