Did you know that heating and cooling munch up about 53% of your home's energy, according to the Environmental Protection Agency? Even small tweaks to your HVAC system can save a bundle. Alexa thermostats bring some nifty features like customized schedules, an automatic off function when not in use, and easy-to-use voice commands. These helpful gadgets are perfect for saving energy and keeping money in your pocket. Curious to find out how these thermostats can transform your energy bills? Dive in to discover more.
I've had an Alexa thermostat for years (namely the Nest Learning Stat), and I can't recommend smart HVAC controls enough! They've definitely helped me and my family save money over the long term.
Other than the Ecobee4, you will need an Alexa-enabled device to control your system. For example: an Echo Speaker, Echo Show or Fire TV.
A C-Wire is generally required for smart thermostats to maintain a Wi-Fi connection.
What is an Alexa Thermostat?
An Alexa thermostat is a smart device that connects to your home's heating or cooling system and can be controlled using voice commands via Amazon's virtual assistant, Alexa. Some devices like the Ecobee have Alexa built-in while others need to be communicated with via an Echo speaker.
How to Choose the Best Alexa Thermostat for Your Home
There are a few factors you should consider before deciding on a smart thermostat. In this section, I'll go over some key decision factors and considerations to help you choose the right Alexa thermostat for your home.
Compatibility
The first thing you need to consider is compatibility. Not all Alexa thermostats work with all HVAC systems, so you'll need to verify that the model you're interested in is compatible with your current system. While most HVAC systems are usually supported, hydronic and millivolt systems have patchy compatibility.
Features
Different Alexa thermostats come with different features. Make sure to consider the features you need before making your final decision. Some models come with features like geofencing, dynamic schedules, HVAC health reporting, and remote temperature control, while others may come with built-in sensors to adjust the temperature based on your family's daily routine.
Price
Smart thermostats can be quite pricey, so it's important to consider the price when making your decision. Make sure to choose a model that fits within your budget. Also, consider if you need to have it professionally installed and if you need to run new wiring to the stat as that’ll add more to the final cost.
Design
While it may not be the most important consideration, the design of your Alexa thermostat is still something to keep in mind. A lot of thermostats are in prominent positions in the house, so you'll want to choose a model that fits in with your home's decor and looks good on the wall!
Warranty & Customer Support
When choosing a smart device like a thermostat, it's important to consider the brand's reputation. Some brands like Honeywell have been making heating controls for almost 100 years while others might be repackaging Chinese hardware with very little support when things go wrong.
Consider the warranty of the device along with the level of customer support offered by the manufacturer. You'll want to choose a company with a good reputation for customer service in case you encounter any issues or have questions about the product.
The Nest Learning Thermostat by Google is a Wi-Fi enabled device that automatically programs itself to your temperature preferences and adjusts when you're away. It can be controlled through the app or with voice commands.
- Learns from you and programs itself, so you don't have to.
- Home/Away Assist feature adjusts the temperature after you leave, so you don't waste energy.
- Remote control capability and compatibility with multiple voice assistants (Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa)
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat is designed to be easy to install in your home, and it's equipped with smart features that allow you to control it remotely using your phone.
One of the best features of the Nest Learning Thermostat is its ability to learn your habits and schedule the temperature accordingly. This can be useful since you won't have to worry about constantly adjusting the thermostat.
Another nice feature is the thermostat's ability to change the temperature when you leave the house with geo-fencing, which can help you save energy and reduce your utility bills.
The Nest Learning Thermostat also comes with an app that allows you to monitor your energy usage and identify ways to save even more money. Additionally, the Nest Leaf feature appears on the display when you select an energy-saving temperature, which is a neat way to encourage users to save energy.
Insights
I’ve had the Nest thermostat for years and definitely recommend it. One feature I did disable was the auto-generation of the heating schedule as it just didn’t suit my family’s lifestyle. Other than that, I really like it!
Online user feedback for the Nest thermostat is generally positive. One positive aspect that users commented on was the ability of the product to save them money on heating bills by learning their behavior. Another pro for the Nest was its ease of installation, with users expressing satisfaction with the clear instructions and included materials.
