Are you tired of coming home to a freezing house or paying sky-high energy bills because your old thermostat can’t keep up? You’re not alone. Many homeowners in the US struggled with inefficient heating systems before the rise of smart heating thermostats. In 2017 and 2018, the market saw a revolution in home climate control, with devices that learn your habits, save energy, and can even be controlled from your phone. As a professional with over a decade of experience in the industry, I’ve seen firsthand how these devices transform comfort and efficiency. Let’s dive into the best smart heating thermostats of 2017 and 2018 that my plumber colleagues and I highly recommend.
Why Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat in 2017-2018?
Before we list the top models, it’s essential to understand why these devices became so popular during this period. The primary driver was the integration of Wi-Fi connectivity and machine learning algorithms. Unlike traditional programmable thermostats that required manual scheduling, smart thermostats could adapt to your lifestyle automatically.
According to energy studies from that era, upgrading to a smart thermostat could save the average US household 10% to 15% on heating and cooling costs. That’s not just a small change; for a family spending $2,000 annually on energy, that’s a saving of up to $300 per year. Furthermore, utility companies often offered rebates for installing these energy-efficient devices, making the return on investment even faster.
The “My Plumber” perspective is crucial here. Plumbers and HVAC technicians noticed fewer service calls related to system strain because these devices optimized run-times, preventing short-cycling and extending the life of furnaces and boilers.
Top 3 Smart Thermostats of 2017 and 2018
When evaluating the market leaders from these two years, three names consistently rose to the top: Nest, Ecobee, and Honeywell. Each brought something unique to the table.
1. Google Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Generation)
The Pioneer of Learning Technology
By 2017, the Nest Learning Thermostat had already established itself as the gold standard. Its standout feature was its ability to “learn.” Within a week of installation, it memorized your preferred temperatures and created an automatic schedule.
Key Features:
- Auto-Schedule: No programming needed; it learns from you.
- Home/Away Assist: Uses sensors and phone location to turn down heat when you leave.
- Energy History: View exactly how much energy you use and why via the app.
- Farsight: Lights up to show you the temperature or time when you walk across the room.
Pros:
- Sleek, award-winning design that looks great on any wall.
- Proven energy savings (independent studies showed an average of 10-12% on heating).
- Seamless integration with other Google Home products.
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost compared to competitors.
- Requires a C-wire (common wire) in many older homes, which might need professional installation.
For many, the Nest was the definition of a “set it and forget it” device. It removed the human error of forgetting to lower the thermostat before leaving for work.
2. Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat
The Voice-Controlled Powerhouse
Released prominently in 2017, the Ecobee4 made waves by being the first thermostat with built-in Amazon Alexa. This meant you didn’t just control your heat; you could ask for the weather, play music, or set timers directly from the thermostat.
Key Features:
- Built-in Alexa: Full voice control without needing a separate Echo device.
- Room Sensors: Included one sensor to detect occupancy and temperature in specific rooms, solving the issue of cold spots.
- Touchscreen Display: Crisp, responsive interface.
- Smart Recovery: Learns how long your home takes to reach the desired temperature and starts heating early so it’s ready when you are.
Pros:
- Excellent for multi-room homes thanks to remote sensors.
- Built-in voice assistant adds significant value.
- Often eligible for larger utility rebates due to its advanced sensor technology.
Cons:
- The microphone placement sometimes picked up background noise.
- Setup could be slightly more complex for non-tech-savvy users.
The inclusion of room sensors was a game-changer for plumbers and HVAC pros. It allowed for better balancing of heating systems, ensuring that the bedroom wasn’t freezing while the living room was sweltering.
3. Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat
The Reliable Hybrid
While Nest and Ecobee grabbed headlines, Honeywell leveraged its decades of HVAC expertise to release the T9 in late 2018. It combined traditional reliability with modern smarts.
Key Features:
- Smart Room Sensors: Like Ecobee, it focused on the rooms that mattered most.
- Geofencing: Used your smartphone’s location to adjust settings as you approached or left home.
- Compatibility: Worked with a wider range of HVAC systems, including some complex multi-stage systems that others struggled with.
- Integration: Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings.
Pros:
- Superior compatibility with older or complex heating systems.
- Robust app with detailed scheduling options for those who like control.
- Generally more affordable than Nest.
Cons:
- Design was functional but less “premium” looking than Nest.
- Learning capabilities were not as advanced as Nest’s algorithm.
For homeowners with older boiler systems or complex zoning, the Honeywell T9 was often the “My Plumber” recommendation because it played nice with legacy hardware while still offering smart features.
