THERMOSTATS
Smart Home Tech Guide
A Practical Upgrade for Comfort and Savings
A smart thermostat is one of the best investments you can make in a smart home, offering enhanced comfort, convenience, and energy savings. While traditional thermostats require constant manual adjustments to keep your home comfortable, smart thermostats do the heavy lifting for you—adapting to your lifestyle and automatically managing your HVAC system based on your habits and preferences. Plus, many local utility companies offer rebates for installing a smart thermostat, making it a cost-effective upgrade.
Before You Buy: Consider These Factors
Compatibility & C-Wire Check
Before purchasing a smart thermostat, check your existing thermostat to see if it can already be connected to a smart home system. If not, confirm whether your current wiring includes a C-wire (common wire), which powers most smart thermostats. If your setup lacks a C-wire, you’ll have to find a workaround:
▶ Inject power at the furnace: Power can be run from the HVAC system directly to the thermostat.
▶ Plug into a nearby power outlet: Hide the wires behind the wall to maintain a clean look.
▶ Replace wiring completely: A more complex option that may require professional help.
These steps can add time and complexity to the installation, so it's important to plan ahead.
Top Smart Thermostat Options
$250
▶ WHO IT’S FOR?
Those who want a thermostat that learns your schedule and automatically adjusts to your habits.
▶ WHY CHOOSE NEST?
The Google Nest is arguably the most popular smart thermostat, and it’s a great starting point for users just getting into smart home tech. It connects to Wi-Fi, allowing you to control it from anywhere using the Google Home app on your smartphone. The thermostat “learns” your habits over time, making automatic adjustments to save energy and improve comfort.
▶ VERSIONS & COMPATIBILITY:
There are two Nest versions available—the original Nest Learning Thermostat and the more affordable Nest Thermostat. Both work with Google Assistant and Alexa, but only the Learning model adapts to your schedule over time.
▶ INSTALLATION TIPS:
Some homeowners have reported that the Nest may call for heat or A/C too frequently, which can lead to HVAC wear. This can be adjusted in the settings, but you may want to consult with an HVAC professional to ensure it’s set up properly for your system.
Ecobee
Versatile, Geofencing, & Sensor-Based Control
▶ WHO IT’S FOR?
Homeowners who want smart sensors and more personalized temperature control based on presence.
▶ WHY CHOOSE ECOBEE?
Ecobee offers some of the most advanced smart thermostats available. They feature geofencing, which automatically changes the thermostat’s mode based on whether your phone is detected at home or away.
▶ ROOM SENSORS FOR PRECISION COMFORT:
Ecobee's add-on room sensors do more than just measure temperature—they also detect occupancy. This means if everyone is upstairs, the thermostat will adjust to make that area comfortable, rather than relying on a single downstairs temperature reading. This is particularly valuable for homes without multiple HVAC zones.
▶ VOICE ASSISTANT COMPATIBILITY:
Some Ecobee models have Alexa built-in, allowing for voice control of your thermostat. However, since thermostats are often installed in inconvenient locations (like hallways), many users disable this feature in favor of using other voice assistants in more accessible rooms.
Honeywell Lyric
$120
Affordable & Reliable
▶ WHO IT’S FOR?
Those looking for a budget-friendly thermostat with good performance and automation options.
▶ WHY CHOOSE HONEYWELL LYRIC?
Honeywell’s smart thermostats are known for reliability and affordability. The Lyric series is Wi-Fi-enabled, giving you remote control through your phone, and integrates well with other smart home devices to create automations.
▶ COMPATIBLE WITH MAJOR SMART HOME SYSTEMS:
The Lyric thermostat works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, making it a flexible choice for users who may have a mixed smart home setup.
Amazon Smart Thermostat
$80
Budget-Friendly & Effective ($80)
▶ WHO IT’S FOR?
Those looking for a basic, easy-to-use thermostat that integrates with Alexa.
▶ WHY CHOOSE AMAZON?
Amazon’s Smart Thermostat is a no-frills, budget-friendly option for users who want smart features without the extra cost. While it lacks the advanced learning capabilities of the Nest or the sensor integration of Ecobee, it can be a significant upgrade from a traditional thermostat.
▶ WORKS WITH ALEXA:
The thermostat integrates seamlessly with Alexa, allowing you to control the temperature through voice commands or the Alexa app.
The Benefits of Smart Thermostats
▶ Automatic Energy Savings: Most smart thermostats include energy-saving modes that automatically adjust temperatures when you're away from home, asleep, or during peak energy demand periods.
▶ Remote Control & Automation: Whether you're on vacation, at work, or simply relaxing at home, smart thermostats allow you to control the temperature from anywhere via smartphone apps.
▶ Advanced Scheduling & Insights: By learning your habits, many smart thermostats can create more personalized schedules and provide insights on energy usage to help you make informed decisions about your heating and cooling.
▶ Compatibility with Utility Programs: Many local utility companies offer rebates or incentives for installing smart thermostats. However, some may ask for access to your thermostat during peak demand periods to conserve energy. Check your local programs for opportunities to save on installation.
Choosing the Right Thermostat for Your Home
▶ Compatibility with HVAC System: Make sure your chosen thermostat is compatible with your home’s heating and cooling system. For more complex setups (like multi-stage heating or cooling), a thermostat like the Ecobee or Nest may be a better choice.
▶ Smart Home Integration: Ensure that your smart thermostat is compatible with your existing ecosystem (e.g., Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit). This will make it easier to control the thermostat and set up smart home automations.
▶ Zoned Heating/Cooling Needs: If your home has multiple zones, opt for a thermostat with sensor support to control temperatures more accurately across different areas.
Want to Learn More?
▶ Smart Home Tech That Enhances Home Efficiency: Check out this resource on nar.realtor for tips on how smart thermostats contribute to a more efficient and comfortable home.
▶ Video Guide: Watch this YouTube video for a detailed breakdown of the top smart thermostats, how to install them, and tips for getting the most out of your new device.
By upgrading to a smart thermostat, you can enhance your home's comfort, convenience, and energy efficiency—all while saving money on your utility bills. Choose a thermostat that best fits your budget, smart home ecosystem, and personal preferences for a more connected and efficient home environment.