Best Programmable Thermostat – Complete Reviews with Comparison
Installing a programmable thermostat in your home will save you money and time through the automation of the heating and cooling processes. If you get the right one, it will decrease the strain on your entire system and allow for more consistent temps in your home environment. With the weight of all this on a tiny wall unit, you will want to make sure that you get the best unit for you and your home temperature needs.
There are many great units out there and deciding which one will work for you is not only an important decision but one that could be difficult to work through. That is why in this guide we will be looking at some of the best programmable thermostats of 2019 and the factors that you can use to measure a unit worth.
Comparison Chart
Best Programmable Thermostat Reviews
Honeywell Home Wi-Fi Programmable Thermostat
Honeywell brings us our first entry. This company appears twice on our list, and for a good reason. They deliver high-quality products that are affordable to homeowners across the globe.
Product Highlights
Your thermostat unit is only as good as the build and the features included in that build, and with this unit from Honeywell, you have all of these factors combined to create a great option. These features include:
- Wide versatility of compatibility
- Built-in 7-day programming w/ 4 periods per day
- Wi-Fi compatible via remote access
- Easy to use web portal and a downloadable app
- Compatible with voice assistants
The Good
This unit offers many great features starting with the ability to control it both from a downloadable app and an easy-to-navigate web platform. It is a 7-day programmable unit that allows for four periods of time that can be set. This will increase energy conservation and save you money. This unit is also compatible with multiple smart devices, and that app can control multiple units which makes it very convenient for the homeowner on the go.
The Bad
With all the technology used in this unit, the one thing it sorely lacks is a touch screen. This is not the only issue that some find fault with when looking into this thermostat. One of the biggest is the need for a C-wire. This adds an extra level of installation need, and that may seem like a bit too much work for some. Other than that, many feel the actual thermostat is hard to use, and with the lack of sensors, options may find this a unit that is lacking a little versatility.
Though this thermostat does have a few issues in the end when you look at the overall functionality and ease of installation, you will find yourself with a fantastic programmable thermostat option.
PROS
CONS
Orbit 83521 Programmable Thermostat
Our next entry brings with it an easy-to-read display and a sleek design. The Orbit 83521 is a cost-effective choice that is fitted with a lot of great features.
Product Highlights
There are a lot of great things about this simple and sleekly designed thermostat. To give customers the most efficient unit, the manufacturer included the following features:
- Sleek design
- Built with an early start mode
- Seven day/4 period programmable capability
- Can copy and paste settings from day-to-day
The Good
Easy is a term that seems synonymous with this unit from Orbit. It is easy and straightforward to use. It offers an easy-going style in its build and does not require the addition of a C-wire. Then when you look closer at the unit, you will find an easy to use programmable thermostat that allows for a copy-paste of daily settings.
The Bad
This is an excellent unit for most homes, but one of the most significant issues with this unit is its non-universal compatibility. It does not work with every home heat/cooling system. It also does not come with the needed batteries. Though both are big problems, perhaps the biggest is the fact that it is simply not an easy installation.
Looking at the basics and versatility of this thermostat makes it easy to overlook the issues that have been mentioned in many reviews. If you can overlook those, you will find your home equipped with a functional and sleek looking programmable thermostat.
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CONS
LUXPRO 5-2 Day Deluxe Programmable Thermostat
The next thermostat comes to us from LUXPRO and offers a unique feature of individual setting capability for both heating and cooling. This small feature sets it apart from many of its peers and is precisely why this unit finds itself on our list of the best programmable thermostats.
Product Highlights
Along with that fantastic feature, the engineering team at LUXPRO has built this unit with many other energy-efficient and high-quality features. The features they built into this unit are:
- Fitted with a proprietary speed dial
- Built-in individual weekday and weekend programming
- Capability to program heat and cooling systems
- Built with a keyboard lockout
- Easy to view backlit display
- Fitted with a temporary override
The Good
There are a lot of great advantages that any homeowner would love to be able to garner from including this unit in their homes. It is amazingly adjustable and easy to program. Internal mechanisms make this a fantastic option, and then when you look at the build, you can see why many feel this is one of the best choices on the market. It is built of high-grade materials which make it reliable and durable. Another nice touch is the tactile feel of the buttons themselves. This gives the unit an easy-to-use touch screen while still giving intuitive navigation as well.
