Furnaces
How to Choose the Right Thermostat for Your Home
By Tom Moor•December 25, 2024
Often referred to as the “brain” of your HVAC system, your thermostat acts as the control center, telling your furnace or air conditioner when to turn on and off, helping to maintain a comfortable environment.
When choosing the right thermostat for your home, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. For example, some models may not be compatible with your HVAC system, while others may lack the specific features you need to improve energy efficiency or convenience in your home. HVAC.com explains how to choose the right thermostat for your needs.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Thermostat
1. Compatibility
Are you shopping around for a new thermostat? The first thing to consider is compatibility. It’s important to note that not all thermostats work with every HVAC system. Different heating and cooling systems require specific types of thermostats, as well as different wiring setups. For example, forced-air units, boilers, heat pumps, and electric baseboards may require different thermostats. Additionally, single-stage, two-stage, and variable-speed HVAC systems also have varying requirements. Be sure to choose a thermostat that is compatible with your HVAC system to ensure proper functionality.
2. Type of Thermostat
Next, consider what type of thermostat best suits your needs. The four main types are:
- Manual Thermostats: Once the standard, manual thermostats have mostly been replaced by more advanced options. However, if you’re looking for a no-frills, budget-friendly option, manual thermostats are still available. As their name suggests, these thermostats require you to manually adjust the temperature and switch between heating and cooling modes.
- Programmable Thermostats: Programmable thermostats gained popularity in the 1990s and are still a common choice for homeowners today. They allow you to set specific temperatures for different times of day and days of the week. For instance, you can program your thermostat to lower the temperature while you’re away at work and raise it again before you return home. This feature helps reduce energy usage, lower utility bills, and reduce wear and tear on your HVAC system.
- Wi-Fi Thermostats: Wi-Fi thermostats offer the same features as programmable thermostats but allow for remote control via an app on your smartphone. This is especially useful if you forget to adjust the temperature before leaving home or want to make changes while you’re on vacation. Some Wi-Fi thermostats offer additional features, such as integration with home automation systems, which can add convenience and energy savings.
- Smart Thermostats: For those interested in the latest technology, smart thermostats offer all the features of programmable and Wi-Fi models, but with added benefits. These thermostats use AI to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically adjust the settings to optimize comfort and efficiency. Some smart thermostats also offer geofencing technology, which detects when you leave or approach your home, automatically adjusting the temperature for maximum efficiency. Additionally, smart thermostats can provide energy usage reports and alert you when maintenance is needed.
3. Energy-Saving Features
If reducing your energy consumption is a priority, look for a thermostat with energy-saving features. Programmable and smart thermostats are typically designed with energy savings in mind. According to Energy Star, installing a smart thermostat can save you about 8% on heating and cooling costs each year. This translates into significant long-term savings, especially in homes with larger or more complex HVAC systems.
4. Consider the Cost
The price of a new thermostat can vary widely, from as low as $15 for basic manual models to $300 or more for advanced smart thermostats. If you’re on a tight budget, you can find a simple programmable thermostat for under $100. However, if you’re willing to invest in a smart thermostat, you could spend between $80 and $300, depending on the brand and features. While the upfront cost may be higher, you can often recoup the investment through energy savings over a few years.
Additional Considerations
- Ease of Use: Some thermostats have complex interfaces or require frequent maintenance. Ensure that the thermostat you choose is user-friendly and offers the convenience you want.
- Professional Installation vs. DIY: While some thermostats are easy to install yourself, others, particularly smart models, may require professional installation to ensure proper setup and compatibility with your HVAC system. Consider whether you’re comfortable with DIY installation or if you prefer to hire a professional.
- Additional Features: Some thermostats offer features such as voice control (via Alexa or Google Assistant), weather forecasts, or filters to track air quality. Consider what additional features might enhance your experience and whether they are worth the extra cost.