After intense research, we were able to make a top of the best thermostats with smart features that customers prefer the most and that met all our requirements. You can find them in the comparison table above and you can also read the brief reviews we have written.
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At the top of our preferences, you will find Nest Learning, a cutting-edge model which incorporates all the best features into a sleek housing made of metal, an innovation in these devices. It’s round, with a frame available in stainless steel, black, copper or white and a black display that lights up whenever it senses you in the room so that you can read the data it displays. It works on a built-in battery that, according to manufacturer’s specifications, lasts for only 10 days.
Smart
Nest has outcome themselves with this device which not only allows you to monitor the temperature at home from your office but also memorizes your schedule and adjusts its operation. After a few days, it detects the hours you go to bed, when you get up, and when you leave to work and it turns on or off in order to save energy while still maintain the best ambiance at home.
Easy User-interferance
It is available in English, French, Spanish, and Dutch and it displays the outdoor and indoor temperature and the humidity level. Aside from the smartphone control, you can also use the Alexa voice command to program it. Using the app, you can memorize your energy consumption so you can see what you mostly use energy on and it also helps you save energy with the Eco mode that limits waste. It is, without a doubt, an unmatching home improvement.
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- Best-selling product in this niche
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa – allows a more convenient operation when paired with this device
- Energy Star compliancy ensures minimum energy consumption
- Allows you to check energy history over the companion app
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Flawless in every sense of the word, this Nest product is the one you must opt for if you want perfection. In case you have the Amazon Alexa device, an even more convenient and efficient operation is due as you can talk to Alexa and tell it how you want to change the settings. Reasonably priced considering the innovative technologies it brings to the table, it is our number one pick and the best-selling product on its market as well.
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If you want to make sure your house is always warm and welcoming in the winter and cool and refreshing in the summer, the Ecobee3 will make things so much easier for you. This stylish plastic device features a black display that lets you know the room temperature and humidity so you can set it to the best level. For this, it uses a mobile sensor that you can place anywhere in your house to allow it to collect accurate data.
The device allows for up to 32 sensors to be connected so that you can monitor the entire house. To power it, you will need a rechargeable lithium-ion battery which is included in the package and that will last for 35,000 hours. Whenever you want to set the temperature, you can either use the smartphone for remote access if you are not at home or the Alexa voice command for when you are at home. It does not self-schedule according to your daily habits, which takes away some of its convenience, but it is extremely easy to set up and use so dealing with it every day will not be cumbersome.
A useful feature is the fact that it senses empty rooms and adapts the temperature to prevent wasting energy so you can limit your consumption. You can connect it to any gas, oil, or electric heating system and it even works with fans so you can always keep the air at a proper temperature.
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- Intuitive operation ensures maximum proficiency – creates an energy profile of your home for an optimal performance
- Capable of sensing whether there are people indoors or not to adjust its operation properly
- Users have reported an up to 23% lowering of their energy bills annually since using it
- Easy and intuitive control – no hassle from this point of view
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- A bit more expensive than other products in this niche
- Some customers had issues with the display
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Smart does not even start to describe this Ecobee product, that’s for sure. Although it is a bit pricey for some, its overall performance and the innovative features which accompany it make it worth every cent. Considering its hearty participation in lowering energy bills witnessed by prior users, we can confidently recommend it.
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Next, we will depict this model from Honeywell that is one of the most affordable and efficient models that can be connected to multiple systems for air or water heating and cooling. The elegant silver design and the changeable color display will make sure the device will fit your house design. It displays many data like time, date, indoor and outdoor temp, and indoor and outdoor humidity so you will have a clear view of the forecast and the ambiance at home.
It allows you to program it for 7 days so it will work on its own without you having to interfere. It can be controlled using the smartphone or you can pair it with an Alexa voice command device, either way, it is hassle-free. It also alerts you whenever there is a drastic change in the temperature at home so you will know if something goes wrong with your heating and cooling system.
The Smart Response feature enables it to memorize the most important settings and to optimize its operation. For added safety, you can restrict the access with a PIN code and you can lock the touchscreen to prevent kids from playing with it.
