While having an automated home is vital in the contemporary world, it’s practically nothing if you don’t have a functional thermostat in it. However, the world has gradually moved on from the regular, now outdated thermostats that do nothing else apart from regulating the temperature at home. So, instead of opting for the now old-fashioned regular model, you can just get a modern smart thermostat that uses the Z-Wave technology, which allows you to control and regulate your home’s temperature from anywhere in the universe. With the best Z wave thermostat, you can seamlessly create the ideal environment so that it is never too cold or too hot in your abode.
However, due to the fact that Z-Wave thermostats apparently have to support the Z-Wave technology, the hunt for the right model for your needs is a little more complicated than you might anticipate. The reason is obvious – many popular thermostats are not compatible with the Z-Wave protocol. As a result, we have created quite extensive guide that features the best Z Wave thermostats on the market. Having considered several essential features such as power source, display type, weight, dimensions, and warranty, we’re confident that this article contains what you’re looking for. Based on these features, the Alarm.com Smart Thermostat gets our Editor’s Choice nomination.
A lot of research actually went into the compilation of this handy guide. From reading products specifications to customers’ feedback, we have done everything necessary to make sure that this guide is as comprehensive and enlightening as possible. Right after this paragraph is a comparison table that is designed to give you an insight on things to expect. Then, you will find our detailed reviews of all our picks, before finally landing in the buying guide, where several buying tips are neatly explained.
More features: can also be powered by 24 VAC; access to real-time weather data
With its intuitive and simple controls, the Alarm.com Z-Wave Smart thermostat is no doubt rightfully deserving of the top spot on this list. The thermostat features a user-friendly display with just three buttons at the front. Moreover, the unit has a very modern and sleek design, following the recent style of smart thermostats. Merely looking at the device, you’ll quickly understand why we chose it as our number one product.
One of the most impressive features you’ll find on this device is that it can be fully integrated with the Alarm.com Smart Home Security system, which enables it to use the sensors of the security system located in your house to observe the temperature. This allows it to autonomously make smarter decisions for optimum comfort and energy conservation. This unit supports Z-Wave Plus protocol, and it can be integrated seamlessly with any smart hub that supports Z-Wave.
Moreover, it is compatible with the Amazon Alexa voice control. However, the unit isn’t programmable without being connected to the Z-Wave hub, which means you will require the smartphone app to alter climate settings and set the schedule of the temperature. Besides, you need an Alarm-com account in order to be able to utilize the device. The device is compatible with the majority of typical HVAC systems, and it can be powered by either a C-wire or batteries.
More features: 7-day programmable with up to 4 schedules per day
Up step another budget-friendly option, and we have the Trane Nexia Home Intelligence Thermostat on our hands. Also supporting the Z-Wave technology, just like the other models on our list, it doesn’t take much to see why this model is rated highly. The unit offers you remote control of your home temperature and also enables you to observe your home’s energy consumption, and thereby control it. To make things even more effortless, you can smoothly do everything through a smartphone app. You can also connect the smart thermostat to Nexia Bridge smart hub.
And if you’re a fan of voice control, the unit is compatible with the Amazon Alexa. Just bear in mind that it needs a smart hub to function correctly. Furthermore, the device features a digital touchscreen control. That’s not all, but it also enables you to have seven days programmable with as many as four schedules for each day. The unit also alerts you when your HVAC system requires maintenance, thereby helping to prolong its lifespan. Finally, the device is compatible with orthodox 24V control cooling or heating systems.
The smart thermostat is also easy to install. In fact, its installation takes less than 30 minutes for most people, and with its large controls, it is effortless to use. However, don’t expect it to be nominated for an award for good-looking thermostats. It totally looks like it’s from the 90s, but it works amazingly.
More features: works with line voltage, with a 2-wire connection to the heater; Z-Wave Plus and UL certified
The Stelpro Z-Wave KI is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a thermostat that supports high-voltage applications. Provided you have wall convection heaters or electric baseboard heat at home, then you need to consider this model. To help save money and deliver optimum comfort, it utilizes four levels of heating power. Most other models raise the heating level to the peak until the device reaches or slightly passes the set temperature. Then they allow the temperature to go down until the room requires to be heated over again, thereby making the room temperature uneven.
The Stelpro thermostat is entirely different in its operation. It heats the room in pulses, thereby creating an even temperature for better energy conservation and comfort. However, the thermostat is non-programmable, which might be a downside. To make the device smarter, you have to connect it to a hub that supports Z-Wave. It enables you to make rules regarding how the climate should be regulated by changing between different heating levels.
You can easily set up the climate of your home remotely from the smartphone app – all you need to do is install the application on your smartphone and connect a smart hub that supports Z-Wave to the internet. Probably the only downsides you’ll find on this device are that it doesn’t function if there is a fan on the heater. Moreover, the heating can’t be completely turned off, with 41 Fahrenheit being the lowest temperature usable.
More features: supports up to 2 indoor remote sensors; 4 x 7 programmable schedule
Sporting an impeccable combination of features and functionality, the RCS Z-Wave Communicating Thermostat is a perfect example of a tremendous Z-Wave control unit. The manufacturer was initially been renowned for manufacturing programmable thermostats, but now it has taken a plunge into the world of automation technology as well. While the company may not be currently popular, it certainly will if it continues in this vein. Thanks to its well-thought-out design and software, the RCS Z-Wave Communicating Thermostat is rapidly gaining popularity.
The device features six buttons in total, which coupled with the useful on-screen labels, make the thermostat incredibly easy to use. It is also programmable and holds up to four separate seven-day schedules. This device is just one of the few Z-Wave thermostats that can be paired with two indoor wireless sensors. The remote sensors allow you to regulate temperature depending on the sections of your home you actually use rather than only the area in which the device is mounted.
