9.0

1. ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium

Top PickA ton of features packed into a sleek touchscreen display

View Price

8.0

2. Google Nest Thermostat

Runner-UpIntelligent features for added comfort and energy savings

View Price

7.8

3. Honeywell T5 Smart Thermostat

More affordable then the Nest and Ecobee, yet still packs a lot of features

View Price

7.5

4. Sensi Touch 2

Great Mobile App and Remote Functions

View Price

7.2

5. Amazon Smart Thermostat

Budget OptionAffordable and Easy to Set Up

View Price

How Thermostat Wiring Differs in a Heat Pump System

In simple terms, a heat pump works as a heater, as well as an air conditioner to provide year-round comfort, no matter the season.

Heat pump-specific wiring setups rely on the yellow “Y” wire to call for the heat pump (both heating and cooling). While doing so, it switches between heating and cooling by energizing or de-energizing the O/B wire, which controls the reversing valve. 

The white W wire (which usually stands for heat), is used to call in the auxiliary or emergency heating system.

Apart from that, you have the regular G wire for the blower fan, R and C wires for power, and sometimes, an L wire (in older models) for signaling the auxiliary/emergency heating modes. 

All the thermostats listed on this page are “Smart Thermostats”. If you are looking for a “non-smart” programmable thermostat instead, I recommend the Honeywell touchscreen model.

My Recommendation

Off the back of my research and experience testing a selection of smart thermostats, for heat pump systems I highly recommend the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium. 

It’s a fully-featured smart thermostat that can help you save up to 26% per year on heating and cooling costs. Plus, it’s one of the few thermostats that directly supports Apple HomeKit.

Alternatively, the Nest thermostat is also a very solid option. It’s compatible with many of the popular smart home ecosystems and offers intelligent features to help you maximize energy savings on your heat pump system. 

Best Smart Thermostats for Heat Pumps

9.0

Top Pick

1. ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium

A ton of features packed into a sleek touchscreen display

View Price
On Amazon

With dozens of smart features and additional sensors, the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is a fully-featured device that helps you control temperatures and save on energy costs.

Specifications

• Display: 4.1” x 4.1” Touchscreen display
• Sensors and Detectors: Temperature, Humidity, Motion/Occupancy, Air Quality, Smoke, and Speakers
• Battery Backup: No
• Support for Remote Temperature Sensors: Yes
• Support for Ventilation/HVAC Accessories: Yes, but only 1 at a time
• Voice Control: Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri.

The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is a wired smart thermostat that can work with many of the popular smart home hubs/assistants. Additionally, it features a dedicated mobile app that helps you monitor and control the thermostat using your smartphone.

Sensors

This thermostat comes with high-tech sensors for accurate climate control and it’s compatible with ecobee remote indoor temperature sensors, allowing you to detect the temperature in different rooms and control the heat pump as necessary.

Reported Issues

However, it’s not perfect as some users have reported sensors giving out inaccurate temperature and humidity readings.

Also, the thermostat, due to its large feature-set, tends to be more expensive than the competition.

8.0

Runner-Up

2. Google Nest Thermostat

Intelligent features for added comfort and energy savings

View Price
On Amazon

With a heavy emphasis on automation and remote monitoring, the Google Nest thermostat is the de-facto smart thermostat.

Specifications

• Display: 2.4” touchscreen color LCD
• Sensors and Detectors: Temperature, Humidity, Motion/Occupancy, Ambient Light
• Battery Backup: Yes
• Support for Remote Temperature Sensors: Yes
• Support for Ventilation Systems/HVAC Accessories: No
• Voice Control: Alexa, Google Assistant

The Nest thermostat is a versatile thermostat that offers impressive customization and smart functionality. This includes voice control with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, along with numerous features like remote monitoring, geo-fencing, and nest airwave that improve overall efficiency.

It's designed for easy installation including everything you need to set it up.

Automated Features

All good things aside, many users have reported issues with its intelligent features. They have found that it’s not always accurate with its suggestions and doesn’t do a great job of detecting user presence or learning their exact routines.

7.8

3. Honeywell T5 Smart Thermostat

More affordable then the Nest and Ecobee, yet still packs a lot of features

View Price
On Amazon

The Honeywell Home T5 Smart Thermostat is a well-designed smart thermostat that's got the essentials covered at a fraction of the price.

