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    Smart Thermostat Picks

    10-15% savings on energy bills.

    Google Nest Learning Thermostat

    $250

    Senior favorite. Auto-learns schedule. Big readable display.

    Best overall.

    Ecobee Smart Premium

    $250

    Built-in Alexa. Room sensors for temperature in different areas.

    Best for big homes.

    Honeywell T9

    $150-200

    Familiar Honeywell brand. Reliable. Smart app.

    Best familiar brand.

    Amazon Smart Thermostat

    $80

    Cheap + simple. Works with Alexa.

    Best budget.

    Mysa

    $140-200

    For electric baseboard heat (less common but Mysa specializes).

    Best for baseboard.

    Why upgrade

    • Auto-adjusts when away — saves money.
    • Schedule different temps for sleep, away, home.
    • Voice control — "Alexa, set thermostat to 72."
    • Phone alerts — temperature spike (broken HVAC).
    • Vacation mode — protects pipes from freezing.
    • Family checks remotely — peace of mind for adult kids.

    Utility rebates

    • Most US utilities offer $50-100 rebates for smart thermostats.
    • Some give them FREE if you sign up for demand-response programs.
    • Search "[your utility] smart thermostat rebate".
    • Federal Inflation Reduction Act tax credits for energy efficiency.

    DIY install (30 min)

    1. Turn off HVAC at breaker.
    2. Photo your existing wires (back of old thermostat).
    3. Remove old thermostat.
    4. Connect wires to new thermostat per labels.
    5. Mount, attach.
    6. Turn breaker on.
    7. Connect to wifi via app.
    8. Or hire HVAC technician — $100-200 typically.

    No "C-wire"?

    Some smart thermostats need a "common wire" (C-wire). Check what you have first. Nest works without one. Ecobee includes a "PEK" adapter to add one. Honeywell C-wire kit is $35-50.