If you’re looking to cut costs somewhere, saving money on energy is one way to do so on a daily basis. One simple way to do this is by investing in a smart thermostat. While you pay a bit upfront, the funds you will save in the long term are well worth the price of admission. Our expert editors have tested and reviewed the best smart thermostats available, and here we’re highlighting where to get them for the lowest cost.
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Some models cost $200 or more, so they require an investment at the outset. But if you’re a budget-conscious buyer, there are always deals out there that’ll help you pick one up for less.
We’ve rounded up some of the best smart thermostat bargains currently available and will update this page as deals come and go.
Best smart thermostat deals
Those aiming to balance smarts and price need look no further than the Google Nest Learning Thermostat. The attractively designed thermostat offers Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa support, easy scheduling options and tips on how you could tweak your usage to save some cash. This is the third-generation version that comes in mirror black and is 30% off.
With a black beveled edge and sleek design, this Emerson Sensi Touch 2 smart thermostat supports Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings and dual-band Wi-Fi. While not a huge discount, that $34 takes it down to well below the $200 mark.
CNET’s very own review of this Ecobee smart thermostat found it to be feature-filled with external sensors, geofencing and an app that is helpful and easy to navigate. The one notable downside was the price, so this $30 discount goes some way toward alleviating that issue.
Can a smart thermostat actually lower my bills?
Replacing your standard thermostat with a smarter alternative without modifying your usage habits won’t automatically reduce your energy bills. That being said, smart thermostats offer a variety of features that can help figure out changes you can make to your energy usage patterns to help shave a few bucks off your bills.
These include simple scheduling features that are probably easier to use than the ones offered by your old-school thermostat, as well as smart home and away modes that automatically adjust energy usage based on your proximity.
Outside of smart features, the extra information and more accessible controls provided by a smart thermostat allow you to be more readily able to make the most of opportunities to save some energy and cash.
How easy is it to install a smart thermostat?
A smart thermostat’s ease of installation can vary greatly and depends on your existing HVAC system and the thermostat you choose to go with. If you’re not comfortable with minor electrical work, it’s always best to call in a professional electrician.
Most smart thermostats do offer step-by-step guidance for a DIY installation and can be completed by anyone comfortable with some basic wiring. Our guide to installing the Nest Smart Thermostat can give you an idea of the process, although it may vary for different systems and thermostat options.
Before you buy any smart thermostat, it’s best to check that it’s compatible with your HVAC system.