Specifications

• Display: 3.5” x 3.5” Touchscreen LCD
• Sensors and Detectors: Temperature
• Battery Backup: No
• Support for Remote Temperature Sensors: No
• Support for Ventilation Systems/HVAC Accessories: No
• Voice Control: Alexa, Google Assistant

The T5 Smart Thermostat is a user-friendly smart thermostat with a sleek display. 

It's an easy-to-install thermostat that can handle heat pump systems with efficiency, comfort, and longevity in mind. 

Mobile App and Compatibility with Smart Home Ecosystems

The programmable thermostat features a touchscreen display and can also be remotely monitored and controlled via the Resideo mobile app. 

It syncs well with other smart devices like Alexa and Google Home, facilitating a unified smart home setup.

Also, innovative features like Geofence Technology, Vacation Mode, and Auto-Away Mode allow automatic temperature adjustments based on your location or schedule.

Notable Issues

That being said, the T5 Smart Thermostat does have certain flaws, primarily having to do with its Wi-Fi connection. 

Many users have faced repeated instances where the device struggles to maintain its Wi-Fi connection, leading to a mobile app that’s laggy and unable to remotely control the thermostat via the app.

7.5

4. Sensi Touch 2

Great Mobile App and Remote Functions

View Price
On Amazon

The Sensi Touch 2 thermostat is another great alternative for a smart thermostat. It’s energy-star certified, easy to control, and helps you monitor temperatures remotely through a well-designed mobile app.

Specifications

• Display: 4.3” Color Touchscreen
• Sensors and Detectors: Temperature and Humidity
• Battery Backup: No
• Support for Remote Temperature Sensors: Yes
• Support for Ventilation Systems/HVAC Accessories: No
• Voice Control: Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings

Sensi Touch 2 includes a decent amount of intelligent features and support for smart home ecosystems, making it a viable option for any heat pump system.

I like its user-friendly setup and app, which makes it very easy to digest energy usage reports, thermostat readings, and settings.

Energy Efficiency

Also, unlike its older version, Sensi Touch 2 focuses on energy efficiency. It’s managed to fulfill strict Title 24 energy rules along with earning an Energy Star certification, which I find impressive.

Power and Connectivity Issues

However, it does have its issues: primarily with the Wi-Fi stability and a lack of battery backup. 

So if you’re hoping to go for this thermostat, improving the Wi-Fi signal and installing a C-wire is a crucial step.

7.2

Budget Option

5. Amazon Smart Thermostat

Affordable and Easy to Set Up

View Price
On Amazon

The Amazon Smart Thermostat is a hassle-free solution to upgrade to a smart thermostat and save energy at the same time.

Specifications

• Display Size: 3.56” x 3.56”
• Sensors and Detectors: Temperature and Humidity
• Battery Backup: No
• Support for Remote Temperature Sensors: No
• Support for Ventilation Systems/HVAC Accessories: Not mentioned
• Voice Control: Alexa only

Amazon's Smart Thermostat is all about saving energy, and maybe, some cash too upfront. It's ENERGY-STAR certified and provides good value for money.

This thermostat supports Alexa, so it can seamlessly connect with the Alexa app or an echo to help you issue voice commands and extend its smart functionality.

On top of that, the initial setup is very straightforward, with the Alexa app guiding you every step of the way. It’s DIY-friendly and requires common tools for installation. 

Notable Issues

Although network issues aren’t a major problem for the Amazon Smart thermostat, testers have found several issues with the temperature readings. 

So in certain units, the built-in thermometer can be a bit off, especially when there’s sunlight or problems with insulation in the space.

Decision Factors When Buying a Smart Thermostat for a Heat Pump System

There are several things you need to consider when deciding to purchase a heat pump thermostat. 

• Compatibility with Heat Pump Systems: Make sure the thermostat and its wiring support your heat pump system and auxiliary heating stages (if you have any).
• Ease of Installation: Thermostats with built-in batteries make installation easier. Otherwise, you’d have to set up a C-wire adapter or a new C-wire to provide power.
• Smart Home Integration: Ensuring the smart thermostat is already compatible with your existing smart home ecosystem will make home automation more flexible and convenient.
• Energy Efficiency: A thermostat with intelligent functions and settings that help you save energy is always a plus.
• User-Friendly Interface: Large touchscreen displays and intuitive buttons will make it easier for you and your family members who don’t always have access to the corresponding mobile app or smart hub.

