Thermostat Buyer's Guide
ENERGY STAR© estimates the average U.S. homeowner can save up to $180 per year by programming their thermostat properly. Using a smart thermostat makes saving energy simple and convenient – control your energy use from your smartphone, wherever you are.
Learn More
Smart thermostats can help you reduce your energy consumption, which will lower your energy costs as well as decrease your environmental impact. How much can you save? According to the Department of Energy, when programmed properly, you can reduce your energy bills from 5% - 15% per year by using a set back method (programming your thermostat to change the temperature setting automatically during set times like at night or during the work day). ENERGY STAR® estimates you could see as much as $180 in savings per year on your energy bills, depending on your thermostat.
Plus, smart thermostats like the Nest Learning thermostat can learn your schedule to automate your energy savings. This "learning" feature sets these smart thermostats apart from traditional models and helps you maximize your energy savings.
You can control your smart thermostat on-the-go from a variety of devices, like your smartphone or tablet. Setting your temperature becomes as easy as opening an app or for some of the latest models, using voice-control. If you prefer to automate your home, you can simply program the temperature once and let the thermostat take over from there.
Learn More
Most new smart thermostats offer touchscreen displays, which many homeowners find more attractive, modern and easier to use than the buttons and levels of older thermostat models. Buttons and dials can be difficult to see in the dark and lead to imprecise temperature settings. Touchscreen displays allow you to quickly choose and set an exact temperature. Some devices, like the Nest Learning Thermostat, light up when they sense you've entered the room, making it easy for you to find your thermostat in the dark. If you want to ditch manual operation all together, get voice control with the ecobee Smart Thermostat, which now comes with Amazon Alexa Voice Service, or use Google Assistant to control the Nest Thermostat.
Many new thermostats provide useful information about your HVAC system, such as the status of your filter or alerting you to problems with the system. These insights enable you to take immediate corrective actions that can help avoid problems before they happen and may save you money by ensuring your system is running as efficiently as possible.
Learn More
Nest and ecobee, have the ability to set alerts to notify you via email or an online dashboard when there is a problem with your heating or cooling equipment, and if your home is getting too hot or too cold as a result. They can also send you automatic service reminders, like to change an air filter, to help you properly maintain your equipment and avoid future problems.
The next step in fitting your home with a new thermostat involves figuring out whether your heating and cooling system(s) are compatible. Many device manufacturers have an easy way to check your compatibility before you purchase.
Learn MoreFirst, remove the cover from your current thermostat and make a list or take a picture of the different colored wires.
Second, open up one or more of the following links to check compatibility:
Selecting the Right Thermostat
Step #1: Decide which smart thermostat features best suit your needs
Ready to upgrade your smart thermostat? Now it's time to figure out which device is best for your home. There are a number of factors to consider when comparing devices and manufacturers so take a look at the side-by-side comparison of recommended models and refer to the product feature descriptions below.
| Price | Built-in Voice Control | Communication Capabilities | Learns Over Time | ENERGY Usage Report | Comes with Remote Sensors | Maintenance Alerts / Reminders | Access to Installation Services | *C-wire Not Required (or c-wire kit is included) | |
| Nest Learning Thermostat | $249 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ecobee Smart Thermostat | $249 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ecobee3 lite | $169 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Pricing does not include any limited time promotion discounts
Step #2: Shop the Thermostat Collection from AEP Energy Reward Store
Once you know about your home heating and cooling system, all you have left is to decide which smart thermostat will best help you manage your home.
