5 Best Smart Thermostats For 2024: Eco-Friendly Picks & Expert Reviews

The best smart thermostat is the Hive Thermostat, thanks to its advanced eco-savvy features, affordable price and seamless integration with various smart home devices. A close runner-up is the Nest Thermostat, which comes jam-packed with actionable features, but at a slightly higher price point than the Hive. 

Smart thermostats remove the need for guessing when it comes to household climate control while helping you reduce your carbon footprint.

If you’re wondering where to start when it comes to smart thermostats, look no further than Eco Happy. We are here to guide you through the various smart thermostats available for sustainable living. Allow our experts to help you find the perfect smart thermostat for your home’s heating and cooling system, considering both your needs and the environment.

Let’s dive into Eco Happy’s picks for the best smart thermostat in 2024.

How We Chose The Best Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat is an investment, so make sure you choose one that delivers when it comes to managing your energy usage as effectively as possible. 

To save you time, we have done the research for you to ensure that the thermostats on our list meet strict criteria. Here are some of the features we analysed to determine the best of the best: 

Price 

The smart thermostats on our list range in price from around £29 to £219, ensuring that there is an option for cost-savvy, mid-range, and high-end homeowners. 

We understand that cost is not the only determining factor when it comes to quality, so you can rest assured all the thermostats on our list also offer great value for money in relation to their features and offerings. 

Installation

There’s a lot that goes into installing a smart thermostat, from figuring out the best place for your thermostat to pairing a wireless thermostat to your boiler.

We’ve aimed to simplify this transition by including devices that are easy to install. The best part is that you could even install some of these devices yourself – if you have the correct know-how!

Ease of use

A clear interface, intuitive controls and a well-designed app for remote adjustments and scheduling all contribute to the accessibility of a smart thermostat. 

We have considered these features to ensure that the device you choose requires a minimal learning curve – so you can start reaping the benefits of eco-efficient savings as soon as possible. 

Energy savings features

One of the main reasons for installing a smart thermostat is its energy-saving features. Thanks to our years of expertise in the industry, we know which features are actually beneficial and which aren’t. 

Our list of devices contains practical and useful features that contribute to lowering your energy consumption, like habit learning, temperature automation, remote access, geofencing, and energy analysis reporting.

Ease of integration

Compatibility with virtual assistant devices like Google Assistant and Alexa allows you to integrate your thermostat into your wider smart home ecosystem. This way, you can automate your household, adjusting your temperature settings alongside other smart devices, like lights or blinds. 

This fosters a more automated and seamless smart home experience which is why it is one of the crucial factors we considered when putting together this list. 

Brand reputation

To determine if a brand is really as good as it claims, we have analysed numerous customer reviews on buying sites like Amazon and review sites like Trustpilot.

We looked for brands that are rated highly by customers in terms of product reliability and performance, customer service, and accessibility of customer support. 

Warranty length

A longer warranty period with comprehensive coverage signifies a brand’s confidence in its product. It also protects customers from having to fork out additional costs for repairs and replacements, especially when these issues are the result of manufacturing faults. 

All the below thermostats come with a reasonable warranty period. Additionally, some of these manufacturers offer extended warranties when the device is fitted by an approved installer. 

The 5 Best Smart Thermostat 

Let’s take a look at the best smart thermostat options for your home’s heating and cooling system. Whether you’re tech-savvy, budget-conscious, or a stickler for reliability, there’s a perfect match waiting to transform your home into a haven of sustainable comfort.

1. Best for affordability: Amazon Smart Thermostat

Amazon’s best budget smart thermostat option proves that tried and tested smart thermostats don’t need to break the bank. In fact, despite its price, the Amazon Smart Thermostat has several nifty benefits.

• Features & benefits:
  • Alexa integration and voice control
  • Smart scheduling and geofencing for energy savings
  • Simple and intuitive interface
  • Affordable price point
• Compatibility: The Amazon Smart Thermostat works with most common heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
• Pricing & warranty: £29; one-year limited warranty
• Customer support: Online chat and phone support are available.

2. Best for environmentally conscious HVAC needs: Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium

The Ecobee Smart thermostat isn’t just smart; it boasts the best HVAC system. Multiple sensors, a built-in air quality monitor, and advanced learning capabilities optimise the heating and cooling schedule for every corner of your home, while its commitment to sustainability will make even Mother Nature smile.

