Thermostat Buying Guide: 7 Things to Consider When Buying a Thermostat

Thermostats are essential for your home’s cooling and heating system. Whether the system includes a boiler, heat pump, furnace, or more, a thermostat helps you monitor and control the temperature. It can also help you save money significantly when utilized the right way.

However, knowing the right thermostat for your home can be difficult. This article provides a thermostat buying guide to ensure you make the best choice for you. On that note, let’s take a look.

Types of Thermostats

Different types of thermostats are available, and it can be difficult to determine the right option for you. To begin this thermostat buying guide, we’re reviewing the types of thermostats available. There are basic, programmable, and smart thermostats available.

Basic Thermostat

This is the most affordable type of thermostat and the easiest to operate. However, since it is quite essential, it has limited features compared to other thermostats. For example, this thermostat only allows you to turn on the heat or AC and adjust to a set temperature. There are no other features it offers.

Programmable Thermostat

Most times, this is the type of thermostat people think about when considering a thermostat. This thermostat allows you manually select each setting, including the temperature, heating, fan, and cooling settings. Additionally, you can program the temperature around your schedule to improve efficiency and save money.

Although people used to find a programmable thermostats complicated, they now come with a digital interface that makes them much easier to use. This type of thermostat is also cost-effective because you can program it for each day of the week and also the time of the day. However, it doesn’t come with an internet connection which prevents the use of voice control and remote control. It also prevents fully flexible scheduling.

Smart Thermostats

This is the last of the trio and the most popular at the moment. This type of thermostat offers you control of your thermostat using voice control. In addition, it connects to your home’s internet to ensure you have access to varying features. It’s also known as a Wi-Fi thermostat, and while it offers everything a programmable thermostat does, there’s more to enjoy.

Its Wi-Fi connection feature allows you to control the entire HVAC system using an app on your phone. This means you can control your thermostat from anywhere in the world. In addition, there are no limits to the programming features, so you can maximize the efficiency of the thermostat. Some smart thermostat models even learn your preferences to program themselves without your control.

Smart thermostats can also reduce your energy use and minimize your carbon footprint. Although this might be the most expensive option amongst the trio, it will help you save money in the long run. In addition, it will monitor your HVAC system to inform you when something isn’t working appropriately.

Different Thermostat Brands

Now that you know the different types of thermostats, it’s crucial to know the top thermostat brands. Below are four household thermostat brands you should be aware of.

Nest

This thermostat brand has been around for over a decade and was founded by Alphabet, a Google parent company. Nests thermostats are smart and designed to adapt to your lifestyle. These thermostats learn your preferences and automatically adapt your home’s temperature to that.

Nest is the best option for you if you want a thermostat that will improve energy efficiency in your home. They’ve even earned an EPA Energy Star and claim to pay for themselves in energy savings in two years or less. You can find these smart thermostats between $140 – $240. However, you should note that Nest thermostats are usually not compatible with every HVAC system.

Honeywell

Another big name in the thermostat market we couldn’t leave out of this thermostat buying guide is Honeywell. This company offers various manual, smart, and programmable thermostats at different prices. You can get a Honeywell manual thermostat for as low as $20. They’re pretty easy to find, especially in local home supply stores. Unfortunately, this thermostat brand is also not compatible with all HVAC systems. However, you can check the compatibility with your HVAC system on the manufacturer’s website.

Lux

Over the years, people have trusted Lux for its affordable and reliable thermostats. According to their website, they sold more than 16 million Lux thermostats over the years. This thermostat brand provides electronic and mechanical thermostats; this includes smart and programmable options. They’re also quite affordable, and you can get them as low as $30. The company also allows you to check your system’s compatibility with their thermostat on their website.

Emerson

Like Honeywell and Lux, you can find a vast range of thermostats with Emerson. Their collection includes mechanical, electronic, and smart thermostats. However, this brand is mostly known for its sensai smart thermostat. The prices for Emerson thermostat depends on the type of thermostat you’re purchasing. Although most start at $30, they usually go as high as $200 and more.

Things to Consider When Buying a Thermostat

Moving on with this thermostat buying guide, it’s essential to take note of the features you should look out for when purchasing a thermostat. With the different types of thermostats, each type comes with unique features you should take note of, and below are the main ones to consider.

