The 10 Best Smart Thermostat For Multiple Zones
Traditionally, thermostats were designed to regulate temperature only in your house and did not come with other digitalized features. However, in the past decade, there has been an encroachment in developing new smart thermostats for multiple zones. Multiple zones are whereby several sensors are placed across your house to enable a constant distribution of temperature across your home.
These best smart thermostats for multiple zones are not like the regular old versions of AC whereby a remote-only is used to regulate the temperature. You can do a lot with a mobile App and also the integration with smart home systems will do a great deal.
Once you read this article, you will discover the ten best thermostats for multiple zones, the installation guidelines, and on how to care and maintain the smart thermostat. The thermostats are very important in every house since they help you in keeping a temperature condition of your choice according to the weather conditions. Read ahead for great insight on the best smart thermostat for multiple zones.
How do smart thermostats work?
Smart thermostats are different from the traditional thermostats people have been using. These digital thermostats work on the basis whereby a circuit is controlled by a thermometer that shuts down the boiler if the temperature is at its peak. These smart thermostats also use Wi-Fi whereby you link your thermostat to your phone.
Wi-Fi will be able to transmit the instructions on how to operate the device on your phone. The app allows you to adjust the temperature sends the thermostat sends a signal to your boiler to turn on or off.
How to install a smart thermostat for multiple zones
Most digitized smart thermostats take a maximum of 45 minutes for the installation PROCESS. The good thing is that most companies will even offer tutorials on how you can install them very quickly at the comfort of your home. Below is a brief installation step which is quite similar to the installation of a wireless video doorbell with monitor.
Step 1: switch off your HVAC
This is a very critical step to take before starting any other procedure. You should shut off your HVAC system from the breaker panel. This will prevent any case of electrical shock when you accidentally touch the electrical components of your system while installing the thermostat.
Step 2: Confiscate the faceplate and backplate
After shutting the HVAC, you need to pop-out the faceplate to gain access to the voltage wiring and backplate. The faceplate can pop-out by just sliding it off. However, some have a hidden screw at the bottom or top of it; hence, you don’t have to force it out, check and remove the screw.
After that, you will have access to the backplate. Here take photos of the wires for easy remembrance while installing the device. You can also place stickers for memorability. The next step is to remove the thermostat from the backplate. A screwdriver can easily do this or pressing small tabs depending on the gadget you were using.
Step 3: Add a C-wire
Common wire, also known as the C-wire is what powers up the thermostat. Most systems come with C-wires, and if you don’t have one, then you need to install it. However, the good thing is that most devices have an adopter inclusive of a C-wire. All you need to do is connect the C-wire to the wires coming from the HVAC system.
Step 4: Use the new backplate as a prototype
After removing the older backplate and replacing the new one, use the new backplate and a pencil to mark the sections which you will drill on the wall. After that drill the holes and even install wall anchors for firmness. Remember to pull out the thermostat wires before drilling the backplate to the wall.
Step 5: Reconnect the wires
After placing the backplate, connect the thermostat to their corresponding terminals. Remember the first step we labeled the wires and also took photos; hence, it will be a straightforward step.
Step 6: Install the new faceplate and connect the device to Wi-Fi
After wiring is done, you can be able to attach it to the backplate, and you should be good to go. However, you may find some difficulty when attaching since wires could be in the way. Ensure to dart the wires on the wall and repeat attaching the faceplate to the backplate. After that, turn on the breaker for your HVAC system after which the thermostat will boot up.
Connect it to your Wi-Fi and set up the mobile app so that you can control it without needing to be around the device.
How can I care and maintain my smart thermostat?
To avoid extra costs of maintenance and repair, you can follow the guidelines below:
- Clean and replace the filter once in a while to save on energy and prevent overheating.
- Adjust temperatures regarding whether you are at home or not. This will save around 3% of your energy costs
- Program schedules which will match with your weekly schedule.
- Get a programmable thermostat. The good thing is that the listed thermostats below are all programmable
- Inspect the system wiring. You can check the capacitors, whether the wires are dusty and other features. This can be aided through a local technician.
The 10 Best Smart Thermostats For Multiple Zones
1. Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat with Built-In Alexa
This is one of the best devices that will allow you to save on the amount of money spent on heating and cooling costs. According to recent research, the device saves about 23% of what you are likely to spend. The device has room sensors which if placed in designated points of a house or room; they can sense both temperature and occupancy.
These sensors will signal your thermostat to switch to the appropriate mode with regards to temperature condition. Secondly, you can easily control and monitor your Ecobee thermostat with a mobile app. This mobile app is compatible with devices like Android phones with version 4.1 and above, iPhone 5 and above, iPad and an iPhone watch.
