Smart homes are more popular in Canada ever, and for good reason! A smart home can offer convenience and comfort far surpassing a standard home. You can save energy, lower utility costs, and control just about every aspect of your home. A smart thermostat can compliment the rest of your smart home setup.
When you choose a smart thermostat over a traditional thermostat, you have greater control over your energy usage. Smart thermostats include many customizable features, so choosing one can be tricky and overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our favourite smart thermostats based on the features that Canadians could benefit from the most. Here’s our list of the best smart thermostats in Canada.
Best Smart Thermostats for Canadians: The 6 Top 2024 Picks
- Best Overall: Honeywell Home Wi-Fi Thermostat
- Best for Google Home: Google Nest Smart Thermostat
- Best for Smart Homes: Emerson Sensi Touch Thermostat
- Best for Voice Control: Ecobee Smart Thermostat
- Best Versatility: Honeywell Thermostat with Smart Room Sensor
- Best Installation: Ecobee 2022 Enchanted Smart Thermostat
Why Did We Choose These Smart Thermostats in Canada?
Each of the options on our list of the best thermostats in Canada was chosen for a specific reason. They offer a range of customizable features designed to make life easier and save you money in the process. Overall, they represent the best of the best in each category. Here’s why we chose these particular models as the best smart thermostats in Canada.
The Honeywell Home Wi-Fi Thermostat was an easy choice for the best overall smart thermostat because it offers the most features and customization. You can program it based on your needs or take advantage of peak rate pricing from your utility company. Plus, you can customize the colour of the touchscreen!
If you have a Google Home system already installed in your home, then the obvious best choice for you is the Google Nest Smart Thermostat. It links to Alexa and provides notifications when there’s a potential issue with your heating or cooling system.
Canadians who have already invested in a smart home system will love the Emerson Sensi Touch Thermostat. It works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings platforms, and can save users as much as 23% of energy costs.
For those Canadians who want to control their smart thermostat with voice commands, we chose the Ecobee Smart Thermostat as our favourite. It uses sensors to automatically adjust the temperature in your home and you can control it with your voice.
Our choice for the most versatile smart thermostat is the Honeywell Thermostat with Smart Room Sensor. The smart sensors make the difference here. They can customize settings based on your activity and adjust the temperature room by room.
If you need a smart thermostat that is easy to install, you should consider the Ecobee 2022 Enhanced Smart Thermostat. This option can be installed in as little as 45 minutes with or without a C-wire, making it simple as well as broadly compatible with your existing system.
Best Overall
Honeywell Home Wi-Fi Thermostat
When you need the best all-around smart thermostat in Canada, you can’t go wrong with the Honeywell Home Wi-Fi Thermostat. This thermostat was designed with your comfort in mind. And it’s the only smart thermostat on our list that you can customize to match your home’s décor. You can change the background colour of the touch screen to match your walls or to any colour you choose, and you can change your colour options directly from your smartphone or tablet.
Our choice for the best overall smart thermostat had to be compatible with most heating and cooling systems, and this one is. It works with forced air systems (gas, oil, or electric), hot water and steam systems, and heat pumps with electric backups. And it needed to be compatible with most smart home assistants, like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana (to name a few).
Next, it had to offer easily programmable temperature settings. The Honeywell Home Wi-Fi Thermostat allows for a full seven days of customizable programming options. And you can save even more money by allowing flexible programming during your utility company’s peak rate pricing.
Finally, our best overall smart thermostat had to offer a list of features designed to make life easier and more enjoyable for Canadians. You can control this smart thermostat from the Total Connect Comfort App or the Honeywell Home app, and via your computer, laptop, or mobile device – from anywhere. The system will automatically alert you when the air filter or humidity pad needs to be changed and will inform you of extremely high or low outdoor temperatures and humidity. You can view the local weather forecast directly from the large, easy-to-read touchscreen or via your phone or computer. This system automatically adjusts based on your preprogrammed settings or by detecting when temperatures in your home need to be adjusted.
