Switching to a smart thermostat can make temperature control easier, automate heating and cooling around your routine, and give you a clearer view of HVAC use. It may also reduce energy use, but savings depend on your home, habits, climate, and equipment—not just the thermostat.
1. Adjust your home temperature from almost anywhere
With a Wi-Fi-connected smart thermostat, you can change the temperature from a phone or another connected device instead of waiting until you get home. That is useful when plans change, you leave earlier than expected, or you want to adjust the setting while away.
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Remote control is a convenience, not a requirement for basic operation. ENERGY STAR’s criteria say certified models must “work as a basic thermostat in absence of connectivity to the service provider.” That means a loss of internet or service connectivity should not make the thermostat stop functioning as a basic thermostat, though remote features may be unavailable.
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2. Let it follow your schedule and occupancy
Smart thermostats can use schedules, learning features, geofencing, or occupancy sensors to change settings when people are asleep or away and restore comfort as they return. Which features are available—and how they work—varies by model. A simple schedule may suit a predictable routine; households with changing schedules may value more flexible automation.
#1 Best Overall
- ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat for home that helps you save energy and stay comfortable.Connectivity : Wi-Fi - 802.11b/g/n 2.4 GHz, 802.11a/n 5 GHz Wi-Fi., Wireless interconnect : Bluetooth Low Energy Please refer to the product description section below for all applicable legal disclaimers.Product note: You can also check your system’s compatibility before purchasing a Nest thermostat with our online Nest Compatibility Checker on the Google Nest support page
- The Nest Thermostat is designed to work without a C wire in most homes, but for some systems, including heating only, cooling only, zone controlled, and heat pump systems, you’ll need a C wire or other compatible power accessory
- Nest Thermostat turns itself down when you leave, so you don’t waste energy heating or cooling an empty home. Lock feature: No
- Programmable thermostat that lets you create an energy efficient schedule in the Google Home app on your Android or iPhone
- Remote control lets family members change the thermostat temperature from anywhere on a phone, laptop, or tablet[1]
Before choosing a model, check whether its features match your household. For example, geofencing relies on location settings, while occupancy sensing or optional room sensors may help a thermostat respond to activity or temperatures in different parts of the home. These features do not guarantee comfort in every room or lower bills; results depend on how the system is configured and used.
3. See HVAC use and potential energy savings
Depending on the model, a smart thermostat can show temperature or equipment-use information that helps you understand when heating or cooling runs. That visibility can help you spot patterns and make informed adjustments, rather than guessing how often your system is operating.
Rank #2
- 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.
ENERGY STAR estimates that certified smart thermostats save an average of approximately 8% on heating and cooling bills, or about $50 per year. The program says savings vary with climate, occupancy, comfort preferences, and HVAC equipment, so treat the estimate as a broad average—not a promise for your home. ENERGY STAR says certified models are independently evaluated using real-world data to demonstrate energy savings; certification does not establish what an individual household will save.
For context, ENERGY STAR says heating and cooling account for almost half of the average American household’s annual energy bill, described as more than $900 per year. That national context is not an estimate of your household’s costs or potential savings.
Rank #3
- 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
Check compatibility, wiring, and Wi-Fi before buying
- Confirm HVAC compatibility. Check the thermostat maker’s compatibility information against your specific heating and cooling system. ENERGY STAR notes that many forced-air systems installed after 1975 are compatible, but that generalization cannot confirm a particular setup.
- Check wiring and C-wire needs. Most, but not all, smart thermostats use a C-wire; some installations may need an adapter. Verify the selected model’s requirements before purchase.
- Check Wi-Fi coverage. Remote control and connected features depend on a reliable connection. If the thermostat is too far from your router, a Wi-Fi range extender may help.
- Choose features for your routine. Compare scheduling, learning, geofencing, occupancy sensing, room-sensor support, energy-use reporting, and smart-home integration according to what you will actually use.
- Consider installation help. If you are unsure about wiring or do not want to install the thermostat yourself, ask an HVAC professional or electrician.
Check local rebates before you choose a model
Some utilities offer rebates or programs related to smart thermostats, but availability and terms depend on location and the utility. Use the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder, then confirm the qualifying product, current incentive, deadline, and installation requirements with the utility or official listing before buying. Do not assume a particular model qualifies or that a rebate is available in your area.
If a utility program includes demand-response participation, check its terms. ENERGY STAR’s product criteria include the consumer’s ability to override grid requests; review how that works on the model and program you are considering.
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
How to decide whether switching makes sense
A smart thermostat is most compelling if you value remote adjustments, want temperature changes to follow a routine or occupancy, or would use equipment-use information to guide your settings. The potential energy savings are an added possibility, not a guaranteed return. Compare the upfront thermostat and installation costs with features you will use, confirmed system compatibility, and any verified local incentive.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFor official guidance on features and choosing a model, see ENERGY STAR’s smart thermostat consumer guide. Its smart thermostat FAQ explains savings variability, and the key product criteria describe certification requirements.
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