A programmable thermostat is nearly as effective at saving energy as a smart thermostat, according to tests conducted by Stelpro and the École Polytechnique de Montréal:
Mechanical (Bimetallic) Thermostat: Baseline energy usage
Electronic Thermostat: 12-16% yearly energy savings
Programmable Thermostat: 20-24% yearly energy savings
Smart Thermostat: 25-30% yearly energy savings
Nevertheless, 89% of people who own a programmable thermostat don't take the time to program it, according to research conducted by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.
This laziness is expensive. "The average household spends more than $2,200 a year on energy bills, with nearly half of this going to heating and cooling costs," according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Meanwhile, a well-reviewed programmable thermostat sells for around 1% of that cost.
How Much Does a Smart Thermostat Cost?
A good smart thermostat (with verified, above-average reviews) costs approximately $126, according to a 12-month analysis of price trends. Those same WiFi thermostats cost around $92 while on sale: an average discount of 27%. Many utility companies also offer rebates on Energy Star certified smart thermostats. The Energy Star Rebate Finder publishes a list of local subsidies, rebates and discounts on thermostats and other energy-saving products.
Is a Smart Thermostat Worth It?
Lowering (or shutting) the thermostat while away is one of the most effective ways to minimize electricity and natural gas consumption, according to a study published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. For example, Energy-Star certified smart thermostats save at least 8% in heating energy and 10% in cooling energy per year in 4 out of 5 American homes. Therefore, a $100 WiFi thermostat should pay for itself in around a year; a $200 learning thermostat should pay for itself in around two years.
This article is focused on Wi-Fi connected thermostats that allow temperature adjustments to be made on a smartphone or tablet, but the majority of these smart thermostats are not "learning thermostats."
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1. Ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat, 2nd Gen
Good Value: $150 | Great Deal: $100
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Home Depot
C-Wire Required: No (If Using Included Power Extender Kit)
Compatible With: Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, Apple HomeKit, IFTTT
Ecobee's smart thermostat is handsome, functional and relatively easy to install, according to several online customers. Some reviewers had a hard time connecting this thermostat to their C-wire; others say that Ecobee's companion app is buggy and its servers are unreliable (resulting in connectivity issues).
2. Honeywell Home T9 WiFi Smart Thermostat
Good Value: $150 | Great Deal: $120
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Home Depot
C-Wire Required: Yes
Compatible With: Alexa, Google Assistant, Cortana, SmartThings
Honeywell's inexpensive smart thermostat is easy to install and operate (despite having poor instructions), according to several customers. Many reviewers appreciate having the option to add remote sensors; others say that this unit's interface and companion app feel outdated. Some wish that HomeKit was supported.
3. Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Thermostat for Smart Home
Good Value: $87 | Great Deal: $65
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Home Depot | Lowe's
C-Wire Required: Yes
Compatible With: Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, Apple HomeKit
Emerson's thermostat is easy to install and use, according to several online customers who say that the Sensi app works well and that the thermostat pairs well with Alexa devices. Some reviewers complain that their thermostat randomly loses its WiFi connection, and when it does, it is difficult to reconnect.
4. Nest Thermostat E - Smart Thermostat by Google
Good Value: $150 | Great Deal: $130
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Home Depot
C-Wire Required: No
Compatible With: Alexa, Google Assistant
Nest's affordable smart thermostat is feature rich, easy to install and a great value, according to several online customers. Some reviewers wish this thermostat had a "hold" feature; others were disappointed that the Nest app requires extensive smartphone permissions (that send unnecessary data to Google).
5. Honeywell Home Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat
Good Value: $150 | Great Deal: $80
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Home Depot
C-Wire Required: Yes
Compatible With: Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, IFTTT
Honeywell's inexpensive learning thermostat is easy to install and has great scheduling features, according to several online customers. Many reviewers say the outdoor temperature monitor is inaccurate; others complain that Honeywell's network is unreliable. Some customers were disappointed by the display quality.
6. Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat
Good Value: $140 | Great Deal: $90
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Home Depot | Lowe’s
C-Wire Required: Yes
Compatible With: Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, Apple HomeKit
Emerson's touchscreen smart thermostat is easy to install and operate, according to several online customers who praised this unit's simplicity. Some reviewers wish this thermostat had more features; others were disappointed with both the accessibility and quality of Emerson's phone-based customer support.
Note: This thermostat is also available in black.
7. Honeywell Home Wi-Fi 7-Day Programmable Thermostat
Good Value: $71 | Great Deal: $50
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Home Depot
C-Wire Required: Yes
Compatible With: Alexa, Google Assistant
Honeywell's WiFi thermostat is easy to program and connect with Alexa, according to several Amazon customers. Many reviewers say it's a chore to connect this unit to a WiFi network; others complain that this unit doesn't have an adjustable temperature differential (which results in unnecessary HVAC cycling).
8. Mysa Smart Thermostat for Electric Baseboard Heaters
Good Value: $137 | Great Deal: $100
Check Current Price on: Amazon
C-Wire Required: No
Compatible With: Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, Apple HomeKit, IFTTT
This affordable line-voltage smart thermostat is easy to install and responds well to voice commands, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say the Mysa app is buggy; others complain that their thermostat periodically loses its WiFi connection. Some HomeKit users had setup difficulties.
Note: This specialty thermostat is NOT compatible with furnaces or boilers.