Also, to install the device is very easy, and the whole process takes around thirty minutes. This is because everything to be used for installation, including a power extender is available in the box. Also, you get an easy to read manual enhancing efficiency.
With a built-in Alexa, you can be able to control temperature, play music using your voice. It uses a line Voltage type making it consume less power.
PROS
- It comes in with built-in Alexa
- The user interface is very friendly
- It has a mobile app
- Simple and easy to install
- The sensors are fast enough to know the temperature of a particular point
CONS
- Alexa takes quite some time to respond
2. Nest T3007ES Smart Thermostat for Multiple Zones
Ranked second, this is one of the best smart thermostats for multiple zones. This device does not require complicated programming procedures to set-up the temperature. Nest gives you an automated schedule which will regulate the temperature according to your specific regulations.
Secondly, you can easily monitor the temperature changes through the mobile app, which will be very efficient to you. Nest has a home or Away assist that turns itself off when you are not around hence saving on energy.
The nest app allows you even to check your energy history and determine if you have been saving on energy. With the presence of a nest leaf, it will be able to indicate whether you are saving energy. The AI integration can spot you at far and turns on beautiful lighting to show the temperature, weather, and time.
PROS
- The app is user-friendly
- The installation is effortless
- Saves on energy due to the home/away assist
- Artificial intelligence is at its peak
CONS
- Sensors are slow to respond
3. Honeywell RCHT8610WF2006 Thermostat
Honeywell has a vast array of features which you will enjoy once you purchase the device. First is the availability of scheduling location-based temperature control. This will enable easy tracking and temperature setting of your home very quickly.
The presence of built-in Amazon Alexa voice control allows you to make the thermostat more useful. Since it is a thermostat for multiple zones, the sensors are quite reliable and can control the temperature for your home very quickly.
Honeywell uses Geo-fencing technology, which offers auto change features regarding temperature and also keeps track of your phone’s location.
The presence of an adaptive recovery feature can learn the right temperature for your home, and it can change from cool to heat, depending on how you have been manually adjusting the device. Lastly, you get smart alerts regarding changes on temperature straight to your phone.
PROS
- The smart alerts feature is very reliable
- Uses a geofencing technology
- The adaptive response is quite convenient
- Honeywell is very easy to install
CONS
- The app loads slowly
4. Tado Smart Air Conditioner
The ability to use Alexa and Google assistant for temperature regulation make this device a good option to opt for. Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are incorporated into the device to help you regulate temperature instead of pressing buttons manually.
First, the app gives you real-time notification on the current temperature and any changes made due to adaptive technology. It is also compatible with both iPhone and Android.
The Android App can be obtained in the Google play store while iPhone can be received from Apple store. The good thing is that all the Apps are free. Tado is very easy to install, and you can use the procedures mentioned earlier in the article.
PROS
- Easy to install
- The remote shows the setting of your device
- Sensors are very responsive to changes in temperature
- Saves up to 40% on energy costs
CONS
- The app has several bugs, but they may update it with time
5. GLAS Smart Thermostat
The presence of an OLED Touchscreen, mobile app, and adaptive technology gives you an impression that you are getting a gooddevice. The device has indoor monitoring that enables you to check and control humidity easily. GLAS Smart gives you full outdoor details regarding the presence of allergens, UV index, and the quality of air.
The device is unique when it comes to voice control since it has a built-in of Microsoft Cortana, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa. Due to the advancement in technology, you can control the multiple thermostat situated at different locations using only one mobile app.
With the remote software updates, GLAS is able to upgrade itself with regards to the user interface, bug fixes, and many more. GLAS aims to provide reduced costs regarding energy consumption, and it will be great if you get the device from Amazon.
PROS
- Fast and reliable connectivity
- The app has automatic bug fixes
- Room sensors are very fast to respond
- Very simple to install
CONS
- Remote software updates are very slow
6. Star Wi-Fi Thermostat
This is a thermostat device that will impress you with the sleek and cool design made by it. It has a bright and comfortable to read OLED touchscreen. The screen allows you to monitor changes regarding your home temperature and whether each sensor located at the designated parts of your room are working.
Star Thermostat has a very convenient App which you can modify the temperature, customize the energy spent, and also adjust schedules. If you are at home, the device has Amazon Alexa that allows you to change the temperature and perform other tasks through your voice.
If your home does not have a C-wire kit, this device comes with it; hence, you will find an easy time when installing it. With AI integration, Star thermostat can learn on the type of temperature you love; therefore, it will be able to customize itself to suit you perfectly.