Comparison Table: Which One Fits Your Home?
To help you decide, here is a quick comparison of these top contenders based on data from 2017-2018 reviews and technician feedback.
| Feature | Nest Learning (3rd Gen) | Ecobee4 | Honeywell Home T9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learning Capability | High (Auto-Schedule) | Medium (Smart Recovery) | Low (Manual/Geofence) |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant (via external) | Alexa Built-in | External Only |
| Room Sensors | Sold Separately (later) | Included (1) | Sold Separately |
| Display Type | Circular LCD | Rectangular Touchscreen | Rectangular Touchscreen |
| Best For | Design & Automation | Multi-room Comfort | System Compatibility |
| Approx. Price (2018) | $249 | $249 | $199 |
Installation Tips: A Step-by-Step Guide
While many homeowners attempt DIY installation, understanding the process helps you decide if you need a pro. Here is a simplified overview of the installation steps common to these devices.
- Turn Off Power: Locate your circuit breaker and switch off the power to your HVAC system. Safety first: Use a voltage tester to confirm no power is running to the thermostat wires.
- Remove Old Thermostat: Take off the faceplate of your old unit. Take a photo of the wiring before disconnecting anything. This is your backup map.
- Label Wires: Use the stickers provided in the smart thermostat box to label each wire (R, W, Y, G, C, etc.) as you disconnect them.
- Check for C-Wire: Most smart thermostats require a “C-wire” (common wire) for constant power. If you don’t have one, you may need to install an adapter or run a new wire. This is where many DIYers call a plumber or HVAC tech.
- Mount the Base Plate: Attach the new thermostat’s base plate to the wall using the provided screws. Ensure it is level.
- Connect Wires: Insert the labeled wires into the corresponding terminals on the new base. Push firmly until they click.
- Attach Faceplate & Power On: Snap the display unit onto the base, go back to the breaker, and turn the power on.
- Follow App Setup: Download the manufacturer’s app, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on-screen prompts to configure your system.
If you encounter more than 4 wires or lack a C-wire, it is highly recommended to consult a professional to avoid damaging your HVAC control board. You can read more about the history of HVAC controls on Wikipedia to understand the evolution of these wiring standards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do smart thermostats really save money?
Yes. Data from 2017-2018 indicated that users saved an average of 10-15% on heating bills. The savings come from optimized scheduling, geofencing (turning off heat when you leave), and preventing overheating.
2. Will a smart thermostat work with my old furnace?
Most likely, yes. Devices like the Honeywell T9 were designed specifically for broad compatibility. However, if your system is very old (pre-1990s) or uses a high-voltage system (like some electric baseboards), you must check compatibility lists before buying.
3. What is a C-wire and do I need one?
A C-wire (common wire) provides continuous 24V power to the thermostat. While some thermostats can “steal” power from other wires, a dedicated C-wire ensures stable operation and prevents battery drain. If your bundle of wires doesn’t have one, an adapter kit can often be installed.
4. Can I control these thermostats when I’m on vacation?
Absolutely. As long as your home has Wi-Fi, you can control Nest, Ecobee, and Honeywell thermostats from anywhere in the world using their respective smartphone apps. This is perfect for freezing pipes prevention in winter.
5. Is professional installation necessary?
Not always. If you are comfortable with basic electrical work and have a C-wire, DIY is feasible. However, if you have a complex system (heat pump with auxiliary heat, multi-zone) or no C-wire, hiring a professional ensures the warranty remains valid and the system operates safely.
6. How do room sensors improve heating efficiency?
Room sensors allow the thermostat to prioritize the temperature in occupied rooms rather than just the hallway where the thermostat sits. This prevents the system from overworking to heat empty rooms while ignoring the ones you are actually using.
Conclusion
The years 2017 and 2018 marked a turning point in home comfort. The best smart heating thermostats from this era—Nest, Ecobee, and Honeywell—offered a blend of intelligence, convenience, and energy efficiency that traditional devices simply couldn’t match. Whether you chose the sleek learning capabilities of Nest, the voice-activated versatility of Ecobee, or the robust compatibility of Honeywell, the result was the same: a warmer home and a lighter wallet.
Upgrading your thermostat is one of the easiest and most effective ways to modernize your home. Don’t let an outdated device dictate your comfort levels. Take control today, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a smart home.
Found this guide helpful? Share it with your friends and family on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn to help them make smarter heating choices too!
Leave a Reply