Top-5 Wi-Fi Thermostats for Heat Pumps in 2022

Are you tired of feeling cold at night and want to have a comfortable constant temperature regardless of the weather conditions? So, this is the right article for you. Make home temperature comfortable for your family with a smart thermostat for heat pumps, as it regulates the heating and cooling system very well.

Suppose you are worried about buying a Wi-Fi thermostat, only because you’ve never used one before. No worries! Even if the control system of the Wi-Fi thermostat, at first sight, seems hard to understand, you will easily learn how to use them. Multifunctional mobile apps will be in handy for you to get complete control of such a device.

In our article, we will help you to choose the best thermostat for your heat pump. We have compared the top-5 models that will best suit your home. You can see the pros and cons of each to select the one that fits your needs best. Make it quick and get the best experience.

Comparison table: Top-5 Wi-Fi thermostats for heat pump

	
Model
Characteristic


	
Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation



The best automatic temperature control
Display Touch-sensitive digital display

Smart Assistant Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa

Room Sensors Yes

Connectivity  Technology Wireless

Country of Origin ‎Taiwan

Item Weight 1 pound

Key features

You can connect up to 20 remote sensors (at different places in the house) with a thermostat to control the temperature;
The Google Nest Learning thermostat has a distinguishing smart learning feature;
This thermostat has a Home/ Away Assist that uses your phone’s location to help tell when you’ve left home and when you’ve returned. With such a feature, you don’t have to manually switch all your Nest products on or off or rely on a set schedule.


	
Ecobee 4 



The most multifunction thermostat
Display LCD

Smart Assistant Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri

Room Sensors Yes

Connectivity  Technology Wireless

Country of Origin ‎Canada

Item Weight 1.85 pounds

Key features

It has built-in Amazon Alexa to control your thermostat with voice commands;
With Ecobee 4, you can save up to 23% on your energy bills every year. It calculates energy savings by correlating how long your heating and cooling equipment run to local weather conditions;
It has incredible room sensors. Measuring both occupancy and temperature, sensors signal your Ecobee Smart Thermostat to automatically switch to the right mode for comfort when you’re home or for savings when you’re not. 


	
Honeywell 9000



The most energy-efficient thermostat
Display Custom Color Touch screen

Smart Assistant Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Microsoft Cortana

Room Sensors No

Connectivity  Technology Wi-Fi

Country of Origin ‎USA

Item Weight 1 pound

Key features

The Wi-Fi thermostat comes with a 7-day programmable memory that can be used to reduce your energy consumption; 
The Honeywell 9000 Thermostat allows you to create a custom temperature schedule for every day of the week; 
It comes with integrated smart home features (Wi-Fi control, remote control using mobile apps (iOS & Android versions), touchscreen, time scheduling). It works with Amazon Alexa to perform the tasks or commands given by the user.


	
Honeywell T9



The best for multiple zones 
Display Touch screen

Smart Assistant Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa

Room Sensors Yes

Connectivity  Technology Wireless

Country of Origin ‎Mexico

Item Weight 1.43 pounds

Key features

You can view different rooms’ temperatures on the thermostat by using the “Multi-Room Display” option;
Its room sensors can detect motion and occupancy to focus comfort where it matters;
The room sensors can measure temperature and humidity as well.





	
Emerson Sensi ST55



The most budget thermostat
Display Digital screen

Smart Assistant Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit

Room Sensors No

Connectivity  Technology Wi-Fi

Country of Origin ‎‎China

Item Weight 0.85 pounds

Key features

The Emerson Sensi ST55 helps you save on your HVAC energy costs, with features like geofencing, 7-day flexible scheduling, remote access, and in-app system usage;
Sensi features smart alerts to help detect extreme temperature and humidity levels in your home;
Emerson Sensi ST55 has an available voice control through Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Wink.

How did we choose

✔️ Primarily, the team of professionals analyzed the highest-rated Wi-Fi thermostats dedicated to heat pumps and checked the main characteristics.

✔️ Then, we found 10 affordable models which are in demand on marketplaces. 

✔️ Next, we chose the 6 best models for a detailed review (those with fewer reviews and insufficient features were excluded). 

