Smart thermostats are usually very 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,. This Nest Learning Thermostat memorizes your favorite temperature This Nest Learning Thermostat memorizes your favorite temperature settings and adjusts throughout the day. You can also control this Wi-Fi thermostat from your smart phone or other remote devices while you’re away.
Smart thermostats are convenient, and claim they can save you a lot of money on your energy bills. But is a smart thermostat actually worth the price and effort?
What Smart Thermostats Do
If you don’t know much about smart thermostats, you might think they’re magical devices that can completely change the way you heat and cool your house. That’s….slightly true, we suppose.
Smart thermostats allow you to change various thermostat settings from your smartphone–and, in some cases, a web browser, computer, or with your voice using a device like the Amazon Echo. This adds a new level of convenience, as you can turn up the A/C when you’re on your way home from vacation, so it’s nice and cool by the time you walk through the front door. Or, you can crank up the heat while you’re curled up on the couch, without having to walk across the house.
Most smart thermostats also allow you to view your usage history and see when the heating or cooling kicked on and at what time that occurred, giving you a better idea of just how often your system is running.
Perhaps the biggest feature of smart thermostats, at least in some cases, is the ability to learn your adjustment habits. The Nest Thermostat, for instance, can learn over time when you’re home or away, and how warm or cool you like your house to be at different times throughout the day, without you needing to program it manually. You just adjust the thermostat whenever you want, and it’ll learn those habits.
So How Does That “Save Money”?
All this sounds great, and if you’re in the market for a new thermostat–or just want to make your life a little easier–a smart thermostat seems like a no-brainer. But there are a few other things to consider.
Cost is probably the biggest downside, seeing that most smart thermostats are priced at around $250, whereas a traditional, basic programmable thermostat can be had for as little as $25.
That means that those extra capabilities–smartphone access, usage history, the ability to have your thermostat adjust temperature settings for you, and other bells and whistles–cost an extra $225 or so.
RELATED:How to Make Your Nest Automatically Detect When You’re Away
Of course, the extra cash you spend on a smart thermostat will save you more money in the long run, right? Smart thermostats are marketed as having the ability to easily save you money on your energy costs, and they certainly can.
However, that’s really only because the thermostat can learn your adjustment habits and optimize the heating and cooling, turning down the A/C during the day when you’re at work and turning it back up when you get home. A basic programmable thermostat can do the exact same thing, but it’s much more of a hassle to program using those clunky buttons. Smart thermostats are much quicker and easier to program, and some (like the Nest) can do it all automatically, making it even easier.
So on their own, smart thermostats probably won’t save you any more money than a basic, programmable thermostat. And, if your house isn’t optimized for airflow and ventilation, then you have much bigger problems than just the thermostat.
RELATED:How to Optimize Your Home’s Airflow to Save Money on Your A/C
But if you aren’t going to take the time to program the thermostat you already have–because it’s just too much of a pain–a smart thermostat could be a wise investment, since it can program itself for you (or at least make it a lot easier than a traditional thermostat). The remote access capabilities alone could be worth the extra money, too. Many people, including myself, prefer to have full (or at least most) manual control over the thermostat, and the remote access is handy–I can simply open up the smartphone app and change the temperature on the thermostat, no matter where I’m at in the world.
In the end, you probably don’t need a smart thermostat, and they won’t necessarily save you more money on your energy bills on their own (unless your current thermostat is so obtuse that you aren’t programming it optimally). But they’re certainly more convenient, and if you aren’t taking the time to use your thermostat the way it was designed, a smart thermostat could save you a few bucks while making your life easier.
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When Apple alumni Tony Fadell and Matt Rogers unveiled their first-gen Nest Learning Thermostat in 2011, they ignited interest in a previously overlooked part of the home. All of a sudden, folks were paying attention to more than thermostat functionality -- they were looking at design and the possibility of integrating their heating and cooling systems into their app-centric connected worlds.
But, Nest (now Google Nest) did more than just showcase smart design and offer an outlet for tech-savvy consumers early on; it also inspired other companies to create their own versions of the DIY smart thermostat.
The innovative heat and AC devices that have emerged are all slight variations on the same energy-efficient, customization-focused theme. Each one does something a bit different in terms of features and final execution. Take a look at the smart thermostats we've reviewed so far to see if you might be ready for an upgrade.
Disclosure: CNET may get a share of revenue from the sale of the products featured on this page.
Ecobee Ecobee3 Lite
The Ecobee3 Lite is Ecobee's entry-level smart thermostat. Use the related app to monitor and make changes to your settings remotely. You can also connect it to a wide variety of smart home partners (see below). While this particular Ecobee thermostat doesn't come with a temperature and proximity sensor accessory, you can buy a two-pack separately for $79. Adding sensors gives you the chance to keep an eye on the temperature in other areas of your home, as well as improve its ability to determine when you're home or away.
Price: $169
Works with:Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings, Wink
Read CNET's full review of the Ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat.
