Saving money has never been more important for most Americans, yet many forget how much they inadvertently waste through inefficient heating and cooling of their home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, you could save up to $180 per year on your energy bill simply by upgrading an outdated thermostat to a programmable model. Newer models keep track of daily activities, lowering the energy output when you’re sleeping or away from home, so you don’t pay to heat or cool a space to optimum temperatures around the clock.
These modern marvels include 7-day scheduling options, clear digital displays, touch screens, and programmable default settings that let you quickly return the thermostat schedule to preferred selections. Some programmable thermostats connect to smart-home devices, like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing them to learn from each other and design a comprehensive heating and cooling schedule that suits your family’s specific needs.
Keep reading for a primer on what to consider when shopping for these eco-friendly devices, and discover some of the best programmable thermostats for the home on the market today.
- BEST OVERALL: ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control
- RUNNER UP: Orbit Clear Comfort Programmable Thermostat
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Honeywell Home 5-2 Day Programmable Thermostat
- BEST FOR LINE VOLTAGE: King Programmable Line Voltage Thermostat
- BEST TOUCH SCREEN: Honeywell RTH8560D 7-Day Programmable Touchscreen
- BEST GOOGLE INTEGRATION: Google Nest Learning Thermostat
- BEST ALEXA INTEGRATION: ecobee Smart Thermostat with Built-In Alexa
- HONORABLE MENTION: Schluter Ditra Programmable Floor Heating Thermostat
How We Chose the Best Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats take the guesswork out of having a comfortable home. Picking the best programmable thermostat depends on a variety of factors, including HVAC system compatibility, voltage, Wi-Fi capability, scheduling options, ease of use, and additional features. Our search focused on easily programmable thermostats that have compatibility with various HVAC systems, different scheduling options, clear digital displays, and the ability to lower the energy output to save on utility bills. Many of our favorites have the ability to connect to smart-home devices, but even those that don’t check all the other boxes. These modern thermostats have sleek designs and are easy to program and use.
Our Top Picks
These programmable thermostats were chosen based on the abovementioned considerations in addition to overall quality and price. Check out some of the top-rated options on the market here.
Photo: amazon.com
For users who want to control a thermostat from the comfort of the couch, the ecobee is an option that fits the bill. It works with Amazon Alexa to manage temperature schedules based on daily activity and includes a sensor that can be placed in any room to wirelessly connect to the thermostat and provide a balanced temperature throughout the home.
This ecobee model also integrates with a smartphone or smartwatch and other popular smart-home systems, like Google Assistant, Apple Home Kit, and Samsung SmartThings, as well as supporting applications like IFTTT. Also smart: ecobee’s guided video walk-throughs that help simplify DIY installation. The thermostat boasts an impressive savings of up to 23 percent on annual HVAC costs, and these substantial savings help justify this smart thermostat’s relatively high price tag.
Pros
- Works with Alexa to control temperature scheduling
- Includes sensor to wirelessly connect
- Works with all leading smart-home systems
- Energy Star certified
- Automatically pauses HVAC system if door or window is open
Cons
- Pricey
- Occasional inaccurate temperature readings
Photo: amazon.com
The elegant design and vivid digital display of Orbit’s programmable thermostat give any room a modern feel. Its 7-day programmability allows users to set four programming periods for each day of the week, optimizing the temperature setting for maximum energy savings.
An early-start mode begins to increase or decrease the temperature to the desired setting before users arrive home. Those with standard 9-to-5 schedules can use the “copy” feature to program a single day and then copy the schedule to any other day instead of having to set each one individually.
Pros
- Programmable up to 7 days
- Accurate temperature readings to +/- 1 degree
- Works with gas, oil, and electric furnaces
- Large, easy-to-read backlit display
- Preprogrammed with Energy Star settings
Cons
- Not compatible with baseboard heaters
- Tends to short cycle the air conditioning unit
Photo: amazon.com
Set and control this inexpensive, battery-powered programmable thermostat with its simple buttons and sliders. The thermostat pairs with gas, oil, and electric HVAC systems and even retains the programmed settings when the power goes out.
The 5+2 programming system allows users to set a daily schedule for the Monday to Friday workweek and a separate schedule for the weekends when everyone is home, so the house is always kept at the desired temperature to within +/- 1 degree Fahrenheit.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Retains memory in event of power outage
- Has different weekday and weekend programming
- Compatible with low-voltage heating and cooling systems
Cons
- No option to turn off programming
Photo: amazon.com
If a home must use a line-voltage thermostat, this model provides several desirable, low-voltage features. KING’s thermostat boasts a 7-day programming feature that allows users to set a different program for every day of the week. A powerful backlight and large digital display make it easy to read the thermostat from across the room.
