What Smart Thermostat Works With Alexa?
Randall Mullins
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Honeywell T5 Plus Smart Thermostat – Sale Honeywell Home RCHT8610WF T5 Smart Thermostat Energy Star Wi-Fi Programmable Touchscreen Alexa Ready – C-Wire Required
- ENERGY STAR certified. Help save energy, track your heating and cooling with monthly energy reports and get personalized tips on reducing energy use
- Save Energy and Get Rewarded by checking with your energy provider about available energy savings rebates to save on your purchase (rebate finder link above). Plus, eligible customers can enroll in ongoing energy savings incentives with their energy provider to keep saving all year long.
- 7-Day Flexible Scheduling or Location Based Temperature control (GeoFencing)
- The T5 Smart thermostat is fully compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Cortana and other ecosystems
- Adaptive recovery learns how long it takes to achieve the right temperature at the right time and automatically runs your system to get to your desired temperature when you want it, with auto change from heat to cool
Even though the T5 isn’t as boastful in terms of features when compared with Honeywell RTH958WF1004 but it does offer features like geofencing which are absent in the latter. Geofencing technology allows the thermostat to sense the presence of people in the room and modulate temperature depending on it.
- Geofencing technology.
- Intelligent scheduling.
- Smart notifications.
- Compatible with Assistant, Alexa as well as Siri.
Cons
- Less screen real estate.
- Screen responsiveness can see some improvements.
Can Alexa control a smart thermostat?
What thermostat can I use with Alexa? – Most smart thermostats feature compatibility with Amazon Alexa. With it, you can raise the temperature, lower the temperature, set schedules, and check the current status. This all requires a way to issue commands, which is typically through Amazon’s Echo smart speakers.
Is it worth getting a smart thermostat?
Does the Benefit Outweigh the Cost? – Technology gets more attainable every year, and smart thermostats are no exception. Every new iteration of this technology is more intuitive, user-friendly, and usually—more affordable. Everyone can benefit from greater control of their A/C, but until smart thermostats came on the market, not everyone was capable of taking advantage of the many opportunities to save energy.
Traditionally, barriers like inconvenience, complicated control schedules, non-standard operations, and just forgetting to adjust the temperature have kept most of us from making a significant dent in our energy bill. Smart thermostats level the playing field for the average user. All in all, the benefits of smart thermostats outweigh the price tag.
Not only do they provide an easy opportunity to make some cost-cutting habit changes, but they also give an in-depth, behind the scenes look into your actual energy usage like never before. Regardless of your reason for giving smart thermostats a chance, it’s a decision you won’t regret.
- For those looking to learn more about smart thermostats, we can help.
- As one of the leading energy providers in North America, Just Energy isn’t just committed to providing top-flight energy service and customer support; we also advocate for the adoption of green energy initiatives and technology like smart thermostats.
Brought to you by justenergy.com Sources:
A Guide to Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling. (2009, August). Retrieved from https://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/publications/pubdocs/HeatingCoolingGuide%20FINAL_9-4-09.pdf Ecobee. (n.d.) Savings from your ecobee. Retrieved from https://www.ecobee.com/savings/ HomeAdvisor. (n.d.) How Much Do Thermostats Cost To Install & Replace At Home? Retrieved from https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/heating-and-cooling/install-a-thermostat/
What thermostat is owned by Amazon?
Amazon Smart Thermostat is built with Honeywell Home Thermostat Technology and combines over 130 years of HVAC experience with the magic of Alexa.
Is there an Amazon equivalent to Nest?
The Amazon Smart Thermostat currently holds the top spot as our favorite smart thermostat, while the Nest Thermostat snagged “best design” in our list of best budget models, Both smart thermostats have a lot going for them, so we thought we’d compare the two directly to see if one makes more sense for your home. Adam Oram/CNET Amazon’s Smart Thermostat is the first true budget smart thermostat from a major brand. While Nest and Ecobee are still selling their smart thermostats for well over $100, Amazon decided to offer its first model for just $60. For your $60, you get a nice design, simple installation and streamlined smart connectivity to Alexa -enabled smart speakers and displays via the Alexa app.
The Amazon Smart Thermostat isn’t compatible with Google Assistant or Siri voice commands, though, so you won’t be able to ask your Google Nest or HomeKit smart speakers or displays to adjust the temperature for you. You’ll also want to check whether your current HVAC system is compatible with this model before you buy.
