Best Programmable Thermostats – Buyers Guide 2023

Last Updated on April 9, 2023 by Kravelv

When it’s cold or when it gets hot, you need to adjust your home’s heating and cooling system. Thankfully these days, you can simply set the temperatures at a specified time of the day and repeat it each day. This is how a programmable thermostat works. Of course, you have to know the basic features that would suit your needs. For that matter, here are some of the best programmable thermostats you can use.

What is a programmable thermostat?

A programmable thermostat is a piece of equipment that gives you the ability to adjust the temperature of a building or residence in accordance with a schedule that you have previously established. You may program the thermostat to make adjustments to the temperature automatically at predetermined intervals during the day, therefore reducing the amount of energy and money you use.

How does a programmable thermostat work?

You are able to establish a precise temperature schedule for your house or building with a programmable thermostat, which is one of its primary functions. You have the ability to program the thermostat to activate the heating or cooling system at particular times of the day, as well as to keep the home at a particular temperature for a particular amount of time. Some programmable thermostats additionally have sensors that can determine when you are not at home and change the temperature appropriately. This feature is available on some models.

What are the Benefits of Programmable Thermostats

Cooling and heating losses from the building (or any other box) become higher whilst the variation in temperature increases. A programmable thermostat allows a reduced amount of these losses by allowing the temperature variation to be decreased occasionally when the reduced amount of heating or cooling wouldn’t be objectionable.

During the Cold season or period, a programmable thermostat utilized in a home may be set to permit the heat within the property to rise during the day when nobody is going to be at home. It may then be set to turn on prior to the arrival of people in the house, letting the home cool while having preserved air conditioning energy during the maximum outdoor temperatures. The requirements placed upon the electrical supply grid are also decreased by the reduced cooling required throughout the day.

Alternatively, during the warm season, the programmable thermostat could possibly be set to permit the heat in the house to decrease if the home is unoccupied throughout the day and in addition at night after all occupants are asleep, reheating your house prior to the residents coming home later in the day or waking up in the morning. Because most people sleep better whenever a bedroom is cooler and the temperature differential between the inside and exterior of the house is going to be the finest on a cold winter night, this reduces energy losses. Related situations can be purchased in industrial properties, with consideration of the occupancy patterns in the building.

According to Consumer Reports magazine, programmable thermostats may lower power costs by about $180 per year.

5 Best Programmable Thermostats

Honeywell Home RTH221B1039

What we like about the Honeywell Home RTH221B1039 programmable thermostat is its simplicity and ease of use. It has a clear and easy-to-read digital display and simple controls for programming and adjusting temperature settings. It also has a responsive and accurate temperature sensor that helps maintain a comfortable indoor environment while saving energy.

Nevertheless, one possible downside of this thermostat is that it might not be compatible with all HVAC systems. This is something to keep in mind while purchasing this thermostat. Because it is intended to function with 24-volt heating and cooling systems, it is possible that this thermostat will not be the most suitable option for you if you have a system that is either of a different kind or one that has more complex capabilities. In addition, a number of customers have experienced concerns with the battery compartment, which can be difficult to access and may require regular replacement of the batteries.

Ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control

Ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control is a highly advanced smart thermostat that comes with many features. One of its best features is its built-in Amazon Alexa voice control. This means that you can control the temperature of your home with just your voice. The device also has a touchscreen display that makes it easy to use and provides quick access to all of its features.

Another great feature of the Ecobee Smart Thermostat is its ability to learn your schedule and preferences, and then adjust the temperature accordingly. This helps to save energy and reduce your heating and cooling costs. Additionally, the device can be controlled remotely through a smartphone app, which allows you to adjust the temperature even when you are not at home.

However, there are some drawbacks to the Ecobee Smart Thermostat. One of the main disadvantages is that it is quite expensive compared to other smart thermostats on the market. Additionally, the voice control feature may not be suitable for people who are concerned about privacy, as it requires an always-on microphone in your home.

Despite these drawbacks, people should consider buying the Ecobee SmartThermostat because it is a highly advanced and feature-rich smart thermostat that can help to reduce energy costs and make your home more comfortable. Its voice control feature makes it very convenient to use, and its ability to learn your schedule and preferences helps to further increase its energy-saving capabilities. Overall, if you are looking for a high-end smart thermostat, the Ecobee SmartThermostat is definitely worth considering.

Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat

One of the best features of the Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat is its ease of use and installation. The thermostat is compatible with a wide range of heating and cooling systems and can be easily set up using the intuitive mobile app. It also allows users to remotely control the temperature of their home from their smartphone or tablet, making it convenient for those who want to adjust their home’s temperature while they are away.

Another great feature is its compatibility with popular smart home platforms such as Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant, allowing users to control the thermostat using voice commands.

However, one drawback of the Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat is that it may not work with all heating and cooling systems, so it is important to check compatibility before purchasing. Additionally, some users have reported connectivity issues with the mobile app, although this can often be resolved with a software update.