• Features & benefits:
  • Multiple sensors for room-by-room temperature optimisation
  • Built-in air quality monitor
  • Advanced learning capabilities for personalised comfort
  • Integrates with multiple smart home systems
• Compatibility: The Ecobee smart thermostat works with most common HVAC system setups.
• Pricing & warranty: £200; two-year limited warranty
• Customer support: Online chat, phone support, and email support available.

3. Best for ease of use: Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat

This thermostat is known for its reliability. Unlike many smart thermostats, it’s notably robust and built to last. It is compatible with most HVAC systems and features geofencing and scheduling for energy efficiency. It is perfect for those who prioritise ease of use and consistency.

• Features & benefits:
  • Simple and user-friendly interface
  • Energy-efficient features through geofencing and scheduling
  • Durable and dependable design
• Compatibility: Works with most HVAC systems.
• Pricing & warranty: £125; one-year limited warranty
• Customer support: Online chat, phone, and email support are available for customer assistance.

4. Best for learning capabilities: Nest Learning Thermostat

The Nest Thermostat is widely considered one of the most popular smart thermostats on the market, and for good reason! With a buttonless design, innovative learning capabilities, easy installation, and advanced features, it’s easy to see why. 

This device boasts a leaf icon that encourages eco-friendly choices. The Nest Learning Thermostat is a trusted companion that guides you towards sustainable comfort with its sleek and timeless design.

• Features & benefits:
  • Pioneering learning capabilities for personalised comfort
  • Eco-friendly insights and nudges
  • Sleek and timeless design
• Compatibility: The Nest thermostat works with common HVAC setups.
• Pricing & warranty: From £219; two-year standard warranty
• Customer support: Online chat, phone support, and email support available.

5. Best for eco-saving features: Hive Thermostat

The Hive Thermostat is an excellent example of how proverbial dynamite comes in small packages. While the initial cost of this thermostat may set you back around £119, Hive promises savings of up to £200 on your energy bills annually by installing this smart device. 

Equipped with smart control and scheduling, frost protection, holiday mode settings, geolocation, multizone heating controls, and energy-usage tracking (and more), this smart thermostat has everything you need to manage your energy bills effectively. 

This device is also compatible with Apple HomeKit, Siri Shortcuts, Google Assistant and Alexa, ensuring seamless integration between your devices

• Features & benefits:
  • Excellent value for money
  • Sleek design and can match the colour of the frame to your wall
  • Multiple energy-saving features 
  • User-friendly, high-resolution interface 
  • Easy installation
• Compatibility: Works with gas, LPG, oil and electric boilers.
• Pricing & warranty: £119; one-year standard warranty
• Customer support: Online chat and community support forum available.

Tip: Struggling to pick between Hive vs Nest thermostats? Check out Eco Happy’s comparison to help make your decision easier. 

Choosing The Right Features For Your Lifestyle

Choosing the right smart thermostat isn’t just about appearance or features. It’s about customising your climate control experience to fit your lifestyle and needs.

Geofencing

Geofencing uses your location to adjust the temperature automatically, so you never stumble into a sauna or freezer again. Say goodbye to pre-heating marathons and welcome to your comfortable sanctuary the moment you walk through the door.

Learning capabilities

For those who are looking for the best when it comes to climate control, a thermostat with learning capabilities is your perfect match. This AI-powered device observes your daily routines, remembering your preferred temperatures and adjusting them accordingly.

No more fiddling with settings – your thermostat anticipates your every whim, creating a perfectly personalised atmosphere without you lifting a finger.

Zonal control

Zonal control allows you to have independent temperatures in different areas of your home. For example, you can have a cooler kitchen and a warmer bedroom. This gives you flexibility with your climate control and decreases energy bills.

By not heating up any rooms more than needed, you won’t be wasting money. You’ll have different rooms set to suit your perfect temperatures.

Beyond the basics

For the tech-savvy households that want a fully orchestrated smart home experience, smart thermostats are the gadgets you have been missing.

Voice control allows you to set the temperature, air quality monitoring ensures you’re breathing clean air, and seamless integration with other smart home devices creates a complete home of comfort and convenience.

However, there are some things that you need to keep in mind before jumping into your purchase, including the installation process.