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- Compatible with Apple as well as iOS devices – allows remote control
- Automatic alerts – filter change and extreme temperature – ensure a safer living space at home
- Security features ensure the kids will not be able to change the settings when they are not supervised
- Home screen displays important info for your peace of mind – temperature and humidity information
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- Some customers have reported issues with the Wi-Fi connection after several months of use
- A bit more expensive than other entries on the market
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| VERDICT
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Designed to help improve air circulation indoors and keep the temperature at a perfect level at all times, the Honeywell is definitely worth checking out. As we tested it, there were numerous features which impressed us, but we must admit that the peace of mind the on-screen information it displays left the best impression.
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Check the Price
First off, know that, as opposed to other models on our list, this one is actually quite convenient in terms of pricing. Thus, you are more likely to afford it. But don’t think for a second that it sacrifices quality in order to remain so cheap, as the truth is quite contrary. As a matter of fact, it is one of the most accurate and feature-rich products in its niche, probably its best feature being the Smart Response that enables it to learn your heating/cooling cycles in order to optimize temperature delivery at the right time.
It allows you to remotely change its settings over any WiFi enabled device you own, so you can even set the desired temperature when you are in another room or outside the house. As it provides a convenient 7-day programming, you are able to pick the temperature you want to be kept indoors for every day of the week. It automatically switches from heating to cooling when it is needed, taking this chore off of your hands.
The large, easy-to-read display makes it convenient for you to use it, view the current temperature indoors, and make new selections in regards to the settings. Furthermore, it is backed by a 1-year warranty, so there is no need to worry about repair or replacement costs while the warranty agreement is available.
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- Allows you to program it as you like for every day of the week
- Smart Response feature enables it to learn your heating/cooling cycles
- Cheap price makes it quite accessible
- Works with Alexa, so voice control is possible with this separate purchase
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- Not the easiest to set up – some had issue with the WiFi setup
- Some customers reported that it turns on and off randomly
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| VERDICT
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A high-precision device you can rely on as it features Smart Response, meaning that it is able to learn your preferential settings in order to automatically provide with the temperature you are accustomed to, this Honeywell entry is one of our top recommendations. Best of all, it comes at a reasonable price which makes it quite accessible.
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5. Vine Wi-Fi Programmable
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If you want to limit your investment and still get a very good device, this one from Vine is a great deal at a lower price. It boasts some of the features of the more expensive models, being compatible with any internet connection and easily controllable via smartphone or tablet. It also has an app which allows you to keep tabs on its status.
On the other hand, it lacks some of the most important features like the Alexa voice command or the auto-schedule. It measures both indoor humidity and temperature and it also displays the date and time so it can successfully replace a room watch. Moreover, it comes with a convenient nightlight to make the readings more visible.
It looks nice, with a white housing and a large display with an easy-to-control knob that you can also use to make the settings, aside from the touch-sensitive display. All in all, it’s a very good choice even if it lacks some of the features you can find in more expensive products.
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- Real bang for your buck – great quality to price ratio
- Amazon Alexa compatibility enhances convenience in use
- Weather forecast feature allows you to check on weather predictions for the days to come
- Energy efficient profile ensures that operating it will not drain you of money
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- Screen does not remain turned on at all times
- Some customers had issues with the setup
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The unique design and ingenious features which accompany the Vine make it one of our top recommendations. Although it boasts numerous highlights, we cannot overlook the interesting and rarely seen weather forecast feature that allows you to check how the weather will be for the day to know and dress appropriately before leaving home.
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We live in a modern world, and the Glas perfectly integrates with it, this Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatible device being a must-have in any home as it not only allows you to maintain proper and comfortable temperatures, but it also monitors air quality factors like VOCs, humidity, and equivalent CO2.
If you install the companion app on your smartphone, you will even receive reports regarding indoor conditions and be able to remotely change settings as you please. When it comes to its interface, it is as user-friendly as they get, the translucent OLED touchscreen not only giving it a modern feel but making it easy for you to control the device.
As it comes with Microsoft Cortana, voice commands are possible as well. However, what probably delights the most is the fact that it helps reduce costs on utility bills by monitoring your schedule and changing settings so that you will find a comfortable environment when you get back home without heating being uselessly used when you are not around.
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- Install companion app over the phone to remotely control the device
- Monitors your schedule and preferences to help save you energy
- Monitors air quality and provides useful reports
- Translucent OLED touchscreen provides it with a modern feel
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- Comes at an expensive price
- Weather display shows one day, not a multiday forecast
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| VERDICT
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Compared by many to Nest, although not as innovative as its better ranked competitor, Glas is a modern indoor air quality monitoring device that should be present in every household. Some of its biggest perks include the fact that it works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, so the rather spicy asking price is quite easily explainable.
