The Tool Desk
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Check whether your HVAC system is compatible
Before buying or wiring the thermostat, use Amazon’s compatibility checker on the product page. Amazon says the thermostat works with air-to-air and geothermal heat pumps, but not heat pumps that use a backup gas or oil furnace. It requires a C (common) wire, although an adapter may be an option if a usable C wire is absent.
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Do not use the thermostat to replace a high-voltage system. Amazon identifies warning signs such as 110 V or 220 V labels, L1/L2 terminals, or wires joined with wire nuts. Stop if you see these, cannot identify the system, or are unsure whether it is compatible; have an HVAC professional assess it.
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Check for a C wire and choose how to proceed
With power off, inspect the old thermostat’s terminals and note whether a wire is connected to C. Wire color alone does not establish its purpose: identify conductors by their terminal labels and follow the app’s wiring guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- An Alexa thermostat - Amazon Smart Thermostat is an easy way to switch from a traditional thermostats for homes and help reduce energy usage.
- Create comfort zones throughout your home by connecting to select Alexa devices to automatically adjust heating and cooling based on temperature readings or presence detection.
- Save money and energy - After purchase, Amazon will send you an email with details about home thermostat rebates that may be available from energy providers in your area.
- Save energy - According to EPA estimates, ENERGY STAR certified thermostats save an average of $90 on yearly energy bills.
- Programmable thermostat and automatic control - Create your own home, away and sleep schedules, or have Alexa automatically control the temperature with Alexa+ advanced features.
- A C wire is connected: Record its terminal and follow the Alexa app’s instructions for connecting it to the new thermostat.
- No C wire is connected, but an unused conductor is present: Amazon says some homes can use that conductor as C by connecting it at both the thermostat and HVAC control panel. Do this only if you can positively identify the same conductor at both ends and can follow Amazon’s instructions.
- No usable spare conductor: A compatible C-wire adapter may be needed. Follow Amazon’s adapter instructions for the specific HVAC system; that procedure involves the control board, so hire a professional if you are unsure.
Amazon’s adapter procedure begins with switching off HVAC power and documenting the control-board wiring. Do not begin work at the HVAC control board while the system is powered.
Prepare safely before removing the old thermostat
- Turn off HVAC power at the breaker or the system’s primary switch. Verify that power is off before removing the faceplate or touching wiring.
- Remove the old thermostat’s faceplate and take a clear photograph showing the wires and terminal labels.
- Label each wire with the terminal it was connected to, then disconnect it carefully. Keep conductors from slipping back into the wall, and do not touch exposed wire ends.
Do not proceed if a wire is too short to handle safely, falls into the wall, or cannot be matched to its original terminal. Amazon recommends contacting an HVAC service company if you are not comfortable working with thermostat or HVAC wiring. Local rules may also require a qualified professional or a permit.
Rank #2
- The information below is per-pack only
- An Alexa thermostat - Amazon Smart Thermostat is an easy way to switch from a traditional thermostats for homes and help reduce energy usage.
- Create comfort zones throughout your home by connecting to select Alexa devices to automatically adjust heating and cooling based on temperature readings or presence detection.
- Save money and energy - After purchase, Amazon will send you an email with details about home thermostat rebates that may be available from energy providers in your area.
- Save energy - According to EPA estimates, ENERGY STAR certified thermostats save an average of $50 on yearly energy bills.
Mount and connect the Amazon Smart Thermostat
- Remove the old wall plate. If you want to use the optional trim plate, position it as directed before installing the new wall plate.
- Fasten the Amazon thermostat’s wall plate to the wall.
- Use the Alexa app’s illustrated wiring instructions to place each labeled conductor in the specified slot. Do not rely on color alone. Tug gently on each wire to check that it is held securely, and set the R-terminal switch as the app directs.
- Close the cover and attach the thermostat faceplate.
- Restore HVAC power at the breaker or primary switch.
If the wires or terminals do not match the app’s instructions, stop rather than guessing. Have a qualified HVAC professional identify the wiring.
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- In the Alexa app, go to Devices > Add Device > Thermostat > Amazon.
- If the thermostat is not installed yet, choose No to open the wiring and installation guidance. If it is already mounted, choose Yes to continue with Wi-Fi and Alexa setup.
- Connect it to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. Amazon’s troubleshooting guidance says 5 GHz Wi-Fi is not compatible.
Amazon says the display showing “SEt” or a temperature indicates successful installation. If setup does not complete, revisit the app’s wiring and Wi-Fi guidance rather than changing connections while the HVAC system is powered.
Rank #3
- Like-New Amazon Smart Thermostat is refurbished, tested, and certified to look and work like new and comes with the same limited warranty as a new device. Like-New Amazon devices may be packaged in generic Amazon-branded boxes.
- Smart upgrade - Amazon Smart Thermostat is an easy way to switch from a traditional thermostat and help reduce energy usage.
- Create comfort zones throughout your home by using select Echo devices or Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor to automatically adjust heating and cooling based on temperature readings or presence detection.
- Save money - After purchase, Amazon will send you an email with details about rebates that may be available from energy providers in your area. Explore rebates above.
- Save energy - According to EPA estimates, ENERGY STAR certified thermostats save an average of $50 on yearly energy bills.
When to stop and get professional help
Do not continue DIY installation if you find high-voltage indicators, an unsupported HVAC configuration, uncertain wiring, or conductors you cannot safely manage. The same applies if you are uncomfortable working with the thermostat wiring or accessing the HVAC control board for an adapter. Amazon’s official wiring instructions advise: “If you are not comfortable working with electrical wiring or your home heating and cooling system, contact a HVAC service company to install and set up your Thermostat.”
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Save up to 23% every year on heating and cooling costs, adjusts to your set schedule to save energy when you’re gone and optimize comfort when you’re home. Compared to a hold of 72
- Compatible with 85% of systems, check your system’s compatibility with our online ecobee Compatibility Checker on the ecobee support page
- Change your temperature by easily tapping the color touchscreen or using the ecobee app. Plus, free software upgrades ensure you get the best out of your Smart Thermostat Essential, for years to come
- Automatically adjusts to your set schedule to save energy when you’re gone and optimize comfort when you’re home. Keep track of your energy consumption when you're on the go on the ecobee app
- Easy DIY install. No C Wire, no problem. Get the ecobee Power Extender Kit (PEK) for homes without a C-Wire and keep your walls looking nice with our trim kit – both sold separately
Rank #4
- EASY DIY INSTALLATION: Do it yourself fast with a built-in level and simple step-by-step instructions. Works with the HVAC equipment found in most homes
- COMMON WIRE REQUIREMENTS: Common wire(C-Wire) required for heat pump and heat/cool only systems. C-wire not required on most systems
- SAVE ABOUT 23% ON HVAC ENERGY: ENERGY STAR-certified and packed with features that help you save money, including flexible scheduling, geofencing, remote access and usage reports
- PRIVACY PROTECTION: Sensi won’t sell your personal information to third parties or leverage your thermostat activity data for targeting or advertising purposes
- CONTROL FROM ANYWHERE: The top-rated mobile app for Android and iOS devices makes it easy to control your comfort from a smartphone or tablet
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