However, many users also had negative experiences with the product. Some complained about poor tech support, while others had issues with the product itself, such as the thermostat not holding a Wi-Fi connection or malfunctioning within the first year.
- Easy to install and use
- Smart features allow for automatic programming and energy-saving adjustments
- Works with a variety of systems and smart assistants
- Remote control via app and Alexa integration
- Provides energy usage information to help reduce costs
- Sleek and stylish design
- Complicated installation for some users
- Not compatible with all heating and cooling systems
- Some customers have reported issues with Wi-Fi connectivity
- Relatively high price point compared to traditional thermostats or budget smart thermostats
The Emerson Touch Wi-Fi Thermostat is a black, rectangular, touchpad-controlled thermostat that can be connected to your home Wi-Fi for remote control using your smartphone or tablet. It works with most HVAC equipment found in homes and can help save energy by providing flexible scheduling and usage reports.
- Compatible with common HVAC equipment but requires a common wire (C-Wire)
- Smart maintenance that delivers valuable usage reports, equipment alerts, and maintenance reminders.
- Works with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free control.
The Emerson Touch Wi-Fi Thermostat can help you control your AC, heat pump, furnace, or boiler.
It's a rectangle-shaped device that's black in color and has a 4.3-inch screen that shows you the temperature settings and other options. You can control it by tapping the screen or even using your voice with Alexa, Google Assistant, and other smart devices.
One of the best things about this thermostat is that it can save you money on energy bills by using its flexible scheduling and remote access features.
You can also use the Sensi app on your phone to keep tabs on your HVAC system's performance and efficiency.
Insights
Users generally seem to be satisfied with the Sensi thermostat. They appreciate the easy setup and installation, noting that the app is straightforward and the instructions are clear. They find the thermostat to be attractive and easy to use, and they love the ability to control the temperature from their phone. Many users also mention the excellent customer service, praising the tech support team for being helpful and knowledgeable.
Some users have had issues with the thermostat's wireless connectivity, reporting intermittent or unreliable connections. A few users have also noted that the thermostat can be difficult to program or set up, especially if you have a 4-wire HVAC system. Additionally, some users have suggested that the app could be improved, either by adding more features or by making it more intuitive to use.
- Good customer service and tech support
- Can be controlled through a smartphone or tablet
- Easy to install and set up
- Sleek, modern design
- User-friendly app with good temperature control
- Can monitor the performance and efficiency of your HVAC system through detailed usage tracking
- Requires a common wire (c-wire) for installation
- Backlight and touchpad control may be difficult to use in low-light environments
- Batteries are required, but not included
- Some users complained of occasional intermittent wireless connectivity issues
This smart thermostat from Ecobee is the only one on our list that has built-in Alexa for voice control. It is easily installed and can be controlled from anywhere using your iOS or Android device, with room sensors that balance temperature based on occupancy.
- Use the built-in Alexa to control the thermostat with your voice. Play music, set a timer or adjust the temperature.
- Measure occupancy and temperature to create balanced temperatures throughout your home.
- Power Extender Kit included for homes with no common wire (C-wire).
If you want to save money on your home's heating and cooling bills, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat might be a good option for you.
This thermostat claims that it can help reduce your energy bill by up to 23%, which can make it worth the investment. That being said, my thermostats on this list claim something similar so worth taking that statement with a pinch of salt!!!
It comes with sensors that can measure the temperature in different rooms, and it can adjust the temperature throughout your whole house accordingly. You can control the thermostat with an app on your phone or tablet, and it also has Alexa built-in.
The installation process is actually straightforward and everything you need is included in the box, including a Power Extender Kit for homes that don't have a common wire!
This thermostat is compatible with a wide range of HVAC systems such as heat pumps, conventional, dual fuel, single fuel, and more.
Insights
In the feedback, users seemed to appreciate the ease of installation and set-up of the Ecobee thermostat, along with its Smart capabilities. The remote sensors were praised as being a useful addition, as was the ability to control the thermostat through the Ecobee app or Alexa. Several users also mentioned that the tech support provided by Ecobee was helpful and attentive, making the experience with the product more positive.