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Like all programmable devices, it is designed to help reduce energy consumption so that you won’t pay a load of money on bills anymore. Safe and environmentally conscious, it allows an easy customization of heating and cooling temperatures so that your comfort level and schedule are met. You can set up to 4 programs per day with it, and the 5-2 profile provides you with the possibility to select different settings for weekdays and weekends.
It features vacation hold so that proper environmental conditions are kept in your home even when you are away for prolonged periods. In terms of compatibility, you need not fret as it supports most 24V heating and cooling systems. For enhanced safety and to ensure external tampering won’t be issues, it features a keypad lock.
It might not feature a backlight, but this isn’t necessarily a huge flaw as it doesn’t affect its operation directly, rather making it a bit inconvenient for you to check the settings when there are poor lighting conditions. It is easy to install and use, so you won’t have any headaches when it comes to handling it. Additionally, the company that produces it backs the product with a 3-year warranty on parts and labor.
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CONS
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- Keyboard lock prevents kids from tampering with it
- Settings for degrees Fahrenheit and Celsius
- Features an air filter monitor
- Backed by a 3-year warranty
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- Does not feature a backlight
- Switch is small
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What best describes it is energy efficiency and ease of use as it allows you to customize the heating and cooling temperatures indoor to meet your preferences and possibilities. It might not be as feature-rich as some of our other entries, but considering the cheap asking price, it’s understandable.
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By considering this model, you will be able to save up a lot of energy. This model is Alexa-enabled and internet-connected. In addition to this, it can also be fully programmed according to your needs. Simply connect the device to your Wi-Fi in order to control temperature and settings straight from your smartphone, regardless of where you are. As well as, you will be pleased to know that you can do it even if you don’t have Wi-Fi, all you will need is the app.
The modern sleek look will not look out of place. The 5-inch touchscreen will allow you to control the unit even if you’re not tech-savvy. The information is very easy to read and to understand even if there are low-light conditions. Also, this product is multi-use. This means that it has the ability to cool and heat up the room. All you will need is the wire to an internally powered humidifier or dehumidifier. It has the ability to allow you to connect to an unlimited number of thermostats.
You will be pleased to know that you will also save money on your energy bill as it can turn off and on according to the pre-programmed schedule that you’ve chosen. Thus, the temperature can be constant according to your needs.
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- Compatible with Alexa
- It has a built-in timer
- Designed with a user-friendly interface
- You can control it wherever you are
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- Some people reported glitches on the app
- Scheduling seemed complicated to some customers
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The reason why we recommend this model is because it’s fully programmable and it has a user-friendly interface. Therefore, you will be able to read the information with ease even if it’s dark and you’re not used to advanced technology.
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10. Emerson Sensi 1F87U-42WF
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This model has been awarded for how efficient it is at such an affordable price. The model is Energy Star rated which means that you will save around 23% on HVAC energy. You will need a C-wire for heat-only, cool-only, and heat pump systems. Nonetheless, this is a smart home compatible as it works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. If you’re not at home, you can control the home comfort from your smartphone or tablet using the Sensi app on Android or iOS devices.
The extensive compatibility will allow it to work with the existing wiring on gas, oil, geothermal, heat pump and heat systems that are up to 4 stages of heating and 2 stages of cooling. In addition to this, you can program it according to location-based temperature control with custom heating and cooling 7-day schedules. Unlike the other models that are currently on the market, you have the freedom to install two separate Sensi thermostats and they will work individually without interference between the 2 units.
In case you don’t have C-wire, you can set it up by using 2 AA batteries (included). On average, you will be required to change them every 6 months, depending on the Wi-Fi strength. Equally important, in case the temperatures change whilst you sleep, the unit can change also change according to the environment without you having to touch anything. If you have children, you can set a child-lock to ensure that they don’t play around with the settings.
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- It can be controlled outside of the home
- You can set up an unlimited amount of daily programming
- The thermostat will continue to work normally if the Wi-Fi goes down
- No additional charges or hidden charges
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- Limited customer support
- The unit must be connected to the network to change settings
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| VERDICT
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Without a doubt this is another model that we recommend due to the fact that it will work with any type of heater or AC you have in your home. In fact, even if you have boiler system, you can still use this product. Above all, you don’t have to pay for the app or for monthly costs.
