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The best battery-powered thermostats should not only be able to effectively control the temperatures in your home, but they should offer convenience, dependability, and years of unabashed operation. I found that the Honeywell Home RCHT8612WF T5 offers all that and more in a sleek, affordable package.
Regardless of how good your thermostat looks or what features it comes with, none of that will matter unless it configures with your specific system configuration.
I wanted my potential options to be much more than a modern on/off switch. I was in the market for a stat that would make my system run more effectively.
With the price of a good thermostat, I certainly didn’t want to be replacing it annually. Therefore, I chose a stat that came with an excellent warranty and superior customer service in the event of unforeseen difficulties.
Given the prices HVAC companies charge for the simplest of tasks, I didn’t want another big-ticket expense after just dropping a few hundred dollars on a new thermostat. To counter this, I only considered models that offered DIY installation instructions or videos.
The T5 is just one of the prime examples of why Honeywell remains at the top of the heating and air industry.
Check Price on AmazonYou take the time to do any HVAC research and you will see the Honeywell name somewhere.
That’s one of the reasons this product is this year’s top pick.
The iOS and Android compatibilities along with the 7-day programming offer the utmost in convenience and controllability, but it’s the brand that makes the T5 the most impressive.
Honeywell has been in the HVAC industry for decades and has easily grown to be one of the most reputable and reliable manufacturers.
They offer practical support and warranties along with unparalleled customer service.
The square design with dimensions of 4.06” x 4.06” x 1.06” might not completely cover all older models but it’ll be close.
Besides that, one can’t argue with the sleek contemporary design and feel the stat gives off.
The beautiful touchscreen is bright, easily accessible, and stunningly beautiful as well as informative.
With the optional batteries, you don’t necessarily need a common wire. It would be hard to find a modern system that the T5 doesn’t easily configure with.
Design and set up schedules to control the system from anywhere in the world or take advantage of voice control options like Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant.
Reminders and alerts can keep you fully updated about the status of your unit, accessories, and filters. Tell the stat to operate more effectively and it will do so.
The installation isn’t much tougher than that with the instruction booklet and available information.
A refreshing, new, and smart way to control and monitor the comfort and quality of life in your home.
Check Price on AmazonAlthough not the cheapest on the list, this Emerson is the best buy for the money.
You’re going to get features and control options that rival the most expensive of home thermostats.
You get all this with the backing of the Emerson name, another well-known and respected HVAC manufacturer.
To start, this thermostat isn’t as sleek as the Honeywell above, but that could be where some of the savings come in.
That said, it still does give off an appealing, white contemporary design. It also features a bit of a larger wall footprint at 3.75” x 5.88” x 1”.
You’ll not only be able to completely cover most replacement stats without repairs, but the installation is super intuitive.
The install is so DIY that the thermostat comes with a built-in level. In addition to this, the step-by-step guide is right there on Amazon.
Take advantage of many of today’s popular voice applications or install the Sensi Smart App on your smartphone to control and monitor your home for anywhere in the world.
Design and set up customized schedules or take advantage of Sensi’s geofencing technology to have the stat design a schedule for you.
It’ll take the most current local weather reports and design a schedule that offers comfort as well as the most efficiency possible.
Don’t worry because you can edit any time you want.
Compatible with just about all types of modern HVAC system configuration as well as accessories.
Don’t just monitor your system’s energy consumption, but set up maintenance reminders to keep your system in top running condition.
The most refreshing thing about the Sensi is, you get a guarantee that the company won’t sell out your personal information or heating and cooling preferences.
Ecobee brings new meaning to today’s heating and cooling technology.
Check Price on AmazonEcobee is not the world’s renowned HVAC manufacturer, but they make a statement with the
Lite Smart Thermostat. It won’t be long before they are highly known throughout the industry.
This is because they bring an entirely new meaning to smart technologies.
Sure, you can pair the thermostat with popular voice apps and smartphones, but that’s common today.
The real kicker is with room sensors. Ecobee offers a variety of sensors that can be placed in areas of the home where you suffer from hot and cold spots.
The thermostat will direct the system to give more attention to this area of the home until temps are satisfied.
With the impactful energy efficiency schedule, you can cut your electrical consumption by a quarter (25%).
The Lite Smart Stat is not only so smart that it’ll clear up hot and cold spots, but it’ll automatically halt operations when windows are open, eliminating wasted energy.
Easily install and integrate this stat seamlessly with your other smart home devices. It works exceptionally well with the Ecobbe Smart Security system.
Control and monitor your home remotely for anywhere in the world with this sleek and compact stat.
