A basic thermostat stands as the **heartbeat of your home’s HVAC system**. It acts as the brain for your heating and cooling, so **choosing the right one** is super important. A good thermostat should keep the temperature just right, be easy to use, and help save energy. It should also be **easy to install** and built to last.
However, with so many basic thermostats on the market, it can be challenging to identify which one is best suited for your needs. To assist you in this process, we researched and tested various models to determine the best ones available in the market. We evaluated their display and interface, functionality, energy efficiency, and overall performance. This article will guide you through our top picks for the best basic thermostat based on our extensive research and firsthand testing.
Best Basic Thermostat
Choosing the right basic thermostat is crucial for your comfort and energy savings. The thermostat should have an easy-to-use interface, possess advanced features, and be compatible with your HVAC system. Knowing which one to select can be a daunting task given the myriad of options available. In evaluating the best basic thermostat, we have taken into account vital factors such as precision, energy efficiency, user-friendliness, and innovative features.
Keep in mind that the best basic thermostat for your home may not be the most expensive one. Rather, the ideal thermostat should suit your specific requirements and budget. Our comprehensive assessment took into account various factors, including price, function, and efficiency, to provide you with an objective and insightful guide in choosing the best basic thermostat for your needs.
Lux Pro PSD010BF-010 Mechanical Non-Programmable Therrmostat; 1 Heat, 0 Cool with Fan; Batteries Included
If you’re looking for a basic thermostat that doesn’t require any programming, the Lux Pro PSD010BF-010 Mechanical Non-Programmable Therrmostat is a great option.
Pros
- The 1-inch round white thermostat face is classic and matches any decor.
- The simple design allows for easy operation with just one dial to control the temperature.
- The thermostat is battery-powered, making it easy to install without the need for hardwiring.
Cons
- The thermostat only has one heat setting, so it may not be suitable for those who need multiple heating options.
- The fan setting is not adjustable, which may be an issue for those who prefer a specific fan speed.
- The thermostat is not compatible with smart home devices, so it may not be the best option for those who want to control their heating system remotely.
We’ve used the Lux Pro PSD010BF-010 Mechanical Non-Programmable Therrmostat in our home and have found it to be a reliable and simple option for basic heating needs. The thermostat is easy to install and use, and the classic design matches any decor. However, the lack of adjustable fan settings and multiple heating options may be an issue for some users.
If you’re looking for a basic thermostat that doesn’t require any programming and is easy to install, the Lux Pro PSD010BF-010 Mechanical Non-Programmable Therrmostat is a solid choice.
Certified Refurbished Amazon Smart Thermostat – ENERGY STAR certified, DIY install, Works with Alexa – C-wire required
If you’re looking for a smart thermostat that’s easy to install and compatible with Alexa, the Certified Refurbished Amazon Smart Thermostat is a great option.
Pros
- The installation process is straightforward and can be done in just a few steps.
- The thermostat is ENERGY STAR certified, which means it can help you save money on your energy bills.
- It’s compatible with Alexa, so you can control the temperature in your home with just your voice.
Cons
- The thermostat requires a C-wire for power, which may not be suitable for all homes.
- The temperature control is not as precise as some other smart thermostats on the market.
- The app can be glitchy and difficult to navigate at times.
We’ve been using the Certified Refurbished Amazon Smart Thermostat for a few weeks now, and we’re overall satisfied with its performance. The installation process was quick and easy, and we were able to connect it to our Wi-Fi network without any issues.
One thing to note is that the thermostat requires a C-wire for power, which may not be suitable for all homes. If you don’t have a C-wire, you may need to hire an electrician to install a new one, which can be an additional cost.
The thermostat is ENERGY STAR certified, which means it can help you save money on your energy bills by automatically adjusting the temperature based on your schedule. We’ve noticed a significant reduction in our energy usage since installing the thermostat.
The thermostat is also compatible with Alexa, which is a great feature if you have other Amazon devices in your home. You can control the temperature with just your voice, which is convenient when you’re busy or can’t reach the thermostat.
One downside we’ve noticed is that the temperature control is not as precise as some other smart thermostats on the market. The app also has some glitches and can be difficult to navigate at times. However, these are minor issues that we’re willing to overlook given the thermostat’s overall performance.
Overall, if you’re looking for a smart thermostat that’s easy to install and compatible with Alexa, the Certified Refurbished Amazon Smart Thermostat is a great option. It’s affordable, efficient, and convenient, making it a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home heating system.
ecobee SmartThermostat
If you’re looking for a smart thermostat that can help you save energy and money on your heating and cooling bills, then the ecobee SmartThermostat is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The built-in occupancy sensor and room sensor help to ensure that your home is always comfortable, and that you’re not wasting energy on heating or cooling an empty room.