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The term “thermostat” is widely known as the device that connects to a heating or cooling system in order to monitor and adjust its functioning depending on the temperature you set. These are a more complex type that allows for remote control via an internet connection so that you can have access to them even if you are not at home. Moreover, smart models have the ability to adjust their operating according to aspects like your usual settings or ambient factors. If the subject arouses your interest, keep reading to learn more about this innovative concept.
Smart vs. Classic – Differences
Their internet connectivity enables them to connect to your phone and make all the changes remotely. You can even download apps that monitor and keep tabs on the average temperatures and let you customize the environment according to the season. Moreover, they use multiple sensors that not only monitor air quality but also allow them to adjust their functioning on their own in order to reach your favorite room temperature. A good model can even sense your presence in the room and adjust its operating or memorize your settings and turn on or off depending on your schedule.
The intelligent thermostats are a component of Home Automation that makes your house smarter and easier to control from a distance. All the devices that are part of the Automation concept are internet-compatible and can be synced so that they can be monitored and accessed using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. They can be linked to several systems in your house, such as air conditioners, heat pumps, HVAC, hot water tanks, and whole house heating and cooling systems. This way, you can have full control over them using only your phone, which is much more comfortable than having to access each system separately.
What Makes Them more Appealing
Nonetheless, these devices are more convenient and will provide a long-term efficiency but for you to be convinced they are worth their price, you need to find out which are the benefits they bring. Let’s discover the reasons
why you should go past the high price and the effort of replacing your old thermostat with a high-end model.
- Convenience
Needless to say, this is one of the reasons why they are better than regular models. The fact that you can connect it to multiple systems and that you can access them via the internet is of great help especially if you travel a lot and you need to keep tabs on the energy consumption of your cooling and heating systems. You can also check the indoor humidity level, the outdoor temperature, and customize your setting so your home will always welcome you with the perfect ambiance.
- Efficiency
They are more efficient because they provide a wide range of information and they can be synced with many systems. Not only the air will be brought to the right temperature but will be done even without you interfering with their functioning. The smart technologies they use allow them to operate mostly on their own and adjust their running schedule according to your own schedule.
- Money saving
The fact that it will turn on and off whenever it senses it’s right will also lead to reduced electricity usage. Not wasting energy for heating empty rooms and turning off at night or when you are at work means fewer expenses and a 23% lower annual electricity bill. Despite the fact the purchase price is significantly higher than a normal thermostat, the investment will be absorbed in a couple of years.
- Versatility
While other types can only be connected to one system in your home, this one can handle almost any system you use for heating or cooling the air and the water you use. The wide compatibility makes it suitable for use with whole house air conditioners, heat pumps, ventilation systems, and water heaters. Some can even be linked to air dehumidifiers in order to maintain the proper air moisture level. This way, you will only be using one device for the entire house.
Tips for Choosing the Best
When it comes to purchasing devices you are not familiar with, it’s not easy to pick the one that provides the best price-quality ratio and that will turn out to be the most effective. As such, it is useful to know
which are the details that really matter so you will know you have made the right choice.
- Ease in Installation
Since this is an innovative device, the last thing you will want is to get tangled in wires and deal with a cumbersome installation. Therefore, make sure you go for a model that is easy to install, comes with all the necessary components and includes the user’s manual so you will not get stuck mid-installation.
- Ease of Use
An intuitive control panel and clear specifications are also helpful because they will guarantee you will not have troubles setting it up and using it. Check the model you laid eyes on to see if it is user-friendly and if it is available in your language. A large display with night lights and clearly drawn pictograms will be easier to read even from a distance or in the dark.
- Multiple Systems Compatibility
Another important specification you need to check is its compatibility with various systems in your house, such as AC or heat pumps. This will enable you to use it for multiple tasks without having to replace your existing system.
- Many Parameters Displayed
If you really want to enjoy full convenience, get a model that displays not only the room temperature but also the humidity, outdoor weather, or the date and time. Most of the top products show multiple data on the screen so that you check it, you can learn many parameters.
- Voice Control
This is a great feature most high-end models offer via another device called Alexa Amazon which allows you to give commands using your voice. This way, even if you do not have your phone, you can still set it by simply talking to it.
What You Should Look Into
After we determined the main characteristics, we perused the market to find
the most reliable products that contain a majority of the main features. We sorted them and ranked them according to their specifications and you can see below what stood behind our ratings.