The only complaint I had with the Ecobee was the smaller wall footprint. With dimensions of 4.05” x 1 x 4.05”, you might have to make some wall repairs.
The need for the wall repairs would be because the stat itself is so elegant and beautiful.
It’s hard not to be drawn to it when you’re in the same room. It’s that beautiful!
On top of all this, the stat doesn’t require a common wire for most applications and comes with a pre-included Lithium-Ion battery.
The battery will likely outlast the life of the stat.
It’d be easier to ask what the CT50 doesn’t do.
Check Price on AmazonThe CT50 is a practical smart thermostat stuffed to the brim with today’s best heating technologies.
It’ll easily configure with a whole host of system configurations.
The rectangular 4.5” x 1.25” x 4.5” design will cover most older designs without the need to make repairs.
That said, the Radio Thermostat doesn’t just offer your traditional rectangular design.
It features rounded edges that offer a sleeker, more modern look. Unfortunately, the display isn’t quite as amendable.
The interface does offer a perfect combination of touchscreen and buttons controls, but the display is dim.
It certainly is digital and beautiful, but a brighter appearance sure wouldn’t hurt.
With the option of 3-AA batteries, you can eliminate the need for the common wire on some system configurations. Other than that, installation is as DIY as it gets.
Cut your energy bill almost in half with the tip of your finger. Simply push the energy savings mode and your smart stat will do the rest.
The 7-day programming interface offers 4 different periods, so you won’t have a problem adjusting the temperature accordingly in the home before you arrive home.
Wi-Fi connectivity not only gives you remote controlling options, but it’ll allow you to effectively monitor your system’s operation.
Speaking of remote controlling options, the Radio stat takes the term to an entirely different level by allowing you to connect with several systems or share your data with guests and family members.
It could be a second downstairs thermostat, or it could be a thermostat at your beach house.
You can pair both systems with one smart app for the utmost controlling and monitoring options.
See when your system is working the hardest and using the most energy and adjust accordingly.
With the arsenal of reports and stats, you’ll stay ahead of your system’s operation and your home’s comfort.
A bit pricey, but this stat could not be more aptly named. It truly deserves a crown!
Check Price on AmazonAt first, I was wondering how such an unheard-of manufacturer could get away with charging such an exorbitant price. I soon understood how.
King Hoot combines today’s most advanced heating technologies with a sleek modern design that offers unparalleled control and monitoring.
The design is rectangular with dimensions of 2” x 4” x 4”, but it’s a different rectangular than most are familiar with.
The longest side of the thermostat runs vertically, as opposed to the traditional horizontal design.
While this will offer an entirely new look and feel, it will probably require some extra wall patching or painting.
With the programming controls and the Wi-Fi capabilities, you won’t have a problem staying in touch with your home’s comfort.
The energy savings mode could save you as much as 28% on electrical costs. These savings don’t come at the cost of comfort either. In fact, one of my favorite features is accuracy.
The accurate sending technology offers higher levels of comfort with reduced temperature swings compared to most modern thermostats available today.
Pair this with the user-defined max temp lockouts and you can just watch the savings will roll in.
It’s truly amazing what the Lux TX9600TS allows you to do with a single finger.
Check Price on AmazonThe bright beautiful blue LCD touchscreen will not only make controlling and maintaining your system easier, but it’ll look good while keeping you well informed.
With its larger size of 5.38” x 1.13” x 3.38”, you won’t have a problem easily covering most older styles.
The intuitive instruction and DIY design only contribute to easing the rest of the installation process.
The 7-day programmable scheduling gives you the option of 2 or 4 selectable periods.
You won’t have a problem customizing your home’s temperature to your exact preferences with these options.
You can lock out unwanted guests or users by taking advantage of the lockout option. Set a digital 4-digit code to prevent access.
The stat is easily configurable with most all systems you’d find across North America, including 120 or 240 baseboard heat.
Always stay way ahead of your system’s operation and efficiency by setting filter reminders and adjustable temperature swings.
With the 2 or 5-minute delay, you make your system come off and on faster than normal.
You can also use the full 5 minutes to ensure every last bit of heat or cool gets pushed out of the ducts.
This stat is just a small testament to how Z-Wave technology is going to revolutionize the smart home industry.
Check Price on AmazonZ-Wave technology is the next big thing and it’s easy to understand why.
The chips installed in Z-Wave-compatible devices allow for easy and quick communication.
Basically, this means getting your new stat to configure with your existing Z-Wave security system or cameras won’t be a problem.
Not only that, but the frequency operates at a 908.42 MHz frequency, which is the industry standard.