The Bad
With all the features you may find this unit is a bit of a battery hog and that could be a problem if you have a busy life and need a thermostat that doesn’t need constant care. Other than that, the heating only goes down to 45 degrees, and that may not be great for colder climates. The last thing is really a step backward in the build of the unit. The hinged door to the system seems to have some durability issues that were not present in the previous model. This could lead to a look that is not as clean if the hinge goes out. This could be a deciding factor for those homeowners that really want a functional yet pleasant looking unit.
In the end, neither of the two major issues are things that are universal problems so with that being said, taking advantage of the many pros that this unit can bring any homeowner is a smart choice.
PROS
CONS
Honeywell RTH9585WF1004/W Programmable Thermostat
This is the last entry from Honeywell and just as the previous one, finds itself on to this list because of the attention to functionality and ease of use put into it by the engineers of this fantastic company.
Product Highlights
The engineers at Honeywell aimed to build a unit that is modern and efficient with technology that will make the user's life a little easier. In order to ensure this, they built in the following features:
- Compatible with multiple home assistants
- Updates automatically with daylight savings
- Built-in customizable touchscreen color
- Easy to read touchscreen
- Capable of receiving alerts
The Good
This unit is perhaps one of the easiest to install; it does not take long to set up, and that means you can be enjoying the benefits of its fantastic design in no time. Compatible with multiple smart devices and able to run smoothly with a downloadable app, this thermostat will save you money and time, and that is something we all like to hear. A bonus feature with this unit is the customizable background color — a sweet touch to an already-sleek looking thermostat. All of these features and benefits combine to help make one of the best options on the market, one that will make any homeowner pleased with their decision.
The Bad
This unit will require a C-wire to finish the installation, and that adds an extra step to the entire process. Functionally, the lack of energy reports is also something some customers wish they had access to. The one issue that seems to come up several times is the durability of the unit itself. Many feel that the material used is of questionable grade and therefore does have some issues with wear and tear.
Considering the flaws and weighing them against all the advantages you gain with this unit will quickly show you that this option is an excellent choice for any homeowner looking for a more energy-efficient cooling and heating system.
PROS
CONS
nVent Nuheat Programmable Thermostat
Our last entry may not be as budget-friendly as the other options on our list but with everything the nVent Nuheat brings to the table, you will pay for this investment in no time with all the money you will save.
Product Highlights
This sleek and modern looking unit is fitted with a lot of great features both in the build and in the programming. These features include all the following:
- Designed with a hi-res touchscreen
- Multi-day programmable thermostat
- Designed to monitor energy consumption
- Able to run with multiple voltages
- Intuitive navigation
The Good
This dual voltage capable unit brings a wide range of programming capabilities. The NuHeat also is an easy installation piece that will allow you to start saving money in the blink of an eye. It offers excellent wire management which will lengthen the life of the unit and allow for better energy efficiency. This system is easy to set up and program, and that above all else makes this one of the best options on the market.
The Bad
The biggest thing that many take fault with is the price. In a field where many of the units cost a reasonable amount, the fact that this unit comes in at a higher price makes it a bit of a hefty investment. Though the efficiency you get for that price is well worth it once you take a hard look at the unit. It is a bit large in design as well, and some have had problems with ghosting on the display panel, but these are in no way universal problems.
Though the price may seem like a significant investment when you see the money that you save with this unit, you will soon be able to rationalize the expenditure. This unit offers you the best return on your investment in comparison to many of its competitors.
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CONS
BUYER'S GUIDE
Many options on the market will help you save money and offer energy-efficient conservation, but the units above stand out above the rest.
How do you decide which programmable thermostat unit you should buy for your home? Many factors contribute to building a unit that is efficient and aesthetically pleasing. Though many may discount the last factor, it is your home and having a wall unit that takes away from the hard work you did to build an interior that relays your personal style, and family values is an important thing to think about. Apart from the footprint and style, these factors play an essential role in the final decision-making process:
Easy Installation
The unit you go with should come with easy to follow instructions and a process of installation that can be done without a specialized technician. The instructions should be either easy to follow via paper or an app like many options do. The unit should also come with a manual so that you can check and make sure the unit is functioning correctly.
