For more ways to bring tech into your home, check out the best smart home devices we've tested. Geofencing … The Nest Learning Thermostat takes scheduling a step further; it can track your daily comings and goings, as well as heating trends over time, and create a heating and cooling schedule based on when you are usually home or away and what temperature you prefer during those times. And for those planning on evolving their smart homes further, there’s a whole range of Nest devices guaranteed to play nice. Smart thermostats … For smaller homes, this budget-friendly take on the Nest is ideal. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant. As a Contributing Editor for PCMag, John Delaney has been testing and reviewing monitors, TVs, PCs, networking and smart home gear, and other assorted hardware and peripherals for almost 20 years. on Google Play … For optimal energy saving, Bastian recommends minimizing overriding and allowing smart thermostats to just do their thing. Moderately priced thermostats like the Honeywell Lyric T5 display the current time and temperature until you tap the screen, at which point it will display temperature and menu settings, while more expensive devices such as the Nest Learning Thermostat contain motion sensors that will light up the display when you enter the room. *Deals are selected by our partner, TechBargains. Like a connect… They can be controlled from a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet using a free mobile app, and some models also let you control things from a web browser. A 13-year veteran of PC Magazine's Labs (most recently as Director of Operations), John was responsible for the recruitment, training and management of the Labs technical staff, as well as evaluating and maintaining the integrity of the Labs testing machines and procedures. Their thermostats are as high-tech as they come, and provide a wide range of helpful features that make them … “The C-wire adapter is as good as an actual C-wire,” says DiClerico. Like the Nest, it sends smartphone alerts of sudden temperature changes, along with monthly energy usage reports. What is a Smart Thermostat? These Wi-Fi thermostats can be controlled from anywhere with a mobile device. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn a commission. We consulted technology and energy experts to help guide you through upgrading your smart home with the best smart thermostat. Sign up for What's New Now to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every morning. Smart thermostats that earn the ENERGY STAR label have been independently certified, based on actual field data, to deliver energy savings. They perform similar functions as a Programmable thermostat as they allow the user to control the temperature of their home throughout the day using a schedule, but also contain additional features, such as sensors and WiFi connectivity, that improve upon the issues with programmable thermostats. Some thermostats even tell you what the outside temperature was at the time so you can see how it impacted your HVAC system. It uses occupancy, humidity and temperature to regulate the indoor climate, while an autochangeover mode automatically switches between heating and cooling systems. For a good-looking addition to the home, consider the Nest Learning and its circular glass face in a stainless steel casing — you get a choice of seven colors. This is especially a concern with smart thermostats, as not all models support all types of HVAC systems. Smart thermostats work with smartphone apps so that you can be on your way to the airport and still dial down your central heating, conserving energy when you’re not around. Back in 2011, the original Nest Learning Thermostat took the world by storm, offering Wi-Fi connectivity in a stylish puck-shaped device that could learn your daily routine and create heating and cooling schedules accordingly. Want to extend your Wi-Fi network at home? One of the few smart thermostats for electric baseboard and in-floor systems, the stylish Mysa plays well with Amazon, Google, Apple and Samsung smart home hubs. Learning smart thermostats … Always check on the thermostat brand’s site that it supports your home energy system — look for the thermostat’s requirements or compatibility sections. Of the models we've reviewed so far, we've seen three main types of smart thermostat tech: learning algorithms, geofencing and motion sensors. The smart thermostat is probably one of the most useful pieces of smart home technology you can buy. With many different types of smart thermostats on the market, below are some items to keep in mind as you compare your options. Some smart thermostats come with a power extender kit that you can install yourself to supply power to the device. He then worked for the now defunct ComputerLand chain of PC dealers before joining PC Magazine in 1987. Whether you want to control your home's heating and cooling with your phone or your voice, the best connected thermostats offer flexibility and can help save you money on energy. Non-Programmable Thermostat. You can use voice commands to order the thermostat to turn up the heat or control devices other Alexa-enabled devices like smart lights or a video doorbell, as well as make calls and read messages. If it’s humid indoors, the Nest E can also activate the air-conditioning for cooler, drier air. You’ll likely be using your smart thermostat for a decade or two, DiClerico projects, so it’s best to go with an established brand. Earlier this month, Google-owned Nest released an affordable smart thermostat, the $130 Google Nest Thermostat, which is available for pre-order now and will ship out on Oct. 30. A Smart Thermostat … After all, you may be content with an Internet-connected, manual thermostat. But like all good tech, thermostats keep getting better (and smarter!) Manual (Analog) Thermostats Support for Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT. Smart thermostats offer a variety of features that will not only help keep your home comfortable, but can reduce heating and cooling costs. Related Questions {{item.value}} Recommended Results. But with various thermostats options out there, which is the right one for you? Vacation and autochangeover modes boost energy efficiency when you’re out of town or during changing seasons. In fact, if you have a complex multi-component HVAC system, it's a good idea to have a professional HVAC technician install the thermostat for you to avoid damage to your system. Manual vs Programmable vs Smart Thermostats 1. While the Nest wasn't the first connected thermostat to hit the market (Canadian-based Ecobee beat it by two years), it was nonetheless a game changer that helped spawn a new market. The Sensi Touch ST75 is a smart thermostat you can control with your phone, voice, and a color touch-screen panel. In fact, there are only two types of thermostats – either low voltage or line voltage. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology. Types of Smart Thermostats. If you are keen on programmable baseboard heater thermostats, you can choose between Honeywell RLV4305A1000/E 5-2 Day Programmable Thermostat and HONEYWELL TL8230A1003 Thermostat Electric … A non-programmable thermostat is ideal for those who are … The sleek Ecobee with Voice Control is the most versatile device to control your home's heating and… Works with multiple home automation platforms, Compatible with Alexa, Google, and Siri voice commands. As is the case with most smart home devices, prices vary depending on features and capabilities. Most smart thermostats can be used with multi-stage heating and cooling systems, but if you'll be controlling other components such as whole-house dehumidifiers, heat pumps, and ventilation systems, make sure you select a thermostat that supports those devices. Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat. If you’re after something with all the bells and whistles, ecobee’s latest learning thermostat offers a ton of features in a sleek glass touch-sensitive ovoid. She has written for Techlicious, BBC Worldwide, CNN and Time Asia. However, before deciding the types of thermostats that will suit you best, it’s good to run through your checklist and determine the features you will not compromise on. The Nest can be scheduled to heat or cool in low-demand times when energy costs less to answer the demands of time-of-use subscribers. 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. It also comes with a remote temperature and occupancy sensor whose 60-foot range will work well for larger homes. The Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat is a dual-band Wi-Fi thermostat that uses long-range sensors to provide uniform temperatures throughout your home. It offers temperature and humidity alerts and usage reports, as well as support for several smart home platforms. The Bosch Connected Control BCC100 is a serviceable thermostat that you can control from anywhere, but it's not quite as smart as its competitors. Natasha Stokes is a London-based technology writer focusing on new tech and how it can impact everyday life. You’ll also need to check for a C-wire, the so-called “common” wire, segment of some thermostat wiring systems that provides consistent power to a smart thermostat for its Wi-Fi connection and digital display — features not found on manual thermostats, says DiClerico. The thermostat tracks humidity and temperature and can turn the heater on and off based on whether it detects your smartphone. The best smart home assistant-ready devices for 2020, Why Charlotte Tilbury products are worth shopping, American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, How to improve remote work with laptop stands, Smart art: A guide to digital picture frames. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. IFTTT (If This Then That) support is a popular feature that allows you to have the thermostat trigger, or be triggered, by other IFTTT-enabled devices or services. https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-smart-thermostats. And if your energy plan is based on time-of-use rates that fluctuate depending on demand —rather than typical, fixed rates — you can further trim your monthly bill by picking a smart thermostat capable of preheating during off-peak (and more affordable) periods. PCMag, PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis, LLC and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. If you’re after something with all the bells and … For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. To ensure the device you’re getting could actually help you save on electricity use, look for thermostats with the Energy Star certification, says Hannah Bastian, a research analyst with the nonprofit American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. In 2007, the first smart thermostat was invented. There are many types of smart thermostats available for use in Atlanta area homes. Does not integrate with other smart home devices. There are three basic types of smart thermostats divided into categories based on the technology they use: Motion sensor thermostats; … Nest, EcoBee, Honeywell and other manufacturers all make basic smart thermostats. Catch up on the latest from NBC News Shopping guides and recommendations and download the NBC News app for full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak. Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd generation) Read TechHive's review. Best Thermostat For Heat Pump With Auxiliary Heat. Keep an eye on your inbox! Learn more about Shop TODAY. “There’s a small chance that operating a smart thermostat without a C-wire could damage the home’s mechanical systems,” he says. When it comes to smart thermostat brands, Nest is the leader of the pack. You’ll need multiple thermostats to control electric heaters in different rooms — in this case, you can group them in zones that receive the same temperature adjustments. If you live in an older home without a C-wire, that’s not a dealbreaker for the T9 - it comes with a C-wire power adapter that you can install alongside the thermostat. Other common features to look for include reminders for maintenance and replacing things like air filters, vacation scheduling capabilities, and power cycle alerts that let you know if your system is acting erratically. Works with Alexa, Cortana, and Google voice commands. Types of Smart Thermostats. Smart thermostats are usually very easy to install, but it's important to know how your system is wired before you begin. The Ecobee Smart Thermostat With Voice Control is loaded with features including Alexa support, a touch display, a remote room sensor, and interoperability with lots of other smart home devices. However, not all smart thermostats are created equal; some are designed for simple heating and cooling systems and offer basic scheduling and programming options, while others are designed for complex multi-stage systems and will control heating, cooling, dehumidifier, and ventilation systems. The Lux Kono Smart is a sharp-looking, HomeKit-enabled thermostat that you can control with a number of voice assistants or with a thoughtfully designed mobile app. Other system types include heat pump, electric baseboard, fireplace and floor/wall furnace. PCMag Digital Group. Along with an eco mode that automatically sets energy-saving temperatures, the app can also chart energy consumption to show you possible areas of improvement. Electric resistance systems are only supported by a few thermostats. Some of the most feature-rich smart thermostats out there, including the Ecobee 4 and Ecobee Smart, have built-in Alexa voice control and can do just about everything that an Echo speaker does; you can ask them to play music from your Amazon library, get the latest news and sports scores, find out the weather forecast, change temperature settings, and much more. The deciding factor could be how well you get on with the smartphone app, says Bastian, who recommends consumers test thermostat apps to see which interfaces suit them best. Type it here Search Submit. The third-generation Nest Learning Thermostat has all the smarts of its predecessors and adds some new features including a larger display, geofencing support, a furnace monitor, and a few more sensors. © 1996-2021 Ziff Davis, LLC. Should you get an affordable and programmable thermostat or invest in a learning smart thermostat? As is usually the case, you'll pay more for more features. 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