A smart home thermostat is a thermostat that senses indoor conditions and controls connected heating or cooling equipment, with connected or advanced features such as remote access, occupancy-responsive adjustments, energy tracking, or smart-home integration. Features and compatibility vary by model: “smart” does not guarantee learning, remote sensors, or support for every HVAC system or smart-home platform.
What does a smart home thermostat do?
Like any thermostat, it measures indoor conditions and signals attached heating or cooling equipment to help maintain a target temperature. Smart features add ways to adjust that control or access information about it.
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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) says smart thermostats can adjust based on occupancy or activity. Depending on the product, a thermostat may also let you change settings from a smartphone, track energy use, or communicate with other devices and applications. Those capabilities are not universal.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsHow is it different from a programmable thermostat?
A programmable thermostat follows a schedule you set—for example, using different temperature targets at different times. A smart thermostat may offer schedules too, while adding features such as smartphone control or adjustments based on occupancy or activity. The DOE describes these distinctions in its programmable-thermostat 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.
“Smart” is a broad product category, not a promise that the thermostat learns your routine or includes a separate room sensor. Check the individual product’s feature list to see what it actually senses and controls.
Can a smart thermostat save energy?
It may reduce unnecessary heating or cooling by changing temperature targets when a home is unoccupied or by using setbacks in a schedule. Whether that reduces energy use or a bill depends on factors including weather, HVAC equipment, the building, software, and how occupants use the system. A smart thermostat is not a guaranteed savings percentage.
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- 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
The DOE’s HVAC programmable-thermostat educational page says, “If every home used a smart thermostat, we would save 56 trillion BTUs of energy per year.” That is a DOE hypothetical, not a measured result for an individual household or a current savings guarantee.
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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Evaluating savings is also more complicated than simply comparing HVAC runtime. In its FY2023–FY2025 smart-thermostat benchmarking project, the DOE discusses how newer multispeed HVAC equipment can make runtime a less straightforward measure of energy use. Its benchmarking material also identifies weather, hardware, software, buildings, and occupants as factors affecting results.
Rank #3
- 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]
Will one work with your heating and cooling system?
Compatibility depends on the thermostat and the home’s HVAC equipment and wiring. Do not assume a model supports every system. Before buying, use the manufacturer’s compatibility guidance and identify the system type and existing wiring. Heat pumps and dual-fuel systems can have specific control requirements; if the setup is unclear, consult installation guidance or an HVAC professional. The DOE provides training material on thermostat controls for heat pumps and dual-fuel systems.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to compare when choosing one
Compare the features that affect whether a thermostat will work in your home and do what you want:
Rank #4
- PRIVACY PROTECTION*: Sensi won’t sell your personal information to third parties
- EASY DIY INSTALLATION: Use the built-in level and step-by-step app instructions for a quick installation. Works with HVAC equipment found in most homes. Common wire (c-wire) is not required in most applications
- SAVE ABOUT 23% ON HVAC ENERGY*: The ENERGY STAR-certified Sensi smart thermostat can help you save energy with features like flexible scheduling, remote access and usage reports
- SIMPLE CONFIGURATION: Looks and feels like a thermostat. Has buttons and fits the same space as a traditional thermostat so you don’t have to patch and paint your walls
- SMART MAINTENANCE: Sensi can help monitor the performance and efficiency of your HVAC system by delivering valuable usage reports, alerts about your equipment, and maintenance reminders like filter replacement
- HVAC and wiring support: Confirm the exact system types and wiring the thermostat supports.
- Sensing and control: Check whether it uses schedules, occupancy or activity information, or optional remote sensors.
- App and smart-home integration: Verify remote access and compatibility with the devices or applications you use; support varies.
- Energy information and utility programs: See whether it reports energy use or supports a relevant local utility program. Availability and terms depend on the product and location.
- Installation and connectivity: Review installation requirements and which features depend on an internet connection or ongoing data exchange.
What are the privacy and connectivity trade-offs?
Remote control and integration with energy-management services rely on data exchange. The DOE’s December 21, 2016 overview of connected thermostats discusses potential energy-management and demand-response uses alongside access, privacy, and cybersecurity considerations. Review the product’s data and account settings, and consider which connected features you intend to use.
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