To improve the smartness of the device, you need to connect it to a Z-Wave-compatible hub such as Vera. Probably the only area where this device may be below-par is when it comes to the frame design. However, we expect the manufacturers to improve on the frame design in the subsequent models. Apart from that, the device is well worth the hype as well as the price.
More features: works on standard HVAC systems with 2-stage heat & 2-stage cool
Manufactured by one of the most reputable companies in the business, Nortek Security & Control, not many people will argue with our inclusion of this brilliant device. This model supports the Z-Wave technology, which shouldn’t surprise anyone since Nortek Security & Control is a member of the Z-Wave Alliance. The thermostat is also compatible with the Z-Wave smartphone application, which allows you to regulate the climate of your home from anywhere in the world. Not only that, but the device also has compatibility with the Amazon Alexa voice control.
Installing and setting this device up is as simple as ABC. The thermostat is compatible with most HVAC systems using a combination of three-stage heating and two-stage cooling. In addition to that, the unit will alert you when you have to replace the filters or even when your HVAC system needs maintenance. And its incredibility versatility extends to its power source, as it can be either run on batteries or the C-wire.
The shortcomings of the device are that it has a rather small screen and lacks touchscreen capabilities. The unit also doesn’t monitor humidity and is non-programmable. Despite all this, however, it is still an excellent value for the price. While it doesn’t come with many advanced features, it covers the regular needs.
This section contains some of the most critical information on this list, and if you aim to buy the right model for your needs, then you should consider the things included therein.
The question should instead be “why not to install a Z-Wave thermostat” because there are so many reasons why you should. These devices offer several benefits over other types of thermostats, some of which we will discuss below.
One of the most significant benefits of buying a Z-Wave thermostat is its energy-saving tendency and remote access. Since it saves energy, it consequently saves costs on your utility bills. Several of the other advantages we have listed below contribute towards this attribute. And by utilizing your smartphone application, you can effortlessly adjust your thermostat, wherever you are.
Many people are so forgetful that they leave their homes with their cooling and heating systems on when they go on trips, for instance. The best Z-Wave smart thermostat offers two different solutions to help us get ahead of this problem. Most of these devices have a feature called geofencing, which helps track your location using your phone and as you drive away from your house, the HVAC system consequently will stop. However, even if your Z-Wave thermostat doesn’t have the geofencing function, and you’ve left your cooling or heating on, you can simply turn it off using your smartphone app.
The best Z-Wave thermostats will enable you to watch your home wherever and whenever you want. The smartphone application will display your home’s current temperature and whether your cooling or heating is running.
You can set up your Z-Wave thermostat to send you a lot of different kinds of notifications. The energy report, however, is one of the most critical notifications they send to you. The energy report will show you a comprehensive analysis of the amount of energy you consume and how you’ve used it. If you want, the report will allow you to examine how you consume energy and what you can do to change it. Also, you can set the device up to alert you when it’s time to change the filters.
There are lots of factors to take into account when buying a Z-Wave thermostat. Your cooling and heating system, and also internet connectivity, help determine which model is most suitable for your home. The features and ease of installation of the product can also affect its functionality.
All of the models featured here can be powered by a C-wire. Sadly, a C-wire isn’t all that common, especially in older systems. According to a study, in fact, about 40 percent of US homes don’t have a common wire in their systems.
An alternative is getting a battery-powered Z-Wave thermostat and three out of the five products on this list can be powered by batteries as well. Having a battery-powered thermostat makes the installation process much easier and quicker, but your system will stop functioning when you change the batteries.
Since talking to devices has replaced pressing buttons to make them work, the voice control technology is definitely a step into the future. Having a Z-Wave device that is compatible with Amazon Alexa will allow you to control the unit by just using your voice.
It’s vital to keep in mind that you don’t need to have an Amazon Echo in order for this unit to function. Some of the Alexa-compatible units on this list include the TRANE Thermostat, GoControl Thermostat, and the Alarm.com Smart Thermostat.
The best Z-Wave thermostats like the GoControl Thermostat will notify you when there is a significant drop in temperature that could burst or freeze your pipe. That is particularly helpful when you are on vacation. Alerts like that can provide you with adequate warning to allow you to send a friend or relative to your house to solve a problem in advance to it damaging your home.
For most homeowners, a thermostat is a device they install, set up, and then don’t have to think about for many years. A thermostat is actually not the type of machine that you upgrade every 12 months to a newer version.
Longevity is very crucial, and you need to ensure that the maker has got your back, in the event that something goes wrong. Warranties usually range from two to five years.
Learning, display, geofencing, vacation modes, monthly reports, and sensors are some of the extra features you might watch out for. While some of them may prove to be important to you, you might never need some. You might also think about if the machine is easy to assemble as you don’t want a device you won’t be able to install without a professional.
Sporting intuitive and straightforward controls, it doesn’t take a lot of time to realize why we have chosen the Alarm.com Smart Thermostat as our top choice. It has a smooth design, is user-friendly, and is best integrated with the Alarm.com Smart Home Security system, making it a clear winner from this round.
The budget-friendly TRANE Thermostat is our second choice. Despite coming at a reasonably affordable price, the unit still sports a wide range of cool features, including a touchscreen. In addition, you can program it for seven days with four different schedules for each which is an awesome bonus.
Albeit after the intense competition, the Stelpro Z-Wave Plus KI STZW402WB+ Thermostat takes the third spot. It is a great choice for those who need a thermostat that supports high-voltage applications. It uses four levels of heating power, which makes it more energy efficient and one of the best Z-wave thermostats than other models on the market.
