The trend of converting the home into a smart home is growing every year. Significant changes have come in the way we control the temperature inside our house. Now we have the best smart thermostat for multiple zones of the house. Using this new smart way, you control the temperature of your home by swiping a finger on your phone.
Controlling the temperature of different zones of your house is easy today, but only if you have the right system to do that. So we did all the research, brought 14 smart thermostats to our lab, and tested them for the various parameter. We also consulted six experts to help us identify smart thermostats.
After 76 hours of testing and evaluation, we came up with the list of 5 smart thermostats that scored high numbers in our tests. If you want to know more about our testing process, please navigate down to the section that describes it.
Top Pick
Best Smart Thermostat For Multiple Zones
1. Ecobee4 – Best For Alexa Controlled Hub
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When we were looking for the best smart thermostat for multiples zones, ecobee was the first name we heard. This was by far the best Ecobee model available at present. One thing that we immediately loved was the built-in Alexa. This eliminates the need for purchasing an Alexa smart device for voice control.
When you buy this variant, a sensor is included in the package. Not many other devices provide the sensor in the package. However, it is just one. If you require a 2-3 sensor for different zones, you will have to get them separately.
The ecobee4 multi-zone smart thermostat works by moderating the overall temperature of the zone as per the requirement. When no one is home, they automatically switch off the systems. Thus, saving energy. This is known to save around 23 percent annually on heating and cooling bills.
However, the best thing about it is Alexa. Alexa makes it easy to use. Besides, the system is designed in such a way that it provides you a notification if your heating or cooling system has some issues with performance. This is an excellent thing to have to keep your HVAC system maintained.
- Alexa is inbuilt.
- Sensors included in the package.
- Effectively detect the presence of the occupant.
- Highly effective in controlling the temperature of different zones.
- You can control the heating and cooling systems of your house remotely.
- The whole system may be expensive compared to similar models.
Bottom Line
It is probably the top smart thermostat for multiple zones. Our test results, too, confirmed its effectiveness.
2. Nest Third Generation Learning – Best For Home Automation
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Nest is one of the most trusted brands for home automation. It has a variety of smart devices that interact with each other through a hub. Adding an intelligent thermostat to that hub is a great idea. There several variants of Nest thermostats, but after testing several of them, we believe the latest Nest T3017US 3rd generation is perfect for controlling the temperature.
According to our team, the best thing about this product is that it learns the behavior of its owner and adjusts the temperature according to it. This is the automation in true terms. The device can interpret daily thermostat readings that allow it to determine the behavior of the user. Based on the behavior, it changes the temperature automatically.
We initially tested it with the Nest hub because we know most of the buyers will be using this device with the Nest Hub and other devices. We were able to change the temperature of the room remotely via the Nest app, which is a must-have feature for such a smart device.
One thing we notice that it controls the home HVAC system so smartly that you save a lot of energy. Even the company boasts it can save you 10 to 15 percent on your monthly energy bills. However, we did observe that it takes some time to understand the user behavior before actually creating a schedule. The schedule was not 100 percent accurate, but it was close to what our team wanted it to be.
One thing with this model you require is a sensor. Sensors are separately sold. So for zoning, you will have to get the sensors if you want to take full advantage of this thermostat.
- Learns the behavior of the user and creates the schedule according to it.
- Controls the temperature automatically.
- Works with most of the smart devices.
- Saves energy.
- It may take some time to understand the user behavior before creating an accurate schedule.
- Room sensor not included.
Bottom Line
If you already have home automation placed in your house and need the smartest Thermostat, Nest T3017US 3rd generation is perfect.
3. Honeywell RCHT8610WF2006 Lyric T5 -Best For Budget Conscious Users
This is a relatively new technology. Hence, it is quite possible for most of the users, and a smart thermostat may seem expensive. But don’t worry, we found the most budget-friendly smart thermostat during our research.
We found Honeywell Lyric T5 to be one of the most budget-friendly smart thermostats. It may be cheaper, but it scored some excellent numbers during tests. Besides, it has all the essential features.
