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.
How Do Smart Thermostats Help Save?
Smart thermostats 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.
Save $180 A Year
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!
Smart Thermostats Return Policy
Smart thermostats must be compatible with your existing heating system to install and use. Please check to see if your heating system is compatible before purchasing and opening.
Energy Federation Inc. does not accept returns on opened smart thermostats.
Energy Federation Inc. is happy to accept returns on unopened smart thermostats within 30 days of delivery.
If a return is needed on a thermostat bundle, you must return BOTH products. No returns will be accepted if either of the products is missing.
| Google Nest Learning | Google Nest | ecobee SmartThermostat | ecobee3 lite | Honeywell T5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| System Compatibility | Check Here | Check Here | Check Here | Check Here | Check Here |
| MSRP | $249 | $129.99 | $249 | $169 | $119 |
| Wi-Fi Enabled | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Geofencing | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Learns User Habits | Y | Y | |||
| Built in Voice Control | Y | ||||
| Works w/ Sensors | Y | Y | Y | ||
| Sensors Included | Y | ||||
| Auto Away | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
| Adjustable Schedule | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Maintenance Alerts | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Mobile App | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Warranty | 2 Years | 1 Year | 3 Year | 3 Years | 2 Years |
| ENERGY STAR Cert. | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Regular Price: $249.00
Your Price with SMECO Rebate: $149.00
Equipped with Amazon Alexa and a SmartSensor, the ecobee SmartThermostat has all you need to take charge of your home comfort and energy bills. It programs itself, uses sensors to ensure every room in your home is comfortable, and has an app so you can control it from anywhere.
- Creates automatic heating/cooling schedule
- Includes one SmartSensor to manage hot and cold spots
- Built-in Amazon Alexa for voice control
Regular Price: $169.00
Your Price with SMECO Rebate: $69.00
The ecobee3 Lite SmartThermostat makes it easy to take charge of your home comfort and energy bills. It programs itself, pairs with sensors to ensure every room in your home is comfortable, and has an app so you can control it from anywhere.
- Creates automatic heating/cooling schedule
- Pairs with ecobee SmartSensors (sold separately)
- Works with Apple Home Kit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant for voice control
Regular Price: $125.00
Your Price with SMECO Rebate: $25.00
Regular Price: $169.00
Your Price with SMECO Rebate: $69.00
Regular Price: $249.00
Your Price with SMECO Rebate: $149.00
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat programs itself, turns itself down when you are away, and helps you take control of your home energy bills. Use the Nest app to monitor and control your thermostat from anywhere.
- Learns your behavior, creating an automatic heating/cooling schedule
- Alerts you if the temperature gets abnormally high or low
- Pairs with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for voice control
Regular Price: $249.00
Your Price with SMECO Rebate: $149.00
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat programs itself, turns itself down when you are away, and helps you take control of your home energy bills. Use the Nest app to monitor and control your thermostat from anywhere.
- Learns your behavior, creating an automatic heating/cooling schedule
- Alerts you if the temperature gets abnormally high or low
- Pairs with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for voice control
With the Google Nest Temperature Sensor, you can let your Google Nest thermostat know which room should be a certain temperature at a certain time of day. Simply place the sensor on a wall or shelf, set it up using the Google Nest app, and enjoy the right temperature, right where you need it.
- Pairs with Google Nest Learning 3rd Generation or Google Nest E Thermostat
- Simple, subtle design allows sensors to blend in with home decor
- Use the app to control and monitor temperature from anywhere
- Use up to 6 sensors per thermostat
Regular Price: $119.00
Your Price with SMECO Rebate: $19.00
The Honeywell Home Lyric T5 Wi-Fi Thermostat allows you to take comfort knowing your home temperature will always be just how you like it. Its easy to install and use and conveniently fits in with your lifestyle.
- Uses geofencing technology to make automatic temperature adjustments when you are on your way home
- Control from anywhere by smartphone or tablet with a simple app
- Push notifications remind you to change your filter and warn you of extreme indoor temperatures.
- Works with Apple HomeKit and Amazon Echo