✔️ Finally, we analyzed more than 150 customer reviews. 

This method helps determine the factors that are crucial to smart thermostats users. During our methodological analysis, we emphasized the best criteria for each model. After comparing our results, we chose the top-5 thermostats that are multifunctional and have excellent energy efficiency. 

A detailed review of each model

Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation — the best automatic temperature control

Strengths

• Google Nest Learning thermostat knows your habits and adjusts to them accordingly by using self-programming technology to calculate what times of the day you prefer a warmer or cooler temperature.
• This thermostat has a Farsight feature that will recognize your movements across the room and light the display.
• It is energy-efficient and provides complete detail about energy usage. 
• This thermostat has a Home/Away Assist uses your phone’s location to help tell when you’ve left home and when you’ve returned. With such a feature, you don’t have to manually switch all your Google Nest products on/off or rely on a set schedule.
• It has an elegant design.

Weaknesses

• This thermostat may require professional installation if you don’t have a C-wire.
• You should purchase remote sensors separately.

Our #1 choice of a smart thermostat for a heat pump is a Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation. It is pretty designed, with a touch-sensitive digital display. 

Like Ecobee 4 (review), it supports multi-stage heat pumps, and when it comes to aux heating, this model supports up to 2 stages of heating/cooling. Your auxiliary heat is activated when your standard heating is not warming your home to your desired temperature or when the outside conditions are very cold and your unit needs an additional boost. This thermostat has the best automatic temperature control thanks to the Nest Leaf function, which tells you when your thermostat is set to an energy-saving temperature. The Leaf encourages you to choose temperatures that are a little lower than what you’ve set in the past to save energy.

The mobile app from the manufacturer will guide you through the setup and installation and allow you to control the entire system with a few clicks on your phone, tablet, or laptop. This thermostat has a farsight function that shows you the temperature, weather, or time on your thermostat when you walk into the room. Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation has a Home/Away Assist feature similar to Away Home Control, which Ecobee 4 (review) has. Home/Away function automatically adjusts itself to an eco temperature after you leave home, so you have the opportunity to save your money on heating or cooling an empty house.

Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation is a self-learning thermostat, and it analyzes your living habits and programs itself automatically. After installation, this model will initially start to explore what temperatures you like at different times of the day. Keep in mind that it usually takes up to 10 days to learn patterns and program itself to give you maximum energy savings. 

This thermostat has full compatibility with Amazon Alexa, even though it isn’t built into the thermostat itself. The absence of a built-in Alexa makes this thermostat less multifunctional than its main competitor, Ecobee 4 (review), which is provided with a built-in Amazon Alexa voice assistant. However, if the Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation appeals to you more, you can buy an Echo Dot with a voice control function and other smart features for your best experience.

You are also making a significant investment in energy efficiency. With this model, you won’t have to guess if you are saving energy. In the “Energy history” tab in an app, you can see how much energy you used and why.

Ecobee 4 — the most multifunction thermostat

Strengths

• It includes room sensors, which allows for better thermostat communication with the heat pump.
• This smart thermostat has Amazon Alexa built-in.
• Has a self-learning ability – analyzes your living habits and independently programs themselves via machine learning. 
• It is compatible with smart home gadgets like Google Assistant, IFTTT, HomeKit, etc. It gives you the ability to control your smart thermostat, lights, locks, and more in multiple rooms, creating comfortable environments and just the right ambiance with a tap on your smartphone.
• It is super easy to install, with no technician required.

Weaknesses

• It does lack Bluetooth and Zigbee support. With these wireless technologies, you can connect devices from point to point, and they probably are better at security than Wi-Fi.

Draw your attention to Ecobee 4 thermostat, which is as good as Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation (review) model. It has a sleek and stylish design and an attractive square shape with curved edges. The display is a wide touch screen, which inferiors in size only the Honeywell 9000 (review).