Simply put, you’ll get a faster, more reliable, and easier connection. This model is compatible with all Z-Wave hubs security panels.
Speaking of easy, the Z-Wave Thermostat was designed specifically with the DIY installer in mind.
Easy, flexible installation options will have you up and running in a matter of minutes without a contractor or HVAC pro.
The system requires 4-AA batteries that are included with the initial purchase and will provide a battery life of two years.
With the remote controlling, monitoring, and energy savings features, homeowners stand to cut their energy costs by 5 to 15%.
You’ll truly find life so much easier when you can control your cameras, alarms, lights, and HVAC systems right from one convenient hub.
Anything but your ordinary home battery-powered thermostat.
Check Price on AmazonRight out of the gate, the 3rd Generation Nest Learning thermostat impresses and awes while also showing that it stands apart.
This isn’t just your ordinary battery-powered thermostat.
Meaning, it doesn’t use AA or AAA batteries. It uses a highly powerful Lithium-Ion battery that will provide a lifetime of use.
The battery comes included, so no need to worry about that.
The one negative is the small round design, but it is hard to say that it doesn’t look good. It certainly offers a contemporary, unique look.
With the option of choosing between a variety of outlining colors like stainless steel, polished metal, copper, and more, you won’t have a problem adding even more uniqueness and flair to your home stat.
The Learning stat is aptly named, as it allows you to throw programming out the window.
The stat monitors your settings for a week, compiles the data, and then adjusts accordingly.
Don’t worry about efficiency or comfort because both are heavily factored in when the stat chooses the temperatures.
This eliminates the need to spend weeks or months learning and adjusting scheduling or constantly making changes.
The installation is just as easy with its included level and screwdriver-less wire installation. Most thermostats require the tiniest of tiny screwdrivers for installation. Not the Nest 3rd Generation.
Simply, make sure the copper is properly exposed and push the corresponding wire into the corresponding location.
Check your energy consumption history or make changes with the included remote.
The Home/Away Assist modes will automatically shut the system down when you leave the home.
Being the 3rd Generation, this stat takes the best of the best features from previous models and makes them better while still offering more.
There isn’t much this thermostat doesn’t do.
This Honeywell integrates into your life while providing maximum comfort and energy efficiency operation.
Check Price on AmazonThis sleek thermostat is nearly a clone of the T5 that won this year’s top pick.
It features nearly identical features right down to the very wall footprint.
The RTH8560D offers a refreshing, sleek square design with dimensions of 4.09” x 4.09” x 1.06.
The only difference in aesthetics is that the RTH8560D is white. A beautiful bright white but white, nonetheless.
That aside, it does offer a battery or battery-less installation. 2-AA batteries are required for the battery installation and will eliminate the need for a common wire.
The smart and intuitive interface not only offers a variety of unique control and monitoring options, but it is constantly backing your system up, so you don’t lose crucial settings.
Aside from the battery and battery-less installation, the rest is as easy as putting the right wires in the right places, which is made easy with this intuitive and user-friendly design.
The extra bright cool blue display doesn’t just ensure that you can read the screen in all lighting conditions, but it ensures all the pertinent information is available.
It’ll even offer an accurate readout of the humidity.
The touchscreen operation only adds to the simplicity while also complimenting the modernness the RTH8560D offers.
The RTH8560D offers smart learning capabilities that are similar to that of the Nest.
This thermostat was designed to integrate into your life and make it easier in the process.
Take advantage of the 7-day, 5-2 day, or one-week programming options for a multitude of customizing capabilities. A trusted industry name doing what they do best.
Going into the thermostat market with the intent to purchase a battery-powered thermostat helps narrow the playing field a bit.
In some respects, one could say, it makes the process even more complicated.
Not only now do you need to consider the price, brand, warranty, and features, but you need to consider the battery.
Battery-powered thermostats come available in a vast variety of options.
The type of battery you choose will not only sway your decision, but you must consider the size as well as the life of the battery.
Don’t forget about the battery installation either. Battery technology has grown so advanced that some installations are no longer as simple as popping a tab and replacing the components.
Some batteries like the Lithium-Ions and cell batteries are soldered into the circuit boards, amongst electrical components.
The good thing about these batteries is they usually last a lifetime.
These little extra considerations might not seem like much, but they can add to the overall difficulty of finding the perfect thermostat.
You can’t go wrong with any of the models above. However, it is possible to undertake your own search and come back successful.
Just consider the most important features from the models above and apply the necessary features to your search.
This will help ensure that you get your money’s worth.