Compatibility
Not every thermostat will be compatible with every house. There will be specs that don’t fit and differences in wiring that can’t be overlooked. That is why you will want to look for a unit that is compatible with your current system. Finding one that is universally compatible is the best way to go as this model will require no extra work to set up.
Easy to Program
The last thing you want to do is go back to school to get a special degree to understand how to set up your thermostat. All joking aside though, finding a unit that is simple to the program will save time and frustration. You will want to look for a unit that has multiple-day programmability and with an intuitive navigation system.
Temperature Control
The versatility of temp control ranging from cooling to heating is why you are installing this unit and so finding a unit that offers the most efficiency is vital to making your final decision work for you and your home. These controls should also provide little to no variation is accuracy.
Integration with Smart Home Technologies
Finding a unit that can be easily integrated with your smart devices is a great feature to pay attention to. Many units can be monitored via a downloadable app. There are even units that support compatibility with voice assistants. Many of these apps and interactions will add features to what the unit itself can do, including sending alarms to your smart device and being able to check the local weather.
F.A.Q.
Now that you understand the key factors you need to use to measure which option is the best one for your needs, let us take a look at a few questions that may help you once you have made your purchase.
With technology, you will often find that the more you research, the more questions pop up. These questions can mount until you have a laundry list to research even after you have found the unit you want to invest in. So, to help you out we have combed the internet and compiled a list of the most commonly asked question. Here is what we found.
How do you install a programmable thermostat?
Though every unit may be a bit different when it comes to the installation, there are of course steps that every unit will have you take. The first is to make sure that the unit is compatible with the heating and cooling system of your home. The basic steps include:
- Start by turning off the power to your heating and cooling system at the fuse box.
- Now you will want to remove the existing thermostat. Leave the wall plate and test the wires to make sure the power is off.
- Take time to label each wire with the terminal's designation so that you will be able to hook them up properly in a later step. Then take a photo, so you have even more references.
- Now you will disconnect the wires and remove the wall plate.
- If the new thermostat doesn’t match the holes from the original, you may need to patch the holes.
- Now you will install the new thermostat wall unit following the instructions included in the package.
- Attach wires per the instructions.
- Now install batteries and then mount the actual unit to the wall plate.
- Now you will want to turn the power back on and set the new thermostat to your desired settings.
How do you set the programmable thermostat?
Once again, each unit will have its own specifics, but the basic method of programming your programmable thermostat is below:
- Follow the unit’s instructions. Depending on the season you will want to choose between heating or cooling.
- Walk through the weekday settings for optimal energy consumption and comfort.
- Once the weekdays are done, you can work on the weekend settings.
How do you change the batteries in a programmable thermostat?
You will want to keep your batteries fresh and fully powered, which means you will want to change them regularly. Once again, each model may have minute details that differ but overall, here are the basics of the process:
- Pull the thermostat housing of the wall unit.
- Then turn the housing over and find the battery sots. Remove the old batteries.
- Then place the new batteries into the proper slots
- Return the housing to the wall plate.
How does a programmable thermostat save energy?
By minimizing the ebb and flow of the temperature of the house, you will work your systems less. Programmable thermostats save energy by utilizing less power by making sure that the thermostat doesn’t differ from the outside temp by much or that it only uses energy when needed.
How do you replace a programmable thermostat?
If you need to replace the unit, you will want to do so per the units’ specifications, but there are some basics. Here are a few steps that need to be followed:
- Start by removing the thermostat housing, leaving the wall plate in place.
- Then follow the steps from the above question about installing a programmable thermostat.
FINAL VERDICT
Adding a programmable thermostat to your home's cooling and heating system will not only save you money but conserve energy as well. With the information above, we hope we have given you enough knowledge that you feel confident in making this critical decision. All that is left to do is select the best model for you and your needs and get your home to the perfect temperature.
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