Looking to cut costs around the home? One way is by switching to a smart thermostat that can give you greater control over your energy consumption. There are features in smart thermostats that let you reduce the amount of energy you use, including setting up your device so it doesn’t run when you’re away. In the long run, taking advantage of these abilities can help you save money on utilities. Plus, you can control these smart home gadgets remotely and adjust your home’s heating and cooling from anywhere. And some of the more advanced models will even learn and adapt to your routine automatically, which essentially makes boosting your energy efficiency effortless.
Smart home devices like smart thermostats tend to be expensive. Some models can start at $200 or more. But if you’re a budget-conscious buyer, there are some great deals out there that’ll help you snag one for less. We’ve rounded up some of the best smart thermostat deals currently available, with a variety of options for just about every budget.
Best smart thermostat deals
Those aiming to balance smarts and price need look no further than the Google Nest Thermostat. The attractively designed thermostat offers Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa support, easy scheduling options and tips on how you could tweak your usage to save some cash. While it doesn’t adapt to your habits automatically like the Nest Learning Thermostat does, it’s half the price and boasts most of the features the average homeowner needs.
Read our Nest Thermostat (2020) review.
Though it has now been replaced by a pair of new models in Ecobee’s lineup, the previous-gen Ecobee Smart Thermostat with Voice Control is still a solid option for those looking to save a few bucks. It features support for the big three smart home platforms, and has both Alexa and Siri support built right in. It can adapt to your daily routines to save energy, and the included SmartSensor can detect the temperature and number of people in whichever room you place it in. It originally listed for $250, the same price it goes for at Best Buy, but you can get it directly from Ecobee for $220.
The Nest Learning Thermostat is Google’s premier thermostat. You get all the functionality of the cheaper Nest thermostat and a few more bells and whistles. The Learning Thermostat works with Google Assistant and Alexa, and learns your schedule and makes adjustments to your heating and cooling settings accordingly.
Read our Google Nest Learning Thermostat review.
The Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit and offers reliable performance and a solid app. The device also pairs with Honeywell’s remote humidity, proximity and temperature sensors, which are some of the smartest sensor accessories around. This smart thermostat and sensor bundle makes it easy to detect when people are in a room and keep the temperature comfortable. You can also get just the thermostat, but you’ll pay the full $179 right now.
Read our Honeywell Home T9 review.
This thermostat is a Wi-Fi- and Bluetooth-enabled thermostat that works with Alexa and Google Home and has a touchscreen display. It doesn’t require a C-wire, which should make for easier installation than some other smart thermostats listed here.
The Amazon Smart Thermostat is not currently on sale, but it’s our overall favorite smart thermostat on the market right now and even at full price it’s a solid value (and the lowest-priced option on this list). It offers the basics like remote temperature control using the companion app, and voice control if you have an Alexa-enabled smart speaker.
Can a smart thermostat actually lower my bills?
Replacing your dumb thermostat with a smarter alternative, without modifying your usage habits, won’t automatically reduce your energy bills. That being said, smart thermostats offer a variety of features that will help you figure out changes you can make to your energy usage patterns to help you shave a few bucks off your bills.
These include simple scheduling features that are probably easier to use than the ones offered by your old-school thermostat, as well as smart home and away modes that automatically adjust energy usage based on your proximity.
Outside of smart features, the extra information and more accessible controls provided by a smart thermostat allow you to be more readily able to make the most of opportunities to save some energy and thereby some cash.
How easy is it to install a smart thermostat?
A smart thermostat’s ease of installation can vary greatly and depends on your existing HVAC system and the thermostat you choose to go with. If you’re not comfortable with minor electrical work, it’s always best to call in a professional electrician.
Most smart thermostats do, however, offer step-by-step guidance for a DIY installation and can be completed by anyone comfortable with some basic wiring. Our guide to installing the Nest Smart Thermostat can give you an idea of the process, though it may vary for different systems and thermostat options.
Before you buy any smart thermostat, it’s best to check that it’s compatible with your HVAC system.