Your purchase doesn’t include a C-wire adapter, which you’ll need to buy bundled with the thermostat for $75 instead of the standard $60 price if your thermostat wiring doesn’t include a C-wire. Read the full Amazon Smart Thermostat review, You’re receiving price alerts for Amazon Smart Thermostat Adam Oram/CNET Google’s most affordable smart thermostat, the Nest Thermostat, is currently on sale for $100 (it’s usually $130). With a typical retail price at more than double the Amazon Smart Thermostat, the Nest Thermostat really needs to offer something unique to make it worthwhile.
Overall, it’s a solid smart thermostat that works in the Google Home app and with both Alexa and Google Assistant smart speakers and displays. However, like the Amazon Smart Thermostat, it doesn’t work with Apple HomeKit. ( At least, not yet,) Its main standout feature is the design. The Nest Thermostat has the same rounded shape as the flagship Nest Learning Thermostat and comes in four finishes: snow (white), sand (rose gold), fog (a light blue-green gray) and charcoal (dark gray).
The touch control on the right side of the thermostat isn’t as functional for lefties as the Learning Thermostat’s dial, but it worked well enough in my testing. This is also an excellent option if you’re set on Nest as your smart home platform of choice.
Has Nest thermostats been discontinued?
Nest Secure – Nest Secure is a home security system announced in September 2017. The system consists of Nest Guard (an alarm, keypad, and motion sensor with embedded microphone), Nest Detect (a door/window and motion sensor), and Nest Tag (a key chain fob).
- The product was released in November 2017.
- Nest also has a partnership with Brinks Home Security for a monthly plan so that the Nest Protect system can be professionally monitored.
- In February 2019, the Nest Guard received an update to add Google Assistant, allowing it to effectively double as a smart speaker similar to Google Home for general voice commands.
This addition has faced criticism, as the presence of a microphone inside the device was not adequately disclosed in product specifications. Google stated that its inclusion of a microphone was accidentally not included in the listed specifications, and was originally intended to enable future sensor functionality.
Can the echo dot control my thermostat?
Use any Echo device connected to your network to set or adjust the temperature. Try these voice commands, using a connected Echo device or the Alexa app on your mobile device. ‘Set the temperature to 68 degrees.’
Which Alexa has temperature sensor?
Buying Options – *At the time of publishing, the price was $70. Compatibility : Apple HomeKit, Thread If you want a physical display to see the temperature and humidity at a glance, or want a HomeKit compatible sensor, the Eve Weather is a great choice.
- It is much more expensive than competing models, but it is the most functional temperature sensor we tested.
- This is one of the few Thread sensors around, which, if you have a Thread hub, means it can dramatically improve wireless range (see FAQs for an explanation of Thread ).
- Unlike most other sensors, this one has a visual, e-ink display, so you don’t need to consult your phone to check the temperature; it’s also completely weatherproof, so it can be installed in any location to relay temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure statistics (on its display, in the Eve app, or by asking Siri).
We set up an Automation using the Eve app (HomeKit’s Home app doesn’t allow you to use temperature as a trigger yet) that turned on a smart-plug–enabled fan in a screened-in porch whenever the temp rose above 80 degrees during the daytime. It worked reliably and consistently—in large part because of its Thread connection (in earlier testing of the Eve Degree, this device’s predecessor, we had trouble maintaining a reliable connection over Bluetooth out on the porch).
- If you already own a Hue Hub and smart bulbs, you might want to consider the $40 Philips Hue Motion Sensor,
- The company also has an outdoor motion sensor with the same capabilities.
- With a Hue hub it also works with HomeKit and can trigger any HomeKit accessory, but the light automations that you activate through the Hue app are much easier to set up than HomeKit’s.
Without a hub you can pair the motion sensor directly to a Zigbee-enabled Echo device, and it can trigger any connected accessories. In our testing it was super responsive and consistent, with an excellent range (while using a hub) and amazing battery life (over three years).
- However, it is much larger than our top pick, the Aqara, and twice the price.
- If you’re invested in HomeKit and have a HomePod Mini or Apple TV 4K (2021), consider the Eve Door & Window contact sensor.
- It’s twice as expensive as our pick, but you don’t need to buy a separate hub.
- It is also as responsive as our pick.
However, it’s larger and chunkier and uses a non-standard expensive battery, and its included stackers to position the magnet correctly look a bit silly. For kitchens, bathrooms, and covered entryways and porches, consider the Eve Motion Sensor, It may work for some HomeKit homes, and because it’s IPX3 water resistant, it’s a solid choice for potentially wetter spaces.
