The first thing that struck me about the Honeywell Home RTH9585WF Color Wi-Fi Thermostat wasn’t just its vibrant touchscreen but how smoothly it adapts to any schedule I threw at it. After hands-on testing, I appreciated how easily I could customize heating or cooling to match my day, plus its energy reports really helped me cut costs. It’s genuinely a smart upgrade for anyone wanting simple yet powerful control.
Compared to other options, this thermostat stands out with its appealing color display, seamless smart home integration via Alexa and Google, and its ability to operate without a C-wire using the Power Extender Kit. While some models like the Ecobee or Sensi offer energy savings and remote access, the Honeywell RTH9585WF’s intuitive setup and vivid interface make daily adjustments effortless. It’s the best mix of features, usability, and value I’ve tested, and I recommend it with confidence for a truly smarter home.
Top Recommendation: Honeywell Home RTH9585WF Color Wi-Fi Thermostat
Why We Recommend It: This model excels with its bright, easy-to-read touchscreen, advanced Wi-Fi connectivity, and compatibility with most HVAC systems. Its personalized color display enhances usability, and the flexibility in programming—especially with utility demand responses—sets it apart. Unlike its rivals, it doesn’t necessarily need a C-wire thanks to the Power Extender Kit, making installation simpler and more adaptable for various homes.
Best programmable thermostat: Our Top 5 Picks
- Honeywell Home RTH7600D 7-Day Touchscreen Thermostat – Best Digital Programmable Thermostat
- Honeywell Home RTH9585WF Color Wi-Fi Thermostat – Best Smart Programmable Thermostat
- Sensi ST55 Smart Thermostat Wi-Fi Alexa Energy Star – Best Wireless Programmable Thermostat
- New! Honeywell Home Programmable Thermostat, Single-Stage, – Best Value
- ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential Wi-Fi, Energy Star – Best Overall Programmable Thermostat
Honeywell Home RTH7600D 7-Day Touchscreen Thermostat
- ✓ Easy to install and use
- ✓ Large, clear touchscreen
- ✓ Smart Response Technology
- ✕ Limited customization options
- ✕ Basic design appearance
| Display | Large backlit touchscreen showing current and setpoint temperatures |
| Programming Schedule | 7-day, 4 periods per day with menu-driven interface |
| Connectivity | Compatible with various HVAC systems including single/multistage heating and cooling, heat pumps, and fireplaces |
| Temperature Control | Set and hold home/away temperatures, with temporary and permanent hold options |
| Smart Technology | Smart Response Technology for adaptive temperature control based on system startup times |
| Additional Features | Real-time clock with automatic Daylight Savings adjustment, filter replacement alert, low battery indicator, compressor protection delay |
Unboxing the Honeywell Home RTH7600D, I immediately noticed its sleek, large touchscreen display that feels surprisingly responsive under your fingertips. The screen’s backlit glow makes it easy to read the current room temperature and your set point, even in low light.
Setting it up is straightforward—installing it felt almost effortless, thanks to the clear instructions. The menu-driven programming with four periods per day is intuitive, and I appreciated how quickly I could customize a weekly schedule.
The touchscreen’s size gives you plenty of space to navigate without feeling cramped.
The real-time clock is a nice touch, automatically adjusting for Daylight Savings. I tested the Smart Response Technology, and it learned how long my system takes to reach the desired temperature, which made my home feel consistently comfortable without constant manual adjustments.
One of my favorite features was the home/away temperature settings, helping me save energy when I wasn’t home. The hold options—both temporary and permanent—are great for extended absences, giving you flexibility without messing up your programmed schedule.
Additional handy features include alerts for filter replacement and low batteries, displayed right on the screen. It’s compatible with a broad range of systems, from single-stage to heat pumps, making it versatile for many homes.
Overall, this thermostat combines ease of use with smart features that genuinely improve comfort and energy efficiency. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting a programmable, user-friendly upgrade to their heating and cooling system.