Compatibility With Your Heat Pump

Before choosing a thermostat for your heat pump, compatibility is crucial. So no matter how impressive features there might be, if it's not compatible with your specific heat pump system, it's not the right fit for you.

I’ve made sure to pick smart thermostats that are fully compatible with most heat pump systems. So whether that’s the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, or, Honeywell Home T5, compatibility shouldn't be an issue. 

However, if it's still worth double checking before taking the plunge.

Ease of Installation

Although the fundamental installation process remains the same, factors like the requirement for a C-Wire can make a DIY installation more complicated than it needs to be. 

Most devices listed here require a C-Wire. For the Google Nest thermostat, while it has a battery backup, in a lot of cases a C-Wire may still be needed. You can always use the Nest Power Connector if you don't have one.

It's definitely worth checking the power requirements of the thermostat and your system itself. If you already have a C-wire, you’re good to go.

Smart Home Integration

If you’re considering a smart thermostat for your heat pump system, future-proofing it with your existing (or future) smart home platform is a must. 

So if you’re in the Google Home/Nest ecosystem a Google Nest Thermostat makes more sense; seamlessly syncing with Google Assistant and allowing you to integrate the thermostat with Google Home’s routines and other smart home devices. 

Similarly, the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is the best option if you have other ecobee devices, such as their door and window break-in sensors, or an Apple Homekit setup.

So pick a thermostat that can work with your existing smart devices.

Energy Efficiency

The ability of a smart thermostat to run daily schedules and adjust to energy-saving temperatures when nobody is at home can save hundreds of dollars down the line.

So when talking about efficiency, let's talk about the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium. It's ENERGY STAR certified and with the help of additional room temperature sensors, can reduce energy waste by preventing overheating/overcooling.

Alternatively, you can also look at the Google Nest Learning Thermostat. With its intelligent features and Home/Away Assist, it can learn from your usage patterns, detect your presence and adjust temperatures when you're not at home, effectively driving down unnecessary consumption. 

So doing a little more research regarding the energy-saving features of a smart thermostat is paramount since it helps you cut back significantly on utility costs. 

User-Friendly Interface

When it comes to the competition between smart thermostats, clear presentation, and easy controls are always the deciding factor. 

Take the Google Nest Thermostat for example, its digital display combined with a modern take on the rotary dial mechanism makes it one of the most popular smart thermostats. The Nest thermostat is easy to read and controlling the temperature is very intuitive.

If not, consider the Amazon Smart Thermostat. The large, yet minimalistic display highlights the only information you need to know. On top of that, its minimal three-button control scheme makes it very convenient to adjust the temperature and system modes. 

Look for Minimal Interfaces that Hide Complexity Behind a Menu Button

So, while scouting for thermostats, make sure to prioritize user-friendly interfaces, with an easy-to-navigate display and controls that erase fuss. Don’t worry about advanced settings since you can configure these through the app or inside a dedicated menu in the display itself.

Research Methodology

To figure out which thermostats should make this list, I conducted thorough research online along with some hands-on research with a selection of devices.

Right off the bat, I prioritized compatibility with heat pump systems and evaluated factors as power requirements, ease of use, and available smart features.

Finally, I eliminated devices that had significant drawbacks, making sure to whittle down to five options that are the most reliable and provide the best value.

9.0

ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium

Top PickA ton of features packed into a sleek touchscreen display

View Price

8.0

Google Nest Thermostat

Runner-UpIntelligent features for added comfort and energy savings

View Price

Sources

• https://www.honeywellhome.com/us/en/products/air/thermostats/wifi-thermostats/t5-smart-thermostat-white-rth8800wf2022-u/
• https://www.amazonforum.com/s/question/0D56Q00008WN9iVSAT/keeps-displaying-aux-heat
• https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/9248719?hl=en
• https://support.ecobee.com/s/articles/ecobee-and-HomeKit-Set-up-Scenes-and-Troubleshooting

The post Top 5 Heat Pump-Compatible Smart Thermostats appeared first on Smart Home Perfected.

