Are you looking for an efficient way to regulate the temperature of a standalone air conditioner unit or integrated AC system (such as central air or a heat pump)? With an AC thermostat, you can regulate the temperature inside your home, saving energy and money.
You can also use voice activation, remote control features and even intelligent learning algorithms to find the perfect balance!
An AC thermostat is designed to regulate the temperature in your home by automatically turning your standalone or central AC unit on or off when the desired level is reached.
The type of AC thermostat you need will depend on the system you need to control.
Types of AC Thermostats
There are two main types of AC systems and there are different AC thermostats for each system.
- Standalone AC units: Including portable ACs, window ACs, floor mounted ACs and mini-split systems.
- Central & Split AC systems (HVAC systems): Including central ACs, wall mounted ACs and ceiling ACs.
Thermostats for Standalone AC units
If you are looking for a dedicated smart air conditioner thermostat for your home – the Cielo Breeze Plus is a perfect choice. It’s ideal for window and wall units and works by controlling the temperature via infrared, similar to the standard remote control.
- Comfy set intelligent triggers.
- Digital LED display.
- Amazon Alexa and Google Home compatibility.
Built with smart functionality, this AC thermostat allows you to set it from anywhere, anytime. Thanks to its Amazon Alexa and Google Home compatibility, you can even control the thermostat via simple voice controls.
Integrating comfy set intelligent triggers, the thermostat lets you set controls to personalize the operation of your AC. You can choose to automatically change your AC settings if the room temperature or humidity changes beyond the pre-set value – saving you a lot of energy in the process.
Range Control
Additionally, you can further adjust the temperature using the temperature range control feature. This feature gives an authorized user the ability to lock in the range without anyone else accessing it to further save energy costs.
Its zonal controls let you create custom HVAC zones for effective cooling. The HVAC thermostat can be mounted on the wall or on a surface.
When mounted on the wall, you can power up the AC thermostat through a 24V or 12 V wired connection through your existing thermostat wiring.
Tech Specs
| Wifi connectivity: | Yes |
| Power rating: | 0.2W |
| Dimensions (LxWxH): | 4.33” x 4.33” x 1.02” |
| Weight: | 14.4 oz. |
- Energy-saving design reduces your electric bills by as much as 25%.
- Wi-Fi connectivity lets you control it from anywhere you are – even away from home.
- Amazon Alexa- and Google Home-compatibility enable voice commands.
- Broad compatibility with different types of AC units – Standalone or Split System Air Conditioner Thermostat and Controller.
- Requires an existing AC remote to manually set.
- Some users complained that the scheduling section is somewhat difficult to read.
With the Sensibo Sky Smart Air Conditioner & Controller Thermostat, you can set up a 7-day schedule to control your home's climate via the mini-split, window or portable AC unit.
- 7-day scheduling feature.
- Climate React Feature.
- Open API and IFTTT.
Using this air conditioner thermostat, you will enjoy an unlimited 7-day scheduling feature which lets you configure your home’s climate. You can set up the thermostat however you want – whether you want the thermostat to go off automatically when you go to bed or to maintain a certain temperature when you are in the house.
This thermostat for ACs and heat pumps is designed with a Climate React feature as well. With this feature, you will be able to set triggers that change the climate in your home based on the temperature, humidity, and comfort parameters – so you don’t have to suffer through high temperature and humidity levels during a heatwave.
Smart Capabilities
When connected to your phone, the AC thermostat uses your phone's location to turn the AC one when picking you up in the neighborhood.
To help save energy in your home, it automatically shuts off the AC when everyone leaves the house. This energy-saving device is designed to save up to 40% of your AC electric bill.
To make it even more convenient to use, the AC thermostat can be voice-activated and controlled thanks to its Amazon Echo, Google Home, and Apple’s Siri compatibility.
Tech Specs
| Wifi connectivity: | Yes |
| Power rating: | 20W |
| Dimensions (LxWxH): | 3.23” x 2.17” x 0.67” |
| Weight: | 7 oz. |
- The thermostat can be controlled through its phone app from anywhere
- Built-in sensors allow the thermostat to turn on the AC when you are in the area and turn it off when you leave the house
- Its temperature monitor abilities allow you to save up to 40% on your energy consumption
- The thermostat only works with AC units with IR sensors
- It does not have a built-in display
- The Wifi connection only works on the 2.4GHZ frequency
The Ambi Climate thermostat integrates an impressive machine learning AI system that ensures your home climate is comfortable at all times.
