Smart thermostats are a great resource for homes, and they’re fun to use. But the most important thing about them is that they can help lower your heating and cooling costs by up to 23% per year, according to Energy Star, and that can add up to some serious savings over time.

But before you run out and buy one, there are a few things you should know, particularly when choosing a smart thermostat to control your room temperature. It can be hard to decipher which ones are the best and which will work best with your specific circumstances.

With that said, we want to help you make an informed decision before you dive in by offering up our thoughts on several factors you should consider before buying a smart thermostat.

How to pick the best smart thermostat for your home? 

A smart thermostat can be a great way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and keep it running at a comfortable temperature. But before you fork over the cash, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Types of thermostats

There are different thermostats available in the market; it is essential to select the one compatible with your home comfort system.

You can break them into three main categories – basic, programmable and smart. The general idea behind these is that they each offer unique benefits according to household usage.

Basic Thermostats

Basic thermostats allow you to turn on your heating or cooling. System and then set a temperature at which it should run until turned off manually again. Basic thermostats are not programmable, but they are easy to operate and cost-effective. While they may not offer the same energy-saving capabilities as their more advanced counterparts, they still get the job done very well!

Programmable Thermostats

Programmable thermostats are a great way to save money on heating and cooling by allowing you to adjust the temperature throughout the day when no one is home or at night while everyone is sleeping. They allow you to set up different temperatures for different times and even different days of the week, if necessary. This can result in significant savings on your monthly utility bill.

Smart thermostats

Smart thermostats are the latest home heating and cooling technology. They use Wi-Fi, so you can adjust your thermostat from anywhere in the world using an internet connection. You can also program them to match your schedule and preferences, even adjusting to compensate for weather changes as they happen. Smart thermostats provide you with data about how your HVAC system is performing so that you can make more informed decisions about your energy usage.

The benefits of getting a smart thermostat often outweigh the cost, so don’t let the price tag change your mind.

Look for the Energy Star label

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Energy Star program recognizes digital programmable thermostats that meet specific efficiency and performance requirements. For example, an Energy Star-certified thermostat can reduce energy consumption by up to 15 percent and save you about $180 a year. Most of the smart thermostats are Energy Star certified.

Cost

If you’re looking for a reliable yet simple device that won’t break the bank, a programmable thermostat is your best bet. Depending on their features and functionality, these are available at $25-$100.

If you want something more sophisticated with smart home capabilities, expect to spend between $100-$250. And if it’s your first time buying one, you may want to start with the basic models and see how it goes.

Complexity

If you’re not comfortable with technology, look for a model that’s easy to install and use. Some smart thermostats can be installed by anyone in just a few minutes, but others require technical experience or professional installation. 

For example, if you have a heat pump instead of a furnace or other heating system, you’ll need an HVAC professional to ensure your smart thermostat is compatible with your system type.

Type of heating system

Some thermostats are designed only for forced air heating systems, while others work with boiler systems or radiant floor heating systems. If your home has a different heating system, make sure the model you purchase will work with it.

Battery powered or hardwired

Some thermostats are battery-powered, and some are hardwired. Battery-powered units can be more convenient, but you need to change the batteries periodically. Hardwired units don’t need batteries, but they need to be installed in a spot with an electrical outlet nearby.

Number of zones

Unless all of your rooms stay at the same room temperature, you’ll want a thermostat that allows for different settings at different times of day in each zone. If your home has multiple zones, a zoned system can save you on heating and cooling bills by only using energy in those spaces where someone has set it to a comfortable level.

Also, if your house has more than one heating zone, you will need to use a thermostat that can support multiple zones and schedules.

What are the features to look at while buying a new thermostat?

From onboard touchscreens to smartphone compatibility, thermostats have evolved in recent years. Whether you are looking for a replacement for your old thermostat or shopping for your first one, several features are worth considering before settling on a model.

Display – The display is the most crucial feature of any thermostat, and it’s the part you’ll spend most of your time interacting with.  

Keypad – This is where you set your temperature and access other features.  Some models use touchscreens, which are more accurate and easy to use.

Temperature Sensors – All thermostats have internal sensors that measure the room’s temperature in which they’re installed. Some models also have remote sensors placed in areas that need precise measurements, such as bedrooms and other living areas.

Programmability – Most new thermostats offer programmable modes that allow you to set a heating schedule depending on your requirements and lifestyle. 

Smart home compatibility – If you already have smart home devices, make sure the model you choose can communicate with them. Some models connect to voice assistants like Google Home or Alexa, so you can use voice commands to control your HVAC system.

Conclusion

Your thermostat should be a focal point in your home; it should be easy to use, complement your decor, and do more than just control your home’s temperature. Although we can’t guarantee that it will be the deciding factor, we can tell you that owning one has many benefits.

And now that you have a clear idea of what you want from your thermostat, it’s time to make a choice.

tado ° could be your go-to if you’re looking for the best smart thermostat online. With a wide range of features, a great app and plenty of integrations, this is the only energy efficient solution you need to know about.