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Smart Thermostat Buyers Guide

Smart Thermostat Buyer's Guide

What Makes Smart Thermostats So Smart?

Smart thermostats are loaded with features that make it easy to save energy and money. They eliminate confusing programming, adapt to your preferred heating and cooling schedule, can be controlled from anywhere using a smart phone, and so much more!

Smart Thermostat Features

Many of our smart thermostats share the following features. You can learn more about the specifics of each thermostat in the chart below or on the associated product page.

Learning Ability: Thermostats with learning ability will automatically adjust settings based on your personal preferences and schedule, resulting in increased savings over time
Occupancy Sensing: Thermostats with occupancy sensing technology go into an energy-saving mode when no one is present, so you never have to worry about turning the thermostat down when you leave. Occupancy sensors may be integrated or separate, depending on the model
Geofencing: Geofencing uses your connected smartphone to determine your location and make thermostat adjustments accordingly. When you are away, energy-saving mode is enabled. When you return, your thermostat turns back up
Smart Sensors: Remote temperature sensors allow the thermostat to determine the temperature in the rooms where the sensors are placed, not just where the thermostat is located. This helps customize comfort in every room. Smart sensors are sold separately, but are included with some models
App Alerts: When connected to a thermostat's app, you can get helpful reminders and alerts sent to your phone. Get reminded when it's time to replace your furnace filters or get notified when extreme temperatures are sensed, indicating your furnace may be malfunctioning
Energy Reports: Energy usage reports show you how much energy you've used and teach you how to use less.
ENERGY STAR Certified: ENERGY STAR thermostats have been independently certified to deliver energy savings. These are the smartest of the Wi-Fi thermostats available and include top-of-the-line features to help you manage your energy use

Learning Thermostats vs. Wi-Fi Thermostats

While all Learning Thermostats are Wi-Fi Thermostats (aka Connected Thermostats), not all Smart Thermostats are Learning Thermostats. Smart Thermostats will include the most common features, such as the ability to control from a smart phone, but more advanced Learning Thermostats will automatically apply adjustments over time based on occupants' behavior and the actual performance of the central heating/cooling equipment.

C-Wires: What is a Thermostat C-Wire?

You may have heard the term, you may have heard you may need one, but what exactly is a C-wire? C-wire stands for Common-wire, and despite its name, it is not exactly a household term (unless you are an HVAC professional). C-wires are sometimes required to ensure proper smart thermostat operation and functionality, providing the thermostat with continuous power through the wires connected to the heating/cooling equipment.

Why do some Thermostats Require a C-Wire?

While conventional mechanical thermostats do not have any components requiring power, and while conventional programmable thermostats can run off replacable batteries, all smart thermostats cannot. This is because most of their cool features (Wi-Fi connectivity, self-programming, colorful touchscreen displays...) use power. Providing continuous power to the smart thermostat through a C-Wire will ensure the smart thermostat's display, internal processor, and Wi-Fi connectivity are up and running 24/7.

How to Identify a C-Wire

You may be surprised to learn that many older homes are not equipped with C-wires. To determine if your current thermostat is using one, do the following:

Shut off the power to your thermostat by shutting off the circuit the HVAC system is on.
Remove the thermostat from the wall.
Check out the wiring. If there is a wire in the C-terminal, you are good to go.

If you don’t see a wire in the C-terminal, you may have one hidden behind the wall that is currently not being used, so double check!

Missing a C-Wire? Here's What to Do.

Missing a C-wire and your smart thermostat requires one? Not all hope is lost. There are two workarounds - use an adapter or have a C-wire installed.

Option 1: Use a C-wire Adapter*

If you don’t see a wire in the C-terminal, you may be able to use a C-wire adapter.* Made specifically for smart thermostats, a C-wire adapter will repurpose the existing wiring between the thermostat and the heating/cooling system to provide necessary power to the thermostat. Some thermostat models such as ecobees include an adapter, but if yours does not, they may be purchased seperately.

Option 2: Install a C-wire*

Altrnatively, a dedicated C-wire can be installed. This is typically a simple and straightforward job for a professional.

Electrical work is not for the faint of heart! If you are not completely comfortable with this process, please consult an HVAC professional for help.

*Be sure you do not have thick, black wiring connected with nuts, or wires labeled 120V or higher. This means you likely have line voltage heating, which is not compatible with most smart thermostats.

How Do Smart Thermostats Help Save?

Smart thermostats can help you lower your energy needs, which saves you money and decreases your environmental impact.

Use 15% Less Energy: According to the Department of Energy, when programmed properly, a smart thermostat can reduce energy use from 5%-15% per year. Simply program your thermostat to adjust automatically during specific times, such as at night when you sleep, or during the day while you are at work. ENERGY STAR© estimates the average U.S. homeowner can save up to $180 per year by programming their thermostat properly. Those savings really add up, and smart thermostats make it so easy!

How Smart Thermostats Can Improve Your Quality of Life

Whole Home Monitoring can monitor your heating and cooling needs with simple programming, keeping your home at the optimal comfort level for your family.

Comfort & Savings: Lower energy bills means more money in your wallet to spend on things you want, not the things you need.
Form AND Function: You can have both. Smart thermostats are sleek and loaded with sophisticated features.
Smaller Carbon Footprint: Makes both you and the entire world feel a little bit better.

Manufacturer Resources

Our product partners offer detailed product information on their websites.

Disclaimer: The content presented on this page was prepared by the individual(s) listed below, and does not necessarily refect the views of the company or companies utilizing this site.

Contributor: Al Nadeau, September 12, 2024

Honeywell Home 7-Day Programmable Wi-Fi Thermostat

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5000.736 smart thermostat
Honeywell Home Wi-Fi Color Thermostat

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5000.5321 smart thermostat

Smart Thermostat Buyers Guide

Option 1: Use a C-wire Adapter*

Option 2: Install a C-wire*

Use 15% Less Energy

Save $180 A Year