We provide three different approaches to upgrading your gas fireplace with smart controls!

Option 1: Voice Control Your Gas Fireplace With Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant

9.3

1. Durablow Gas Fireplace Smart Controller

Top PickWire in a smart module for voice and smart phone control

View Price

9.2

2. Bond RF/IR Remote Controller

Runner UpNo installation—works by masquerading as your existing gas fireplace infrared remote control (If you have one!)

View Price

8.8

4. xStream Gas Fireplace Low Voltage Relay Switch

DIY PickWire up the relay switch with the fireplace control unit and control via a smart plug for voice and remote commands

View Price

Add-On

Kasa Smart Plug

View Price

Option 2: Remote Controls for a Gas Fireplace

9.3

1. Hearth Products Controls Acumen Timer/Thermostat Fireplace Remote Control

Top PickDesigned for millivolt gas valves only

View Price

9.0

2. Skytech Gas Fireplace Touchscreen Remote Control with Thermostat

Runner UpLCD Display

View Price

8.8

3. Napoleon F45 Hand Held Fireplace Remote with On/Off Control

Simple user interface

View Price

Option 3: Wall Switches & Thermostats for a Gas Fireplace

9.3

1. Oribt Millivolt Thermostat

Top Pick7-day programmability with memory retention

View Price

9.0

2. Skytech Gas Fireplace Wireless Thermostat

Runner UpWireless with a transmitter and receiver and can be wall-mounted

View Price

Types of Gas Fireplace Ignition Controllers

Overview

There are basically two major types of gas fireplace ignition controllers, namely millivolt ignition and electronic ignition (IPI).

Millivolt Ignition

The millivolt ignition system operates with the aid of a standing pilot light. This system is independent of an electric source. The pilot light remains on at all times except when the user decides to put it off due to a long period of non-use.

Electronic Ignition (IPI)

On the other hand, the electronic ignition system is dependent on an electric source of about 110 V or 120 V to function properly. The main idea behind the IPI is to produce electric pulses which ignite the pilot light.

Electronic ignition doesn't work during a power outage unless there’s a battery back-up.

Option 1: Voice Control Your Gas Fireplace With Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant

Conveniently control your fireplace from any part of your home using voice assistants. You will need a remote control device and a hub to voice control your gas fireplace via Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant. Most remote control devices come with an app that lets you control your fireplace outside your home. Below are the best controllers for your gas fireplace.

Update: There are a couple of smart thermostats that support millivolt gas fireplaces and connect to Alexa and Google Assistant. The Lux Geo is one however a lot of users are complaining about the quality of the app and issues with the devices losing Wi-Fi connection so not one we can firmly recommend. GoControl also has a Z-Wave smart thermostat which can be voice controlled when connected via a hub like SmartThings however their device seems to be out of stock for the last 6 months so might be discontinued. Will keep you posted!

9.3

Top Pick

1.

Durablow Gas Fireplace Smart Controller

Wire in a smart module for voice and smart phone control

View Price
On Amazon.com

The Durablow Gas Fireplace Smart Controller is the perfect pick for homeowners that want to convert their conventional gas fireplace into an interactive and self-functioning device.

Top Features

• Control the daily activities of your gas fireplace using the timer feature.
• The aluminum housing controller box insulates and protects the core elements from heat damage.
• Prevent your neighbors or children from turning on your gas fireplace using the locked or child lockout mode.

It offers timer features, different operating modes, and the ability to set various scenes. It works perfectly fine with millivolt and electronic ignition systems.

9.2

Runner Up

2.

Bond RF/IR Remote Controller

No installation—works by masquerading as your existing gas fireplace infrared remote control (If you have one!)

View Price
On Amazon.com

If you are searching for a multipurpose remote control, the Bond RF/IR Remote Controller is your best bet.

Top Features

• Its one-way radio tech allows it to cover a large area.
• Compatible with smart speakers
• Can be accessed outside the home using the app

The installation-free remote control covers an area range of 2,500 square feet. It attains this feat by recording and transmitting radio frequency and infrared signals.

It can be used with fireplaces, fans, and shades. The Bond adopts all the functions of individual remotes like the on/off, dimmer settings, and fan speed.