The simple two-button control is accessible when the cover is closed, keeping the programming buttons out of sight and away from curious children. A battery backup protects programmed settings from power outage resets. With up to 15 percent energy savings through programmed temperature control, this thermostat has the potential to pay for itself pretty quickly.
Pros
- Good for line voltage
- Battery backup
- Two-button temperature control
- Has 7 day programming
Cons
- Temperature reading can be inaccurate
- Only works with 3-wire systems
Photo: amazon.com
For those with busy and ever-changing schedules, this Honeywell Home device offers three programming cycle options, including 7-day (each day has a different schedule), 5-2 (workweek is the same, and the weekend is the same), and 1-week (every day is the same). In addition to temperature, the extra-large touch screen display shows the indoor humidity percentage and time of day using a cool-blue backlight that’s easy to read from anywhere in the room.
The thermostat takes the schedules users input to learn their desired heating and cooling cycles and sets temperatures based on their preferences. Plus, temperature range limits allow users to set a maximum and minimum temperature, so auto schedules don’t go beyond their comfort level.
Pros
- Offers 7 day or 5-2 day programming
- Indoor humidity readout
- Compatible with most HVAC systems
- Easy installation
Cons
- Not compatible with Google Home or Alexa
- Temperature reading can be inaccurate
Photo: amazon.com
Operate the Google Nest Learning Thermostat with voice commands, a mobile app, or simply use the touch screen control. Initially, users should frequently adjust the temperature to their ideal preference throughout the day. The thermostat will record these settings and “learn” from them, which essentially means compiling the data and creating a customized heating and cooling program to meet the users’ needs.
To use voice commands, integrate the programmable thermostat with a compatible smart-home system, like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. Users can set the thermostat with customized schedules that change every day, depending on personal preference, or leave it on the auto function to adjust the temperature according to the learned patterns. It also works with popular smart-home systems, like Apple Home Kit or Samsung SmartThings, as well as supporting applications like IFTTT.
Pros
- Operates with voice commands, mobile app, or touch screen
- Learns preferred temperatures and programs itself
- Automatically adjusts temperature if you’re home or away
- Easy installation
Cons
- Pricey
- Occasional issues connecting to Wi-Fi
Photo: amazon.com
Every room of a house has a different ambient temperature due to insulation, exterior walls, and ventilation. The ecobee smart thermostat includes a room sensor and can pair with up to 32 at once to optimize temperatures throughout the house, eliminating hot and cold spots. Amazon Alexa smart-home products integrate seamlessly with this thermostat, providing voice control and in-app customization.
The thermostat is compatible with most HVAC systems, including management capabilities for humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and ventilators. Wi-Fi capabilities let users adjust the thermostat from a smartphone. Like other ecobee smart thermostats, it boasts a yearly savings of up to 23 percent on energy bills.
Pros
- Can balance temperature in each room
- Includes power extender kit for homes without a C-wire
- Control thermostat with iOS or Android device
- Has built-in Alexa
Cons
- Lacks auto scheduling
- No daily history
Photo: amazon.com
In-floor heating systems need to be well controlled to ensure that temperatures remain consistent and comfortable for all residents of a home. Schluter’s thermostat boasts a large touchscreen display that’s easy to read and use. A built-in floor temperature sensor and the display can indicate the time, date, temperature, and whether the system is currently running on a specific schedule or if it’s operating via a manual setting.
The thermostat features six different programming periods, allowing users to select the ideal temperature for the time of the day. This likely means warmer floors at night and in the early morning to help prevent freezing surfaces that cause bare feet to recoil. The thermostat works with both 120V and 240V systems.
Pros
- Six programming periods per day
- Supports 120V and 240V cables
- Returns to scheduled settings after power outage
Cons
- Does not detect ambient room temperature
Our Verdict
Based on the smart features, how it integrates seamlessly with any smart-home system, and accessory control, the ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control is our top pick for one of the best programmable thermostats for the home.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Programmable Thermostat
There are several factors to weigh when choosing the best programmable thermostat for your home. Be sure to consider compatibility with your current HVAC system, scheduling options, ease of installation, the ability to connect the thermostat with smart devices, and the desire for extra bells and whistles. Read on to learn more.
HVAC System Compatibility
Whichever programmable thermostat you choose, it must be compatible with the home’s current heating and cooling (HVAC) system. The first item to verify is if the system is low voltage (24V), which is true of most heating and cooling systems, as opposed to line voltage (120V to 240V). In a low-voltage system, a single thermostat controls a large furnace that heats the entire house. In a line voltage system, a thermostat controls an individual electric space heater, such as a baseboard heater, with each requiring an independent thermostat.
For quick reference, both ecobee and Nest offer compatibility checkers; or you can check out this detailed guide on furnace compatibility.
