By Shelby Tuttle
If you’re looking for a great way to manage your energy bill as temperatures start to rise, consider a smart thermostat for your home. According to the EPA, smart thermostats can save users an average of 8% on their energy bill. Their secret? The ability to turn off the AC and heat more often than regular thermostats, many by using geofencing or location sensors to detect when you’re home or away. When the thermostat detects that there’s no one home, it switches to an energy-saving mode to adjust the temperature automatically — down in the winter and up in the summer. Read on to learn more about the features of today’s smartest thermostats.
EcoBee Smart Thermostat Premium – $250
Pros
- Built in motion detection to control airflow based on which rooms are occupied
- Auto switch between home and away modes
- Indoor air quality sensor that monitors volatile organic compounds (VOCs), estimated carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, and relative humidity
- Mindfully designed and built to last 10 years or more
- Works with Apple HomeKit and leading smart home ecosystems
- Voice control enabled with embedded Siri or Alexa smart speaker
- Smart sensor included
- Recyclable packaging
- Set up via mobile phone instruction (no paper manual included)
- Three-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Pricey in comparison to other models offering similar features
Google Nest Learning Thermostat – From $199
Pros
- Enabled with motion detection
- Works with Google assistant and Alexa
- Available smart sensor add-on
- Four dial finishes to match your home decor
- Nest “Farsight” detection picks up presence in the home and allows users to see their thermostat’s target temperature or the current time from up to 20 feet away
Cons
- Not compatible with Apple HomeKit
Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat – $180
Pros
- Geo-fencing enabled to determine when residents are home or away
- Measures remote humidity, proximity, and temperature
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
- Remote room sensor included
- Easy set up
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
Cons
- Doesn’t integrate directly with other Honeywell smart devices
Pros
- Reports energy usage
- Affordable
- Minimalist design
- Voice command integration available through Amazon Alexa
Cons
- No remote sensor
- Not compatible with Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant
Wyze Programmable Smart WiFi Thermostat – $75
Pros
- Easy set up via Wyze app
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Necessary C-wire adapter included
- Works with Wyze family of devices
- Provides energy-saving tips and usage reports
Cons
- Light on features
- Must use C-wire to install
- Not compatible with Apple HomeKit
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