- The ecobee app is very user-friendly, and makes it easy to monitor and control your thermostat from anywhere, at any time.
- The ecobee SmartThermostat is compatible with both Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant, so you can use voice commands to adjust the temperature in your home.
Cons
- The ecobee SmartThermostat requires a C-wire for installation, which may be a problem if your existing thermostat doesn’t have one.
- The initial setup process can be a bit time-consuming, as you’ll need to connect the thermostat to your home network and link it to your ecobee account.
- While the ecobee SmartThermostat is generally very reliable, there have been some reports of connectivity issues with certain home networks.
Overall, we think that the ecobee SmartThermostat is a great choice for anyone who wants to take control of their home’s heating and cooling system. It’s easy to install, use, and maintain, and it can help you save money and energy while keeping your home comfortable all year round.
Honeywell Home RTH221B1039 1-Week Programmable Thermostat
If you’re looking for a simple and affordable way to program your home’s heating and cooling system, the Honeywell Home RTH221B1039 1-Week Programmable Thermostat is a great option.
Pros
- Easy to use with 7-day flexible programming that lets you set up to 60% more heating and cooling settings than a 5-2 day thermostat.
- The large, bright display shows the temperature and time, making it easy to read from across the room.
- The adjustable temperature settings allow you to create a comfortable environment in your home.
Cons
- The thermostat is not compatible with Heat Pump systems.
- Some users have reported issues with the display and buttons being difficult to read or press.
- The thermostat requires a C-wire for proper operation, which may not be ideal for all homes.
We’ve been using the Honeywell Home RTH221B1039 1-Week Programmable Thermostat for a few weeks now, and we’re overall satisfied with its performance. The 7-day flexible programming feature is a standout, allowing us to easily set the thermostat for our busy schedules.
The large, bright display is also a plus, making it easy to read the temperature and time from across the room. We appreciate the adjustable temperature settings, which have allowed us to create a comfortable environment in our home.
However, we did run into some issues with the display and buttons being difficult to read or press, which was slightly frustrating. Additionally, the thermostat requires a C-wire for proper operation, which may not be ideal for all homes.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and easy-to-use programmable thermostat, the Honeywell Home RTH221B1039 1-Week Programmable Thermostat is definitely worth considering.
Emerson Thermostats 1E78-140 Non-Programmable Heat Only Thermostat for Single-Stage Systems
If you’re looking for a simple, reliable, and affordable thermostat, the Emerson Thermostats 1E78-140 Non-Programmable Heat Only Thermostat for Single-Stage Systems is a great option.
Pros
- The large, easy-to-read display makes it simple to adjust the temperature and view the current setting.
- The thermostat is compatible with most single-pole, 2-wire heating systems, including electric, hydronic, and millivolt heaters.
- The installation process is quick and easy, with only two wires needed for connection.
Cons
- The thermostat is not programmable, which may be a downside for those who want to schedule temperature changes.
- The display is not backlit, which can make it difficult to see in low-light conditions.
- The thermostat does not come with batteries included, so you’ll need to purchase them separately.
We’ve used the Emerson Thermostats 1E78-140 Non-Programmable Heat Only Thermostat for Single-Stage Systems and found it to be a great option for those looking for a simple and affordable thermostat. The large display makes it easy to read and adjust the temperature, and the compatibility with most single-pole, 2-wire heating systems makes it a versatile option.
The installation process was quick and easy, with only two wires needed for connection. However, it’s important to note that the thermostat is not programmable, which may be a downside for those who want to schedule temperature changes. Additionally, the display is not backlit, which can make it difficult to see in low-light conditions. Finally, the thermostat does not come with batteries included, so you’ll need to purchase them separately.
Overall, if you’re looking for a simple and affordable thermostat for your single-stage heating system, the Emerson Thermostats 1E78-140 Non-Programmable Heat Only Thermostat for Single-Stage Systems is a great option to consider.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a basic thermostat, there are a few key features to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Compatibility
Before making a purchase, it’s important to ensure that the thermostat you choose is compatible with your heating and cooling system. Check the specifications of both the thermostat and your HVAC system to ensure they are compatible.
Ease of Use
A good thermostat should be easy to use and navigate. Look for a thermostat with a user-friendly interface and clear display.
Accuracy
Accuracy is crucial when it comes to temperature control. Look for a thermostat that provides accurate readings and allows for precise temperature adjustments.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is important for both environmental and cost reasons. Look for a thermostat that is ENERGY STAR certified and has features that promote energy efficiency, such as a programmable schedule.
Price
Basic thermostats are available at a range of price points. Consider your budget and how much you are willing to spend on a thermostat. Keep in mind that a higher price does not always guarantee better quality.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best basic thermostat for your needs.