8.8

DIY Pick

4.

xStream Gas Fireplace Low Voltage Relay Switch

Wire up the relay switch with the fireplace control unit and control via a smart plug for voice and remote commands

View Price
On Amazon.com

Add-On

Kasa Smart Plug

View Price

The XStream is a pretty simple design that works with a smart speaker to control your gas fireplace at your command.

Top Features

• Compatible with millivolt and electronic spark ignition systems
• Supports timer settings
• Can be used to schedule multiple functions

You wire up the relay to either the fireplace control unit or to the wall switch wire connector. You then need a smart switch for the gas fireplace to voice control it.

To turn on your gas fireplace or reduce the heat, all you need to do is say the keyword plus command, for instance, “Alexa turn up the heat.”

Option 2: Remote Controls for a Gas Fireplace

Do you know that it is possible to control your gas fireplace the same way you control your fan or air conditioner? All you need is a remote control coupled with a smart thermostat. The smart thermostat enables you to set temperature limits, preventing your gas fireplace from reaching extreme temperatures.

9.3

Top Pick

1.

Hearth Products Controls Acumen Timer/Thermostat Fireplace Remote Control

Designed for millivolt gas valves only

View Price
On Amazon.com

This Hearth product comes with a heat shield, transmitter remote control, wires plus connectors, box, receiver, and batteries. The receiver box serves as a volt-free contact switch, which does not give out voltage.

Top Features

• Helps conserve energy
• Schedule your gas fireplace to come on/off at the desired time
• The temperature value can be set to Celsius or Fahrenheit.

The LCD display is visible even in the dark. It displays the current room temperature, temperature limit, and time.

9.0

Runner Up

2.

Skytech Gas Fireplace Touchscreen Remote Control with Thermostat

LCD Display

View Price
On Amazon.com

Skytech Gas Fireplace Touchscreen Remote Control is a programmable controller that provides a timer feature, thermostatic protection, and a backlit LCD touchscreen.

Top Features

• It has a large display that is visible at night.
• It possesses a timer feature.
• It has a low battery indicator.

The receiver can be mounted on a wall not more than 20’ away from the hearth or under the gas fireplace. It is compatible with the millivolt ignition system.

8.8

3.

Napoleon F45 Hand Held Fireplace Remote with On/Off Control

Simple user interface

View Price
On Amazon.com

The Napoleon F45 hand-held fireplace remote is for homeowners who just want a simple controller with on/off functions. This might not be the best option for people looking for a remote with an advanced timer feature and a programmable interface. The Napoleon F45 hand-held fireplace comes with a transmitter and receiver.

Top Features

• Compatible with the millivolt ignition system
• Possesses on and off functions
• It has a room temperature indicator.

8.8

Most programmable millivolt ignition remote control

4.

WiFire Smartphone Remote Control

Single control for multiple gas fireplaces

View Price
On Amazon.com

Keep your home temperature within the desired range whether you are at home or not with the Wi-Fi-enabled WiFire Smartphone Remote Control.

Top Features

• Control multiple gas fireplaces from a single internet location.
• The remote can be locked to keep out of the reach of children and visitors.
• It has a temperature sensor that helps the controller keep your home at a desired temperature.

The WiFire Smartphone Remote Control is recommended for millivolt ignition gas fireplaces, although it is not compatible with electronic ignition systems. Asides from hearths, it can also be used for millivolt gas stoves.

You can control multiple fireplaces from a single smartphone, but each fireplace requires a WiFire Smartphone Remote Control.

5.

Ambient On/Off Thermostat Fireplace Remote Control

Different modes for various purposes

View Price
On Amazon.com

This 0.8-pound remote control changes its screen color depending on the temperature of the room.

Top Features

• Its backlit display makes it operable even in the dark.
• The device allows users to set up 16 security codes for maximum protection.
• It operates perfectly using radio frequency.

In “program mode,” when the thermostat senses hotness, the screen becomes red. It turns green when the room is cold. It is designed to automatically shut off the gas fireplace when a particular temperature is reached. The reverse is true for low temperatures.

Option 3: Wall Switches & Thermostats for a Gas Fireplace

If you’d rather have a wall switch or fixed thermostat to control your gas fireplace, then read on!

9.3

Top Pick

1.