Ecobee 4 comes with a built-in Amazon Alexa, which allows you to control the device by voice. A built-in voice assistant is also helpful for those who don’t have an existing Alexa device, as it negates the need to purchase different devices, like smart home hubs. Ecobee 4 does have a broad compatibility with various smart home platforms like Google Home, Apple HomeKit, Wink, Microsoft Cortana, and Samsung’s SmartThings. It’s a great advantage to combine your Ecobee 4 with other devices for the best experience. The system will activate the “Follow Me” feature to keep the rooms you occupy at the perfect temperature. This feature also helps to detect occupancy in a room with the SmartSensor and adjust the current temperature for your comfort. All the features listed above make Ecobee 4 the most multifunctional thermostat.

You can connect Ecobee 4 to your home Wi-Fi and control it via smartphones or your PC using the Ecobee app. This model also comes with a room sensor that acts as a temperature gauge and an occupancy monitor. Although the kit includes only one room sensor, you can purchase more separately. 

The installation process is easy compared to Honeywell 9000 (review), which requires a professional setup. With the Ecobee mobile app, you can get step-by-step instructions for installation and use. Honeywell T9 (review) and Google Nest 3rd Generation (review) also have mobile apps with installation tips.

Honeywell 9000 — the most energy-efficient thermostat

Strengths

• The Wi-Fi thermostat comes with a 7-day programmable memory that can be used to reduce your energy consumption. 
• It works with Amazon Alexa for voice control.
• It has a big display & touch screen for best readability while setting up and programming schedules. 
• This thermostat has a comfortable app accessible by smartphone, tablet, laptop, or PC.

Weaknesses

• Installing a thermostat requires a C-wire and the help of a professional.

Now, it’s time to look at Honeywell 9000, the best Honeywell thermostat for heat pumps. Ingeniously designed smart device, which can smoothly integrate with all types of heat pumps. It comes with smart home features, works with Amazon Alexa, and features a large touch screen for simple local controls and easy readability.

This product from Honeywell is aimed to save energy. It comes with a 7-day programmable memory that you can use to reduce your energy consumption. Since it is an energy star-certified smart Wi-Fi thermostat, you will get 23% annual bill savings (on average).

We can say that this model is essentially smart because it has almost all the essential features of a smart thermostat (voice control compatible with Amazon Alexa, touchscreen, time scheduling, energy savings). But you can’t see a ‘self-learning’ mode that Ecobee 4 (review) and Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation (review) have. Wireless internet access and programming are available through the Total Connect Comfort app. You can also control the thermostat from the mobile app to get feedback, create zones for heating and cooling, and connect the thermostat to any 4H/2C or 2H/2C (2 stages of heating and 2 stages of cooling) system. Moreover, you can adjust the operation of this model with voice control through Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant works. 

This Honeywell model has a bigger display than the thermostats Ecobee 4 (review) and Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation (review). Such display is a blessing for people who prefer a bigger screen and easy readability while setting up and programming schedules. Also, the touch screen has multi-colors, so you can set one that matches the design of your home.
However, if you want to get a 5-year warranty, this thermostat requires professional installation. When you set it up on your own, you will not obtain any guarantee. A C-wire is needed for the thermostat installing, so make sure your wiring is correct before purchase.

Honeywell T9 — the best for multiple zones

Strengths

• You can view different rooms’ temperatures on the thermostat by using the “Multi-Room Display” option.
• Its room sensors can detect motion and occupancy to focus comfort where it matters. Also, they can measure temperature and humidity.
• The display is bright and easy to read.
• Using location-based geofencing, the T9 can sense when everyone’s out of the house, adjusting temperatures to help you save energy. 

Weaknesses

• You can face periodic Wi-Fi errors when using it.
• It may take a bit of time to find out how to set a complex temperature schedule. Read this manual carefully to prevent such a problem.

When it comes to multi-zone temperature control, Honeywell’s Home T9 Smart Thermostat gets the job done better than anything else. With one sensor included in the pack and others available for purchase, you’re getting room-by-room customization of the highest level.

The main feature that makes this thermostat different from others is the “Multi-Room Display” option. You can view different rooms’ temperatures on the thermostat. Place a device in a specific area, like the bedroom, to get a better night’s sleep, or let the Smart Room Sensors automatically detect which rooms people are in and focus comfort where it matters.