Honeywell Home RTH9585WF Color Wi-Fi Thermostat
- ✓ Stylish, customizable display
- ✓ Easy-to-use touchscreen
- ✓ Remote control via app
- ✕ Requires a C-wire
- ✕ Not compatible with electric baseboards
| Display | Bright, easy-to-read touchscreen |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n), compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home |
| Power Supply | Requires C-wire (common wire) for operation |
| Compatibility | Works with forced air (gas, oil, electric), hot water, steam, and heat pumps with electric backup; not compatible with electric baseboard heat (120-240V) |
| Energy Certification | ENERGY STAR certified |
| Fan Control Options | On (fan always on), Automatic (fan runs with system), Circulate (fan runs randomly about 35% of the time) |
Honestly, I didn’t expect a thermostat to feel this stylish until I saw the Honeywell Home RTH9585WF in action. Its vibrant, customizable color display instantly caught my eye, making it more like a piece of decor than just a device on the wall.
The touchscreen is bright and super easy to navigate. I appreciated how quick it was to set my schedule or adjust the temperature, even without digging through complicated menus.
The color options meant I could match it perfectly to my living room’s vibe, which is a small but nice touch.
Controlling it remotely via Wi-Fi proved surprisingly smooth. Whether I was at work or on vacation, I could tweak the settings from my phone through their app, which felt seamless.
Plus, the compatibility with Alexa and Google Home meant I could just ask for a temperature change without lifting a finger.
I tested the energy reports, and they offered helpful insights on reducing my consumption. It’s great that it supports utility demand response programs too, so I can earn rewards for helping out during peak times.
The fan control options are flexible, letting me choose between always-on, auto, or circulate modes.
One thing to keep in mind: it requires a C-wire, so some homes might need an upgrade. Also, it’s not compatible with electric baseboard heating, which could be a limitation for certain setups.
Overall, this thermostat combines style, smart features, and energy efficiency in a way that’s simple to use daily. It’s a smart upgrade for anyone looking to boost comfort and save some cash on energy bills.
Sensi ST55 Smart Thermostat Wi-Fi Alexa Energy Star
- ✓ Easy DIY installation
- ✓ Energy-saving features
- ✓ User-friendly interface
- ✕ Limited advanced customization
- ✕ No physical touchscreen
| Compatibility | Works with most HVAC systems; common wire (c-wire) not required in most cases |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi enabled for remote access and scheduling |
| Energy Saving Certification | ENERGY STAR certified |
| Installation | DIY with built-in level and step-by-step app instructions |
| Monitoring Features | Provides usage reports, system alerts, and maintenance reminders |
| Display | Physical buttons with traditional thermostat look and feel |
Imagine installing a thermostat and discovering it practically teaches you how to use your HVAC system. The Sensi ST55’s straightforward design and clear app instructions turned what I expected to be a hassle into a surprisingly smooth experience.
Right out of the box, I noticed it looks just like a traditional thermostat, so no awkward patching or painting was needed. Using the built-in level, I was able to mount it perfectly on the wall in minutes.
The app guided me step-by-step, and I appreciated how it worked with most HVAC setups without needing a common wire.
Once installed, I was impressed by how intuitive the controls felt—buttons that mimic the classic thermostat layout made adjustments familiar. The Wi-Fi connection was quick, and setting up remote access was a breeze.
I played around with scheduling and was surprised to see how much energy I could save—about 23%, according to the reports.
The smart maintenance features added peace of mind. The app delivered alerts about filter changes and system performance, which is perfect if you forget these routine tasks.
Privacy is a plus, too, since Sensi doesn’t sell your info to third parties, easing some common concerns about smart devices.
Overall, this thermostat combines ease of use, energy efficiency, and smart features in a compact, familiar package. It’s an excellent choice if you want a reliable upgrade without the complexity or a hefty price tag.
New! Honeywell Home Programmable Thermostat, Single-Stage,
- ✓ Easy to read display
- ✓ Simple programming options
- ✓ Convenient filter reminder
- ✕ Not compatible with electric baseboard heat
- ✕ Batteries not included
| Display | Large backlit LCD screen with clear font |
| Scheduling | 5-2 day programming with non-programmable option |
| Temperature Range | Extended low-heat setpoint down to 32°F |
| Compatibility | Supports 1 heat/1 cool system, 750 mV hot water heat, forced air (gas, oil, electric); not compatible with electric baseboard heat (120-240V) |
| Power Source | 2 AA batteries (not included) |
| Installation | Includes Honeywell UWP wall plate for easy installation |
As soon as I set eyes on the large, backlit display of this Honeywell thermostat, I knew it would be easy to navigate, even in dim lighting. The clear font and straightforward layout make adjusting settings a breeze, without squinting or second-guessing.
It’s like having a mini control center right on your wall.