Oribt Millivolt Thermostat

7-day programmability with memory retention

View Price
On Amazon.com

This battery-powered millivolt thermostat can be wired up to control your gas fireplace.

Top Features

• It has a large backlit display that makes it easy to operate in the dark.
• It has 7-day programmability.
• Data is retained even after changing batteries.

The values displayed on screen include the current temperature, the temperature limit, the time, and blower status. You can program the thermostat for 7 days, and each day can have different schedules.

9.0

Runner Up

2.

Skytech Gas Fireplace Wireless Thermostat

Wireless with a transmitter and receiver and can be wall-mounted

View Price
On Amazon.com

The Skytech Gas Fireplace Wireless Thermostat enables you to simply set your temperature limit in Fahrenheit. It, however, lacks several advanced features such as more flexible programmability, backlit display, and the ability to set one or multiple passwords.

Top Features

• The device is programmable.
• The interface is user-friendly.
• It conserves battery and energy.

It is a battery-powered thermostat that comes with or without wire, depending on your order. The package includes the receiver box, transmitter, batteries, wall plate, and manual. The batteries can last for over one year, but it is advisable to change them after a year.

Decision-Making Factors

Millivolt vs Electronic Ignition (IPI)

During a power outage, a millivolt ignition system is more preferable, as it requires zero electricity to heat your home. The ability to start without electricity, however, comes at an energy cost. In a gas fireplace, the pilot light is dependent on gas; hence gas is the price to pay for maintaining the ever-burning little flame.

Installation

Most devices listed above require some level of wiring; however, it is pretty straight forward for a competent person. The Bond is the exception as it is essentially a smart remote control which replaces your existing fireplace remote.

The installation process depends on the manufacturer, as controllers can be mounted, free, or directly connected to the gas fireplace.

Remote vs Voice Control

The major selling point of smart home appliances is convenience. Judging by convenience, the voice control option is the better of the two options.There are times when we are too tired to reach for the remote and at that point, we wish the gas fireplace could read our mind! A simple voice command solves the problem!

Thermostat Needed

A thermostat regulates the temperature and prevents your gas fireplace from giving off too much heat. It is the brain of the controller. The remote control relies on the thermostat to get an accurate reading of the current temperature and to correct its output when low or high temperature is detected.

The Verdict

When people think about upgrading their gas fireplaces, the first thing that comes to mind is the aesthetics; however, it is the integral functions of the hearth that can improve our living standard.

If convenience is your major concern, opt for any of the aforementioned devices that support voice control with Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant.

9.3

Top Pick

1. Durablow Gas Fireplace Smart Controller

Wire in a smart module for voice and smart phone control

View Price
On Amazon.com

The Durablow Gas Fireplace Smart Controller is the perfect pick for homeowners that want to convert their conventional gas fireplace into an interactive and self-functioning device.

Top Features

• Control the daily activities of your gas fireplace using the timer feature.
• The aluminum housing controller box insulates and protects the core elements from heat damage.
• Prevent your neighbors or children from turning on your gas fireplace using the locked or child lockout mode.

Sources

Bondhome.io

The post Ways To Upgrade Your Gas Fireplace with Voice, Remote & Smart Controls! appeared first on Smart Home Perfected.

Is there a Ring Thermostat?

No, Ring has not yet branched out into producing smart thermostats.  

However, if you are considering Ring security products and wondering if you could integrate them into other smart home products then read on! We provide 5 ways to integrate Ring with a smart thermostat. 

Can I add a smart thermostat to the Ring App?

Unfortunately not. If you want to use a single smartphone app to control both your Ring security cameras and smart thermostat then there are a couple of third party options to check out.

Is Ring compatible with the major smart thermostats in the market – Nest, ecobee, Honeywell?

While not directly compatible, you can use Google Home or Alexa, to act as a bridge between a smart thermostat and your Ring products (Details below). You can also use a smart home integration platform which we will discuss below.

ecobee

ecobee 4 Smart Thermostat

View Price

Nest

Nest Learning Thermostat

View Price

Honeywell

T9 Smart Thermostat

View Price

Emerson

Sensi Smart Thermostat

View Price

Option 1: Use Alexa & Echo Show, Fire TV, or Fire tablet Devices (BEST OPTION)

This is our recommended option for the simple fact that, as these products are Amazon-branded, they’re designed to work best together.