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Ecobee Ecobee4
The Ecobee4 is a Wi-Fi-and-app-enabled thermostat that relies on sensors to detect whether you're home or away. Yes, you can still schedule it the old-fashioned way, but this thermostat's adaptive sensors know your routine can be unpredictable. The Ecobee4 automatically cancels Away mode if the motion and proximity sensors notice you've come home unexpectedly -- all so that you can be as comfortable as possible. Isn't that nice?
This model also has a built-in Alexa speaker and won a CNET Editors' Choice award for its impressive performance and innovative design. That means you can use it as a voice control hub in your home, as well as to control the thermostat.
Price: $249
Works with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings, Wink
Read CNET's full review of the Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat.
Emerson Sensi
The Emerson Sensi retains a traditional thermostat design, but adds in a related app and integration with Amazon's Alexa voice assistant, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant and Wink. It works well overall, but is missing advanced features and accessories like temperature sensors and algorithmic learning. The Sensi is still a solid bet if you want basic smart functionality for less than other many other connected thermostats available today.
Price: $130
Works with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Wink
Read CNET's full review of the Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Thermostat.
Emerson Sensi Touch
The Emerson Sensi Touch is priced to compete with models like the Ecobee3 Lite. With support for Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant and Wink, the Sensi Touch has a solid roster of smart home partners -- and an updated touchscreen display. It also offers geofencing and monitors the indoor humidity.
Price: $169
Works with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Wink
Read CNET's full review of the Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Thermostat.
Google Nest Learning Thermostat
The $249 Nest Learning Thermostat wasn't the first smart or app-enabled model to hit retail, but its unique design definitely changed the game. Its radial dial takes cues from retro thermostats, but some clever tweaks gave it modern appeal. And, its learning algorithm adapts to your comings and goings so you don't have to worry about setting fixed Home and Away schedules. Your Nest will also send you energy reports based on your usage patterns to gently guide you toward a more efficient, economical heating and cooling routine.
Price: $249
Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
Read CNET's full review of the Google Nest Learning Thermostat.
Google Nest E
The Nest E is the Google company's entry-level smart thermostat. You get roughly all of the same features offered with Nest's high-end learning thermostat, but the E used plastic hardware components (rather than metal) to keep prices down. And while this model retains Nest's rounded thermostat design, its frosted gray-white finish sets it slightly apart.
Price: $169
Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
Read CNET's full review of the Google Nest Thermostat E.
Honeywell Lyric
The Lyric thermostat was designed to compete directly with the Nest. But instead of a Nest-style learning algorithm or Ecobee3-esque adaptive sensors, the Lyric relies heavily on geofencing. You can set either a 500-foot or 7-mile range and when it senses that you're out of range, it will set itself to Away mode. When it detects that you're back within range, it will kick Home mode back on so your home is nice and cozy by the time you reach your front door.
Price: $199
Works with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings
Read CNET's full review of the Honeywell Lyric Round Wi-Fi Thermostat.
Honeywell Lyric T5
Honeywell's Lyric T5 smart thermostat works with Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit. It also has geofencing capabilities, similar to the pricier Honeywell Lyric thermostat. The T5 successfully automated Home and Away modes whenever my phone moved in and out of the customizable geofencing range during testing. It's a truly smart thermostat at a reasonable price, especially since it supports Alexa and Siri voice control.
Price: $150
Works with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit
Read CNET's full review of the Honeywell Lyric T5 Wi-Fi Thermostat.
iDevices Thermostat
The affordable iDevices thermostat works with Alexa and Siri voice assistants. It also has a related app for accessing features from your phone -- or tablet. Other than its voice integrations and related app, iDevices' thermostat doesn't do much. It doesn't have geofencing, offer learning algorithms or come with standalone temperature sensors. Still, this simple thermostat is a decent entry-point into smart heating and cooling.
Price: $130
Works with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit
Read CNET's full review of the iDevices Thermostat.
Johnson Controls GLAS Smart Thermostat
The Johnson Controls GLAS Smart Thermostat is expensive at $319. But it has a neat-looking see-through OLED touchscreen, an integrated Cortana speaker and built-in air quality sensors. Use the related GLAS app to check in on your heating and cooling remotely -- and to make any on-the-go adjustments. If you have a separate Amazon or Google smart speaker, you can also control the GLAS via Alexa and Google Assistant commands.
Price: $319
Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Microsoft Cortana
Read CNET's full review of the Johnson Controls GLAS Smart Thermostat.
Lux Geo
Like every other smart thermostat on this list, the Lux Geo comes with a related app for remote access to your heating and cooling settings. It also offers geofencing for automatic arming and disarming. Its most distinctive feature, though, is its design. The Geo can be mounted on your wall either vertically or horizontally, which helps if you have old paint, wallpaper or holes you want to cover with minimal effort.
Price: $140
Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
Read CNET's full review of the Lux Geo.
Lux Kono
The Lux Kono smart thermostat looks pretty neat, but the knob was fiddly and difficult to use. It has a detachable faceplate that comes in 11 colors. It works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri. I tested it with an Amazon Echo Show, a Google Home Max and a HomePod and all three let me make basic thermostat adjustments using voice commands.
Price: $153
Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri
Read CNET's full review of the Lux Kono.
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