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Switching to a smart thermostat can make temperature control easier, automate heating and cooling around your routine, and show you useful information about HVAC use. Those features may also help reduce energy use, but savings depend on your home, equipment, climate, and habits—not just the thermostat.
1. Control your home temperature remotely
Wi-Fi-connected smart thermostats let you adjust heating or cooling from a phone or another connected device. That is useful if plans change, you leave home and realize the temperature is set too high or low, or you want to adjust the setting before you return. ENERGY STAR describes remote control as a common feature, though the exact controls vary by model (ENERGY STAR consumer guidance).
Remote access depends on the thermostat’s connection to your home network and its service. ENERGY STAR’s criteria require certified models to work as a basic thermostat if they lose connectivity to the service provider, so a service interruption should not necessarily leave you without local temperature control (ENERGY STAR Smart Thermostats Key Product Criteria).
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Instead of relying on manual adjustments, a smart thermostat can follow a schedule or, depending on the model, use learning features, geofencing, or occupancy sensing to change settings when people are asleep or away and restore comfort as they return. Some models support room sensors, which can help account for temperature differences in parts of the home. Feature availability and behavior differ, so check what a specific model actually supports (ENERGY STAR consumer guidance).
#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]
Automation is most useful when its settings match the household’s real routine. Review schedules and occupancy behavior after setup; an incorrect schedule or a location feature that does not fit how residents come and go can undermine the intended comfort or energy benefit.
3. See HVAC use and assess potential savings
Smart thermostats can provide temperature or equipment-use information that helps you understand when heating or cooling runs. ENERGY STAR says certified models are independently evaluated using real-world data to demonstrate energy savings. Its consumer guidance estimates average savings at approximately 8% of heating and cooling bills, or $50 per year; that is an estimate, not a prediction for a particular household. ENERGY STAR notes that results vary with climate, occupancy, comfort preferences, and HVAC equipment (ENERGY STAR consumer guidance; ENERGY STAR FAQ).
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.
For context, ENERGY STAR says heating and cooling account for almost half of the average American household’s annual energy bill, or more than $900 per year. That broad U.S. figure explains why HVAC controls can matter; it does not indicate what a particular household will spend or save. Certification is evidence of performance under the program’s criteria, not a guarantee of an individual home’s bill reduction.
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Check compatibility before switching
A smart thermostat only works as intended if it is compatible with both the HVAC equipment and the home’s wiring. ENERGY STAR notes that many forced-air systems installed after 1975 are compatible, but that generalization cannot confirm a specific system. Check the thermostat manufacturer’s compatibility guidance and your system details before buying.
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
- System type: Confirm that the model supports your heating and cooling equipment.
- Wiring: Check whether your setup needs a C-wire. ENERGY STAR says most, but not all, smart thermostats use one; some installations may need an adapter.
- Wi-Fi: Make sure the thermostat location has a reliable connection if you want remote access or connected features. A range extender may help where the router signal is weak.
- Installation: If you are unsure about the wiring or installation, ask an HVAC professional or electrician to assess the setup.
ENERGY STAR’s consumer guidance lists a broad $50–$300 price range for smart thermostats; it is not a live quote, and actual device and installation costs vary. Compare the total cost with features you will use, not just the purchase price.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose features that match your household
When comparing models, use the following factors rather than assuming every smart thermostat offers the same automation or reporting:
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
- Compatibility with your HVAC system and any C-wire or adapter requirement.
- ENERGY STAR certification, and whether energy-use reporting is available.
- Scheduling, learning, geofencing, occupancy sensing, and room-sensor support.
- Remote-control options and compatibility with the smart-home services you use.
- Utility-program participation, if your local utility offers it.
- Device price, installation cost, and any verified local incentive.
ENERGY STAR provides a Rebate Finder for location-specific offers. Availability depends on location and participating utility. Before purchasing, confirm the current qualifying product, incentive, application deadline, and installation rules with the utility or official listing. Some utility programs may ask participating thermostats to adjust settings during periods of grid demand; ENERGY STAR’s product criteria include consumer override provisions.
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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.