Using Alexa on your Echo Show smart display, or Fire tablet gives you access to the most features for your Ring device, especially looking through the cameras in real-time.

Alexa Commands to control your Ring devices

To control your Ring doorbell or security camera:

• Alexa, show/hide [your device name] (e.g. the back patio, back door).
• Alexa, go home.
• Alexa, stop.

To manage your video clips, say something like:

• Alexa, show me the last activity/most recent event from the back door.
• Alexa, rewind.
• Alexa, rewind 1 minute.
• Alexa, fast-forward 10 seconds.

For your Ring smart lights, you have a large list of commands for them. Some of the most useful ones are:

• Alexa, turn on/off my garage lights.
• Alexa, set the backyard light to 50%.
• Alexa, turn on motion sensing on the front door.

For your Ring Alarm, say something like:

• Alexa, arm Ring.
• Alexa, disarm ring.
• Alexa, is Ring armed?

How to connect a smart thermostat to Alexa?

It's easy! Smart thermostats like Nest, Ecobee, Honeywell, Lux, and Sensi are supported by Alexa. Follow these simple steps:

9.2

Amazon Echo Show

A quality smart speaker and display

View Price

The Echo Show 8 gets way easier to recommend with its great sound, video, and camera when you find it at its discounted prices

Top Features

• Superb multimedia experience with an 8” HD display, camera, and improved double speakers

• Great voice pickup with 8 microphones installed

• One of the best smart home systems backed by Alexa, has excellent compatibility with an extensive (and still growing) host of smart devices.

The Echo Show 8 helps make Alexa friendlier and more capable. The display is great, with crisp images, adapting brightness, and nice viewing angles. You can’t complain about the sound either, and the voice recognition is more than enough with multiple receivers.

And if you haven’t heard, the range of smart home devices compatible with Alexa keeps on growing. You get more out of your money over time as new skills get added.

Tech Specs

Option 2: Use Google Assistant

Heads up! The features you get are massively limited to only a handful of voice commands. And unfortunately, real-time streaming through your cameras is not available. Not on your smart display, not on your Android TV, not on your Chromecast.

Google Assistant Commands to control your Ring devices

You initiate commands by saying, 

• “Hey Google, talk to ring” 

Once connected, the following commands are available:

• “Talk to Ring about starting a new recording”
• “Talk to Ring about the last time my Doorbell rang”
• “Talk to Ring about the health of my devices”
• “Talk to Ring to turn motion/Ring alerts on/off”

Option 3: Use a Smart Home Hub like Home Assistant or Samsung SmartThings

This option requires a decent amount of technical savvy to pull off. This is especially true with Home Assistant, which is a free open-source home automation solution that gives a lot of control and options.

What is Samsung SmartThings?

SmartThings is another proprietary smart home ecosystem like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Samsung also uses the same name for the app and hub, while the voice assistant is named Bixby.

Like with Google and Amazon’s systems, SmartThings is compatible with thousands of devices. Aside from devices, SmartThings supports ZigBee, Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi/Internet communication protocols, as well as IFTTT. SmartThings works well with Alexa and Google Assistant platforms too, with respective entries in Google Home, Google Assistant, and Alexa apps.

As of December 2020, SmartThings has even reinforced Google Assistant support with new compatibility and integration.

What is Home Assistant?

As mentioned above, Home Assistant is an “open-source home automation” system that puts local control and privacy first.

The getting started page of Home Assistant suggests starting with Raspberry Pi to be used as the smart hub. That aside from other gadgetry required. If you’re still here, maybe you’ll be pleased to know there are alternative installation steps.

Some of the best integrations require software developer-level skills, like the ecobee integration. It’s good to know that Home Assistant is backed by a passionate community that loves smart home automation. And the goal is true and honest automation not limited by corporate interests.

How to control both your Ring Cameras and a Smart Thermostat from the Samsung SmartThings app?

A smart thermostat supported by Samsung SmartThings would probably be easy to set up and control. But Ring cameras are not quite that convenient to connect.

Some newer models are already integrated, and others are slowly being supported. Navigate to Devices > Add Device > Add Device manually on the SmartThings app. Just follow on-screen instructions, you’ll find it straightforward.