- A Reliable Brand
From experience, we know that a reputable manufacturer is more likely to deliver top-notch products designed to the highest standards and using the most qualitative components. This was also true with the models we reviewed so we eventually picked products from popular brands like Nest, Honeywell, and Ecobee. We were impressed with the attention to details and the advanced technologies used in designing their products.
- Internet Connectivity
It could not be smart unless it was able to connect to the internet. The ones we chose were highly accurate in detecting Wi-Fi connections and immediately connect to them. The signal was strong and they were easy to control via smart devices even from long distances.
- Dedicated App
If you want to be able to keep tabs on your energy consumption, check the status of your heating system, or memorize seasonal or weekly settings, you will have to get an app that will sync all the data received by it. As such, a dedicated app is mandatory to make it not only easier to use but also more versatile.
- Number of Sensors
Regular thermostats only measure indoor temperature because they were only able to detect the air temp in a room. Smart versions rely on a plethora of sensors that can also monitor air humidity or send data on the outdoor weather. The best ones, like the Nest, can even sense your presence in the room and automatically turn on whenever you step in.
- Distance Control
Thanks to home automation, you can access, check, and set it even if you are at the office so you can save energy or prepare your home for when you will arrive. This is possible due to the remote control setting of these ingenious gadgets that bring comfort to a whole new level.
- Programmable Feature
The best models come with the option of being programmed to work during a certain interval and they can even memorize the settings and repeat them when needed. They memorize your schedule and create a pattern and you can even set different temperatures for different rooms. The smartness goes far beyond regular and you can even insert users or lock it for children.
We noticed that this industry has some leading manufacturers which manage to constantly improve their products and bring home automation closer to you. While there are dozens of models on the market, only a few include everything you need for your home and these models are
designed by the following top rated brands.
- Nest
This is, by far, the finest brand that has gained the trust of customers by only offering exquisite products at the best prices. They are leaders in the security camera section and they also provide a series of devices which contribute to making your home more comfortable. They focus on turning every home into a better place and they manage to do so by only resorting to the most innovative technologies. All their products are very minimalist in design to make sure they match even the most modern homes and they manage to combine innovation with simplicity.
- Ecobee
They focus solely on this product so they are always looking for new ways to make each product better. Their first product has evolved very much in terms of aspect and functioning, making the Ecobee3 and 4 the most stylish and intuitive devices for air temperature monitoring. The compatibility with most of the today’s apps and systems makes them incredibly versatile and easy to use while the sleek design easily integrates them into any home décor.
- Honeywell
You are probably familiar with Honeywell due to the dehumidifiers they provide but learn that they also design a wide range of thermostats from which the latest models are Wi-Fi connected. As with all their products, they have managed to incorporate the latest features into stylish and easy-to-use devices that turn any home into a modern home. The RTH8580WF is one of the customers’ favorite due to the multiple options and the user-friendly design.
- Emerson
This is a worldwide renowned company that designs and retails home products meant to make everyday life more comfortable and to make people more aware of their impact on the environment. Their Sensi device is the perfect embodiment of a pleasant design, multiple features, and the convenience of home automation. It has been awarded the “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Innovative Thermostats” as proof of its great performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1Are they compatible with any heating system?
You won’t have to replace your central heating system because they can be connected and synced with any brand or model.
2Is the Wi-Fi connectivity a standard feature?
Yes, it’s what offers them remote control over the heating system.
3How comprehensive is it? I am not very used to digital and high-end devices and I am afraid I will not get the hang of it.
Although it’s a very advanced gadget, it should not be too complicated to use. All the instructions are in the manual, the display is usually digital and has clear readings, and any problem you might encounter can be solved by the Customer Support center.
4If I do not connect it to a dehumidifier, will it still show the room humidity?
Yes, you will see the level of humidity on the screen as long as the model you choose has this feature.
A home relies on various systems which contribute to creating the perfect living environment. Whether we are talking about heating and cooling systems, water boilers and warmers that heat water to the ideal temperature for use or perhaps dehumidifying systems, these systems need to be controlled to make sure they work in parameters. This is where thermostats come to your help with their ability to monitor and sense differences in air temperature. A regular model simply allows you to measure the temperature and set your systems to work until a certain temperature is obtained. These do much more than that and allow you to have full control of the air and water heating and cooling systems in your house.
