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Last Revised: 3/21/25
Do you feel like your energy bills keep climbing, even though you’re barely touching your thermostat? Are you tired of constantly adjusting the temperature, just to stay comfortable in your own home?
Smart thermostats promise lower energy bills, improved home comfort, and effortless automation – but are they truly worth the investment?
At Mattioni, we’ve spent decades helping homeowners make smart HVAC decisions. We know that cost is about more than just the installation price – it’s about efficiency gains, energy savings, and whether the features are suited to your lifestyle.
In this article, we’ll break down:
- How much today’s top three smart thermostats cost
- Their features and how they improve your home
- Which smart thermostat is best for your home?
By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect – so you can decide if a smart thermostat is a smart move for your home and budget. Let’s kick things off with the costs and features of three leading smart thermostats.
How Much Does a Smart Thermostat Cost?
The cost of a smart thermostat varies by brand, model, features, and compatibility with your HVAC system. Prices typically range from about $100 to $300 (plus potential installation costs.) Here’s a look at some of the most popular smart thermostats and what they offer for the price:
(Listed prices may vary based on retailers and any ongoing promotions, always check multiple sources for the most current pricing.)
Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen): $279.99
Google’s Nest Learning Thermostat adapts to your schedule by automatically adjusting temperatures to optimize comfort and energy efficiency. You can access all of Nest’s features and capabilities via the Google Home app. Far Sight is one of these new features which lights up the display as you approach, showing useful information like the time and weather. Meanwhile, Eco Mode detects when you’re not home and adjusts the temperature to conserve energy. Your schedule can also be set up automatically by activating Smart Schedules in the Google Home app. There, you’ll find some temperature scheduling suggestions based on your activity. The Nest smart thermostat will also alert you if it senses a problem that may need to be repaired through its System Health Monitor.
Overall, the Google Nest is a stylish, sleek thermostat that offers a suite of features designed to change your home’s temperature for you – optimizing both comfort and energy efficiency. It’s a great option for homeowners with the goal of a hands-off approach to thermostat management.
ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium: $249.99
The ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium can be your complete home monitoring hub – it includes a built-in indoor air quality monitor, smoke alarm, and security system. You’ll get notifications when it’s time to change your furnace’s air filter, personalized tips to improve your air quality, and alerts to possible break-ins. The ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium also notifies you during sudden temperature drops that could cause damage. Additionally, it can sense if a window or door has been left open for more than 5 minutes and pauses heating or cooling to prevent wasting energy. Much like the Nest, the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium automatically adjusts temperatures when nobody is home, learns your routine, and recommends schedule changes to improve efficiency.
Overall, the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium stands out for being more than just a thermostat – it helps you keep a pulse on your home’s air quality and offers security features in addition to comfort and efficiency capabilities. It’s a great option for homeowners who want a thermostat that can improve other aspects of their home besides just temperature control.
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Studies have shown that simply by learning your schedule and adjusting temperatures automatically, a smart thermostat can help to reduce heating and cooling costs by at least 10%.
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Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat: $169.99
The Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat is best known for its room monitoring capability. By integrating room sensors, the thermostat can tell your HVAC systems to focus only on rooms that are currently occupied. This feature positions the T9 Smart Thermostat as a great fit for family households with several occupants. For instance, if each of your three kids is in her room, then your household’s actual heating and cooling demands are different from when the whole family is in one room together. The T9 recognizes this and adjusts accordingly. It also utilizes Geofencing, a feature that changes temperatures as you leave or enter the vicinity of your home, cutting costs when you’re gone and preparing temperatures for you as you arrive back. You’ll also be able to set which bedroom or bedrooms to focus on overnight.
Overall, the Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat stands out as a great option for family households that are looking to cut costs where possible without sacrificing comfort. It’s perfect for managing several rooms as their occupants come and go throughout the day.
Do Smart Thermostats Need to Be Professionally Installed?
Smart thermostats are designed for convenience, but installing one isn’t always a DIY-friendly job. While you may be able to set up some models in under an hour, others require specific wiring or HVAC expertise. So, do you need a pro to install your new thermostat? It depends.
Electrical Workmanship May be Required
Some Nest Learning Thermostats require a C-wire (common wire) to provide constant power to the system (which makes features like Wi-Fi and touchscreens possible.) Many homes aren’t equipped with this wiring as the need for it in thermostats has only emerged in recent years. If you lack electrical experience, then hiring a professional to handle the installation will ensure that it’s connected properly.
Zoning with Smart Thermostat Room Sensors
Zoning allows different areas of your home to be heated or cooled independently. The ecobee Premium and Honeywell T9 excel at managing multiple zones, but setting up their room sensors properly isn’t always plug-and-play. It can involve wiring, Wi-Fi setup, and even damper integration with your ductwork. While some homeowners can work through these steps, professional installation ensures your system is optimized for efficiency.
Other Smart Thermostat Installation Challenges
Installing your new smart thermostat on your own can lead to several other complications, including HVAC system compatibility, a confusing wiring setup, and Wi-Fi connectivity issues. Not to mention you’ll also want to test that your heating and AC systems are operating properly after installation and understand how to fully operate the advanced settings and features.
You may be tempted to install your new smart thermostat on your own, and some homeowners may be able to handle the task. But for those who lack HVAC or electrical workmanship, it’s likely a job best left to a professional. Modern smart thermostats are incredibly intelligent and provide comprehensive features that simplify our lives, but first and foremost they must be properly installed. At Mattioni, the installation cost for an already-purchased thermostat is $525.
Which Smart Thermostat is the Best?
The Google Nest, ecobee Premium, and Honeywell T9 each excel in different areas – the best one for you will depend on your household’s size, budget, and desired features. If you want a thermostat that learns your habits, go with the Nest Learning Thermostat. If security and air quality monitoring matter to you, the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is a great choice. And if managing multiple rooms is a priority, the Honeywell T9 is the best fit for you. No matter which you choose, upgrading to a smart thermostat is a step toward a more efficient and comfortable home.
Not sure if a smart thermostat is right for you? Check out other thermostat options.
Google Nest Learning Thermostat
It continually learns your routine and schedule and automatically sets your home’s temperature to your preferences. It’s best for those who want a hands-off thermostat experience.
ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
It can be your complete household management hub, offering air quality reports and security features. Its wide-ranging features make it the most complete smart thermostat out there.
Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat
It has the most intuitive multi-room control, making it a great choice for households with more than three occupants. If you’re looking to improve efficiency for a family home, the T9 may be right for you.
Are Smart Thermostats Worth the Cost?
For most homeowners, a smart thermostat is a worthwhile investment that delivers lower energy bills, increased comfort, and effortless climate control. While it may not be the best fit for those with outdated HVAC systems or short-term living situations, the long-term benefits often outweigh the initial cost. Whether you’re looking to save money, simplify your home’s temperature management, or reduce your carbon footprint, a smart thermostat is a step in the right direction.
With over 75 years of experience, the expert technicians at Mattioni can answer any questions you have about your smart thermostat upgrade. We’re here to help you understand how it works and what you need to know to operate it to its full capabilities.
Are you looking for assistance with choosing the right smart thermostat? Unsure of how to install it properly? Call our team or book an appointment to get started and avoid the headache of installing your smart thermostat on your own. Our experts will install it the right way, right away.
Don’t wait any longer to integrate your home’s heating and AC systems into the next generation of thermostats. Call (610) 400-8510 today to schedule your smart thermostat installation and start saving.