Warranty

Most homeowners simply purchase, install and program a thermostat without technical experience and with hopes that they never have to think about it for many years. Unfortunately, this isn’t the type of gadget you’re looking to upgrade to new models yearly. Therefore, longevity is crucial, and you want to ensure that the manufacturer has covered it if anything goes wrong.

Therefore, longevity is one of the top things to consider when buying a thermostat. The warranty length depends on the company and usually ranges from 2, 3, to 5 years. You should read the fine print before you make a final purchase. Some manufacturers offer a longer warranty if you allow a professional to install the thermostat for you.

System and Wiring

This is important when choosing a thermostat and, therefore, can’t be left out of this thermostat buying guide. All thermostats won’t be compatible with your HVAC system; smart thermostats are even more choosy. While some thermostats work exclusively with furnaces and air conditions, others prefer to monitor heat pumps and multiple-stage heating and cooling systems. Additionally, you might have a separate cooling and heating system. For example, some Nest thermostats don’t support two-stage heat pump systems, but some do. Additionally, you might have to install separate thermostats for each system.

Take note of your home’s heating and cooling equipment before purchasing a thermostat. Note that the more sophisticated your HVAC system is, the more sophisticated the thermostat needs. An example is zoned heating systems that change the temperature of each room at different times. Only a smart or programmable thermostat would be ideal for such heating systems.

In addition to the system, you must consider the wiring and how it will fit in with your new thermostat. The wiring also helps determine if your home supports a smart thermostat. For example, new thermostats often utilize a c-wire for digital displays and Wi-Fi support. On the other hand, programmable thermostats only require a low-voltage wire.

If you don’t have a c-wire and you want a smart thermostat, there are some options available for you, and they include:

• Choose a model with a power extender or power adapter that will allow you to add a c-wire to your system.
• Purchase and install a third-party adapter that allows you to add a wire
• Choose a model that doesn’t require a c-wire. Brands like Emersons and Nest claim that some models do not require a c-wire.
• Professionally install a c-wire before installing a thermostat.

Identify Preference and Compatibility

Another feature in this thermostat buying guide you need to consider is your preference. What type of thermostat would you prefer to utilize in your home? Would you prefer a programmable thermostat, or would you prefer one that comes with automation features? Some unique features you might be looking for include Wi-Fi connectivity and an app. However, you can only get these features with a smart thermostat.

When purchasing a thermostat, you might also be able to customize the size, color, style, and more. Most times, when considering preference, budget comes into play. For example, programmable thermostats are more affordable than smart thermostats, while electromechanical thermostats are more cost-effective than electronic models. Additionally, there might be features you want in your thermostat that also determines the type you opt for. But, again, it comes down to your personal preference.

Once you make a choice, system compatibility also narrows down the choice for you. Luckily you can check it out yourself on the manufacturer’s website.

Ease of Installation

Sometimes, you can simply install the HVAC thermostat yourself. However, there are times when installation might require a professional. If you want to do it yourself, the ease of installation is one of the things to consider when buying a thermostat. It’s much easier to set up a programable and non-Wi-Fi-connected thermostat. However, a smart thermostat might be a bit too complex to figure out, especially regarding wiring.

Check out all the packaging and descriptions on the manufacturer’s website to determine which you would have to choose. Installation videos for different types of thermostats and brands are also available on YouTube and other streaming platforms. If the installation process looks straightforward and you prefer to install it yourself, you can opt for the thermostat. Ensure that the thermostat you’re purchasing doesn’t require special parts and tools to install, or you might run into a problem.

A tip is always to install the thermostat on an interior wall in a central location. Ensure you keep it away from vents, draft sources, or direct sunlight. Drafts or direct sunlight could distort your temperature readings, so avoiding that is best.

Energy Saving

This is another feature that should be high on the list of things to consider when buying a thermostat for everyone. You don’t want a thermostat that would raise your energy bills, so energy savings should be on your top list. Luckily almost every thermostat brand today takes this feature into account. A programmable or smart thermostat can learn your schedule to help you save money. In addition, some models produce reports on how much energy you’re using and the best ways to utilize the system better. Therefore, this feature is one you should take note of.

