Smart thermostats are making life easier (and cheaper!) for BC homeowners, offering better temperature control, energy savings, and even rebates for upgrading. But with so many options, which one should you choose?
We’ve rounded up the top five smart thermostat brands that homeowners love—and we’re giving you the good and the not-so-good to help you decide.
1. Ecobee – The Canadian Favorite 🇨🇦
If you love supporting Canadian brands, Ecobee is a fantastic choice! Designed in Toronto, Ecobee thermostats are known for their energy savings and seamless smart home integration.
Why Homeowners Love It:
✅ Comes with a SmartSensor to eliminate hot and cold spots
✅ Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
✅ Can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 26%
✅ Built-in air quality monitor in premium models
Room for Improvement:
⚠️ The touchscreen interface can be sluggish at times
⚠️ Higher upfront cost than some other options
⚠️ SmartSensors are great but need to be placed carefully for the best results
💡Ecobee’s Lineup: The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is their top model, featuring an air quality monitor and hands-free voice control. If you want an efficient, easy-to-use thermostat that adapts to your home’s needs, Ecobee is a solid bet.
2. Google Nest – The Smartest of the Smart 🤖
Google’s Nest thermostats have been a top choice for years. They use machine learning to learn your habits and automatically adjust temperatures to maximize comfort and efficiency.
Why Homeowners Love It:
✅ Sleek, modern design that looks great on any wall
✅ Auto-Schedule feature adapts to your routine in just a few days
✅ Nest app allows remote control from anywhere
✅ Energy-saving reports help you track usage and lower bills
Room for Improvement:
⚠️ No external sensors included (you have to buy them separately)
⚠️ Works best within the Google ecosystem—less seamless with Apple devices
⚠️ Can be slow to “learn” schedules if household routines change frequently
💡 Nest’s Lineup: The Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen) is the flagship model, while the Nest Thermostat is a more budget-friendly option with fewer bells and whistles. Either way, if you want a thermostat that thinks for you, Nest is a great choice!
3. Honeywell Home – Reliable and Affordable 🏠
Honeywell has been a household name in heating and cooling for decades. Their smart thermostats offer a perfect balance of affordability and reliability.
Why Homeowners Love It:
✅ Excellent temperature precision for maximum efficiency
✅ Compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and other smart assistants
✅ Great budget-friendly models for homeowners who want smart control without overspending
✅ User-friendly app with straightforward scheduling features
Room for Improvement:
⚠️ The interface isn’t as sleek as Ecobee or Nest
⚠️ Setup can be tricky, especially for first-time smart thermostat users
⚠️ Some models require a C-wire, which may require additional installation costs
💡 Honeywell’s Lineup: If you want something simple but effective, the Honeywell Home T9 is a top-rated model with room sensors that help balance temperature across your home.
4. Emerson Sensi – Best for Budget-Conscious Homeowners 💰
Looking for a smart thermostat without the hefty price tag? Emerson Sensi is the answer! It may not have all the fancy AI-driven features, but it gets the job done without breaking the bank.
Why Homeowners Love It:
✅ Extremely easy to install (no C-wire required in most homes)
✅ Simple app with remote control features
✅ Energy Star certified for efficiency
✅ One of the most affordable smart thermostats on the market
Room for Improvement:
⚠️ Lacks smart learning features (no adaptive schedules like Nest)
⚠️ Basic display—not as visually appealing as premium models
⚠️ Limited integration with Apple HomeKit
💡 Emerson’s Lineup: The Emerson Sensi Touch is their premium model, offering a touchscreen display, while the standard Sensi Smart Thermostat is a budget-friendly option that still packs great features.
5. Mysa – Best for Electric Heating Homes 🔥
If you have electric baseboard heating or in-floor heating, most regular smart thermostats won’t work for you—but Mysa will! This Canadian brand specializes in smart thermostats designed specifically for homes with electric heating systems.
Why Homeowners Love It:
✅ Helps cut down electricity bills significantly
✅ Modern, minimalist design with intuitive app control
✅ Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
✅ Perfect for electric baseboard and in-floor heating systems
Room for Improvement:
⚠️ Higher price than regular thermostats for forced-air systems
⚠️ Limited compatibility (doesn’t work with gas furnaces or heat pumps)
⚠️ Setup requires some electrical knowledge, especially in older homes
💡 Mysa’s Lineup: The Mysa Smart Thermostat is a must-have if you rely on electric heating in BC. It’s one of the few smart thermostats that can actually help lower your hydro bill!
Which Smart Thermostat is Best for Your Home?
Choosing the right smart thermostat depends on your home’s heating system, budget, and smart home preferences. Here’s a quick breakdown:
🏆 Best Overall: Ecobee
🏠 Best for Learning & Automation: Nest
💰 Best Budget-Friendly Option: Emerson Sensi
🔥 Best for Electric Heating: Mysa
📏 Best for Precision Control: Honeywell
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat with Veteran HVAC!
A smart thermostat won’t just make your home more comfortable—it can help you save big on energy costs. Plus, BC homeowners can qualify for government rebates when upgrading to energy-efficient systems!
Not sure which smart thermostat is best for you? Veteran Heating & Cooling can help! We help you install and set up smart thermostats across the Lower Mainland, ensuring your home stays comfortable year-round.
📞 Call us today or send us a message to book a consultation! 🚀