One of the most common complaints was with the new UI update, which several users found hard to navigate and not user-friendly. Other complaints included issues with connectivity, and problems integrating the thermostat with existing systems. The lack of certain features like the ability to change time settings directly from the device was also a point of frustration.
- Room sensors ensure temperatures are balanced throughout your home
- Easily install the thermostat yourself in about 30 minutes
- Control the thermostat from anywhere using your iOS or Android device
- Built-in Alexa allows for voice control of your thermostat
- Only comes with one room sensor, additional sensors must be purchased separately
- May not be compatible with all HVAC systems
- Some customers may prefer a traditional button control interface over the app control method
- Some users complained that the new UI design is difficult to use
The Honeywell Home T9 WiFi Thermostat with Sensor allows you to adjust the temperature in specific rooms, saves energy by reacting to your schedule, and has a detection range of up to 200 ft.
- Allows placing sensors around the home to focus on specific rooms, set ideal temperatures, and humidity levels while saving energy.
- Uses geo-fencing to know when you're coming and going to make sure you're always comfortable and energy-efficient.
- Conveniently manage the thermostat using Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and more.
With the T9 thermostat, you can change the temperature of your house from anywhere using your phone or with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. You can also set it up to adjust the temperature automatically based on when you leave and come back home. This will help you save energy and reduce your bills.
Multiple Rooms
The T9 Smart Thermostat has sensors you can place in different rooms so you can customize the temperature in each room. You can also set it up to automatically detect which rooms people are in so you can save energy by only heating or cooling the rooms you're using.
A big caveat here though. From my experience, your HVAC system needs to be setup for multiple zones for this to work – the thermostat can’t instruct the system to heat one room and not another unless it supports it!
Compatibility
Before buying a smart thermostat, you need to make sure it works with your home's heating and cooling system. The T9 works with different types of heating and cooling systems, like gas, oil, and electric. But it doesn't work with electric baseboard heat. You also need to check if your home needs a power adapter called a C-wire to connect the thermostat.
Insights
The Honeywell T9 Smart Thermostat has received a lot of positive feedback from users for its smart functionalities and ease of use. One user praised its integration with Alexa and Ring app, while many appreciated the smart temperature sensor which helps regulate the temperature better and equally across multiple rooms.
The T9 has some negative feedback though. Some users experienced issues with connectivity such as poor WiFi connectivity and inaccurate thermostat readings. Some users experienced difficulty with installation or compatibility with their HVAC systems.
- Easy to install
- Can save money and energy through Auto Home/Away Scheduling
- Smart Room Sensors allow for multi-room focus
- Compatible with various controllers, including voice control
- Requires sensors for multi-room focus
- HVAC system needs to support multi-room with zones
- Batteries required for power source
- May require a C-wire or adapter
Amazon Smart Thermostat is a device that you can install yourself and connect to Alexa for easy temperature control, energy savings, and automatic comfort.
- Rebates may be available from energy providers in your area
- Adjust the temperature from anywhere using the Alexa app
- Manufactured by Honeywell
Before deciding on a smart thermostat, you will need to make sure it will work in your home and with your HVAC system. This means checking if you have the right wires and checking compatibility and it's important to know this ahead of time so that you can avoid any problems during installation.
The Alexa app has step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process and makes it easy for you to install the Amazon smart thermostat yourself. If you prefer, you can also hire a professional to do the installation for you.
Automatic comfort
The Amazon Smart Thermostat is smart in that you can link it to your Alexa-enabled device and control the temperature with your voice. Plus, even when you're not home, you can use the Alexa app to adjust the temperature.
Alexa can also learn your preferences and adjust the temperature automatically to keep you comfortable.
Amazon partnered with Honeywell to produce this smart thermostat as Honeywell has been manufacturing heating and cooling controls for over a century. I think this was a good move as it gives a bit of credibility to the product.
Insights
There’s mixed feedback on the Amazon smart thermostat. On the positive side, some users are pleased with the cost-effectiveness of the product and the ease of controlling their HVAC system from their phones. Some users appreciate the easy installation process and the integration with the Alexa app.