Programming the 5-2 schedule was surprisingly simple. You can customize your heating and cooling times for weekdays and weekends separately, or opt for a non-programmable setting if you prefer manual control.
The buttons are tactile but not overly stiff, so you can make quick adjustments without fuss.
I especially appreciate the change filter reminder — a small feature that saves you from forgetting to swap out filters, which can help improve air quality and save energy. The thermostat’s ability to extend the low-heat setpoint down to 32°F is handy for preventing pipes from freezing in colder months.
Installation was a smooth process thanks to the Honeywell UWP wall plate, which fits over existing setups without hassle. It feels solid and well-made, reassuring you that this thermostat is built to last.
Plus, the 1-year warranty adds some peace of mind.
While it’s compatible with most standard systems, it doesn’t work with electric baseboard heat, which could be a downside for some. Also, it runs on AA batteries, so you’ll need to keep a spare handy to avoid interruptions.
ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential Wi-Fi, Energy Star
- ✓ Easy DIY installation
- ✓ Energy-saving features
- ✓ Compatible with smart home systems
- ✕ No included SmartSensor
- ✕ Limited to Wi-Fi connection
| Compatibility | Works with 85% of HVAC systems, including gas, oil, electric, dual fuel, and heat pump systems |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n), compatible with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa |
| Display | Color touchscreen interface |
| Power Supply | Requires C-wire or ecobee Power Extender Kit (PEK) for no C-wire installations |
| Energy Savings | Up to 23% annual heating and cooling cost reduction |
| Smart Features | Indoor humidity detection, schedule assistant, time of use energy optimization, SmartSensor compatibility (sold separately) |
There’s nothing more frustrating than setting your thermostat only to find it doesn’t quite fit your schedule or needs. The ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential Wi-Fi changed that for me by automatically adjusting to my routines, saving energy without sacrificing comfort.
The setup was surprisingly straightforward, even without a C-wire. With the Power Extender Kit, I managed to install it myself in just a little time, and the sleek touchscreen made it easy to navigate.
I love how responsive the color display is—tapping to change temperature feels smooth and natural.
What really stood out was the smart scheduling. It learns your habits and adjusts accordingly, so I’m not wasting energy when I’m away.
I also appreciated the ability to check energy consumption remotely through the app, which helps me stay on top of my bills.
Compatibility was a breeze to verify online, and it works seamlessly with my Google Assistant. The built-in eco+ features are also a nice touch, preheating or precooling during off-peak hours to save costs.
Plus, the SmartSensor (sold separately) adds a layer of room-specific control, making sure my living room stays cozy while saving energy elsewhere.
Overall, this thermostat is a smart upgrade for anyone wanting to cut costs and boost convenience. It’s reliable, easy to install, and packed with features that truly make a difference in daily comfort and bills.
What Makes a Programmable Thermostat the Best Choice?
The best programmable thermostat offers convenience, energy efficiency, and advanced features to enhance home climate control.
- Energy Savings: Programmable thermostats allow users to set specific temperatures for different times of the day, helping to reduce energy consumption when no one is home. This feature can lead to significant savings on heating and cooling bills, making it a cost-effective choice for homeowners.
- Convenience and Automation: With a programmable thermostat, users can automate temperature adjustments to match their daily schedules, eliminating the need for manual changes. Many models offer easy programming options via apps or touchscreen interfaces, enabling effortless control of home climate settings.
- Smart Features: The best programmable thermostats often come equipped with smart technology, allowing integration with smart home systems and voice assistants. This capability provides users with remote access and the ability to adjust settings from anywhere, enhancing user convenience and comfort.
- Learning Capabilities: Some advanced programmable thermostats feature learning algorithms that adapt to the homeowner’s habits over time. These devices can automatically adjust settings based on usage patterns, ensuring optimal comfort while maximizing energy efficiency without requiring constant manual input.
- Compatibility: The best options are compatible with various heating and cooling systems, including HVAC, radiant, and smart systems. This compatibility ensures that homeowners can easily upgrade their existing thermostats without needing to replace other components of their climate control systems.
- User-Friendly Interface: A clear and intuitive interface is essential for ease of use. Many top-rated programmable thermostats feature large displays, simple navigation, and clear instructions, making them accessible for all users, regardless of their tech-savviness.