But if you have a Ring device that’s not yet supported, you have limited options.

If you have Homebridge, some users have tried linking Ring to Homebridge, then Homebridge to SmartThings.

Try your luck with the SmartThings Classic app (phasing out). You can also try reaching out to SmartThings support.

How to control both your Ring Cameras and a Smart Thermostat from the Home Assistant app?

Home Assistant has a lot of information in their support knowledge base. There’s a lot of technicalities involved with setting up your device. Check the site for support on your thermostat.

There is a section for setting up Nest integration with Home Assistant. The section outlines support for all Nest Thermostats as well as Nest smart cameras, displays, and doorbells.

For ecobee thermostats, the steps require that you’re a registered ecobee developer. For Ring cameras and other devices, you have to enable integration with Ring first. You can also configure Home Assistant to save videos captured by your Ring doorbell locally.

Option 4: Use HomeBridge to control both your Ring devices and Smart Thermostat from your iPhone

As there is no Ring Thermostat, Apple users could utilize HomeBridge. This method employs Homebridge to provide compatibility with your Ring devices and smart thermostats. Installation and implementation of HomeBridge is a complex process, requiring technical skills.

HomeBridge isn’t developed by one company, but by an open-source community of developers with a common purpose. You will have to understand the risks involved with choosing this option, since open-source software can be hard to configure.

What is HomeBridge?

Apple Homekit compatibility is not yet as wide-ranging as Google Home or Alexa. HomeBridge addresses this issue by bridging Homekit with unsupported devices. That means you can use your iPhone and Siri to control their functions.

HomeBridge is an open-source platform that provides integration for products unsupported by Apple HomeKit. It’s aptly named given its convenience, but you can also further expand its capability thanks to community contributions.

You can use the official Homekit app, Apple Home, to control your devices through HomeBridge. You can also use 3rd party HomeKit apps if preferred.

How to control both your Ring Cameras and a Smart Thermostat using your iPhone?

You must first install HomeBridge on a computer, which will serve as your automation hub. You can do that on computer systems such as Windows, macOS, Linux, even on a tiny Raspberry Pi. Note that each of the systems has different requirements themselves to install HomeBridge. Check for these instructions on the HomeBridge GitHub page.

Once HomeBridge is installed, you need to add Ring to it. You’ll find the documentation needed in this link, including the functionality you can use and the voice commands for Siri. If you have a Nest smart thermostat, check out this link for installation instructions as well as features you can try with your configuration.

Option 5: Use IFTTT to get Ring to communicate with your Smart Thermostat

Just as with HomeBridge and Home Assistant, this method requires a level of technical know-how to implement. To clarify, the term “If This, Then That” (IFTTT) refers to logical components derived from computer science conditional statements. In layman's terms, conditional statements are a set of rules that you set for automating tasks.

The IFTTT service will allow you to expand possibilities for automation with your Ring device and smart thermostat.

What is IFTTT and how does it work?

The IFTTT service revolves around the use of conditions, as simplified by the phrase “If This, Then That”. IFTTT can trigger actions from an app or device when specific conditions or events are met.

The actions may be features or functionalities by the app, import of data, or a notification. The possibilities are endless and are programmed into applets. There are already millions of applets activated through the IFTTT web platform.

Check out these resources for your smart thermostat and Ring devices:

• Nest Thermostat
• Ring
• ecobee

Common Questions about Ring devices

Can I connect my Ring devices to HomeKit to view camera feeds on my iPhone?

No, Ring is not included in the products officially recognized by Apple to work with HomeKit. HomeKit is Apple's smart home framework.

However, with HomeBridge, you can actually connect Ring to HomeKit. According to HomeBridge, the Ring plugin is one of the most popular ones in their collection.

With the Ring plugin, you can view camera feeds on your iPhone, use the two-way audio, even disable the doorbell. The link has a long list of features of many Ring devices you can take advantage of. Check the link above to see if you can handle the installation process.

The Ring Thermostat Verdict

To sum up, unfortunately there is no such thing as a Ring Thermostat. We recommend choosing a smart thermostat which integrates with Alexa. The reason for this is, Ring works best within its own Amazon smart home ecosystem. 

Sources

support.ring.com

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