- Ambi cloud system.
- Multi-user geolocation.
- One-touch adjustments.
The Ambi thermostat uses a Wi-Fi connection and infrared rays to deliver outstanding temperature-regulating performance.
Through your smartphone app, Amazon Alexa device, or Google device, you will set the thermostat based on your preferred parameters. The thermostat then uses the home Wi-fi network to analyze weather and temperature data and compares it to your immediate environment.
Auto-Adjustments
This triggers an infrared mechanism to auto-adjust your AC. Furthermore, the thermostat adjusts the AC temperature in your home based on your feedback and how different factors affect your comfort. However, this is not all you will enjoy from this smart AI AC thermostat.
Integrating multi-user geolocation, the thermostat ensures your home environment is exactly how you want it whether you are there or not. The AC automatically turns on when you are approaching your home and turns off when you leave based on the geolocation feature and your phone’s location.
Thanks to its versatile build, this air conditioner thermostat works with most AC brands. However, keep in mind that it only works with AC units that come with remotes.
Tech Specs
| Wifi connectivity: | Yes |
| Power rating: | 3W |
| Dimensions (LxWxH): | 31.89” x 4.33” x 1.57” |
| Weight: | 24 oz. |
- The thermostat integrates AI machine learning controls to regulate your AC temperature.
- Unique sensors effectively measure temperature, humidity, sunlight, and your AC.
- Built to maintain your ideal room temperature without readjusting or wasting energy.
- The thermostat intelligently controls your AC based on your phone's location. So when you leave your home the unit automatically turns off.
- The thermostat is only compatible with air conditioners with remote controls.
- It takes a couple of days for the thermostat to learn your ideal temperature and climate preferences.
- Requires an existing AC remote to manually set.
- Each unit works with only one AC – it can be expensive for a multi-room setup.
Thermostats for Central & Split HVAC systems
The Google T3007ES Nest Learning Thermostat makes controlling your home climate a breeze as it learns and adapts to your habits and schedules.
- High-res color display with Farsight.
- Digital, touch-sensitive screen.
- Home/Away Assist feature.
The Google Nest Learning thermostat is designed to automatically program and adapt itself to cater to your schedule and preferred temperature. As you work the controls – turning the temperature up and down – within a week, the thermostat learns exactly what you like.
This mechanism doesn’t only keep you comfortable all the time but helps you save significantly on electric bills. To further save on your energy bills while maintaining a comfortable and consistent environment in your home, the thermostat integrates the Home/ Away Assist mode.
With this setting, the thermostat automatically adjusts itself to an ECO temperature when you leave the house.
Energy History
As if that is not enough, the Energy History feature in the thermostat’s app lets you track how much energy is used and why through your smartphone or tablet. You can access this information on the thermostat's quick view display as well.
Its included remote control lets you and your family easily control and change the temperature from anywhere using a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. The AC thermostat is built with a clear and easy–to–view digital Farsight screen with a touch-friendly design that allows you to track the temperature, weather, or time.
For added convenience, you only need 30 minutes to fully install this thermostat in your home. However, if you are having trouble doing so, you can always have the Net Pro team do it for you.
Tech Specs
| Wifi connectivity: | Yes |
| Power rating: | 3W |
| Dimensions (LxWxH): | 3.30” x 3.30” x 1.21” |
| Weight: | 8.6 oz. |
- The thermostat can be paired with a sensor to ensure the temperature is exactly how you want it to be.
- Comes with a smartphone app that lets you track exactly how much energy your AC is using.
- The remote control lets you and your family change the temperature anywhere you are via phone, laptop, or tablet.
- Adapts to your schedule and seasonal changes within a week of usage.
- Nest Airwaves feature to save money on your AC bill.
- It works using an internal battery which some users will require a C-wire to keep charged.
- You may need to separately invest in external sensors.