Friendly User-Interface

Suppose you’re opting for a programmable or smart thermostat; one of the things to include in your thermostat buying guide is a friendly user interface. Smart thermostats, touchscreens, and large displays are fast becoming the norm. However, that’s not enough to consider when making a purchase. Take a look at videos or pictures of the user interface and consider how easy it would be to make necessary adjustments.

Would you be able to tell what the displayed information means easily, and will it be easy to make adjustments to temperature? How easy would it be to input information on the thermostat? No one wants to have to look at a manual to determine the next steps to take. On the other hand, the ease of interacting with the device can help you choose the right thermostat for you.

Your Home’s Aesthetics

Another essential factor in this thermostat buying guide is the aesthetics of your home. You will be placing something on your wall for many years, so you want it to look good. Most thermostats today come in different shapes and styles. For example, you could opt for a classic, round look or a rounded-square style.

Brands like Honeywell thermostats offer a modern look with large displays, while other brands like Emerson and Lux offer a conventional style that’s common with programmable thermostats. It’s entirely dependent on you. Therefore you should pick the style that fits well into your home. If all you’re looking for is simple programming, then a non-connected thermostat will fit in well, and they’re much more affordable.

3 Best Thermostats for Your Home

A thermostat helps you gain control over your heating and air conditioning. It ensures that your home is as toasty or cool as possible. But, despite our thermostat buying guide, it can be challenging to determine the best choice for your home. That’s why we’ve researched the best three options to help you choose the best choice for you.

Nest Learning Thermostat

The Nest Learning Thermostat is impressive all-round. It is a smart thermostat with intuitive controls and smart features that makes controlling the temperature in your home much easier. In addition, it has even more intelligence than the average smart thermostat because it learns your habits and establishes trends with them. This thermostat also has three modes: cooling, heating, and eco. You can access these modes automatically or manually.

Its design is also quite impressive and makes controlling the thermostat easier. The bezel is designed like a larger click wheel; you can easily turn it in different directions, and it glide smoothly. The Next app is also advantageous as it allows you to control your thermostat anywhere. You can also check the historical performance and create your preferred schedule on the app.

Pros

• Works with different smart home systems
• Very easy to install
• It comes with an app for easy operation
• Three intuitive modes

Cons

• Can’t control the temperature in multiple rooms

Buy Nest Learning Thermostat on Amazon here

Orbit Clear Comfort Programmable Thermostat

The Orbit Clear Comfort is a top performing programmable thermostable. It comes with all the unique features and customization features you need. However, it doesn’t come with an app like a smart thermostat. Instead, it features an attractive and intuitive interface that makes programming the schedules, times, and dates. The interface comes with bold, easy-to-read letters and a backlight. You can also copy the programming details from one day to another.

The Orbit Clear Comfort Programmable Thermostat has four programming periods that allow you to optimize the temperature setting to save energy. This thermostat meets our thermostat buying guide and is an excellent choice for your home.

Pros

• Easy-to-read backlit display
• Programmable for up to 7 days
• It comes with energy star ratings
• Provides users with accurate temperature readings

Cons

• In short cycles the air conditioning unit
• No remote access

Buy Orbit Clear Comfort Programmable Thermostat On Amazon here

 

Honeywell TH5110D1006 Non-Programmable Thermostat

Suppose you’re looking for a basic thermostat for your home, this Honeywell TH5110D1006 Non-Programmable Thermostat. It easily blends into home interior designs and comes in a sleek design that doesn’t take up much space. In addition, the backlit 1.5-inch screen is relatively easy to read in the dark. It also comes with four large buttons that make it easy to operate.

This thermostat model is dual-powered. This means that while you can hardwire it into the home’s electrical system, it comes with a battery backup. It is also compatible with the conventional HVAC system, so installing it in your home would be easy.

Pros

• Sleek design for easy operation
• Dual-powered model
• Blends into home interior designs easily
• Backlit display for precise readings

Cons

• Slow temperature reaction

Buy Honeywell TH5110D1006 Non-Programmable Thermostat on Amazon here

Final Thoughts

This thermostat buying guide covers all the features you should consider when buying a smart thermostat. Most of the time, the ideal option depends on what you’re looking for. We’ve shared all you should consider, as they will impact your final purchase. Most importantly, your budget and compatibility with your HVAC system determine which model you should opt for.