Installation

1. Consult an HVAC technician: Experts, like Eco Happy, can assess your system, voltage, and wiring needs, and recommend compatible smart thermostat models.
2. Utilise manufacturer resources: Most brands offer online compatibility checkers. Simply enter your system details and let the tool guide you towards perfectly matched models.
3. Choose a user-friendly model: Consider your technical comfort level when selecting a thermostat. Opt for models with clear installation instructions, troubleshooting guides, and readily available customer support.
4. Invest in professional installation: Consider professional installation services for stress-free integration. They ensure proper wiring, configuration, and seamless operation, allowing you to relax and enjoy the benefits.

Potential compatibility issues

Before welcoming your smart thermostat into your home, take a moment to ensure it is compatible with your existing central heating system.

Mismatched systems can lead to malfunctions and structural damage, which could cost you more in repairs than just replacing the thermostat.

The Energy Efficiency Revolution

By using a smart thermostat, we can reduce our energy consumption and play our part in combating climate change.

The best smart thermostats are good for the environment and can help you save money on your energy bills. So, let’s embrace this tiny, tech-savvy hero and contribute to improving the world.

Normal thermostats are a thing of the past. Smart thermostats, on the other hand, are intuitive, learning your routines and adjusting temperatures accordingly to result in energy savings and a happy wallet.

But the magic of these thermostats goes beyond just sustainability. These gadgets can actually reduce your energy consumption by up to 30%.

How? They use geofencing and have remote sensors that detect when you’re home and remember your temperature preferences. It’s like having a tiny energy auditor on your wall, silently reducing your energy waste and leaving you with a lighter environmental footprint.

And let’s not forget the financial benefits. Studies show that these smart devices can save you up to 10-15% on heating costs and 15-25% on heating and cooling systems’ costs yearly. Plus, you can get detailed reports and data on your energy usage, so you can become an expert in your home’s climate and make informed decisions to save even more money.

Future Trends In Smart Thermostats

The future of smart thermostats looks very promising. They will offer self-repairing systems, AI-powered optimization, and integration with renewable energy sources. These more connected thermostats will save you money, predict your needs, and adapt to changing weather patterns.

Today’s smart thermostats are learning machines that adapt to your every whim and optimise temperatures for maximum comfort and efficiency. But the future looks even brighter:

• Smart thermostats are becoming even smarter with enhanced learning algorithms that can anticipate your needs.
• Integrating these thermostats and other smart home devices is improving, resulting in better comfort and energy savings.
• Multi-room temperature control allows you to personalise your home’s temperature zone by zone.
• Smart thermostats are data-driven, providing advanced analytics to help you make informed choices to reduce your carbon footprint.
• The future of thermostats is sustainable, integrating with renewable energy sources like solar panels.

FAQs

Do smart thermostats use more electricity?

Smart thermostats are designed to reduce electricity usage. They’re known to cut down energy bills by up to 23% by optimising temperature settings and adjusting usage patterns, resulting in decreased overall energy consumption.

Can I replace my thermostat with a smart thermostat?

Absolutely! Local, licensed professionals are available to assist with the replacement process. Whether you’re interested in switching to a programmable thermostat or a Wi-Fi-connected smart device, there are services available to facilitate a smooth upgrade.

What happens if my Wi-Fi goes down with a smart thermostat?

If your Wi-Fi experiences an outage, your smart thermostat will continue functioning as a basic thermostat. However, it won’t be able to communicate remotely. This means it won’t adjust based on remote commands or perform advanced functions like accessing the weather forecast. It operates without these advanced functionalities that rely on an internet connection.

Conclusion

A home with optimised climate control is one of comfort, efficiency, and a personalised touch. Smart thermostats are more than just gadgets; they can transform your home into a haven that is tailored to your needs.

Remember:

• Smart thermostats aren’t one-size-fits-all: Consider your lifestyle and needs when choosing features like geofencing, learning capabilities, zonal control, and voice compatibility.
• Compatibility is key: Consult an HVAC professional or use manufacturer resources to avoid installation challenges.
• Ask for help: Consider professional installation for a seamless transition.

Not all smart thermostats are the same. Contact Eco Happy today and get a personalised quote to find the smart thermostat that’s best for your home’s heating and cooling.