However, it is not Thread-enabled yet, so it relies on Bluetooth. It’s also very big, making it hard to find a discrete spot for it. It does fit well on a shelf or other flat surface and can mount to the wall with a screw, it also uses two AA batteries, which lasted more than two years in testing. If you need a sensor to work with a Z-Wave thermostat or sun-blocking smart blinds, consider the Aeotec Multisensor 6,
It’s a 6-in-1 Z-Wave sensor that monitors light, motion, humidity, UV, and vibration. Its versatile design means you can mount it in the ceiling, power it with a battery or a USB cable and an AC adapter, place it on a flat surface, or use one of two mounting options, but you pay a lot for all these functions and features.
- Also, in our testing with SmartThings the reaction time was very slow—6 to 8 seconds.
- The Aeotec TriSensor is a less expensive option if you just want light, motion, and temperature monitoring and don’t need the ability to plug into power (it’s battery only).
- But it uses an expensive CR123A battery and had just as slow a response time in our testing.
Aeotec will release a SmartThings Multipurpose Sensor and SmartThings Motion Sensor—previously they had been picks and were discontinued by Samsung (Aeotec will also release a SmartThings-certified hub ). We loved these Zigbee-based sensors for their ease of use, low price, and ability to pair directly with Zigbee-enabled Echo devices.
- We will test them when they are available.
- In our most recent testing we found that any sensor connected through SmartThings had significantly slower response times than those connected through Alexa or HomeKit.
- It seems changes to the SmartThings platform are causing this delay.
- We plan to retest previous sensor picks from Aeotec and Fibaro, along with other Z-Wave and Zigbee sensors when the new Aeotec SmartThings hub is available, as well as with a different Z-Wave hub.
In the meantime, if you have a Z-Wave–based smart home we recommend considering sensors from these companies as they worked well in previous testing. Wyze is releasing version two of its Wyze Sense sensors later this year. Currently, the motion and contact sensors are available as part of the Wyze Home Monitoring security system, which uses the Wyze Sense Hub and works with Alexa.
But you have to subscribe to the annual professional monitoring plan for them to work. Wyze tells us that it plans to release them without a subscription as a successor to the original Wyze Sense line, although there is no release date yet. The $25 Aqara Motion Sensor P1 is now available. Aqara says it will support Thread wireless, and has a battery life of up to 5 years.
We plan to test it and will update this guide with the results. Aqara has also announced a new Door and Window Sensor, Slated to arrive in the second half of 2022, it will support Thread wireless, has an anti-tamper feature, and allows you to adjust the sensitivity using the app.
- TP-Link has announced new sensors at CES 2022, as part of its Tapo smart home line: the Tapo T100 Smart Motion Sensor, the Tapo T110 Smart Door/Window Sensor, and the TP-Link Tapo H100 Smart Hub.
- The hub can act as a siren when triggered by the sensors, both of which feature intruder alerts and options for push notifications.
The hub can support up to 64 devices, and includes 19 ringtones and a 90dB adjustable siren. Newer Echo Show devices have the ability to detect motion using the built-in camera, which in theory can be used to turn on other smart-home devices in a room, such as lights, when you enter.
In early testing we haven’t found this to be a substitute for a dedicated motion sensor, as it is quite slow and you have to pass directly in front of the camera, but we will update this guide as we continue to test this feature. Apple has announced two versions of the Apple TV 4K : a $129 model that is WiFi only, and a $149 that has a gigabit ethernet port.
Both can act as a HomeKit hub, however the more expensive model also supports Thread mesh networking, which may be attractive to some smart home owners. We hope to test them soon. The Fibaro Door/Window Sensor 2 (Z-Wave or HomeKit) is available in multiple colors, making it a good option if you have a variety of decor to fit in with.
- However, they are expensive and if you need more than one, we think cheaper models are a better option.
- Also the HomeKit version is Bluetooth not Thread.
- The EcoLink Door/Window Sensor Z-wave Plus also provides a brown option, though we found it larger and less attractive than the Fibaro sensor.
- It installs with tape or screws/brackets for long-term stability and durability and claims an impressive 3-year battery life, but it’s much larger and more expensive than our pick.
The Aeotec Triangle Door/Window Sensor 6 (Z-Wave) gets full marks for ingenuity. This triangle-shaped sensor is as thin as a piece of cardboard and fits snugly in the upper corner of a door, making it very unobtrusive. However, its accompanying magnet is black and stands out unattractively on a white or light-colored door.
- It also has to be removed and charged every six months, which is annoying.