Key Features
- Easy Installation. You can easily set up this smart thermostat yourself in minutes, making it a great option for most Canadians who don’t want to call a professional.
- Touch Screen Display. With an easy-to-use touch screen, you can access menus, change the display colour or even see the weather forecast.
- Compatible Operations. Easily paired with your smartphone and Alexa and Google Assistant devices, this compatible thermostat can be hooked up to most heating and cooling systems in your home.
- Real-Time Alerts. Stay in the know with up-to-the-minute real-time alerts for maintenance issues or anything else the system flags as unusual.
Our Expert’s Take
“This smart home thermostat is great for those who want to deeply customize timers and functions, and is incredibly easy to install yourself .”
Best for Google Home
Google Nest Smart Thermostat
The Google Nest Smart Thermostat works perfectly together with already-established Google Home systems. It uses smart customizations that automatically turn down the heating or cooling systems when you leave for the day and turn it back up when you return at night. That means no more shelling out cash just to heat a house with nobody in it. Just download the Google Home app on your smartphone, tablet, or computer and you can control all the functions of your smart thermostat from anywhere, at any time.
This smart thermostat offers a feature called “Quick Schedule,” which allows you to quickly and easily create a personalized heating and cooling schedule based on your family’s needs. As you experience the system or your needs change, it only takes a moment to update your Quick Schedule to accommodate your new preferences. You can even access Google’s Savings Finder tool, which will make suggestions on how you can make subtle changes to your schedule to save even more money.
Google says that this smart thermostat is compatible with 85% of heating and cooling systems and is designed to work without a C-wire most of the time. There are a few exceptions to this rule, including homes that use a heat pump system, heating or cooling-only systems, and zone-controlled systems. In those cases, you will need a C-wire or will need a compatible accessory to use this smart thermostat.
The Google Nest Smart Thermostat is easy to install, even for first-timers, and can be up and running in less than 30 minutes. This smart thermostat works with Nest Renew to prioritize your energy usage when prices are the lowest and the energy is the cleanest. We also love the sleek, round design of this chic smart thermostat.
Key Features
- Sleek Design. This small and sleek design looks modern and unassuming in any Canadian home. The simple display gives you everything you need with none of the noise you don’t.
- Smart Schedule Creation. Users can create smart schedules for energy usage, which can help them save money through prioritized energy usage.
- Easy Installation. This smart thermostat can be easily installed in just 30 minutes without the need for a professional electrician. Even those who have no experience will find it simple to mount and wire.
- Google Operating System. This thermostat is paired with Google Home devices and apps for more features but will work with those who do not have other Google Home products.
Our Expert’s Take
“Google Home users will love this smart thermostat, which actively works to save energy and costs and looks great in any home.”
Best for Smart Homes
Emerson Sensi Touch Thermostat
Smart home users are always looking for ways to better utilize their systems, and adding a smart thermostat to the mix is a great way to do just that. With so many different smart home systems on the market, it can be challenging to choose the right thermostat to match. However, the Emerson Sensi Touch Thermostat covers all the bases, so there’s no need to worry if your new thermostat will work together with your smart home system.
Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings – this thermostat works with them all. But wait, there’s more. The Emerson Sensi Touch Thermostat offers users the ability to create personalized, flexible scheduling based on their routines. You can monitor and adjust the system remotely via your smartphone or mobile device. And this system uses geofencing to determine if you’re home or not, so it can adjust the system accordingly. Just using these built-in tools can save you as much as 23% on your energy costs every year.
Homeowners will love the fact that this smart thermostat is the same size as a traditional thermostat. This removes the need to remodel the wall because your new investment doesn’t match the footprint of the previous thermostat. Just install it in the same spot, and you’re good to go.
This smart thermostat uses sensors to detect when temperatures of humidity in your home reach extremes and will alert you to these scenarios.
Key Features
- DIY Installation. Easily installed in just 20 minutes, this smart thermostat can easily replace your old thermostat without taking up more room on your wall.
- Advanced Geofencing. The geofencing feature can determine whether you are home and adjust heating and cooling as needed. You can adjust schedules and settings for this feature via the app.
