The best smart thermostat for most homes is the Ecobee, thanks to its intuitive interface, wide compatibility, and strong customer support, though Nest and Honeywell each have their strengths. A smart thermostat lets you control your home’s temperature from anywhere and can meaningfully cut your heating and cooling costs.
Parthenon has been installing smart thermostats across the greater Nashville area for years, backed by more than 150 years of combined team experience. Here is how the leading brands compare.
Key Points
- Parthenon recommends the Ecobee for its ease of use, compatibility, and value.
- A smart thermostat can save up to 26 percent on heating and cooling versus a constant 72-degree hold.
- Nest is the best-known brand but can cost more and needs an add-on kit for heat pump systems.
- Honeywell is reliable and hassle-free, though pricier and less sleek than the others.
The Benefits of a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat gives you complete control of your home’s temperature from your phone, tablet, or smart watch, wherever you are. These sleek wall mounts make your home feel modern while removing the guesswork from heating and cooling.
Beyond convenience, a smart thermostat can save you up to 26 percent on heating and cooling costs compared with holding a steady 72 degrees, and efficient energy use is a win for the environment too. According to ENERGY STAR, certified smart thermostats are independently verified to deliver real energy savings. For more on the advantages, see our earlier post, professional thermostat repair and upgrade guidance.
Which Smart Thermostat Does Parthenon Recommend?
Parthenon recommends the Ecobee for most homes, but each of the three leading brands has a place. Here is how they stack up:
- Nest: The most well-known brand in smart thermostats, though brand recognition can mean a higher price. We have found its display, while sleek, tends to be less user-friendly than other options, and heat pump systems require an add-on accessories kit for the common wire at install, parts that come included with Ecobee.
- Ecobee: Our top pick for its intuitive interface. Everything is straightforward, from initial programming to simply turning up the heat, and it supports indoor and outdoor sensors, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, smoke detectors, and more. Its customer service is the best we have worked with.
- Honeywell: A strong, reliable player. The devices tend to be a bit pricier and less sleek, but they are hassle-free when you adjust your home’s temperature or connect them to your devices.
While we recommend Ecobee for its ease of use and value, we carry and install all the leading brands. If your current unit is failing, a smart thermostat installation is a fast, affordable upgrade.
How to Tell If You Have a Heat Pump System
Knowing your system type matters because it changes which thermostat setup you need. If your home runs on gas, you likely have a gas-fired furnace, though not always.
If there is no gas source, or the gas line was added after your home was built, you likely have a heat pump. Heat pump systems need a common wire for many smart thermostats, which is why a heat pump repair or install visit is a good time to upgrade your thermostat, and our team also handles full air conditioning services.
Upgrade Your Home With a Smart Thermostat
The right smart thermostat pays for itself in comfort, convenience, and lower energy bills. Whether you choose Ecobee, Nest, or Honeywell, Parthenon can help you pick the best fit and install it right the first time.
Ready to upgrade your home in the greater Nashville area? Schedule your appointment today and let our team install your new smart thermostat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which smart thermostat does Parthenon recommend?
Parthenon recommends the Ecobee for most homes because of its intuitive interface, wide device compatibility, and excellent customer support. That said, we install all leading brands, including Nest and Honeywell, based on what fits your system and budget.
Do smart thermostats really save money?
Yes. A smart thermostat can save up to 26 percent on heating and cooling costs compared with holding a constant 72 degrees, and ENERGY STAR certified models are independently verified for savings. The exact amount depends on your habits and home.
How do I know if I have a heat pump system?
If your home has a gas source, you most likely have a gas-fired furnace. If there is no gas, or the gas line was added after the home was built, you likely have a heat pump, which may need a common wire kit for certain smart thermostats.
