Technology
Smart Thermostat Buying Guide: Nest, Ecobee, and Honeywell Compared
August 5, 2023•8 min read
Smart thermostats have become mainstream, but are they worth it? After installing thousands across the Bay Area, here's our honest comparison of the top options.
What Smart Thermostats Do
Beyond basic temperature control, smart thermostats:
- Learn your schedule and preferences
- Adjust based on whether anyone's home
- Allow remote control via smartphone
- Provide energy usage reports
- Integrate with other smart home devices
- Remind you about filter changes
Beyond basic temperature control, smart thermostats:
- Learn your schedule and preferences
- Adjust based on whether anyone's home
- Allow remote control via smartphone
- Provide energy usage reports
- Integrate with other smart home devices
- Remind you about filter changes
Real Energy Savings
Manufacturers claim 10-23% savings. Real-world results in Bay Area homes vary:
- Households already using programmable thermostats see smaller gains
- The biggest savings come from "away" features
- Our moderate climate means lower total savings dollars than extreme climates
For more ways to reduce energy costs, see our energy saving tips guide.
Manufacturers claim 10-23% savings. Real-world results in Bay Area homes vary:
- Households already using programmable thermostats see smaller gains
- The biggest savings come from "away" features
- Our moderate climate means lower total savings dollars than extreme climates
For more ways to reduce energy costs, see our energy saving tips guide.
Google Nest Learning Thermostat
*Best for: Most users*
✓ Learns your habits automatically
✓ Clean, minimal design
✓ Excellent app and integration
✓ Works with Google Home
✗ No remote room sensors included
✗ Premium price
*Best for: Most users*
✓ Learns your habits automatically
✓ Clean, minimal design
✓ Excellent app and integration
✓ Works with Google Home
✗ No remote room sensors included
✗ Premium price
Ecobee Smart Thermostat
*Best for: Larger homes with temperature variations*
✓ Room sensors included
✓ Built-in Alexa speaker
✓ Great for multi-zone optimization
✓ Works with all major platforms
✗ Larger wall unit
✗ More complex setup
*Best for: Larger homes with temperature variations*
✓ Room sensors included
✓ Built-in Alexa speaker
✓ Great for multi-zone optimization
✓ Works with all major platforms
✗ Larger wall unit
✗ More complex setup
Honeywell Home T-Series
*Best for: Those wanting familiar interface*
✓ Traditional thermostat feel
✓ Solid reliability
✓ Good value options
✓ Easy installation
✗ Less sleek design
✗ Fewer smart features
*Best for: Those wanting familiar interface*
✓ Traditional thermostat feel
✓ Solid reliability
✓ Good value options
✓ Easy installation
✗ Less sleek design
✗ Fewer smart features
Installation Considerations
Most smart thermostats work with standard HVAC systems but check:
- You need a common wire (C-wire) for most models
- Some older systems need an adapter
- Heat pump systems need specific settings
- Multi-zone systems need multiple thermostats - see our zoning systems guide
Not comfortable with DIY? We offer installation services.
Most smart thermostats work with standard HVAC systems but check:
- You need a common wire (C-wire) for most models
- Some older systems need an adapter
- Heat pump systems need specific settings
- Multi-zone systems need multiple thermostats - see our zoning systems guide
Not comfortable with DIY? We offer installation services.
The Bay Area Factor
Our moderate climate is both an advantage and limitation:
- You can use more aggressive setbacks without discomfort
- Lower total heating/cooling bills mean smaller dollar savings
- Typical savings might be $50-150 annually
Consider smart thermostats an investment in comfort and convenience with energy savings as a bonus.
Our moderate climate is both an advantage and limitation:
- You can use more aggressive setbacks without discomfort
- Lower total heating/cooling bills mean smaller dollar savings
- Typical savings might be $50-150 annually
Consider smart thermostats an investment in comfort and convenience with energy savings as a bonus.
Our Verdict
- Most users: Google Nest for its learning capability and clean design
- Large homes: Ecobee with room sensors for even temperatures
- Simple needs: Honeywell for straightforward, reliable operation
Contact us if you'd like help choosing or installing the right thermostat for your home.
- Most users: Google Nest for its learning capability and clean design
- Large homes: Ecobee with room sensors for even temperatures
- Simple needs: Honeywell for straightforward, reliable operation
Contact us if you'd like help choosing or installing the right thermostat for your home.