- Custom Schedules. Create multiple custom schedules and timers, all easily controlled by a user-friendly app. This vacuum will clean whenever you need it.
- Multiple Controller Options. The Emerson Sensi Touch Thermostat can be operated by multiple controllers, such as Alexa and Google Home Assistant, as well as a smartphone app.
Our Expert’s Take
“This easy-to-install smart thermostat is perfect for Canadians seeking a simple replacement to their old thermostat and pairs seamlessly with multiple smart devices.”
Best for Voice Control
Ecobee Smart Thermostat
Smart homes are great because you can use your voice to turn the lights on and off, play or stop your music, and so much more. Now, you can also use your voice to control your thermostat – with the Ecobee Smart Thermostat. But that’s not all this powerful smart thermostat can do.
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat makes life easier by using SmartSensor to detect which rooms in your house are the most used. It learns based on your behaviour and can detect which room you’re in and can adapt to your daily routine. When the system detects activity in a particular room, it automatically adjusts the temperature in that room for the ultimate level of comfort.
This smart thermostat is compatible with most heating and cooling systems, including traditional systems, heat pumps, boilers, and PTACs or fan coil units. And the Power Extender Kit makes it adaptable to systems that are lacking a C-wire. You can even hook up one or two-wire accessories like ventilators, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers.
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat can save you as much as 26% on your energy costs each year. And it can save you from wasting money by automatically pausing the system if your kids forget to close the door or leave a window open. This smart system is looking out for you!
Key Features
- Occupancy Detection Feature. This unique feature can sense and target rooms that are in use, ensuring that energy is not wasted on empty spaces.
- Self-Learning Thermostat. This Ecobee Smart Thermostat can learn and adapt to your patterns and preferences without you needing to specifically program it.
- Voice Control Operation. Control this smart thermostat with your voice, or use a paired smart device. The multiple different types of controls make this simple to work.
- Easy System Integration. Working with most heating and cooling systems, this smart thermometer can be controlled via smartphone, Alexa, or Siri.
Our Expert’s Take
“This smart thermostat is one of the most impressive on the list, as it can learn patterns in the home and adjust energy levels as needed, without being manually controlled.”
Best for Versatility
Honeywell Thermostat with Smart Room Sensor
The Honeywell Thermostat with Smart Room Sensor is our choice for the most versatile smart thermostat because it offers the greatest range of customizable options. Like other smart thermostats, you can control it remotely through your computer, smartphone, or mobile device. Just download the T9 Resideo app, or control it via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Homekit systems, or more smart assistant options. It works with forced air systems, hot water and steam heating systems, and heat pump systems with electric back. It can even handle oil heating systems but will require a C-wire in those instances.
That’s just the start of the list of versatile functions this powerful smart thermostat offers. It uses super-strong sensors that maintain a strong signal over a long range. This allows the thermostat to adjust the temperature in multiple rooms at once, saving you energy in the process by detecting the temperature and humidity in each room. It also determines which rooms are occupied and focuses its attention there. You can set specific temperatures for each room, so you can keep the bedroom warmer at night if you want, or keep the living areas cooler during the day.
Overall, you determine how you want the Honeywell Thermostat with Smart Room Sensor to work, setting a personalized schedule that works best for your life and your family. Or, just sit back and let the smart sensors do all the work for you, adjusting the temperature automatically based on your immediate needs to attain the maximum level of comfort.
Key Features
- Monthly Energy Reports. Receive monthly energy reports, alerting you to changes in your energy usage and more. You can keep track of how much your temperature control costs and adjust accordingly.
- Easy Installation. This Honeywell Smart Thermostat is easy to install on your own without hiring a professional. With some basic knowledge and common tools, you can get this done without issues.
- Auto-Detect Feature. This thermostat can detect when people are in rooms or even out of the home and adjust heating and cooling automatically.
- Many Customizable Options. With countless scheduling and timer functions, you can easily program this thermometer to your household’s preferences.