This Honeywell smart thermostat uses geofencing technology, which means the user needs to have the phone in the room, to work. When we were testing this product, we observed that it also calculates the time the HVAC system takes to obtain the necessary temperature. It makes sure that the desired temperature is achieved in the shortest time possible.
We also tested it with smart devices like Alexa, HomeKit, and Google Assistant for voice control. During our tests, it worked best with Alexa. With others, we had to repeat the command sometimes.
As for its capacity to save energy, it was that efficient because most of the settings have to be set by the user. So the efficiency depends on the user’s knowledge.
- Uses accurate technology for detecting occupancy.
- Much cheaper compared to similar products.
- Elegant looking design.
- It works with all smart home devices.
- Temperature can be adjusted remotely.
- It does not work with all Wi-Fi settings.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, then you can rely on Honeywell Lyric T5. We suggest using Alexa or HomeKit if you plant to use with the home smart device.
4. Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi – Best For Saving Energy
In 2018, it was rated as the “Most Value” smart thermostat by the USA. It is also estimated as the Energy Star certified, which means it is certified to save you money on energy bills. When our team looked at the thermostat for the first time, to be honest, it was not the best in terms of looks. However, recommend this product for what it is under the hood and not for its look.
Installing the product is easy and takes only 30 minutes. When we were installing the thermostat, we used the video tutorials that are available on the app. Each step was in detail and easy to follow.
Once it was installed, we tested it with different smart devices. It performed well with all the devices, but it was more responsive to the Alexa device. We would also recommend Alexa if you decide to buy this thermostat.
As for temperature control, it was able to sense the presence of the occupant easily. It uses geofencing technology, which requires the user’s phone. It took very little time to bring the temperature of the room to the scheduled temperature.
The Sensei app is also intuitive and user-friendly. In addition to controlling the temperature, it also alerts you of the extreme temperature and the humidity level of the room.
- Uses geofencing technology to detect the presence of an occupant.
- Works with all smart devices.
- Uses regular wiring.
- Energy Star certified.
- Easy to install.
- Not the most elegant looking design.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for an Energy Star certified thermostat that is not as expensive as most of the smart thermostat, we recommend buying Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Thermostat.
5. ecobee3 lite – Best For Touchscreen
There is one significant difference between ecobee3 and ecobee4. Ecobee3 does not have in-built Alexa. However, it is compatible with Alexa and other smart devices. However, even without Alexa, the device performed great.
Installation was the same as ecobee4. It took us only a few minutes to install the device. You will require separate sensors for different rooms of your house. Once connected, the sensor can easily detect the occupant. Sensors are based on motion detection.
As for its connectivity with smart devices, it can connect it with any smart device. But we recommend using Alexa as it is more responsive compared to other smart devices.
Much like Ecobee4, its touchscreen also works beautifully. We love the sleek and modern design of the ecobee Smart Thermostat.
- It works well with Alexa.
- Detects the occupant’s presence immediately.
- It doesn’t take much time to provide the scheduled temperature.
- Very intuitive and Sleek design.
- No in-built Alexa support for voice control.
Bottom Line
If you want ecobee multiple zones smart thermostat without the inbuilt feature of Alexa, ecobee3 is the best variant.
Buyer’s Guide – What To Consider?
Smart devices, some or other way, interact with other devices in your house. And thermostat interacts with heating and cooling systems as well as smart devices. The compatibility is always the most significant issue. It will always be the most prominent parameter while buying. But if you look in more detail, you will have to take care of six settings while buying the Smart Thermostat for multiple zones.
1. Room Sensors
These are essential for covering the different areas of the house. The sensor acts as a relay that provides the necessary information to the Smart Thermostat.
Whenever the user enters the room, it detects its presence either by motion or geofencing. Then it relays the information to the thermostat, which in turn performs either cooling or heating depending on the schedule set by the user.
You will require a sensor for every room. Most of the Thermostat requires you to buy the sensors separately. However, if you want a thermostat that comes with the sensor, then you can go for No products found..