The ecobee doesn’t only operate as a smart thermostat but doubles up as your assistant with Alexa built-in!
- Follow Me feature.
- Digital LED display.
- Built-in occupancy sensor.
Featuring a smart design, the Ecobee smart thermostat doubles as your assistant to ensure exceptional temperature control and energy saving. Boasting a voice control feature, the AC thermostat is compatible with both Google Home and Amazon Alexa.
Interestingly, this smart thermostat has a surprising feature built-in. You can use it to make intercom-style announcements in your home just like how you would use your smart home devices – for example, a simple, “Alexa, announce it's dinnertime” – will do the trick.
Furthermore, the thermostat lets you stream your favorite playlists or podcasts – it supports Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Pandora, and TuneIn Radio – simply connect to a Bluetooth speaker for high definition sound.
Eco+ Mode
Built with an eco+ mode, the smart thermostat works in the background to deliver maximum energy efficiency and comfort. As your assistant, the thermostat learns your routines and switches to the eco mode when you are not around to save you energy.
It also recommends changes to your thermostat schedule to improve it. Yet, this thermostat doesn’t only focus on the temperature. Using the Feels Like feature, the smart AC thermostat takes the indoor humidity levels into account to ensure you enjoy maximum cooling comfort.
The thermostat’s smart design even uses the Time of Use feature to intelligently pre-cool your home when electricity is cheaper and reduce usage when it is expensive to save you more.
Tech Specs
| Wifi connectivity: | Yes |
| Power rating: | 1.89 W |
| Dimensions (LxWxH): | 4.29” x 4.29” x 1” |
| Weight: | 0.027 oz. |
- The thermostat is built to detect which rooms are in use then adjusts the temperature to ensure maximum comfort in those spaces.
- The built-in occupancy sensor automatically adjusts the temperature when you leave home and restores your comfort settings when you return to ensure optimal energy saving.
- The Follow Me feature lets the thermostat detect which rooms you are in to optimize temperature control.
- The energy-saving components let you save up to 23% on your electric bills.
- It takes longer to develop the away settings.
- Some users have complained that after power outages, the thermostat fails to restart requiring troubleshooting.
Equipped with the Honeywell Home sensor technology, the Honeywell Home thermostat covers an operating range of up to 200 feet.
- Honeywell Home sensor technology.
- Auto Home and Away Mode.
- Touchscreen Display.
Using the Honeywell Home T9 smart thermostat, you can customize the temperature of each room in your home to your liking. Incorporating smart room sensors, the thermostat automatically detects which room people are in and focuses on comfort where it matters the most.
These battery-powered smart AC thermostats also feature a unique Honeywell Home sensor technology. With this technology, the thermostat delivers an efficient signal which covers a range of up to 200 feet.
To help you save money on energy bills, the thermostat lets you control it from anywhere you want as long as you have a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Alternatively, you can preset the thermostat with a schedule using the Auto Home/Away Scheduling.
Energy Reports
Furthermore, you can track your heating and cooling trends and get tips on how to reduce energy consumption through the thermostat’s monthly energy reports.
Packed with a selection of smart responses and alerts, the thermostat is designed to intelligently pick up on your cooling and heating patterns to help deliver the appropriate temperature at the right time. Featuring a simple design, you can install this thermostat by yourself with the help of its installation manual.
Tech Specs
| Wifi connectivity: | Yes |
| Power rating: | 2 W |
| Dimensions (LxWxH): | 2.6” x 2.6” x 0.77” |
| Weight: | 23 oz. |
- The thermostat works with Alexa, Cortana, and Google voice commands.
- The sensor can handle multiple rooms.
- The thermostat has a long range sensor that covers up to 200 feet.
- It supports different Wi-Fi bands including Wi-Fi 802.11 2.4 and 5 GHz.
- It doesn’t monitor humidity.
- It doesn’t have HomeKit support.
Should I Buy an AC Thermostat
Energy Efficiency
Using smart AC thermostats in your home can significantly lower your energy consumption and bills by up to 40%. When the AC units in your home reach the preset cooling temperature levels, they will be automatically switched off by your thermostat.
Some thermostats even have sensors for when you are not at home to switch off the AC. During these times, you significantly save up on energy consumption and costs.
