Best Energy-Saving Smart Thermostats

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Smart thermostat overview

Americans spend over $900 on electricity bills each year. One way to reduce costs is by using smart thermostats. Standard thermostats allow homeowners to control a home’s temperature by manually setting the HVAC system. Smart thermostats use technology and sensors to learn your schedule and will automatically adjust the temperature to keep your home comfortable, which can save energy and money. Many smart thermostats have a mobile app that allows remote adjustments to your home’s temperature. Learn about the best smart thermostats and their features to find one for your home. 

It is important to note that most smart thermostats require a C-wire or C-wire adapter. The C-wire powers the LED display. Installation may take more time than advertised if you replace your standard thermostat with a smart thermostat. Many smart thermostats offer guidance for setup through their mobile app or website. 

Best smart thermostats

ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats could save an average of $50 each year on energy bills. ENERGY STAR is a government certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for energy efficiency and environmental protection. We chose the best smart thermostats based on energy savings, features, compatibility, ease of installation, and certifications.

1. Amazon Smart Thermostat
2. Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
3. Google Nest Learning Thermostat
4. Honeywell T9 Smart Home Thermostat
5. Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat

Heating and cooling features explained

• Additional home temperature sensor: Home sensors can be placed in a room away from the thermostat to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the house. 
• Additional occupancy sensor: Occupancy sensors help the thermostat detect if people are home. Sensors can be placed in a room to help the thermostat learn your schedule.
• External Temperature detection: This feature informs thethermostat about the temperature outside your home to maximize energy savings. 
• Geofencing: Users can set up a virtual fence around their home. Geofencing uses the location on the user’s smartphone to tell when they have crossed the fence. The location signals to the smart thermostat that you are away from home and to adjust the temperature for energy savings.
• Humidity sensor: Senses indoor humidity levels to ensure your home feels like the desired temperature while being energy efficient. 
• On-device occupancy sensor: An occupancy sensor on the device means the smart thermostat has sensing technology to tell if there is motion in the room. The motion signals someone is home and adjusts the temperature accordingly. 
• Time of day usage: Money-saving feature to shift energy usage when electricity is more expensive. This feature is only applicable to users who have a time-of-use or variable-rate plan. 

Amazon Smart Thermostat

The Amazon Smart Thermostat is uses technology from the Honeywell Home Brand and has received the Certified for Humans badge by Amazon. This certification means the gadget is compatible with Alexa, has high ratings from Amazon customers, and has an easy setup process. 

The Amazon Smart Thermostat pairs with the Alexa smartphone app, so you can control your thermostat anywhere. Alexa learns to adjust to your preferred temperatures when you are home or away. The app also provides an energy dashboard to monitor your energy usage. The Amazon Smart Thermostat is available for purchase on Amazon. 

What we like: The DIY install with guided instructions through the Alexa app. ENERGY STAR certification and the website offers a home compatibility check before purchase.

What to consider: Requires the purchase of an Alexa device for voice control options. Only one person can control the smart thermostat from the mobile app. 

Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium

Save up to 26% on heating and cooling expenses when you program the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium around your routine. The thermostat comes with energy-saving features like a scheduling assistant that learns your routine and adjusts the temperature based on when you are home or away. The thermostat can also adjust during times of the day when electricity is cheaper and during high-demand hours to reduce strain on the energy grid, known as the time-of-use feature. 

The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, and If This Then That. You can control the thermostat through the Ecobee mobile app and receive alerts about air quality and more. The thermostat comes with a SmartSensor to detect motion and adjust to hot or cold spots in your house. Find the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium on Amazon.

What we like: Has intentional smart energy-saving features and DIY installation or professional installation options. Can connect with the Ecobee security system and offers a home compatibility check before purchase.

What to consider: One of the most expensive options on our list. 

Google Nest Learning Thermostat

Save about $131 to $145 per year with the one of the most popular smart thermostats on the market certified by ENERGY STAR, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat. Users can control their home temperature anywhere when they sync the thermostat with the Nest mobile app. The thermostat has many energy-saving features, such as automatic scheduling, which allows Nest to learn your preferred temperatures and adjust to your schedule, saving energy when you’re away from home. 

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa. Nest claims most users easily install their thermostat in 30 minutes or less by following their step-by-step guide. Connect to the mobile app to track energy usage and learn about your energy history to understand how much energy is used and why. Find the Google Nest Learning Thermostat on Amazon. 

What we like: Provides multiple ways to save energy. An improved display to read the temperature and other information from a distance. Allows multiple family members to have accounts on the mobile app.

What to consider: High cost compared to others on our list with fewer features than the Ecobee thermostat. 

Honeywell T9 Smart Home Thermostat

The Honeywell T9 Smart Home Thermostat can save you energy and money depending on your schedule and lifestyle. The thermostat connects to the Resideo Smart Home app, allowing you to adjust your thermostat from anywhere. The Smart Room Sensors and app work together to help save energy in your home through geofencing, a feature that senses when you are home or away. 

Resideo sends alerts about when to change your air filter and reports about your home’s energy use. In the app, users can register for utility savings programs to receive rebates and increase the energy efficiency of their homes. This smart thermostat model is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Cortana, and Apple HomeKit. Find the Honeywell T9 Start Home Thermostat on Amazon. 

What we like:  Provides a home compatibility check. Connects with energy-saving programs, and has DIY installation with a guided video.

What to consider: More expensive for fewer features than others on our list. 

Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat

The ENERGY STAR certified SaveOnEnergy Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat can save about 23% on heating and air energy usage. The thermostat pairs with the Sensi mobile app to provide flexible scheduling, geofencing, and remote access to adjust your home’s temperature. The app also guides you through the installation process, which should take 30 minutes or less. 

The thermostat is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings. The Sensi Touch Wi-Fi thermostat received the ‘best overall’ award from USA Today’s Reviewed.com in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Find the SaveOnEnergy Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat on Emporia’s website or on Amazon.

What we like: Provides a home compatibility check, DIY installation with a step-by-step guide, and an easy installation process.

What to consider: The design looks outdated compared to other smart thermostat options.

How smart thermostats save energy and money

Smart thermostats make saving energy and money convenient with smart technology features that standard thermostats do not have. The convienence of smartphone apps enables users to monitor usage for energy savings. If you forget to change the temperature before you go on vacation, you can still save money and energy by using the app to adjust the temperature remotely. 

Most smart thermostats send helpful alerts and energy reports to keep you aware of energy usage in your home. The alerts can help you learn ways to reduce energy use to save money.

Smart thermostat versus standard thermostat

Check out programmable thermostats if you’re not interested in smart thermostats but still want the ability to set a temperature schedule to save energy. Some smart thermostats are enrolled in energy-saving programs specific to your energy provider or utility. Contact your energy provider to see if you are enrolled in one of these programs. If you’re unsatisfied with your current energy plan, another way to reduce electricity rates is to switch providers. Enter your ZIP code to find the best energy plans in your area.

*The products featured here are independently selected based on thorough research from our editorial team. If you buy something through links on our site, we may receive a commission.