Our Expert’s Take
“We loved the auto-detect feature as well as the monthly energy report, which helps users save money and energy, helping streamline their home’s efficiency.”
Best Installation
Ecobee 2022 Enhanced Smart Thermostat
The Ecobee 2022 Enhanced Smart Thermostat is the most recent model available for a great smart thermostat. This option is extremely easy to install. You can do it yourself in about 45 minutes following the extremely simple instructions. You can also have a professional install it if you want. Either way, it won’t be difficult or take too long.
This smart thermostat is broadly compatible with most 24VAC HVAC systems, including systems that use a C-wire. If your system doesn’t use a C-wire, you can use the included Power Extender Kit to hardwire it into your existing system. It’s compatible either way which makes it one of the easiest options to work with.
When it comes to features, this smart thermostat doesn’t slack, either. It doesn’t use a battery, so you don’t have to worry about the batteries dying and resetting the thermostat. You can connect it and control it with Apple’s HomeKit, Google Assistant, SmartThings, and Amazon Alexa. No matter which smart home system you use to control your other devices, you will be able to control the thermostat with the same system.
If you want to improve the functionality of this smart thermostat, you can purchase a SmartSensor separately. An ecobee SmartSensor takes temperature readings in your most-used and most important rooms and adjusts the temperature to reflect it. This can help save energy, as the heat or air conditioning won’t run too long. Once the temperature reaches your ideal comfort level, it will stop running to conserve power.
Key Features
- Easy Installation. It’s easy to install the Ecobee 2022 Enhanced Smart Thermostat. You can do it yourself in about 45 minutes, and professionals will be able to install it quickly.
- Compatible with Homes with No C-Wire. Whether you have a C-wire or not, this thermostat will work for you. A Power Extender Kit is included in case your system doesn’t use a C-wire.
- Hardwired. This smart thermostat is wired into the wall, so it always has a power source. You won’t have to worry about replacing the batteries.
- SmartSensor Compatible. If you want to use a SmartSensor, a device that can read the temperature in the rooms you want the air conditioner to prioritize, you can purchase the SmartSensor device separately. This thermostat will control it.
Our Expert’s Take
“The Ecobee 2022 Enhanced Smart Thermometer offers one of the best installation processes on our list. This thermostat doesn’t need a C-wire, which means it’s more compatible with other options. Installing it can take 45 minutes, but a professional can get it done faster.”
Comparing the Best Smart Thermostats for Canadians
Category | Thermostat | Controller Type | Colour | Power | C-Wire Required |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Honeywell Home Wi-Fi Thermostat | Amazon Alexa | Grey | 240 Volts | Yes |
Best for Google Home | Google Nest Smart Thermostat | Amazon Alexa | Snow | 240 Volts | No (Some Exceptions Apply) |
Best for Smart Homes | Emerson Sensi Touch Thermostat | Amazon Alexa | White | Unspecified | Yes |
Best for Voice Control | Ecobee Smart Thermostat | Control4, Smart Things | Black | 240 Volts | No (With Power Extender Kit) |
Best for Versatility | Honeywell Thermostat with Smart Room Sensor | Amazon Alexa | White | 240 Volts | No (Except Oil Furnace Systems) |
Best Installation | Ecobee 2022 Enhanced Smart Thermostat | Google Assistant, SmartThings, Amazon Alexa | Black | Unspecified | No (with Power Extender Kit) |
How We Selected These Smart Thermostats in Canada
For years, our team has been evaluating the products that Canadians use every day, in their homes, at work, and for their families. Our goal is always to provide the best information to help Canadians make the most efficient choices for their personal needs. We have a group of dedicated experts who form opinions on each of the products we recommend.
We suggest products based on features and designs that most Canadians look for. For our list of the best smart thermostats in Canada, we looked for the following features.
- Compatibility. Thermostats are a unique product because of the variety of heating and cooling systems used in Canadian homes. Many have traditional, forced air heating and cooling systems. Some use electricity, some use natural gas, and others use oil. There are baseboard-style electric heating systems, water boilers, fan coil units, convectors, radiant ceilings, and more. Matching your thermostat to the type of HVAC system in your home is essential, so we chose a variety of options to fit every need.
