Which Wifi Thermostat Should I Buy
I hold that the $249 Nest Learning Thermostat, which is currently on sale for around $180, is still the best-looking smart thermostat out there. Its rounded design harkens back to old-school thermostats, but the device has a modern look that fits in with nearly any home decor. The $169 Nest Thermostat E looks nice too, but it has more plastic components that aren't as appealing as the Learning Thermostat's stainless steel.
which wifi thermostat should i buy
Unfortunately, the hardware itself isn't as well-designed as Amazon's, and I found it difficult to adjust the temperature at the thermostat. If you already have a bunch of Wyze products and plan to mostly use the Wyze app to make adjustments, however, this shouldn't be too much of an issue.
Was the thermostat setup especially difficult to install? If so, why? Certain models require a C-wire, for example, which can complicate the installation if you don't have one. Not sure what a C-wire is? Start here.
Although we strongly recommend our picks for most people, there are some scenarios in which they might be more than you need or not the right fit for your setup. Here are a few other smart thermostats that are worth considering.
In most cases, you can install a smart thermostat yourself, and should only take about a half hour of your time. However, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions, and be sure to turn off the power to the thermostat before starting, to avoid hurting yourself or damaging either the thermostat or your HVAC system. And, if you're unsure of anything, it's best to consult a professional.
As before, the best part of the Ecobee is its remote sensors, which make it easier for you to manage the temperature in your entire home. The Ecobee also has Alexa built in and, if you have a HomePod or HomePod mini, can also talk to Siri through the thermostat. The built-in speaker is still not great for listening to music, but it's a way to get a smart speaker in a room where you don't want to place an Echo Dot.
Like the Nest and Ecobee smart thermostats, you can control the Honeywell RTH6580WF from your smartphone, and connect it to Alexa and Google Assistant, which not only lets you change the temperature with your voice, but link it with other smart home products. In addition, the Honeywell Home ecosystem includes a wide range of partners, including Arlo, Apple HomeKit, SmartThings, Lutron, Kwikset Kevo, and more.
The Ecobee 3 Lite works with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant and Alexa, but unlike the Ecobee SmartThermostat, Amazon's voice assistant isn't built into the thermostat. It also doesn't support HVAC accessories, so you can't use it if, say, you have two-stage heating and cooling. It also lacks eco+, which learns your schedule and recommends changes to help save you money.
The Nest Thermostat E is another excellent smart thermostat for less than $200. It's easier to set up than the pricier Nest Learning Thermostat, but still has many of the same features. However, the Nest Thermostat E doesn't support as many HVAC systems, nor does it support such features as two-stage heating and cooling. For the majority of homeowners, this shouldn't be an issue.
The Honeywell T9 works with both Alexa and Google Assistant, and it has a geofencing feature, so that the thermostat knows when you're nearing home, and will adjust the temperature accordingly. As of November 2021, the T9 has been updated to work with HomeKit, which is a plus.
While most smart thermostats will work with Alexa or Google Assistant, fewer will work with HomeKit. However, that could be changing this year as Matter support is added to more devices. This new interoperability standard will make it easier for smart home devices to connect and talk to one another, which should, in theory, open up HomeKit to a greater number of gadgets.
Many smart thermostats require a "C" Wire, which provides a steady stream of power to the thermostat. If you're living in a house with a central AC system, chances are you will have a C Wire. If you don't, you'll have to install a C-Wire adapter kit, which will either be included, or will be available for purchase, by the same company that makes your smart thermostat. Be sure to read our guide on why you need a C-Wire and what do you if you don't have one.
The short answer is yes, but we recommend calling in professional help if you want to convert your regular thermostat into a smart thermostat. This is because the process requires some relatively complex electrical work, which shouldn't be attempted unless you know what you're doing.
Unsure about whether a smart thermostat is worth it? It's no surprise, given these are one of the most expensive smart home devices on the market, and they are fiddly to install too, which means many of us will end up employing a professional to install them.
As with any new device or piece of technology that we've been told will improve our lives, some downsides do exist. Firstly, there's the initial cost, though the best smart thermostats in this guide do vary in price, and there's an argument that many will pay for themselves once your heating becomes more energy-efficient. There's also installation which, as we have outlined above, can mean you need to pay for professional installation.
There is certainly compelling evidence that they do save users time and money, and going into the colder months, that's two things we'd all like more of. However, when considering which smart thermostat would be best for your home, you should be aware that there are two fundamental types - those that control the whole house and those that allow you to customize each room or area's climate. As you might expect, the second type costs a little more initially with the need for smart radiator valves and cooling vents.
No matter which way you decide to go, the best smart thermostats on this list are all designed to make heating and cooling your home easier and cheaper. You can control them with your smartphone, or if you already have one of the best smart speakers, using just your voice. Some devices even have a smart assistant built-in. "Alexa, it's a bit chilly today!"
If you're ready to upgrade but can't decide which device to use, this article should help narrow down the search. We have listed the best smart thermostat from leading brands, including Google's Nest, Ecobee, and Honeywell, testing them in our homes to discover which are the best of the bunch.
We tested the WundaSmart Starter Kit (opens in new tab), which we feel brings something new to the stuffed smart thermostat market. It uses two gadgets in each room to precisely control the temperature: a stylish wireless thermostat and a smart radiator head, which replaces any existing TRVs (thermostatic radiator valves) on your radiators, allowing you to control them individually from the smartphone app.
It builds on the Nest Thermostat E's white plastic design by being available in four different colored trims, which complement the screen's shade. However, as it's relatively smaller than most non-smart thermostats, you'll likely need an additional trim plate to cover up the holes when installing this model. Sadly it doesn't come with a stand as the Nest Learning Thermostat does, so it can only be wall-mounted.
However, as Alexa isn't built-in to the smart thermostat, you will need to purchase a compatible smart speaker if you don't already have one. Amazon also says the more Echos there are in your house, the more accurate Alexa Hunches becomes, which could work out costly to get the most out of it.
Smart thermostats are usually easy to install, but it's important to know how your system is wired before you begin. Always make note of your wiring before you remove your old thermostat, and if possible, take a picture. Most of the latest devices come with pre-printed labels that you can attach to the wires to help identify them during the installation. You should also know what type of system you have as you'll be asked to enter that information during setup. Commonly supported HVAC system types include gas, oil, electric, propane, forced air, and radiant.
Another factor to consider is whether or not your system contains a C (common) wire, which is used to supply constant power to the thermostat. Almost all smart thermostats require a C wire to work, but older houses with older heating systems usually don't have a C wire because older thermostats did not require one. Some smart thermostats come with a power extender kit that you can install yourself to supply power to the device. Other devices, including Nest thermostats, can be installed without a C wire, but will steal power from the furnace control circuits to provide enough power to keep the internal battery charged. While this usually works without issue, it has been known to cause problems with certain HVAC systems and may actually cycle on the system to steal power. If you'd rather not take a chance on frying your furnace's circuit boards, you can have a professional technician run a C wire for around $150 or so. 041b061a72