How do you identify the right option for you? Here are two helpful tips: Choose a Suitable Thermostat Type Homeowners have a variety of options when it comes to choosing a thermostat type. Each of these options has different features, so opt for the one that works best for you.
Below are some of the top thermostat types in the market today. As you use them, these thermostats learn your preferences and create a schedule that aligns with those preferences.
Remote Energy Management Thermostats With a remote energy management thermostat, you can set, program, or monitor your HVAC system using your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Programmable Thermostats Programmable thermostats automatically adjust the set temperatures throughout the day. In so doing, they make the most efficient use of HVAC. Mechanical or Manual Thermostats A mechanical thermostat allows you to control the temperature settings manually.
Know the Features to Look For As thermostats become increasingly advanced, newer models come with unique abilities. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile.
Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. For example, the Nest Thermostat E doesn't support two-stage heat pump systems, but the Nest Learning Thermostat does.
And if you have separate heating and cooling systems, you may need to install a separate thermostat for each system, as well as for each zone of heating and cooling. Scope out your wiring.
You'll also want to open up your existing thermostat to see what kind of wiring you have. Most non-connected, programmable thermostats will work with as few as two low-voltage wires common in older heating systems , but newer thermostats often require a common wire, or C-wire. The C-wire provides continuous power for features like displays and WiFi. If you know you don't have a C-wire but you really want a smart thermostat, you have a few options:.
Both Nest and Emerson claim you don't need a C-wire for many systems. Nest models, in particular, have an internal battery that charges whenever your system is running.
Consider your home's aesthetics. If you're replacing something that will stay on your home's wall for the next decade, you'll probably want it to look good. Today's thermostats, especially smart models, come in a variety of shapes and styles. You could go for the classic, round look of Google Nest thermostats or the futuristic all-glass, rounded-square style of Ecobee models.
Honeywell Home and Lennox thermostats offer a more modern, boxy look with large displays, and models from Emerson , Hunter , and Lux have a more conventional style that you'd expect from programmable thermostats.
Of course, when it comes to looks, the decision is entirely up to you. You're the one who's going to have to live with it, so choose the style that looks best in your home. A Word About Installation Most non-connected thermostats can be wired easily into your heating and cooling system. Simply take a photo of the wired connection on your current thermostat so that you know which wires go where and connect those wires to the corresponding ports on your new thermostat.
Many smart thermostats will also include detailed installation instructions or video walkthroughs to make the process easier. Consumer Reports also has a step-by-step installation guide and video to help you complete the task.
TIP: Install a thermostat on an interior wall that's centrally located, and away from vents and other sources of drafts or direct sunlight, which could distort temperature readings. The features on programmable and smart thermostats vary from model to model. We've identified some that make it easier to control the thermostat, keep you comfortable, and allow you to maximize your energy savings. Models with an auto changeover automatically switch between heating and cooling—handy in places where nights are much cooler than days.
A large backlit display makes reading and programming easier in dark hallways and at night, while a clear-system status display shows whether the heat or AC is activated.
All smart thermostats offer companion smartphone apps so that you can control them remotely and enable automation features.
Most models also work with virtual assistants, such as Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, so that you can change the temperature with your voice. This convenient feature tells you when the furnace or AC filter needs changing based on elapsed time.
Some smart thermostats offer the ability to track your location via your smartphone to adjust the temperature and save money based on when you leave and return home. Once you've picked out the perfect thermostat for your home, check its price at online retailers and your local hardware stores.
And don't forget to check your local electric utility, which might have rebates or discounts on new thermostats. If you aren't replacing a broken thermostat, the best time of year to buy one is October through December, when holiday and end-of-year sales will include thermostat discounts even if they aren't the greatest gift. But at this time of year, your next best bet for a sale will be either Memorial Day weekend or Amazon Prime Day, which usually occurs in the middle of the summer.
We respect your privacy. All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story. As you use it, it learns from your habits and preferences. These can also be hooked up to Wi-fi and controlled remotely. Step 3: Choose Your Programming Options If you choose a programmable thermostat you have one more decision to make. Step 4: Install Your Thermostat This is probably the least fun part of the thermostat experience.
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