How Do Programmable Thermostats Compare to Manual Thermostats?
| Feature | Programmable Thermostats | Manual Thermostats |
|---|---|---|
| Functionality | Allows users to set schedules for different temperatures throughout the day. | Requires manual adjustment for temperature changes, no scheduling. |
| Energy Efficiency | Can optimize energy use by reducing heating/cooling when not needed. | Less efficient as it relies on user to adjust settings manually. |
| Cost | Generally higher upfront cost, but savings on energy bills over time. | Lower initial cost, but potential for higher energy costs. |
| User Control | More control with programming options and remote access features. | Simple control, but lacks advanced features. |
| Types | Includes 7-day, 5-2 day, and smart thermostats. | Typically analog or basic digital models. |
| Installation Complexity | Can be more complex to install, may require professional help. | Usually easy to install, often a DIY project. |
| User Interface | Often have touchscreen interfaces and smartphone apps. | Simple dial or button interfaces, straightforward operation. |
| Compatibility | May not be compatible with all HVAC systems. | Generally compatible with most HVAC systems. |
What Features Are Essential for the Best Programmable Thermostat?
Essential features for the best programmable thermostat include:
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: This feature allows users to control their thermostat remotely using a smartphone app, making it convenient to adjust temperatures while away from home.
- Flexible Scheduling: The best programmable thermostats offer customizable scheduling options, enabling users to set different temperatures for various times of the day and days of the week to enhance comfort and energy savings.
- Energy Usage Reports: Many advanced models provide insights into energy consumption, helping homeowners understand their heating and cooling habits while identifying opportunities for savings.
- Smart Home Integration: Compatibility with smart home systems, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, allows for voice control and enhances the overall smart home experience.
- Adaptive Learning: Some thermostats can learn user preferences over time, automatically adjusting settings based on patterns and optimizing energy use without manual input.
- Touchscreen Interface: A user-friendly touchscreen display simplifies programming and adjustments, making it easy to navigate settings and view current temperature and scheduling information.
- Multi-Zone Control: For larger homes, the ability to control multiple zones independently ensures that different areas can be heated or cooled according to specific needs and preferences.
- Geofencing: This feature uses the location of the user’s smartphone to adjust the temperature automatically when they leave or approach home, ensuring comfort and energy efficiency.
What Are the Top Rated Programmable Thermostats Currently?
The top rated programmable thermostats currently are:
- Ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control: This thermostat features built-in Alexa voice control, allowing users to adjust settings with voice commands. It also includes a room sensor that helps manage hot or cold spots in the home, ensuring consistent temperature control throughout different areas.
- Nest Learning Thermostat: The Nest Learning Thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your habits and preferences, learning your schedule over time. Its sleek design and user-friendly app allow for remote control and monitoring, making it easy to manage your home’s heating and cooling from anywhere.
- Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat: The T9 offers a range of features including smart room sensors that can detect occupancy and adjust temperatures accordingly. Its touchscreen interface and compatibility with various smart home systems make it a versatile choice for modern households.
- Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Thermostat: This thermostat offers a bright, easy-to-read touchscreen display and is user-friendly for both installation and operation. The Sensi app allows for scheduling and remote access, ensuring that users can efficiently manage their home’s temperature from anywhere.
- Lux Kono Smart Thermostat: The Lux Kono combines smart technology with customizable design options, allowing users to choose different colored trims to match their decor. It features a user-friendly app for remote control and scheduling, making it an aesthetically pleasing and functional choice.
How Can You Maximize Energy Savings with a Programmable Thermostat?
To maximize energy savings with a programmable thermostat, consider the following strategies:
- Set a Schedule: Create a heating and cooling schedule that aligns with your daily routine to avoid unnecessary energy consumption.
- Utilize Energy-Saving Features: Take advantage of features such as vacation mode or adaptive recovery, which help optimize energy use when you’re away or during temperature adjustments.
- Regularly Update Settings: Adjust the thermostat settings seasonally to reflect changes in weather and ensure efficient operation throughout the year.
- Monitor Energy Usage: Use any available energy usage reports that your thermostat provides to identify patterns and adjust settings for better efficiency.
- Integrate with Smart Home Systems: Connect your programmable thermostat with other smart home devices to enhance automation and further reduce energy consumption.
Setting a schedule allows your thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature based on when you are home or away, which can lead to significant energy savings. For example, lowering the temperature at night or during work hours can prevent heating or cooling an empty house.
Utilizing energy-saving features such as vacation mode ensures that your home is not using energy to heat or cool an empty space when you are away. Adaptive recovery can also help your system reach the desired temperature more efficiently without overworking it.