Next, determine if you have enough wires for a programmable thermostat.
- In low-voltage systems, the same wires all run to the thermostat from the furnace, so you won’t have to worry about wire type. Just keep track of the terminal letter to which each wire is connected.
- High-voltage systems have four wires: two that correspond to line terminals and two that connect to load terminals. When connecting a programmable thermostat, be sure to label all wires before detaching them from their terminals so you know where they reattach.
While not an issue for programmable thermostats without Wi-Fi, most WiFi-enabled programmable thermostats require a closed circuit between the furnace and the thermostat, using a common wire (also called a C-wire).
To tell if there is a C-wire, remove the cover from your current thermostat, and look for the terminal labeled “C.” If there is a wire here, you’re good to go; if not, check in the insulation behind the thermostat, as the HVAC technician who installed the unit may have buried the C-wire if it wasn’t immediately needed. However, only check inside the furnace for the correct wire if you are highly confident in your HVAC knowledge.
If the current system doesn’t have a C-wire, consider hiring an electrician or HVAC technician to run one from the furnace to the thermostat.
Scheduling Options
Programmable thermostats offer several scheduling options, which help save money by conserving energy whenever possible.
- Basic thermostats offer day and night modes that automatically lower or raise the temperature depending on the time of day.
- 7-day thermostats schedule an entire week, with a different program for each day that’s geared to when family members are home and when they’re away.
- 5+2-day thermostats have two weekly programs, one for the Monday to Friday work week and one for the weekend. 5-1-1 thermostats offer similar scheduling options, except the two weekend days can be scheduled independently.
Alternately, smart thermostats learn weekly patterns and auto-adjust without users having to create schedules manually.
Readable, Wireless Control, and Intuitive Design
How you read, schedule, and control the thermostat, either via a simple illuminated display screen or a fully integrated smart-device system, depends on your personal preferences.
The best programmable thermostats provide an easy-to-read digital hub where users can check the temperature in the home and schedule changes that match routines to adjust for when the house is empty versus full.
The latest styles trend toward a large, simple display on a wall-mounted touch screen. If you spring for voice control and compatibility with smart-home systems, you’ll be able to make scheduling changes without touching the thermostat.
WiFi-enabled programmable thermostats may also display temperature and scheduling options through coordinating smartphone apps. These wireless controls allow for operation of the thermostat outside the home, which is a convenient feature if you forget to adjust the temperature before leaving for the day. They can also send alerts to your smartphone about heating and cooling patterns.
Ease of Installation
A professional HVAC technician or electrician installs programmable thermostats, or you can do it yourself in about an hour if you have basic electrical skills, such as those required to replace an electrical outlet. Before buying a programmable thermostat, review the instructions on the product website to understand what is involved in the installation and determine if it’s a project you can handle alone.
Additional Features
Programmable thermostats offer a range of additional features. Some provide geofencing technology that uses an invisible perimeter around a specific geographic location (i.e., your home) to determine when you arrive and depart. Others have additional room sensors for more precise temperature control. Built-in programs, like Amazon Alexa, can turn a simple thermostat into a fully operational voice service that is capable of accessing the internet and retrieving weather, music, phone calls, and more.
FAQs
Still have questions about all of the features and functions of programmable thermostats? Check out some of the most frequently asked questions and their corresponding answers below to help make the purchasing decision easier.
Q: Is it worth getting a programmable thermostat?
Adding a programmable thermostat to your home is worth it because setting a heating and cooling schedule can help moderate the output of the furnace or air conditioner, reducing the overall cost of your utilities.
Q: What is the easiest thermostat to program?
The easiest thermostat to program will be different for each person. Individuals less experienced with technology may find it easier to program a simple day and night schedule, while tech-savvy people will likely be more comfortable with a smart-home integrated device controlled by voice commands.
Q: Is a smart thermostat better than a programmable thermostat?
This decision depends on your experience with smart-home devices and personal preference. If you want to set a variety of schedules with voice commands, then a smart thermostat is necessary. If the goal is to establish a basic heating and cooling schedule, then a programmable thermostat will suit your needs.
Why Trust Bob Vila
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series, including This Old House and Bob Vila’s Home Again, he popularized and became synonymous with “do it yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today in the expert yet accessible home advice at the heart of BobVila.com. Today, the Bob Vila editorial team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
Timothy Dale is a freelance writer, specializing in the home repair and construction niche. He spent his post-secondary years working in the plumbing trade, while completing degrees in English Literature and Psychology, before taking on a Project Management position that ended up lasting 10 years. Mr. Dale has worked in residential plumbing and carpentry over his time as a Project Manager and also spent a year of his career in the commercial and industrial sector.