However, some users criticized the product's inability to adjust the temperature accurately along with the absence of a screen lock function. Some users reported compatibility issues with their HVAC systems, that the product stopped working after a few months, or unreliable performance after short periods of time.
- Easy to install for those with limited HVAC/electrical knowledge
- Stylish design with included wall plate and wire labels
- It’s an affordable smart thermostat option
- Possible rebates available from energy providers in your area
- Good quality and integrates well with the Alexa app
- Some users reported problems with compatibility and connectivity issues
- No temperature differential swing or screen lock function
- No support for Samsung SmartThings or Google Home
- Limited features and programming options, not suitable for more complex heating/cooling systems
You can control your home's temperature from anywhere with the Alexa-enabled Bosch BCC100 Connected Control Smart Phone Wi-Fi Thermostat, featuring a modern touchscreen display and compatibility with various HVAC systems.
- The 5-inch display touchscreen is easy to use and program from anywhere.
- Works with dual fuel, heat pump or conventional systems, 1-wire humidifiers or dehumidifiers, and most 24 VAC HVAC equipment.
- Now controls both evaporation and steam-type external humidifier accessories, plus hot gas reheat and cool to dehumidify capabilities.
If you're looking for a thermostat that works with most heating and cooling systems, then the Bosch BCC100 Connected Control Smart Phone Wi-Fi Thermostat could be the right choice for you. It's compatible with most 24 VAC HVAC equipment on the market and can work with heat pumps or conventional systems.
It can connect to Wi-Fi and control with Alexa, so you can control it from your smartphone or tablet, even when you're not home. This feature provides you with the convenience of adjusting your home's temperature from anywhere.
The thermostat has a full-color 5-inch touchscreen display that makes it easy to set your temperature preferences and adjust settings. It has a user-defined schedule that saves energy and money by automatically turning itself on and off while you're away from home.
The Bosch requires a C-wire to power the thermostat and is available on most HVAC systems today that have three or more wires. If your system doesn't have a C-wire, third-party aftermarket products exist for adding powering options. The package comes with everything you need to get started.
Insights
According to user feedback, the Bosch thermostat has both positives and negatives. Some users have expressed satisfaction with the product, stating that it is stylish, easy to use, and has great remote control capabilities.
Others have found the connectivity to be problematic, expressing frustration with the Wi-Fi and app connection issues. Additionally, some users have complained about the screen not working properly and the setup being too complicated.
- Compatible with Wi-Fi and can be controlled with a smartphone or tablet
- Provides energy and cost savings
- Modern and sleek touchscreen interface that's easy to use
- Can control a range of HVAC equipment
- Ability to create and copy schedules
- Integrates well with Alexa
- Dual fuel system compatible for those using both gas and electric power
- Some users complained of unreliable WiFi connectivity
- C-wire required for powering the unit (not compatible with two-wire systems)
- Some users complained of Inconsistent app performance
This smart thermostat by Wyze is easy to install and control from your phone, with voice assistant compatibility, and with its 7-day scheduling.
- Control temperature from phone no matter where you are and share control with guests and family
- Compatible with 90% of home systems and comes with a C-wire adapter for homes without C-wire
- 7-day scheduling for customized temperature settings for home, sleep, and away modes
The Wyze thermostat is really easy to install, and you can do it yourself in less than half an hour! You get step-by-step instructions in the app, plus, they even give you an adapter for homes without a C-wire.
You can use the Wyze app on your phone to adjust the temperature no matter where you are. And if you don't want to use your phone, you can use voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant. That way, you don't have to be physically close to the thermostat to control it!
The Wyze has a motion detector that automatically turns it on and off based on movement in the room. This helps you save energy by turning off the thermostat when no one is in the room. And, the Wyze app shows you how much energy you're using, so you can make adjustments and save even more money!
With the Wyze thermostat, you can set schedules for different times of the day, like when you're at home or away. That way, you don't have to keep going back and forth to your thermostat to change the temperature. And if you have friends or family staying with you, you can easily share control with them through the Wyze app, so everyone stays comfortable!