It is compatible with a wide range of voice assistants like the Echo Dot. You can easily control your thermostat with the mobile app that also notifies important alerts. Let your thermostat automatically react to your schedule with Auto Home/Away mode. Using location-based geofencing, the T9 can sense when everyone’s out of the house, adjusting temperatures to help you save energy. The great function works similarly to a Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation (review).

With a Honeywell T9 thermostat, you can track your heating and cooling trends and get tips on reducing energy use so that you can help save on your energy bills. The Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation (review) works similarly.

The T9 thermostat has a simple design with a rectangular body, enclosed in a white shell, and a clear touch screen display. The size of the thermostat (3.7 x 4.92 x 0.94 inches) is bigger than Emerson Sensi ST55 (<review) (3.75 x 5.88 x 1 inch). So, it will provide you with much easier readability.
The installation process of the Honeywell T9 thermostat is straightforward with its detailed installation guide. A C-Wire is recommended to provide continuous power to the device.

Emerson Sensi ST55 — the most budget thermostat

Strengths

• Sensi features smart alerts to help detect extreme temperature and humidity levels in your home.
• It’s easy and quick to set up due to the Sensi application that gives you step-by-step installation instructions, including video tutorials.
• It reduces unnecessary energy usage by creating a 7- day programming schedule.
• It has an available voice control through Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Wink.

Weaknesses

• It requires a C-wire for the thermostat installation.
• It has periodic loss of Wi-Fi connection. To fix it, you can try unplugging it from the wall plate. Wait for at least one minute, and then put it back on. If the thermostat did not reconnect, take it off the wall and turn off your router. Wait for one minute, then turn on the router and put the thermostat back on the wall. 

If you’re looking for a smart thermostat that will serve you long and flawlessly, but you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars, then the intuitive Emerson Sensi ST55 is your best bet.

This Wi-Fi thermostat is unique and offers various high-end features such as voice control through Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Wink, smart alerts to help detect extreme temperature and humidity levels. The Emerson Sensi ST55 has a Sensi application similar to the Honeywell 9000 (review) that gives you step-by-step installation instructions, including video tutorials. It also allows you to set schedules, changes temperatures, and take complete control of your energy savings right from your mobile device, no matter where you are. In the app, you can check the usage report. Such a feature also exists in Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation (review) and Honeywell 9000 (review) apps. Such a report helps you determine ways to save energy.

The Sensi thermostat also integrates with Amazon Alexa, Google, and SmartThings. Using it, you’re not just limited to controlling a few home devices from your phone or tablet. You’ll have the ability to do that, plus use voice commands, set up automation and routines, and add a monitored alarm system. 

It has a less attractive design than Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation (review) or Ecobee 4 (review) with beautiful shapes and wide touch screens. However, the Sensi thermostat will help you save money on energy bills since it is an energy star-certified smart Wi-Fi thermostat. In addition to it, this model comes with a 3-year warranty should anything go wrong.

Accessories for best thermostat experience

When you buy a new device for your home, it is apparent that you want it to live up to your expectations. We recommend you take a look at some popular accessories for Wi-Fi thermostats for heat pumps. 

Temperature Sensors

Separate temperature sensors can help you feel comfortable by measuring the temperature in places they have been installed to tell your heating and cooling system what to do.

	
Model
Characteristic


	
Google Nest temperature sensor

Your sensor will tell your Google Nest thermostat the temperature of the room in which it is located. Keep in mind thermostat sensors are only suitable for Google Nest devices;
It’s possible to put temperature sensors in different places and choose which room to give priority to;
They are wireless and battery-powered, so it is suitable for most households. You can use the battery for up to two years.


	
Honeywell T9 room sensor





Honeywell Home's smart room sensor has a stronger signal with a range of up to 200 feet that can deeply penetrate the entire family home;
Smart homeroom sensors can know when a room becomes occupied and automatically adjust the temperature. Intelligent motion detection algorithms help it tell the difference between someone passing through or spending time in a room;
It is compatible with Honeywell Home T9 and T10 pro smart thermostats.


