Thermostats are a great way of setting and regulating the temperature at home, but traditional ones don’t always work consistently. If you want something convenient and reliable, a Wi-Fi thermostat is the way to go.
You can set the heating or cooling based on a schedule that matches your preference and even control it from your phone. The best device that pairs well with any smart home is the Google Nest 3rd Generation Learning Thermostat.
All thermostats can adjust the temperature in a home. But with one that runs on Wi-Fi, you also get the following benefits:
Each thermostat comes with instructions on how to install it. Usually, this requires you to do the following:
As with any smart home device, Wi-Fi thermostats can have a few problems, such as:
Also, if you have a single-zone heating HVAC system, it can be hard to regulate the heating or cooling throughout the house. This can be an issue if certain rooms in the house are often hotter or colder than others. One solution to this is to use a multi-zoned HVAC system instead since these let you regulate individual rooms better.
Modern Wi-Fi thermostats are highly customizable, meaning you can program them to do the following things:
Most Wi-Fi thermostats come with an app, such as the Nest app, which you can use on a smartphone or tablet. With an app, you can access the device remotely and make quick changes to the schedule or temperature without hassle.
Some thermostats are compatible with different smart home devices, which is convenient if you want to use all your devices at once. Others only work within their brands.
Most Wi-Fi thermostats have a minimalistic design. They’re usually round or square and come in white or black, though some come in other colors, such as pink or blue.
These devices also have a digital screen, often a touchscreen, with an LCD display. If you have a larger thermostat, you can program it directly using the screen. For smaller ones, you might need to connect through an app.
A standard one costs $50-$150 and has all the essential features, such as programmable buttons and a touchscreen. More advanced ones cost $150-$300 but can connect with virtual assistants, monitor your home and send important notifications directly to your phone or tablet.
A. This depends on the device, the temperature, the environment and your schedule. Using a Nest thermostat, for example, can save you $100-$150 a year in energy costs.
A. Both are similar, but smart thermostats don’t always need an internet connection to function. Some smart thermostats are also better at monitoring your schedule and determining when you’re home.
Google Nest 3rd Generation Learning Thermostat
What you need to know: This easy-to-use device is energy-efficient and lets you monitor your HVAC system remotely.
What you’ll love: Compatible with Alexa, this programmable thermostat is easy to install and features auto-scheduling. It can connect to a Nest temperature sensor for further temperature monitoring and control. This remote-controlled device also sends alerts if it detects any issues with your heating and cooling system.
What you should consider: The temperature you set it at can vary slightly.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Kohl’s
What you need to know: With a handy digital display and sleek design, this thermostat is perfect for those who want something simple and functional.
What you’ll love: This programmable device has a Quick Schedule feature that lets you make changes from anywhere using a smart device. It's Energy Star-certified, so it can help reduce energy costs, too, and it also works without a C-wire in some homes.
What you should consider: It’s not compatible with all HVAC systems.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Honeywell Home Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat
What you need to know: This device is easy to use and has an easy-to-read display that indicates the indoor and outdoor temperature, as well as other things such as the current humidity level.
What you’ll love: It has a touchscreen, making it easy to adjust the settings. It's energy-efficient, intuitive and works with heat pumps with electric backup, hot water and steam and forced air systems.
What you should consider: It requires a C-wire to function.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
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Angela Watson writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.