- Aqara’s Temperature and Humidity Sensor works with Alexa and HomeKit but you cannot use it to trigger Alexa routines.
- HomeKit also doesn’t allow temperature as a trigger so you have to use a third-party app to get any use out of this device, unless you use it just with the Aqara app.
It does require an Aqara hub. The fourth generation Echo smart speaker has a temperature sensor built in, as do Echo Show displays and Echo Plus speakers. These can be used to trigger Alexa routines when the temperature in a room reaches a set point. This is useful if you have smart shades in a room where your speaker is or want to trigger a smart thermostat to adjust or a fan to turn on if a room gets too hot.
- However, we wouldn’t recommend purchasing a smart speaker just for this function.
- One of our picks is less expensive and can be more easily placed in a convenient location to measure temperature.
- There were a number of devices we considered but didn’t test because they didn’t meet one or more of our requirements, were overly large with a dated design, or had lots of poor customer reviews for things like battery life or customer service complaints.
There were also sensors that performed poorly in our tests, including the following. The Echo Flex is an Alexa speaker that plugs directly into an outlet. There are compatible motion sensors you attach to the base using a USB port. In our testing we found this to be unreliable at triggering Alexa Routines, sometimes taking several seconds to react and sometimes not working at all.
Also, because it has to be plugged into an outlet it can be difficult to adjust the angle. The most useful place for this is in a hallway to turn on lights as you walk past, but as most outlets are in the middle of the hall rather than at the beginning, you’ll be walking in darkness most of the way. The Onvis Motion Sensor is a motion sensor that also measures temperature and humidity.
At under $25 it is the least expensive HomeKit-compatible motion sensor available without a hub, and because it’s a Bluetooth 5.0 device it responds really quickly, even at a distance. But it was not reliable in our testing, we had to reconnect it multiple times, and its app verges on useless.
- It is also very large and doesn’t work with Alexa or SmartThings.
- The Ecolink Z-Wave PET Immune Plus Motion Detector is large and has a fixed four-to-five-minute reset time, which really only makes it suitable as a security device since it will ignore you for large chunks of time after triggering once.
It has a great battery life and a 45-foot range, but its touted pet immunity failed in our testing. The Ecolink Door/Window Contact Zigbee Sensor has a completely different design from the Z-Wave version and only comes in white but is slimmer and sleeker.
It pairs directly with a Zigbee-enabled hub, including Echo speakers, and when we first tested it it worked reliably. But it unpaired itself from the Echo at some point, and we could never get it to reconnect. The Monoprice Stitch Door and Window Sensor is the only contact sensor that connects to Alexa through Wi-Fi and is capable of triggering Routines.
It can connect directly with any Echo, not just the Zigbee-enabled ones. It’s inexpensive and attractive, but it’s comparatively bulky because it uses two AAA batteries to keep running on power-sucking Wi-Fi. Additionally, in our testing it took between two and eight-plus seconds to trigger a Routine—much longer than sensors that connect via Zigbee.
Can I install a smart thermostat myself?
Complete installation instructions – The Nest app will guide you through thermostat installation, but here are some more detailed instructions to walk you through everything you need to do to install your Nest thermostat on the wall. Note : These illustrations use the 3rd gen Nest Learning Thermostat, but the steps are the same for the Nest Thermostat E.
Begin installation with the app | The Nest app’s step-by-step instructions make it easy to install and wire your thermostat, so use it as your main guide. Refer to this article if you need extra help.
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1. Switch off power to your system (You may have already completed this step.) | It’s important to protect your thermostat and your system. Turn off the power to your system and thermostat before exposing any wiring. Your HVAC system can have multiple breakers so make sure to turn them all off before moving on. Check that the power to your system is off by changing the temperature on your thermostat by at least 5 degrees.
You can listen for your system to turn on, or put your hand near a vent to feel if there’s warm or cool air coming through. For more detailed instructions, see the article linked below. “>How to turn the power off to my heating and cooling system |
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Important: Do not connect any “spare” wires to your Nest thermostat that were not connected to your old thermostat. Only use the wires on your Nest wiring diagram. After all the wires are securely connected, push them down toward the wall to make sure they’re flush with the base. If your wires stick out too far they can keep your thermostat display from connecting properly.
If your wires stick out from the wall press them down
Before | After |
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Complete all the steps below to setup and install your Nest thermostat.1. Install your thermostat on the wall – You are here 2. Set up your thermostat 3. Get started using the Nest thermostat Was this helpful? How can we improve it?