	
Ecobee 4 room sensor

Through the occupancy detector, the sensor will give priority to the room you use. You can place the sensor where you want to manage hot or cold spots to ensure comfort;
There is an eco+ smart function that automatically adjusts the temperature when you leave room/home to save energy and restores comfort settings when you return; 
What's more, you don't need any wires: it only takes a few seconds to install. Use the app to connect SmartSensor and Ecobee thermostat easily.

Smart speaker

Not many smart thermostats have a built-in voice assistant. Still, almost all of them are compatible with smart speakers that respond to voice commands using Amazon Alexa, the artificially intelligent personal assistant. Such a feature can answer questions, research the internet, command thermostats, and stream music.

24V C-wire power adapter

A C-wire adapter is a small electronic device, which re-purposes the existing wiring between your thermostat and the heat pump, to add a new wire to the system. This new cord will serve as the C-wire or typical cable to provide the necessary power to the thermostat.

Quick and safe guide on how to install a Wi-Fi thermostat on your own

Installing a smart thermostat in your home is a great way to control the heating and cooling system more effectively. A correctly installed device can help you save a lot on electricity bills. Here are the steps you need to follow to install the thermostat yourself:

👉 Step 1: Read your manufacturer’s notes to install the smart thermostat baseplate correctly 

It is always advisable to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to understand the operations of equipment. So, please don’t neglect it.

👉 Step 2: Turn off your power

It is recommended that you turn off the power before starting to install a new thermostat. It is the only way to ensure your safety. Otherwise, your protection may be significantly endangered, and you may get an electric shock quickly.

👉 Step 3: Place your Wi-Fi thermostat on the wall to level

Make a mark on the precise location where the hole needs to be drilled for your thermostat. Before attaching and screwing the device to the wall, you can accurately mark the location at an external bubble level.

👉 Step 4: Label the wires in the correct way

After you have opened up the front cover of your thermostat, you will need to label the wires correctly to keep them organized. You can use stickers for it. It will help you keep track of the connections to avoid errors when installing the new smart thermostat. 

👉 Step 5: Add a C-wire (optional)

If your system already has a C-wire, you can skip this step. If it doesn’t, you might need to add another wire to serve as the standard cable, which powers the thermostat. Our team recommends using a Hotop 24 volts transformer. It plugs into your standard 110 v/120 v outlet and converts to 24 volts alternating current.

👉 Step 6: Connect the wires to the thermostat

Here you will find helpful the labels you made earlier. If you mark the wires with stickers, this step should be straightforward. If not, you can match the wires with their terminals by checking photos on the Internet about how to set wiring to your thermostat backplane.

👉 Step 7: Install the batteries (optional)

Batteries or 24 VAC can power the thermostat. Ensure the batteries are installed following the specified polarity markings on the thermostat.

👉 Step 8: Connect the thermostat faceplate following instructions

Snap the faceplate of your thermostat onto the backplate. If it doesn’t attach easily, don’t force it since wires could be in the way. Tuck them back into the wall before trying to connect the faceplate again.

👉 Step 9: Turn on the power from your circuit breaker 

Now you can turn on the circuit breaker of the HVAC system. It should restore power to the thermostat, and the smart device will start to activate.

👉 Step 10: Connect the thermostat to Wi-Fi

When your new smart thermostat is powered on, it may prompt you to complete a series of tips, connect it to Wi-Fi. Here you can find an example of Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation network connection:

• Press the thermostat ring to bring up the Quick View menu;
• Select Settings;
• Turn the ring and Select Network;
• Select the Wi-Fi network name and enter the password. It may take a few moments before the network appears.

Now you should set up a smartphone app. Download it to set the temperature in your home from anywhere and take full control of your smart thermostat.

Summary

Smart thermostats are a great way to upgrade your home by controlling the temperature intuitively and saving money. Taking the right steps to a correct smart thermostat installation will make the process relatively simple.

As we’ve explained above, smart thermostats for heat pumps come packed with many innovative features like self-learning, auto-scheduling, geofencing, energy savings, and more. A smart thermostat can pay for itself in 2 years by saving energy.

Choose the most suitable model for you among Top-5 Wi-Fi thermostats for heat pumps according to multifunction smart features and energy efficiency:

FAQ