PROS
- Saves on energy
- The temperature sensors take a short time to respond
- STAR Android App is for free
- Does not overheat
CONS
- The installation process is quite hectic
7. Ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat
Ecobee is a device that will do a great deal in terms of saving you a lot of money. The first impression you will get is the five-star rating, which shows that it will save you energy substantially. Secondly, the installation procedure is quite easy, and if you use the manual appropriately, it will not be a complicated procedure.
Ecobee is also very compatible with several voice and home assistants in the market like Apple Homekit, Alexa, Microsoft Cortana, Samsung Smart Things, Google Assistant, and many more. It is also very light; hence, you can move it quickly from one point to another in the house.
Ecobee has a mobile App which is compatible with both Android and iPhone. You can use the app to schedule task and save energy when you are not at home by switching off the device. Lastly, the remote sensors work cordially with the thermostat to ensure that every room gets the desired temperature.
PROS
- Ecobee has a mobile app that lets you save on energy
- It is quite light in terms of weight
- The user interface is very friendly
- Has a good energy star rating
CONS
- Control band lacks a C-wire connector
8. Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat
Emerson can be ranked as the epitome of majesty in terms of thermostats. First, the installation procedure is straightforward, and it only takes a short time. When it comes to compatibility, it is pervasive with HVAC equipment’s found in many homes.
The good thing is that Emerson comes with a C-wire to aid in heating and cooling of your home. If you live in a digitalized home, the device works hand in hand with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple Homekit.
You can easily control the thermostat from any place due to the presence of an Emerson mobile App. This app will allow you to monitor temperature changes, get real-time notifications, and schedule tasks as to how the device will operate.
PROS
- The user interface is very friendly
- Sensors are very responsive
- You get real-time notifications regarding temperature changes
- Uses smart home voice kits like Amazon, Google Assistant, and Apple home kit
- The display is quite bright and comfortable to interpret
CONS
- Smart Alerts have some delays
9. Honeywell RTH9580WF Smart Thermostat
From a simple installation procedure, easy to read OLED screen, the Honeywell can be an excellent device to consider. The OLED touchscreen can be customized with regards to color to suit your interior décor. Secondly, you can control the thermostat from anywhere since Honeywell has a mobile app that lets you do all the features.
You can also program the thermostat to save the annual heating and cooling cost of your home. Honeywell offers advanced locking features with the use of passwords to prevent other people from misusing the device.
If you forget the password, you can easily reset it through the mobile app. The voltage capacity is 30 volts; hence, this will give you an excellent energy-saving position. Honeywell also has a very lightweight, which is 8 ounces.
This makes it very portable from room to another room. Unlike other devices which you are required to buy a c-wire, Honeywell thermostat comes with it hence you don’t have to spend a bunch of cash to get one.
PROS
- Comes with a C-wire for installation
- You get real-time notifications from Honeywell mobile App
- The app has fewer bugs hence very easy to work through
- You can secure Honeywell thermostat through a password
CONS
- Comes only in few colors
10. Ecobee Smart Thermostat
Ecobee has a vast array of features compared to other smart thermostats in the market. First, you get an elementary manual for installation, and everything required to do the procedure is found in the kit. The ecobee’s website also offers guidelines on how you can install it very quickly.
Ecobee has functional integration with your smart home systems like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung Smart Things, and Apple Homekit. With Alexa, you can ask for the weather, temperature, request it to play music and do other useful features.
Annually, the Ecobee smart saves you 23% of what you will incur with regards to energy costs and other features, making it one of the best thermostats for multiple zones. Ecobee has a spontaneous mobile App which you can regulate temperature, set schedules, power the device on or off and even set a password for the thermostat.
This app also has some videos on how you can save energy with the equipment and a simple step by step guide on how to install it.
PROS
- The Ecobee app is very light
- Home integrations with smart home systems are very reliable
- Saves up to 23% on your energy costs
- Takes a short time to boot up
- The LED display is quite bright and displays all the necessary features
CONS
- The installation process has some complicated procedures which require someone literate with gadgets
Final verdict
Thermostats are essential gadgets for every home. It will be able to regulate your home temperature with a digitalized platform compared to use of ferns which are not that efficient. All you have to do is to choose a device which will save on your energy costs and should be durable.
Also, ensure to set up a password on the gadget to avoid other people messing up with the settings which will make you incur a high energy cost. Once you know what you are looking for in a smart thermostat, then you will not have a rough time in taking care of it.
