Residential thermostats can range from basic manual units to advanced programmable units. Many homeowners wonder “what are the best thermostats?” This guide will help you understand the different types of thermostats available. Read on for help selecting the best thermostats for homes, and the special features that increase convenience, comfort and energy efficiency. Thermostat types include manual house thermostats, programmable thermostats and smart thermostats. All three work with air conditioning and a variety of gas, oil and electric furnaces.

Compatibility: For the best thermostats, ensure compatibility with your HVAC system to avoid compatibility issues during installation.
Type: Decide between basic, programmable and smart thermostats based on your preferences and lifestyle.
Features: Look for essential features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, programmability, energy-saving settings and compatibility with smart home systems.
Budget: Set a budget and explore thermostats within that range, balancing initial cost with energy savings.
Energy Efficiency: Choose a thermostat with energy-saving features like adaptive learning, occupancy sensors, and energy usage reports to help reduce utility bills.
User Interface: Think about the ease of use and readability of the thermostat's interface. Touchscreen displays and intuitive controls can enhance user experience.

Manual Thermostats

Sometimes the best thermostats for homes are simple. If you aren't looking for anything fancy, manual non-programmable thermostats are a great option. These are most commonly used in older homes. They feature buttons on the front that make it easy to adjust temperature settings. Manual thermostats can be analog or digital. Digital versions feature large screens for easy temperature readings.

Pros
Simple and affordable.
Reliable with no power dependency.

Cons
Lack programmability for energy savings.
Limited precision and no remote access.

Programmable Thermostats

Align your home's temperature and your schedule with programmable thermostats. Setting a specific temperature for your work and home hours can reduce your energy bill. These digital thermostats adjust the temperature automatically throughout the day.

Pros
Energy savings with scheduled adjustments.
Convenient automation and precise control.
Easy to operate.
Remote access via Wi-Fi for flexibility.
Able to switch back and forth between heating and air conditioning.
Can save you as much as 33 percent on heating costs, and up to 15 percent to 25 percent on cooling.

Cons
Initial setup complexity.
Higher upfront cost.
Potential compatibility issues with HVAC systems.
Tip: You can override the program's schedule as needed with many programmable thermostats.

Smart/Wi-Fi Thermostats

Of all the different types of thermostats, smart thermostats are quickly becoming the most common choices. These Wi-Fi thermostats can be controlled from anywhere with a mobile device. Learning smart thermostats adapt to your schedule. They adjust your home temperature setting accordingly. This also helps lower your monthly energy costs. Look for smart thermostats with the Energy Star label. They’ve been independently certified to deliver energy savings.

The best smart thermostat for homes will vary according to your unique needs. Sticking with the same brand for all your smart devices will help the whole home operate in a unified way. There are many reasons to choose this kind of thermostat.

Pros
Remote control and monitoring via smartphone apps or voice assistants.
Advanced scheduling and customization for energy savings.
Control the temperature from your computer, tablet or smartphone. Use a mobile device to adjust the temperature remotely.
Integration with smart home systems.
Ease of installation.

Cons
Higher initial cost compared to manual or programmable thermostats.
Track your energy useage.
Potential compatibility issues with older HVAC systems.
Dependence on Wi-Fi connectivity, subject to outages or disruptions.
Tip: Daylight savings time ready thermostats adjust your temperature settings when the time changes.