Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To save energy without making home uncomfortable, set schedules around when people are actually asleep or away, treat the U.S. Department of Energy’s thermostat setback as conditional guidance—not a guaranteed saving—and account for heat-pump behavior and humidity. There is no single best temperature for every home; the right settings depend on your HVAC system, household routine, and comfort.
1. Schedule a setback for sleep and unoccupied hours
A thermostat does not need to maintain the same temperature when the home is empty or everyone is asleep. Use scheduled changes to reduce heating or cooling during those periods, then return to a comfortable setting when people are home.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) says turning the thermostat down 7°–10°F for eight hours a day in fall and winter—and turning it up in spring and summer—can save as much as 10% per year on heating and cooling. That is a general estimate, not a promised reduction on every household’s bill. The DOE also says heating and air conditioning typically account for about 32% of home energy use. DOE Energy Saver (2022)
Heat-pump exception: If your home has a heat pump, use a thermostat designed for heat-pump control. A manual setback can trigger more expensive electric-resistance backup heat in some systems, so do not apply the general setback recommendation without considering your equipment. Follow the thermostat and HVAC manufacturer’s guidance if you are unsure.
#1 Best Overall
- ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat for home that helps you save energy and stay comfortable.Connectivity : Wi-Fi - 802.11b/g/n 2.4 GHz, 802.11a/n 5 GHz Wi-Fi., Wireless interconnect : Bluetooth Low Energy Please refer to the product description section below for all applicable legal disclaimers.Product note: You can also check your system’s compatibility before purchasing a Nest thermostat with our online Nest Compatibility Checker on the Google Nest support page
- The Nest Thermostat is designed to work without a C wire in most homes, but for some systems, including heating only, cooling only, zone controlled, and heat pump systems, you’ll need a C wire or other compatible power accessory
- Nest Thermostat turns itself down when you leave, so you don’t waste energy heating or cooling an empty home. Lock feature: No
- Programmable thermostat that lets you create an energy efficient schedule in the Google Home app on your Android or iPhone
- Remote control lets family members change the thermostat temperature from anywhere on a phone, laptop, or tablet[1]
2. Match home, away, and sleep schedules to real routines
Set schedule changes for the hours your household is actually away or asleep rather than following a generic weekday template. If someone is home during the day, for example, an “away” period based on a standard office schedule may work against comfort.
Smart thermostats may also adjust based on occupancy or activity, in addition to scheduled settings. DOE Building Science Education describes these features alongside scheduling and remote control. DOE Building Science Education: HVAC Programmable Thermostats
Rank #2
- An Alexa thermostat - Amazon Smart Thermostat is an easy way to switch from a traditional thermostats for homes and help reduce energy usage.
- Create comfort zones throughout your home by connecting to select Alexa devices to automatically adjust heating and cooling based on temperature readings or presence detection.
- Save money and energy - After purchase, Amazon will send you an email with details about home thermostat rebates that may be available from energy providers in your area.
- Save energy - According to EPA estimates, ENERGY STAR certified thermostats save an average of $90 on yearly energy bills.
- Programmable thermostat and automatic control - Create your own home, away and sleep schedules, or have Alexa automatically control the temperature with Alexa+ advanced features.
Start with your current routine, then adjust the schedule if the home feels uncomfortable when the temperature changes or if your plans vary. The goal is to avoid heating or cooling an empty home unnecessarily without forcing occupants to tolerate an uncomfortable temperature.
3. Don’t use the cooling setpoint as a humidity control
Lowering the thermostat may make a room colder without adequately reducing moisture in the air. DOE explains that modern air-conditioning systems are very effective at reducing temperature but less effective at removing moisture. DOE: Advanced HVAC Humidity Control for Hot-Humid Climates
Rank #3
- Save up to 23% every year on heating and cooling costs, adjusts to your set schedule to save energy when you’re gone and optimize comfort when you’re home. Compared to a hold of 72
- Compatible with 85% of systems, check your system’s compatibility with our online ecobee Compatibility Checker on the ecobee support page
- Change your temperature by easily tapping the color touchscreen or using the ecobee app. Plus, free software upgrades ensure you get the best out of your Smart Thermostat Essential, for years to come
- Automatically adjusts to your set schedule to save energy when you’re gone and optimize comfort when you’re home. Keep track of your energy consumption when you're on the go on the ecobee app
- Easy DIY install. No C Wire, no problem. Get the ecobee Power Extender Kit (PEK) for homes without a C-Wire and keep your walls looking nice with our trim kit – both sold separately
If your home feels damp during persistently hot, humid weather, avoid responding by setting an arbitrarily low cooling temperature. The HVAC system’s setup and humidity controls may matter; seek equipment-specific guidance or consult an HVAC professional about the cause and appropriate solution.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check compatibility before changing equipment
You can use the scheduling principles above without replacing a working thermostat. If you are considering one, DOE says ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats are independently certified using actual field data to deliver energy savings. Common features include schedules, energy-use tracking, and remote control. Check compatibility with your exact HVAC equipment, especially if you have a heat pump. DOE Energy Saver (2022)
Rank #4
- EASY DIY INSTALLATION: Do it yourself fast with a built-in level and simple step-by-step instructions. Works with the HVAC equipment found in most homes
- COMMON WIRE REQUIREMENTS: Common wire(C-Wire) required for heat pump and heat/cool only systems. C-wire not required on most systems
- SAVE ABOUT 23% ON HVAC ENERGY: ENERGY STAR-certified and packed with features that help you save money, including flexible scheduling, geofencing, remote access and usage reports
- PRIVACY PROTECTION: Sensi won’t sell your personal information to third parties or leverage your thermostat activity data for targeting or advertising purposes
- CONTROL FROM ANYWHERE: The top-rated mobile app for Android and iOS devices makes it easy to control your comfort from a smartphone or tablet
Some utilities offer incentives for compatible ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats, but eligibility and terms vary. Check with your utility for current local offers rather than assuming a rebate is available.
DOE Building Science Education also gives a hypothetical estimate that if every home used a smart thermostat, 56 trillion BTUs of energy would be saved per year. This is an estimate on its educational page, not a measure of realized household savings. DOE Building Science Education: HVAC Programmable Thermostats
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