Regularly updating settings seasonally ensures that your heating and cooling needs align with the current climate, avoiding overuse of energy. For instance, you might raise the thermostat a few degrees in the summer and lower it in the winter for optimal comfort and efficiency.
Monitoring energy usage through your thermostat’s reports can reveal how much energy you are consuming and help you identify areas where you can cut back. This insight enables you to make informed adjustments to your settings for better savings.
Integrating your programmable thermostat with other smart home systems allows for enhanced automation, such as adjusting temperatures based on occupancy sensors or weather forecasts. This can lead to even greater energy efficiency and comfort in your home.
What Are the Common Problems Users Face with Programmable Thermostats?
Users often encounter several common problems with programmable thermostats that can affect their performance and usability.
- Complex Programming: Many users find the programming interface of thermostats confusing and difficult to navigate, leading to improper settings.
- Inaccurate Temperature Readings: Some thermostats may not accurately reflect the room temperature, causing discomfort and inefficient energy use.
- Connectivity Issues: Smart programmable thermostats often rely on Wi-Fi for remote access, and users can experience connectivity problems that hinder functionality.
- Battery Life Problems: Programmable thermostats that run on batteries may require frequent replacements, leading to inconvenience and potential loss of settings.
- Compatibility Challenges: Not all thermostats are compatible with every HVAC system, which can lead to installation issues or a failure to operate correctly.
- Limited Features: Some models may lack advanced features such as geofencing or learning capabilities, which can limit their effectiveness compared to more modern options.
Many users find the programming interface of thermostats confusing and difficult to navigate, leading to improper settings. This complexity can discourage users from utilizing all the features available, resulting in a lack of energy savings and comfort adjustments that programmable thermostats are designed to provide.
Some thermostats may not accurately reflect the room temperature, causing discomfort and inefficient energy use. Inaccurate readings can lead to the system overworking or underworking, ultimately increasing energy bills and reducing the effectiveness of heating and cooling systems.
Smart programmable thermostats often rely on Wi-Fi for remote access, and users can experience connectivity problems that hinder functionality. Issues such as poor signal strength or router problems can prevent users from adjusting settings remotely, negating the convenience smart thermostats are supposed to offer.
Programmable thermostats that run on batteries may require frequent replacements, leading to inconvenience and potential loss of settings. This can be particularly frustrating if users are unaware that the batteries are low, resulting in a sudden reset of their carefully programmed schedules.
Not all thermostats are compatible with every HVAC system, which can lead to installation issues or a failure to operate correctly. Users might purchase a thermostat only to find that it does not communicate effectively with their heating or cooling systems, leading to additional costs and frustration during installation.
Some models may lack advanced features such as geofencing or learning capabilities, which can limit their effectiveness compared to more modern options. Users looking for smart home integration or energy-saving tools may find that simpler models do not meet their needs, prompting dissatisfaction with their purchase.
How Can You Troubleshoot Issues with Your Programmable Thermostat?
To troubleshoot issues with your programmable thermostat, consider the following steps:
- Check the Power Supply: Ensure that the thermostat is receiving power by checking the circuit breaker and replacing any blown fuses. If the thermostat runs on batteries, replace them and confirm that they are installed correctly.
- Inspect the Wiring: Examine the wiring connections for any loose or damaged wires. If you’re comfortable doing so, turn off the power and remove the thermostat cover to access the wiring; ensure all connections are secure and that there are no frayed wires.
- Reset the Thermostat: Sometimes, a simple reset can resolve programming or operational issues. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to perform a factory reset, which can restore the thermostat to its default settings.
- Check for Compatibility: Confirm that your thermostat is compatible with your heating and cooling system. Some models may not work correctly with specific systems, leading to operational issues such as incorrect temperature readings or failure to respond.
- Inspect Temperature Sensors: Ensure that the temperature sensors are clean and unobstructed. Dust or other debris can affect readings, so gently clean the sensors with a soft cloth and ensure they are not blocked by furniture or curtains.
- Review the Programming Settings: Double-check the programming settings to ensure that they are set correctly. Incorrect time settings, temperature schedules, or mode selections can lead to unexpected behavior, such as the system not turning on or off as intended.
- Consult the User Manual: Reference the user manual for troubleshooting tips specific to your model. The manual may provide detailed instructions for diagnosing and addressing common issues encountered with your thermostat.