2. Smart Device Integration
Most of the intelligent Thermostat for multiple zones is a standalone device. It is not necessary to connect it with smart home devices like Alexa or HomeKit. However, connecting with a smart home device or other home automation has its advantage. You can control the device with a voice command. You can also different parameters for the device to operate. Besides, you have everything on your phone.
All the devices that we have mentioned connect with Alexa, HomeKit, Google Assistant, Wink, and other popular smart home devices.
3. Power Extender Kit
This is necessary because most of the smart thermostat requires c-wiring. The power extender kit allows you to bridge that requirement with the traditional wiring in the house.
However, during our tests, we found few models that use the traditional wiring that already exists in the average American home like Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Thermostat.
Not all models come with the power extender kit, so make sure when you buy check what kind of wiring it supports, and if it requires C-wiring, then does it come with the power extender kit or not.
4. Voice Recognition
We approach many users of the smart thermostat to know how they like to use it. Almost 70 percent of them use it with one or other smart home devices, and they control the thermostat with a voice command.
You want the thermostat to begin the cooling or heating as soon as you arrive. With a simple command like Good morning or I am home on a smart home device like HomeKit can be a command for the Smart Thermostat to detect the user and control the temperature of the room for that user.
We have already discussed the smart device integration. If you choose thermostat from our list, you won’t have to worry about the integration as all support most of the popular smart home devices.
5. Touch Screen
A basic way to control the smart thermostat is through its touchscreen. Any variant you choose to buy, it must able to provide you with the current temperature of the room, and it should allow you to control the HVAC devices with ease.
One of the best touchscreen experience we had was with No products found.. It is not only good looking but very intuitive and user-friendly. These variants have improved upon the Nest thermostat E version.
We recommend the Nest thermostat if you plant to control your heating and cooling devices only with thermostat touchscreen.
FAQs
1. Are smart thermostats worth it?
The most significant chunk of energy costs is from the use of cooling and heating systems. By the use of smart Thermostats, you can use these cooling and heating systems more efficiently. The smart thermostat for multiple zones can control the temperature based on users’ behavior. If the user is not there, it can shut down the system. With such smart control, systems are efficiently used.
2. Do you require smart thermostat multiple units?
No, one device can do the job for the whole house. However, you will require sensors for each room.
How Do We Conduct Tests ?
We began by getting the 14 most sold smart thermostats. Before we started our tests, we had to understand what a user expects from a smart thermostat. So we consulted six experts who had years of experience in the thermostat industry and home automation industry.
Once we understood the need and how a smart thermostat works, we designed the tests based on the parameters like efficiency, ease of use, smart device integration, effectiveness, and installation. This way, we were able to identify the top smart thermostats.
In addition to our tests, we also wanted to know what the users think about the different models. So went through several review sites and user testimonies to learn more about the different variants of the thermostat.
Combining the tests, user reviews, and expert opinions, our team scored all the 14 models and then sorted out the five smart thermostat. Here is the table that shows the score of the five models we have included in our list:
| Product | Control | Connectivity | Efficiency | Overall | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ecobee3 lite | 97.4 | 97.6 | 96.4 | 97.13 | Check Price |
| Emerson Sensi | 97.2 | 96.4 | 98.2 | 97.27 | Check Price |
| Honeywell Lyric T5 | 97.6 | 97.4 | 97 | 97.33 | Check Price |
| Nest Third Generation Learning | 98.4 | 98.6 | 97.2 | 98.07 | No products found. |
| ecobee4 | 98.6 | 98.2 | 97.6 | 98.13 | No products found. |
Final Thought
During our research, we have realized that home automation technology has come a long way. Initially, there were only a few companies that manufactured such products, but now they are growing day by day, and the option for average users are also expanding. Hence, only with proper knowledge, a user can decide the right device to buy for his or her home. In this post, we have tried to give every information that you will require when you are looking for the smart thermostat for multiple zones of your house.
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