- Smart Home Functionality. Smart thermostats were designed to work in conjunction with smart home systems, which can be commanded either with your voice or remotely from your smartphone or mobile device. The thermostats on our list work with the most common and well-known smart home systems, and even some that are lesser known, so you get your pick of the most flexible and functional smart thermostat possible.
- Energy Savings. The whole point of a smart thermostat is to save you money. By optimizing your energy usage to specific rooms using sensors that detect when humans are occupying space, using geofencing capabilities to determine when you’re at home and when you’re away, and even detecting when a door or window has been left ajar, a smart thermostat can make automatic adjustments to your energy usage to help prioritize and save you money in the process. For our list, we chose smart thermostats that offer the widest range of energy-saving features so that you can make the most of your energy bills.
- Personalized Scheduling. These smart thermostats also allow you the option of creating your own specialized scheduling to match the activities and needs of your family. We understand that every home and every Canadian family is different. Some people are home during the daytime hours, and some are away at work until evening. By creating a schedule that matches your family’s needs, you can make the best use of your energy costs. That way, you’re not paying to heat an empty home.
Why Use a Smart Thermostat in Canada?
Smart thermostats are becoming more and more popular in Canadian homes for many reasons. First, they can save you a substantial amount of money on your energy bills. Secondly, they are more eco-friendly. And of course, they are super-convenient, offering you the ability to control your thermostat, and therefore your home’s temperature, from virtually anywhere. By using a Wi-Fi connection, you can control your smart thermostat from your smartphone, laptop, tablet, computer, or virtually any other mobile device. Here are some of the main reasons Canadians choose to install a smart thermostat in their homes.
Save on Energy Costs
Using a smart home system and a smart thermostat are both ways that Canadian households can cut their energy usage and reduce their yearly spending on utility bills.
Smart thermostats use sensors to detect the ambient temperature in your home, and even in individual rooms. A smart thermostat can make automatic adjustments without your intervention. You can use your smart thermostat to create personalized heating and cooling schedules so that you can optimize your energy usage. On average, the use of a smart thermostat saves a family as much as 25-28% on their energy bills annually.
Convenience
What happens when you forget to turn down the thermostat before you leave for work in the morning? Simple: your heating system is pumping at full blast all day while nobody is around to enjoy the warmth. This is a waste of energy and a waste of your money.
But with a smart thermostat, you can make adjustments from anywhere by using a Wi-Fi connection. Your smartphone, tablet, and laptop become remote controls for your thermostat, so you can change the settings without needing to run home in the middle of the day.
How to Choose a Smart Thermostat in Canada
Smart thermostats include many features that make life easier and more convenient. They run off Wi-Fi and can control a home’s heating and cooling systems remotely, or even through voice control. Like many newer traditional thermostats, they include the ability to program preset customizations that automatically adjust the temperature throughout the day. But smart thermostats go a step further by adjusting themselves based on the time of day, local weather forecasts, and even by detecting if people are in the home or away.
With all of the different design options and features, it might seem overwhelming when you’re trying to choose the right smart thermostat for your home. We’ve tried to make your choice as easy as possible by putting together this list of the best smart thermostats in Canada. Our list outlines the best of the best based on the features that matter most to Canadians like you: functionality, compatibility, energy savings, and convenience. But there are still some things you should know when shopping for a smart thermostat. Here’s how to make sure you choose the right one for your home.
Compatibility
The type of smart thermostat you choose must be compatible with the HVAC system currently in use in your home. Most smart thermostats work universally with standard heating and cooling systems across the spectrum: gas, electric, oil, and radiant heat. Some, however, do not. Make sure you check the compatibility of a smart thermostat with your specific system before buying. The last thing you want is to purchase a smart thermostat that won’t work with your home.
Of course, it’s important to know what type of system you have. You’ll also need to know if you have a C-Wire or not. While some smart thermostats can work without a C-wire, some may need this connection to properly control your environment.
