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This feature learns when you want to heat and cool your home to meet your temperature needs according to your programming. This savvy programmable thermostat also has broad HVAC compatibility, including single- and multi-stage systems, and requires no C-wire to install. The Orbit Clear Comfort Pro is an excellent thermostat option if a readable digital display is high on your wish list.
This battery-operated, programmable thermostat features a large, approximately 3.5-inch-by-1.5-inch LCD that's more legible at a distance compared to many other models. The display also has pleasing blue backlighting that makes reading the large temperature, time, and mode readouts easier. We researched dozens of thermostats, weighing their design, controls, ease of use and installation, and programmable and smart features. Our best overall pick is the Google Nest Learning Thermostat, a feature-packed, energy-saving option that's also sleek and compatible with voice assistants. You can control this Energy-Star certified thermostat via the Google Nest app, which is straightforward and user-friendly.
Best with Touchscreen
The Honeywell RTH221B Thermostat is an extremely budget-friendly option, yet it still offers programmability with up to four periods per day. It has a liquid-crystal display with push-button controls, and the simple white design should be easy to blend into any room. "Some people purchase off-the-shelf temperature sensors to test if the display and air temperature match, if they’re different then that may be an indication of a larger issue," says Anand. Emma Phelps, an Updates Writer for The Spruce, provided additional assistance for this article by speaking with Shilpa Anand, a senior product manager for smart thermostats at Resideo. Anand provided essential information on what qualities to look for in a thermostat and how to test a home thermostat's performance.
However, it’s important to select a thermostat that’s compatible with your existing heating and cooling system, otherwise, it may require connections that aren’t readily available. "If you have a whole home humidification system, that would be an installation where you want professional assistance, especially if you want all your systems connected," adds Anand. Thermostats are often displayed prominently within your home, so it’s always a good idea to select one that you find aesthetically pleasing.
Ecobee Smart Thermostat with Voice Control
A good thermostat helps keep your home at a comfortable temperature year-round while being energy efficient and not requiring too much work. If you think your thermostat isn’t functioning properly, there are a couple of ways you can test it. (You may need to have a helper stand by the furnace to see if it makes a noise.) If the furnace doesn’t respond, the thermostat is likely not sending a signal and may need to be replaced. If you like being able to control your home’s appliances from your smartphone, the Honeywell Wi-Fi Color Touchscreen Thermostat puts control right at your fingertips.
If you don't need a different daily schedule, the thermostat's copying feature allows you to carry over a program to one or several days. While the Clear Comfort Pro lacks compatibility with multi-stage systems, it works with other systems, such as central air conditioning and heating, gas, and oil and electric furnaces. This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce. After living in more than 10 different apartments, she's used all types of thermostats, including basic, no-frills models, as well as high-tech smart products. While selecting thermostats for this list, she considered factors such as their compatibility with different heating systems, as well as the complexity of their installation.
Control Your Home's Temperature With the Best Thermostats
Various heating systems are commonly found in homes today, but unfortunately, not all thermostats are compatible with different systems. You’ll need to figure out whether your furnace is designed for use with low-voltage, line-voltage, or millivolt thermostats, as this will dictate what type of thermostat you need. While fairly expensive, the Nest automatically creates an optimized schedule for your home, making it effortless to balance comfort and energy efficiency. For something more affordable, consider the Honeywell Home RTH221B Programmable Thermostat, which is extremely basic but still lets you set one four-period program that will run seven days a week. This separate device monitors the temperature in the room of your choice, helping to prevent hot or cold areas.
This model lacks a backlit display, so it can be more difficult to read in darker settings compared to other models. However, this thermostat allows you to schedule one program for the whole week, and it delivers precise temperature control of plus or minus 1 degree. It runs on batteries for DIY installation, and overall, it’s a simple, no-frills option that costs less than other models.
It uses flexible scheduling, remote access, and geofencing to create an energy-efficient schedule that suits your daily needs. This thermostat offers flexible 7-day programming, and it has a bright touchscreen for simple adjustments. It displays the daily weather forecast right on the screen, and you can even use it to check outdoor and indoor humidity. The Smart Color Thermostat is compatible with most popular voice assistants, such as Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana, and you can even change the color of its screen to match your decor. While it lacks Wi-Fi and app connectivity, this model offers plenty of smarts with the brand's Smart Response Technology.
She looked for options with a wide range of features, as well as products to suit every budget. If you tend not to use thermostat programming features, you can save some money with a model like the Emerson Blue Easy Set Non-Programmable Thermostat. You can save some serious money on your energy bills with the Emerson Sensi Touch Smart Thermostat. The brand claims its customers save an average of 23 percent on HVAC energy usage thanks to the thermostat's smart features.
This thermostat is both Google Assistant and Alexa-compatible, a convenient feature for smart-speaker users who prefer to rely on voice commands. This thermostat will maintain the perfect temperature for you while you're home but will stop heating and cooling when you're away to save energy. A leaf icon will even appear on the display when your thermostat is at an energy-saving temperature. But while this thermostat may save you money in the long run, its initial purchase price will cost you more than the average thermostat.
If you're searching for a higher-end thermostat, Anand recommends browsing smart thermostats, which connect to Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to adjust your thermostat from your phone and even connect it to other smart home devices. Other features you may want to look for include the ability to control multiple zones and compatibility with remote sensors. In addition to a large, easy-to-read display, the Clear Comfort Pro allows unique daily scheduling and up to four temperature changes throughout the day.
