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Best Wifi Thermostat For Heat Pump For 2024

Brandon Forder
  Mar 29, 2024 4:46 AM

One of the most energy-efficient ways to heat and cool a house is with a heat pump. This system, however, may necessitate some specialized maintenance, particularly on the thermostat. Choosing a Smart Thermostat when it's time for a new thermostat can save you money in the long run. Does a heat pump have a smart thermostat compatible with it?

There are a wide variety of smart thermostats for heat pump systems to choose from. Many companies work within design specifications to create systems that work optimally with your heat pump while incorporating the high-tech features of modern thermostats....

To make an informed decision, you should weigh several factors before committing to the purchase of a specific thermostat from this list. Do you have a geothermal heat pump? Your smart thermostat should be able to provide you with the answers you seek.

Do you know of a way to narrow down the list of possibilities? For either type of heat pump, we've put together a list of the best smart thermostats available. You'll get there.


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Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


Buying Guide

Compatibility

The first thing to keep in mind is that not all thermostat models can be used with a heat pump. A heat pump thermostat is not supported by all thermostat models. Before placing an order for a thermostat, be sure to thoroughly review the product's specifications. Our thermostat compatibility guide for popular thermostat models is a good place to start.

Wiring

Conventional HVAC systems, such as central furnaces, do not necessitate special wiring for heat pumps. Your thermostat of choice should be capable of supporting the heat pump wiring that is required. Heat pump systems can only be installed if the manufacturer's specifications or model number can be found online.

Heat Pumps with Aux/Emergency Heating

Choosing a thermostat model that supports the auxiliary/emergency heat feature on your heat pump is a must. Thermostats are available that can be used with a heat pump, but not with an additional or emergency heating system. The thermostat you choose should be specifically designed for use in conjunction with a heat pump with aux heat.

Control options

If you don't have a smartphone, you can still use Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant to control a smart thermostat.

Remote sensors

Choose a thermostat with small remote temperature sensors to address areas of your home that are under heated or cooled.

Geolocation

Enabling geolocation, which allows the thermostat to turn off the HVAC when you aren't home and turn it back on before you return, will help you save energy.

Your requirement

A smart thermostat has a plethora of options to choose from. They've come a long way since the days of the old-fashioned mechanical thermostat. What do you hope to get out of your new smart thermostat in light of this?

Do you want it to be high-tech and notify you via phone? What if you just want control over the system's programming?

Make sure you know what you expect from the system before you begin using it. Selecting a heat pump that is right for you will be easier when you have narrowed down your options in this way.

Knowing what you want when it comes time to replace your thermostat can make the decision a lot easier.

Extra Installation Required

The smart thermostat purchase is the most exciting part of the experience. Installing it is the less thrilling part. Installation of your smart thermostat can be completed in a matter of minutes, or it can take several hours, depending on the method. In some cases, additional installation may be necessary to activate all of the system's features.

Once you've narrowed down your choices, think about whether you'll be able to install it yourself or if you'll need the assistance of a technician.

Consulting an HVAC technician can provide you with more information about what needs to be done and how much extra work will be required during the installation.

Smart Heat Pump Thermostat or Budget-Friendly Programmable Model?

Once you've narrowed down your options to a few thermostat models compatible with your heat pump, it's just a matter of deciding which features you want and how much you want to spend. Nest, Ecobee, and Honeywell Lyric are a few examples of smart heat pump thermostats that come equipped with a wide range of useful features, including the ability to self-learn and auto-program, as well as wireless connectivity for mobile apps and geo-fencing.

With a smart heat pump thermostat, everything looks good, but the high-end features come at a price. A basic programmable thermostat for heat pumps is all you need if you have a limited budget and need to regulate temperature and maintain efficiency.


FAQS

Can You Use a Smart Thermostat with a Heat Pump?

With smart thermostats, you get access to a wide range of useful features. Some are Wi-Fi-enabled, allowing you to regulate the temperature of your house while you're away.

Some allow you to program cycles that change based on the time of day and your specific requirements. Will a smart thermostat work in a complex system like a heat pump?

It is the goal of smart thermostat manufacturers to have their products sold. This means they need to be compatible with a wide range of heating and air conditioning systems.

If it isn't, they risk losing the customers they want. Manufacturers, on the other hand, are ensuring that their products are compatible with all types of heating and air-conditioning systems.

There are, of course, some smart thermostats that are better suited to heat pumps than others. That's why reading through any available documentation is so critical before making a purchase. They should be able to provide you with a list of compatible thermostats from various manufacturers and models.

Check the information provided by the manufacturer, either on their website or in a manual, to see if your specific model is on the list.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with them if you have any questions. Buying a product that appears to work, only to discover that it requires additional wiring that you don't yet have is the last thing you want to do.

Are smart thermostats hard to install?

Even if you're only moderately handy, you should be able to install a thermostat without difficulty. It's important to have clear, step-by-step instructions from the manufacturer, with plenty of pictures or illustrations to help you. To make it easier for you to disconnect and remove your old thermostat, many manufacturers provide labels that you can attach to the wires coming out of the wall. It is a good idea to photograph your old thermostat before dismantling it so that you can use it as a guide.

Do I need a C wire to use a smart thermostat?

A battery-operated smart thermostat will not be able to supply the power that is required by these devices. A good thing about these devices is that they don't need to be plugged into the wall to run. Instead, your HVAC system provides low-voltage power to these devices. A dedicated C (common) wire is required by many smart thermostats, while others can draw power from another source, typically the R (power) wire. As a result of this practice, some HVAC systems have been permanently damaged.

Check inside the wall for a C wire if you remove your old thermostat to install a smart one and find no C wire connected to it. Our recommendation is to have a C wire installed if there isn't already. For those who don't have a C wire and don't want to pay for it to be installed, some smart thermostats, such as our top pick, the Ecobee Premium, include power adapter kits.


Conclusion

These are some of the thermostats that I've picked out to help you in your search for the best heat pump thermostats on the market today. The type of heating/cooling system in your house should be your first consideration when shopping for a thermostat, as previously stated. Budget and features are the next considerations. Thermostats with built-in intelligence can do everything from read out the weather report to setting your schedule. The majority of Wi-Fi thermostats allow you to adjust the temperature from a distance. You can set the temperature with an accuracy of about 1 degree Fahrenheit with a non-programmable thermostat, which is the most basic type.

This article is all about thermostats for heat pumps.

Thank you for your interest in my work!


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