Quality of Life
With a thermostat, you will no longer have to silently remain in agony as you freeze through the night. All you need to do is preset the ideal temperature for your room. When that's achieved, the thermostat turns off the AC.
When the temperature increases, the thermostat turns on the AC. This gives you the freedom to focus on more important tasks or enjoy a good night's sleep.
Remote Control
The best smart AC thermostats can be manually controlled via remote or through their app. The latter option lets you control your thermostat from anywhere using your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. You never have to be in a house that is too cold or hot for you.
AC Thermostat Features to Consider
Scheduling
Some of the best AC thermostats are designed with scheduling features. The scheduling feature lets you preset the climate in your home. For example, during the summer you may choose to preset the temperature at 78 degrees.
As you near bedtime, the temperature settings may be increased or reduced and the same can be done for the time you wake up in the morning. Doing this allows the thermostat to manage the interior climate without having to fumble with the remote frequently.
Temperature & Humidity Sensors
You will find AC thermostats that are built with both temperature and humidity sensors and controls. These AC thermostats don’t only gauge and control the temperature levels inside your house.
Their operation also takes humidity levels inside your house into consideration for effective temperature control. Additionally, some AC thermostat models can even regulate the humidity inside your home by removing the humid air to enhance precision temperature control.
Geofencing
Some of the best AC thermostats are built with geofencing features. Geofencing is a method of controlling your smart AC thermostats based on your location. Typically, these AC thermostats are designed with preset sensor ranges.
When you are nearby your home or within a 3-mile radius, for instance, the thermostats will switch on the AC. When you leave the house, the thermostats will shut off the AC. This mechanism allows you to save up on energy consumption.
Voice Control
Smart air conditioner thermostats come with voice control features as well. They can be compatible with systems such as Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple Siri/HomeKit.
This means that you can operate the thermostat and control the temperature through voice controls – the same way you operate your smart home devices. Furthermore, this feature can also be extended to when you are not at home – allowing you to voice control your thermostat wherever you are.
Smartphone App
Smart AC thermostats are normally designed with proprietary apps. You can access these apps through your smartphone or tablet. These apps are normally compatible with different operating systems such as iOS and Android systems.
Using these apps, you can control your thermostat as well as access several other features such as monthly energy consumption reports. Additionally, with the smartphone app, you can control your thermostat from anywhere you are.
Smart Home Integration
Some AC thermostats feature an even more elaborate and comprehensive design that boosts full smart home integration. This means that your thermostat can integrate with other smart home devices of the same brand.
For example, you can integrate your smart thermostat’s geolocation abilities with your in-home smart sensors for optimum temperature regulation when you are at home, leaving, or returning.
Common Questions About AC Thermostats
An air conditioner thermostat regulates the temperature released by your AC unit. These devices are normally preset to your desired temperature levels.
When the air in the room reaches the preset temperature, the thermostat shuts off the AC. When the room begins to warm up, the thermostat turns on the AC to resume cooling and the cycle continues.
Typically, you want to wall mount your thermostat near the AC in the room that is being cooled (unless your thermostat has multi-room sensors). Additionally, always position your thermostat away from direct sunlight or air vents.
The cost of an air conditioner thermostat depends on the model you go for. An air conditioner thermostat will cost you anywhere between $30 and $300.
Smart AC thermostats cost at least $150. The more features a smart thermostat has, the more it will cost – at least $200 and above.
The AC Thermostat Verdict
With good quality AC thermostats, you can effectively regulate your interior climate and enjoy a better quality of life. While AC thermostats improve your overall home quality they also help significantly reduce your energy bills.
If you are looking for a dedicated smart air conditioner thermostat for your home – the Cielo Breeze Plus is a perfect choice. It’s ideal for window and wall units and works by controlling the temperature via infrared, similar to the standard remote control.
- Comfy set intelligent triggers.
- Digital LED display.
- Amazon Alexa and Google Home compatibility.
The Google T3007ES Nest Learning Thermostat makes controlling your home climate a breeze as it learns and adapts to your habits and schedules.
- High-res color display with Farsight.
- Digital, touch-sensitive screen.
- Home/Away Assist feature.