Smart home technology continues to grow in popularity.
It covers everything from security and lighting to exercise and even toilets.
Digital thermostats have increased in popularity in recent years as well and for good reasons.
They can allow you to control your thermostat when you’re away, create temperature schedules, and automatically adjust temps when you’re not home.
These features can save you 8 percent or more on your utility bill.
A smart thermometer will let you say “goodbye” to days when your heater is running all day because you forgot to turn it down before leaving for work.
But there are a lot of models and features to choose from–with new ones coming out every day–and at various price points.
It can be difficult to know where to start.
The good news is that it is only a matter of deciding what features you need without going overboard.
The information below will help you choose the right digital thermostat for your home and budget.
Main Features of Digital Thermostats
All the thermostats discussed here have Wi-Fi connectivity.
It is an essential feature that allows you to control them from your smartphone, at home or away.
Beyond that, there are few commonalities.
Nest, Ecobee, and Honeywell all make basic digital thermostats.
They each function with touch screens.
The basic Nest will integrate with Google Assist and Amazon Alexa so that you can use voice control features to control settings.
The Ecobee 3 Lite is comparable in function to the Nest basic but will integrate with more smart home ecosystems.
Besides Google Assist and Amazon Alexa, it works with Apple HomeKit, SmartThings, and other smart home systems.
It has a large touchscreen and comes with a power adapter, in case your setup does not already include a C wire to power the thermostat.
The Honeywell T5+ also works without a C wire.
It will integrate with Google, Amazon, and Apple, but not other home ecosystems.
Each of these thermostats can program heating and cool schedules, based on certain days of the week.
They are a great budget option if you aren’t concerned about having all the bells and whistles.
High-End Features
Some features distinguish smart thermostats from standard programmable thermostats.
One is that they can alert you to higher energy usage.
They also can send you notifications when there are maintenance issues.
It is worth noting that it’s easy to override any of these smart features.
For instance, if you’re having a dinner party and want it a bit cooler for a house full of people, the adjustment is only a click away.
Honeywell T9
If you have other Ring devices and want something that will work with them right out of the box, you might consider Honeywell’s T9 model.
Besides integrating with Amazon, Apple, and Google, it features geofencing capabilities.
This means that, when you leave your home, the thermostat will switch to “eco” settings.
One standout feature of the T9 is that it has an integrated humidity sensor.
The other thermostats on this list only have temperature detection capabilities.
Nest Learning Thermostat
The Nest Learning Thermostat is the brand’s most sophisticated thermostat.
It has geofencing capabilities and integrates with the same home ecosystems as its base model.
What sets it apart is (as the name suggests) its learning capabilities.
Not only will it sense when you leave your home but, over time, it will anticipate when you will return and adjust your thermostat.
It also tracks when you adjust temperatures and formulates a schedule suitable to your preferences.
It’s easy to see how these adjustments can help cut costs on your utility bill.
Nest Learning Thermostat also can integrate temperatures sensors that you place around your home.
You have to buy these separately, and they come in varying quantities.
These can help you (and your Nest) get a better picture of temperatures throughout your house, as opposed to the temp in the room where your thermostat is.
You also can set your Nest to make adjustments based on certain rooms, rather than the default temperature where the base station is located.
Ecobee Smart Thermostat
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat is similar in capabilities to Nest Learning.
It has learning features, and you can program a daily temperature schedule.
It does lack the ability to add external thermostats.
One advantage over Nest is that it has integrated speakers and a microphone, so it has built-in voice controls.
This means it can function much like an Amazon Alexa, giving information and receiving commands.
Pricing
As you might expect, the three most basic thermometers are the most budget-friendly.
The Honeywell T5+ and the basic Nest each cost around $130.
The Ecobee 3 Lite runs a little more at about $170.
The Nest Learning Thermostat is almost twice the cost of its basic one, around $250.
The Ecobee Smart Thermostate costs about the same as the Nest Learning.
The Honeywell T9 is much cheaper at $145, and only a bit more than the T5+.
Installation
All these thermostats work with a broad range of HVAC systems.
Unlike simple thermostats that run off of a few batteries, all smart thermostats need a steady power source to operate.
Regardless of the smart thermostat you choose, you should consider hiring a professional to install it.
Many homes lack the wiring necessary for the devices to function.
These are minor fixes that a trained technician can handle at a very reasonable cost.
If you are going to spend the money on a smart thermometer, you want to ensure that it works as intended.
Find HVAC Installation Services Near You
Now that you have an idea of some of the distinct features of different digital thermostats, you can decide which one is best for you.
With so many different models available, you’re sure to find one to make your home more energy-efficient and that fits your budget.
Scottsdale Air has been providing HVAC service, repair, and installation since 1947.
We offer a lifetime workmanship warranty, so you know your new thermostat will be installed correctly. Reach out to us today for a free quote or to schedule an appointment.
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Looking for digital thermostat installation near me? to keep your AC System running & safe? We can help! Contact the Surprisingly Affordable HVAC experts at Scottsdale Air Heating & Cooling to get more information here: 480-359-7141 OR you can request service online here.
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