Basic
The Carrier Connect WiFi Thermostat controls up to 4 heating stages and 3 cooling stages. The thermostat can enable demand response through utility programs. It automatically retrieves time, date and outdoor air temperature when connected to Wi-Fi and sports an auto-dimming display that lights up as you approach.
- Remote sensors (including occupancy, return air or fault) and outdoor air temperature through Internet weather
- Option for humidity/economizer control
The Ecobee supports up to two stages of heating and cooling for conventional systems and heat pumps. Ecobee has optional air quality monitoring, remote occupancy/temperature sensors, and HVAC accessory (ventilator, HRV). Ecobee works with demand response programs and communicates via Wi-Fi. The thermostat provides alerts for freeze protection.
- On-board radar occupancy, VOC/CO2; remote wireless occupancy/temperature sensors
- Pairs with other systems (cameras etc); option for door/window sensors
The Emerson Sensi Touch Smart thermostat has a mobile app to control multiple thermostats. The thermostat connects to WiFi and support geofencing.
- Remote occupancy through geofencing
The Google Nest thermostat supports up to three heating/two cooling stages (conventional), and two heating/cooling stages with auxiliary heat (heat pumps). Nest learns temperature preferences to create a schedule and has an on-board occupancy sensor. Its Rush Hour Rewards program enables participation in utility demand response. Nest connects through Wi-Fi.
- On-board motion (occupancy) sensor and outdoor temperature through Internet weather
- Pairs with other systems (cameras etc)
The Honeywell Home advanced thermostat boasts flexible scheduling: no schedule, time-based schedule, the ability to control based on occupancy (through location geo-fencing, or with additional sensors and an active-priority occupancy algorithm). The thermostat uses WiFi and has a mobile app.
- Remote sensors (including occupancy) and outdoor temperature through Internet weather