The C-Wire
The C-wire, or common wire, is a wire that delivers power from your HVAC system to your thermostat. Many smart thermostats require a C-wire to operate Some, however, do not. The presence of a C-wire provides continuous power to your thermostat, instead of requiring batteries. Many homes do not have a C-wire that they can use for a smart thermostat, because standard thermostats have eliminated the need for one by running off of battery power instead.
While this was convenient at the time, the introduction of Wi-Fi-powered smart devices has reintroduced the need for a C-wire. You might find the C-wire tucked into the hole in your wall behind your thermostat. Or it might be missing completely. If you buy a smart thermostat that requires a C-wire and don’t have one, you will need to install one or purchase a compatible power accessory.
Consider Your Needs
The rest of your decision centers around what your family needs in terms of convenience and functionality. There are many options that smart thermostats provide in terms of customizing a schedule and automatically detecting and adjusting the temperature in your home. Choose a smart thermostat that provides the level of customization that best suits your schedule, your home, and your family’s needs.
Integrations
The great thing about smart homes, and the feature that most people enjoy the most, is the ability to control your home with the power of your voice. Voice assistant software has made this commonplace in many homes, with tools like Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home Assistant. Just tell these handy devices what you want, and they oblige. With a smart home system, you can use your voice to turn the light on and off or play music on command. Now, with smart thermostats, you can use your voice to change your heating or cooling settings without even leaving the couch or getting out of bed.
Even if your smart thermostat doesn’t work with any voice assistant software, it may use a separate app to pair with your system. This usually allows you to control your thermostat from your smartphone. If this is something that interests you, consider choosing a smart thermostat that works with your mobile devices. That way, you won’t have to pause your shows or stop in the middle of a task to change the temperature in your home.
Installation
Once you have a smart thermostat that is compatible with your wiring and can integrate with your other smart systems, you’ll have to install it. Each smart thermostat installs differently. Make sure to take a look at the user manual and installation instructions before purchasing a smart thermostat so you know you can install it yourself. While there are professionals that can install a smart thermostat for you, they will often overcharge for their services. Thankfully, most smart thermostats are extremely easy to install once you understand the instructions.
Make sure to follow these installation instructions carefully to avoid any mishaps and to ensure that your smart thermostat works properly. Avoid options with difficult or complicated installation unless you want to hire a professional for installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Smart thermostats are designed to work as efficiently as possible and save you both energy and money. Many smart thermostats learn household energy habits over time and improve their routines and schedules, reducing your energy use and overall saving costs. Canadians seeking a cost-saving smart thermostat should look for one with energy-saving tech features included in its settings.
The majority of smart thermostats can pair up with the most common smart home systems and voice assistants. Some thermostats, though, are designed to work specifically with one type of smart home system. If you have a smart home system already set up in your home, make sure you choose a compatible smart thermostat.
While most smart thermostats are controlled via direct access to their interface or its paired app and website, some of them can even be voice-controlled. The Ecobee Smart Thermostat is an ideal option for those who want to use their voice to operate their thermostat. This thermostat responds to simple voice controls in case you can’t easily access its app.
Most home smart thermostats are easy to install on your own, without the help of a professional installer. Those who aren’t comfortable with trying to DIY, though, can easily contact an HVAC specialist to come and help with the installation. It’s always a good idea to check the specs of the thermostat before buying so you will have a good idea if it will work for your preferred setup.
Yes, all smart thermostats come with an app or website that you can choose to use to control schedules, timers and temperatures. When you are not at home, it is easy to access these systems anytime you would like. Being able to control your smart thermostat with your phone or laptop is great in case you forget to turn the system on or off before leaving the house or to make sure it’s properly heated when on vacation.
As more and more Canadians are upgrading their homes and integrating smart devices for a seamless experience, some users may be worried about the cost of buying a smart thermostat. Most smart thermostats are between $125 to $300, depending on features and brand. While this is a large cost range, users of all budgets will be able to buy a smart thermostat that is high quality and provides the features they are looking for.