Despite these drawbacks, the Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat is a great investment for those who want to improve their home’s energy efficiency and save money on heating and cooling costs. Its ease of use and compatibility with popular smart home platforms make it a convenient addition to any home automation system.

Lux Products TX9600TS

The Lux Products TX9600TS is a programmable thermostat designed for use in residential and commercial buildings. It has several features that make it stand out from other thermostats on the market:

The TX9600TS features a large display that is simple to see, and it displays not only the current temperature but also the temperature that you set it to, along with other crucial information. It also has programming that can be altered to give you the ability to establish unique temperature plans for each day of the week, with as many as four-time intervals each day to choose from.

The TX9600TS comes with both clear instructions and a straightforward user interface, making it extremely straightforward to set up and operate. It also has a vacation mode feature. If you are going to be gone for an extended period of time, you may conserve some energy by switching to vacation mode.

It features a function that enables you to select the temperature range in which you wish the room to remain, so minimizing the amount of energy that is wasted and the cost of your monthly energy bill.

Although it might look a good thermostat for your home, the TX9600TS also has its own drawbacks. the TX9600TS is not compatible with all HVAC systems, it is possible that some people will not find it useful and it also doesn’t have does not have Wi-Fi or remote access functions, you are unable to control it using a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet.

If you are looking for an affordable and easy-to-use programmable thermostat that can help you save money on your energy bills, the Lux Products TX9600TS is a great option. It’s straightforward to install and use, and its large display makes it easy to read and program. However, if you want remote access or Wi-Fi compatibility, you may need to look for other options.

Nest 3rd Generation Learning Thermostat

The ability of the Nest 3rd Generation Learning Thermostat to learn your temperature preferences and make adjustments accordingly is one of the finest features of this version of the thermostat. This implies that the thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature depending on your habits, so you won’t have to manually alter the temperature every time you enter or exit your house. Instead, the thermostat will learn your routines and adjust the temperature for you based on your habits.

Additional distinguishing qualities include the following:

• Remote control using a smartphone app
• Voice assistants such as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa compatibility Energy-saving features such as the capacity to detect when nobody is home and automatically alter the temperature when necessary
• Display that has good quality and an interface that is simple to use

About downsides, a number of customers have mentioned that they have experienced connectivity troubles with particular HVAC systems. In addition, the price may be prohibitive for certain individuals, given that it is more expensive than the majority of other thermostats that are now available in the market.

Those who want a smart thermostat that can learn their routines and help them save money on their utility bills should give serious consideration to the Nest 3rd Generation Learning Thermostat. It is possible that people on a tight budget or who have heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that are not compatible with it will find that it is not the best option for them; nonetheless, many users find that the convenience and savings on energy are worth the expenditure.

FAQs Regarding Programmable Thermostats

What are the types of programmable thermostats?

There are several types of programmable thermostats available, including 7-day, 5+2-day, and 5-1-1-day models. 7-day models allow you to set a different schedule for each day of the week, while 5+2-day models allow you to set one schedule for weekdays and another for weekends. 5-1-1-day models allow you to set one schedule for weekdays and another for Saturdays and Sundays.

What features should I look for in a programmable thermostat?

While searching for a programmable thermostat, it is important to think about characteristics such as compatibility with your existing heating and cooling system, ease of use, Wi-Fi connectivity, voice control, and integration with smart home systems. You might also want to check for features like geofencing, which can automatically alter the temperature based on your location, and energy use reports, which can help you track how much energy you are using. Both of these functions can be found on smart thermostats.

How do I install a programmable thermostat?

The installation of a programmable thermostat will require some adjustments to the existing thermostat and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. On the other hand, the vast majority of programmable thermostats come with step-by-step installation guides and are intended to be set up by the homeowner. You have the option of hiring a professional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning contractor to install your thermostat on your behalf if the thought of doing so makes you feel uneasy.

Final Words

While selecting a programmable thermostat, there are a few crucial considerations to keep in mind, including the following:

Compatibility: It is important that the thermostat you select is suitable for use with the HVAC system in your home. If you are unclear about something, you should check the website of the manufacturer or speak with an expert.

Feature: Look for a thermostat with features that fit your individual needs, such as the ability to make schedules, alter the temperature remotely, and learn your preferences over time. Features: Look for a thermostat with features that match your specific needs.

User Interface: The thermostat’s user interface needs to be intuitive and simple to use in order to be effective. Think about if a touch screen, tactile buttons, or voice control would be more convenient for you.

Energy Efficiency: Search for a thermostat that is accredited by the energy-saving program ENERGY STAR or that has additional energy-saving features that can help you lower the cost of your monthly energy bills.

Price: In order to choose a thermostat that is within your price range, compare the prices offered by a variety of manufacturers and merchants.

In the end, the requirements and preferences that are unique to you will determine which programmable thermostat is the best option for you. Before making a purchase, make sure you put in the effort to do some research and weigh the pros and cons of the many available choices.