It’s the decade where home appliances would probably need an update now. Technology has managed to change the way we conduct our lifestyles, with the introduction of smart devices and smart homes. These smart devices and the concept of having a smart home is what we would like to think of as part of the future. Automation is not only the benefit of these components but these devices are meant to save energy consumption which also has its own benefit – reduced utility bills.
There are a few devices that we can think of that would be the first ones that would replace the old ones, but we’re going to focus on one: smart thermostats. Replacing your standard thermostat with a smart one can go a long way, cutting down on your heating and cooling bills, while simultaneously saving energy as well. Given that it is a smart device your first thought would be that it’s definitely pricey, but we have a few cheap smart thermostats that work just as well as any.
Here are our two top contenders of Smart Thermostats that are available for just under $150.
Smart Thermostats for under $150
1. Google Nest Thermostat
The Google Nest Thermostat comes at a very reasonable price, $129.99. An upgrade from your standard old thermostat, the Nest Thermostat is a smart thermostat that boasts several useful features that you wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.
Connecting to the home Wi-Fi network, the Nest Thermostat can be set up and configured with the Google Home app – and with the app, you can control the thermostat anytime, anywhere. Change the temperature without getting off the couch, or turn on the thermostat when you’re close to home. The remote control feature also includes control of the device while being in another city.
The device features built-in sensors and along with the help of your phone location, it can switch itself off or to an Eco temperature while you are away. The Google Home app also offers suggestions for you in order to find more ways to save energy.
2. Honeywell Home T5
Priced at $119.99, the Honeywell Home T5 features a touchscreen design, a mobile app and is even voice control compatible. With the Honeywell Home App, control your temperature settings from anywhere as well as set schedules according to your routine. The T5 also learns to adapt to the temperature preferences within the household.
With the help of geofencing technology using your smartphone’s location, the T5 does not begin cooling or heating your home until it tracks your location closer to home. This way the device helps users keep energy costs and billing low.
The Honeywell Home App sends in reminders and alerts if it detects anything wrong with the device, or if a particular filter needs cleaning or changing.
The two smart thermostats mentioned above are great devices at a steal price frankly. But there are several more models of Smart Thermostats available on the domestic market. If you can spare some extra dollars, and want to invest in the best of the best smart devices for your home, then we have one more smart thermostat just for that.
Google Nest Learning Thermostat
The Nest Learning Thermostat is placed at a different price point than its counterpart the Nest Thermostat. This one retails for $249 with features similar to that of other Smart Thermostats but a few more of its own.
Independent studies have shown that Nest Learning Thermostats save an average of around 10% to 12% of heating bills, and 15% on cooling bills. What that means is that the device is worth the price. One salient feature of the Nest Learning Thermostat is that the device literally learns the temperatures preferred by the household and adjusts itself accordingly throughout the day.
Just like all other smart thermostats, this one is also controlled via a mobile application, i.e. the Google Home app. Adjust the temperatures from where you’re sitting without having to walk over to the device, view your energy history on the Google Home app to see the functioning history of the thermostat of the day – when it was on, when it turned off, how much energy was used.
Find Smart Thermostats on First Energy Home’s website, along with a catalogue of several other smart home devices for your home.