Insights
Many users have found the Wyze thermostat easy to install and use, and have appreciated the cost savings compared to more expensive options on the market. Some users have been impressed with its compatibility with other Wyze products, and its integration with Alexa. Users have also noted that the thermostat has a sleek appearance and is responsive to temperature changes.
A significant number of users have experienced connectivity issues with the Wyze thermostat, including dropped WiFi connection, device offline errors, and difficulty connecting to the Wyze cloud service. Some users have reported that the thermostat stopped working entirely after a few months or a year of use. Additionally, some users have reported compatibility issues with certain HVAC systems.
- Easy DIY installation
- Inexpensive compared to others on this list
- Compatible with 90% of home systems, including a C-wire adapter for homes without a C-wire
- Control temperature from your phone or voice commands through Alexa or Google Assistant
- Insights on energy usage to help reduce waste and save money
- Built-in motion sensor and phone location detection for automatic on/off feature
- No mention of a battery backup in case of power outages
- Limited color options with only black available
- Some users complained that it’s difficult to connect to Wi-Fi or stay connected
- Requires a three-wire configuration, which some customers did not have. (That being said it comes with a C-Wire adapter)
- Some users reported that it does not work well with heat pumps (aux heat in particular) and it has temperature swings
The Honeywell Home Wi-Fi Thermostat (RTH6580WF) is a smart device designed to control your home's temperature through an app or voice control while providing energy savings, featuring large user-friendly controls and easy-to-read display.
- Programmable 7-day, flexible scheduling lets you adjust your home temperatures according to your schedule.
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and more.
- Can automatically switch between heating and cooling to maintain a comfortable temperature.
This Wi-Fi thermostat can be easily connected to your phone and controlled through an app. It's also compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, allowing for even more convenient control.
The Honeywell Home Wi-Fi Thermostat features a large, easy-to-understand screen and has a predictive feature that anticipates when you'll need heating or cooling before you even ask for it. It also includes an energy-saving mode and provides reports on your home's energy efficiency.
Insights
Users have varying opinions about the Honeywell Wi-Fi thermostat. Some find it easy to install and set up, allowing for remote adjustment of the temperature. They appreciate that it works well with smartphones and Alexa and offers good value for its price. Users also find it to be a simple, straightforward solution that satisfies their needs with 7-day programming and an intuitive console interface.
However, others have negative feedback regarding the product. Some have difficulty getting the Wi-Fi to connect while others complain that Honeywell's servers are down frequently, leaving them unable to control the thermostat remotely. Some have experienced issues with short cycling, resulting in a spike in their electric bill.
- Easy to install and manage
- Remote control through the Honeywell Total Connect Comfort app
- Smart Response Tech
- Easy-to-use interface with a large digital display
- Auto Changeover
- C-wire power adapter may be required for some homes
- May not be compatible with all HVAC systems
- Some users reported unreliable Wi-Fi connectivity
Alexa Compatible Thermostat FAQs
What are the benefits of having an Alexa thermostat?
The benefits of having an Alexa thermostat include the ability to control your home's temperature remotely, set custom schedules to optimize energy usage, and receive energy usage reports to track your monthly bills.
How do I install an Alexa thermostat?
Installation of an Alexa thermostat is generally straightforward however does require some basic electrical knowledge. Most models come with a manual or installation guide, and some have video tutorials online, making the process even easier.
However, if you are missing a C-wire to power the thermostat, or if you are uncomfortable with electrical wiring, you should consult a professional.
What brands of thermostats work with Alexa?
Many major brands, including Ecobee, Honeywell, and Nest, make thermostats that are compatible with Alexa. Be sure to check the compatibility of the model you're considering before purchasing it.
What thermostat works with Alexa?
There are various thermostats that work with Alexa, including popular brands like Nest, Ecobee, and Honeywell. These devices allow you to control the temperature of your home using voice commands through an Alexa-enabled device.
The Nest Learning Thermostat by Google is a Wi-Fi enabled device that automatically programs itself to your temperature preferences and adjusts when you're away. It can be controlled through the app or with voice commands.
- Learns from you and programs itself, so you don't have to.
- Home/Away Assist feature adjusts the temperature after you leave, so you don't waste energy.
- Remote control capability and compatibility with multiple voice assistants (Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa)