“If you make a purchase using our provided links, we may receive a commission. Learn more here.
Thermostats are essential for maintaining a comfortable home, but it can be hard to know which is best, especially when there are so many options.
I've researched and used a range of well-known heat pump thermostats to find the very best, whether you're looking for a programmable thermostat or one with smart features.
In this guide, I'll introduce them and help you find the best thermostat for your heat pump.
Quick glance - My recommendations
Emerson Sensi
Ecobee
Honeywell Home RTH6580WF
Top-rated heat pump thermostats reviewed
Emerson Sensi
Editor’s choice
4.8
Overall Score
Control & Functions
5.0
Compatibility & Installation
4.5
Value for Money
5.0
Who is the Emerson Sensi best for?
The Emerson Sensi smart thermostat is best for homeowners with limited DIY experience who want to upgrade their heating/cooling control.
What you like
What you won't
Ready to upgrade your existing thermostat? Then I recommend the Emerson Senri.
This simple, high-quality, and effortless thermostat offers a simple way to have more precise control of your heat pump control system.
This smart thermostat has a clear display, simple navigation, and several remote control options.
It's WiFi-enabled and can be voice-controlled through Alexa, Google Assistant, and other smart devices.
It's the perfect solution for homeowners who love interactive technology.
The Emerson Sensi is also more compatible than most electric thermostats. I tested it on separate heating & cooling systems, furnaces, ACs, and boiler systems, and it worked well.
However, it is worth noting that it isn't compatible with old ACs, so I recommend checking the specs if you have an older HVAC system.
What made the Emerson Sensi stand out was the simple installation.
It's one of the most intuitive electric thermostats I have ever worked with, and it only took me 20 minutes to get it up and running.
The Sensi is simpler to fit than the Honeywell, LUX, or NEST models and is the perfect thermostat for inexperienced DIYers.
This Energy Star-rated thermostat can help lower energy usage by 20-30% with automation driven by occupancy sensors and precise temperature control.
It is more expensive than the Amazon smart thermostat but offers long-term value for money.
If you want a simple way to save energy and manage your home’s climate, I recommend this heat pump thermostat.
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Compatibility | All modern HVAC systems (heating & cooling) |
WiFi connectivity | Yes |
Power Source | Electric corded |
Control options | Touchscreen, WiFi remote control, voice control, integrated with Google Home/Google Assistant and other smart devices |
Ecobee
Best smart thermostat
4.7
Overall Score
Control & Functions
5.0
Compatibility & Installation
4.5
Value for Money
4.75
Who is the Ecobee best for?
The Ecobee is the best smart thermostat for larger homes and homeowners who want to become more energy efficient.
What you like
What you won't
The Ecobee is one of the smartest thermostats on the market. It is ideal for homeowners looking to get a handle on their energy bills.
The heating and cooling settings automatically adjust, and it has a handy enhanced preheat or pre-cool function to raise or lower your house temp just before you get home.
The interface and functionality are much better than your average smart thermostat, but the data analytics help you make energy savings.
The Ecobee gathers more data and insight than other thermostats, and it even has a dedicated online data portal to help you identify ways to save energy.
Over the course of the year, you could shave 25-30% off your bills.
It's also easy to use. It offers touchscreen or smartphone app control through Ecobee and integrates with Alexa and Google Assistant.
The WiFi connection is much more reliable than other smart thermostat models and keeps me consistently connected without interruption.
It's compatible with most HVAC systems and comes with a power extender kit for HVAC systems without a C-wire.
However, Ecobee thermostat wiring is more complex than the Emerson Sensi, and you should allow 1-2 hours for installation.
The Ecobee is less affordable than the Amazon smart thermostat and Emerson Sensi, but it can give you some impressive long-term savings.
I recommend it for any tech-savvy homeowners who can afford the Ecobee smart thermostat premium price.
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Compatibility | Almost all 24V HVAC systems, including 2-stage heating & cooling appliances |
WiFi connectivity | Yes |
Power Source | Lithium battery (24 volts) |
Control options | Touchscreen, WiFi remote control, voice control |
Honeywell Home RTH6580WF
Heat pump thermostat for emergency heat
4.6
Overall Score
Control & Functions
4.5
Compatibility & Installation
4.75
Value for Money
4.75
Who is the Honeywell Home RTH6580WF best for?
The Honeywell Home RTH6580WF thermostat is best for homes in extreme climates that need extra heating and cooling power.
What you like
What you won't
The Honeywell Home thermostat offers precise control and maximum efficiency.
It works best for heat pumps with secondary heating stages, giving you extra power when most needed. It has a dedicated Aux Heat setting to activate backup heat sources during extreme cold.
It also has a ‘demand response program’ that allows the unit to divert extra power to the auxiliary (or emergency) system and add cooling or heating as needed.
This extra burst of heat can make a big difference in cold areas.
Honeywell uses specific notifications to alert you when the auxiliary heat kicks in. These allow you to track usage to prevent energy wastage and keep running costs down.
The Honeywell Home thermostat may not be as efficient as the Ecobee, but it's arguably easier to use.
It has a fully programmable set of environmental controls and an adaptive 'geofencing' system that taps into local weather forecasts and changes the temperature settings based on your smartphone’s location.
The technology is scarily good and shows how effective smart thermostats can be.
My only criticism of the Honeywell is that it doesn't come with the C-wire needed for older HVAC systems, so make sure to buy a separate power extender before you start installation.
The Honeywell Home thermostat may not be as cutting edge as the Google Nest or Ecobee, but it can help unlock powerful heating.
If you have a multi-stage heat pump, I recommend this thermostat.
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Compatibility | All modern 24V systems - but an additional C-wire may be needed |
WiFi connectivity | Yes |
Power Source | Corded electric (24 volts) |
Control options | Button control, WiFi remote control, voice control |
Google Nest
Integrated learning thermostat
4.6
Overall Score
Control & Functions
5.0
Compatibility & Installation
4.75
Value for Money
4.25
Who is the Google Nest best for?
The Google Nest thermostat is best for homeowners who want automatic optimized heating and cooling.
What you like
What you won't
The Google Nest thermostat is next level. This adaptive thermostat in Nest models does all the work for you and is perfect for whole-home central heating and cooling systems.
Google's Nest thermostat learning algorithm sets it apart from other models.
It monitors temperature changes, scheduling, and when you are home (using occupancy sensors) and then creates bespoke programs to suit your home.
It even has a vacation mode to maintain your home's climate until you return home.
The Nest thermostat started to predict my patterns in just a few days, but it can take 1-2 weeks.
This intelligent and adaptive functionality is a big step up from the Emerson Sensi or Ecobee and optimizes your heating without manual input.
The Nest learning thermostat also helps to maximize energy efficiency. You can track your energy savings through the impressive Smartphone App and closely control usage.
This can also be integrated with other Nest devices for a single analytics dashboard.
The Nest learning thermostat interface is far more intuitive than the Honeywell thermostat, giving you full control from your phone, tablet, or other smart home device.
The Google Nest learning thermostat is also one of the sleekest models on the market, with a modern and stylish design.
Installing it is simple, too, and even less experienced homeowners should have it set up in under 30 minutes.
The only downside of the Google Nest thermostat is the price because it is noticeably more expensive than the Amazon smart thermostat, Ecobee, or Emerson Sensi.
You also need a separate Nest temperature sensor to get accurate temperature control from the thermostat.
The Nest thermostat isn't for homeowners on a budget, but if you love smart tech and want to use the latest advancements to optimize your home heating - I highly recommend it.
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Compatibility | 95% of HVAC systems - including single zone and whole home central heating/cooling |
WiFi connectivity | Yes |
Power Source | Rechargeable lithium battery (24 volts) |
Control options | Touchscreen, WiFi remote control, voice control - compatible with Alexa App, Google Assistant/Google Home and all smart devices |
Amazon Smart Thermostat
Budget heat pump thermostat
4.5
Overall Score
Control & Functions
4.25
Compatibility & Installation
4.75
Value for Money
4.5
Who is the Amazon Smart Thermostat best for?
The Amazon Smart thermostat is best for homeowners with a limited budget.
What you like
What you won't
This smart thermostat offers an affordable alternative to the Ecobee or Google Nest thermostat.
It is a fraction of the price and gives homeowners a more cost-effective way of controlling their heat pump.
Despite being cheaper, this thermostat still has a lot to offer.
It’s compatible with almost every single or dual-stage heat pump, it can be controlled remotely (through a Smartphone App or voice-controlled through an Alexa smart speaker), and it has some programmable settings.
What I really like about this thermostat is its simplicity. It has controls anyone can understand and use and is easy to install (thanks to the basic 2-wire system).
The downside of this thermostat is also the simplicity.
There are no advanced programmable settings, intuitive learning algorithms, and fewer energy data insights than other smart thermostats.
However, while the Amazon thermostat may not have all the smarts of the Emerson Sensi or Ecobee premium model, it still offers precise and effective temperature control.
The Amazon smart thermostat is not for those who want all the bells and whistles, but I recommend it for anyone who wants a cost-effective thermostat to keep their home comfortable.
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Compatibility | All modern 24V systems - but an additional C-wire may be needed |
WiFi connectivity | Yes |
Power Source | Battery pack (24 volts) |
Control options | Touchscreen, smartphone App, Alexa/Echo/Fire and other devices |
LUX TX9100U
Outdoor thermostat for heat pump
4.3
Overall Score
Control & Functions
4.25
Compatibility & Installation
4.5
Value for Money
4.25
Who is the LUX TX9100U best for?
The LUX TX9100U is best for use outdoors, allowing you to maximize heat pump efficiency.
What you like
What you won't
The LUX thermostat is one of the toughest on the market.
It can be installed outside for more accurate temperature readings, helping you improve your heat pump energy efficiency. The durability comes from the weatherproof cabinet casing.
It can withstand the elements, and I tested it thoroughly in cold and wet outdoor conditions. It also has a large backlit display that shows in any weather.
It may not be as stylish as the Nest thermostat or Emerson Sensi, but it is more durable.
The LUX uses dual sensors to gauge the outdoor and indoor temperature simultaneously.
This allows for more precise coordination between heat pump cycles to eliminate energy waste compared to indoor-only thermostats.
The only downside is that the controls are outside, so I recommend taking some time to familiarize yourself with the remote control.
What I really like about the LUX thermostat is the compatibility. It works with all kinds of heating and ventilation systems, old or new, and is well-suited for dual-fuel and multi-stage HVAC systems.
The LUX isn't a smart thermostat and has fewer features than the Ecobee or Nest thermostat.
However, it's still programmable and offers good long-term value for money.
If you want a more basic model that offers accurate and precise control of a multi-stage heat pump, this is the thermostat I recommend.
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Compatibility | All HVAC systems |
WiFi connectivity | No |
Power Source | Corded electric or battery pack (24 volts) |
Control options | Button control or remote control |
Thermostats for heat pump compared
Preview | Name | Rating | Compatibility | WiFi connectivity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Emerson Sensi | 4.8 | All modern HVAC systems | Yes | ||
Ecobee | 4.7 | Almost all 24V HVAC systems | Yes | ||
Honeywell Home RTH6580WF | 4.6 | All modern 24V systems | Yes | ||
Google Nest | 4.6 | 95% of HVAC systems | Yes | ||
Amazon Smart Thermostat | 4.5 | All modern 24V systems | Yes | ||
LUX TX9100U | 4.3 | All HVAC systems | No |
How to choose the right thermostat for your heat pump
Check your heat pumps’ compatibility
Thermostats come with different wiring configurations and settings options.
If your thermostat isn’t compatible with your heat pump, you won’t be able to use it.
For example, suppose your heat pump has multiple heating and cooling stages. In that case, you need a thermostat capable of activating the staged system.
I recommend checking the thermostat product specs and details to ensure it works with your HVAC system type (you can sometimes even check the heat pump manufacturer and model for compatibility).
Related article: My complete guide to Trane heat pumps
ACLAB note:
It’s also worth checking the electrical details, like voltage and number of terminals, to ensure the thermostat settings mirror the heat pump functionality.
Some thermostats are compatible with more HVAC systems than others.
If you want a more universally compatible heat pump thermostat, I recommend the Emerson Sensi or LUX thermostats.
Know the type of thermostat you want
A heat pump thermostat is usually more complicated than a regular thermostat - which is why it’s so important to pick the right one.
A good heat pump thermostat will allow you to control multi-stage heating and cooling, auxiliary systems, and mode reversals to maximize energy efficiency.
Regular thermostats offer less functionality.
Below is a summary of common heat pump thermostat options:
Type | Functionality | Pros | Cons | Best suited for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mechanical | Mechanical thermostats only have basic on/off controls | Cheap and simple | Lacks efficiency | Any type of heat pump system |
Programmable (electronic) | Allows you to program schedules (date/time) and desired temperature points | More advanced control and capabilities | More complicated to install | Air source or ground source heat pump systems |
Smart thermostat | WiFi or App controlled, allowing you to program the heat pump remotely | Smart devices have advanced features and greater control | Most smart thermostats are expensive and harder to install | Air source or ground source heat pump systems |
Zoned/Central | Whole home/multi-zone set temperature control | Precise room-by-room control using several sensors | Complex installation | Ductless mini-split or multi-split heat pump systems |
Do you need a self-learning thermostat?
Self-learning thermostats use a machine-learning algorithm to learn your schedule, temperatures, and programmed settings.
Some smart thermostats even connect to WiFi to understand the weather forecast and conditions to adjust the temperature accordingly.
Once the smart thermostat understands your routine and preferences, it will maintain the right temperature without manual input.
Not every home needs it, but I recommend this feature for:
Self-learning thermostats, like the Google Nest learning thermostat, are more complex and can take a while to gather enough data to work effectively.
However, they can provide a lot of time and energy efficiencies in the longer term.
Related article: My review of Carrier brand heat pumps
Is it accessible with WiFi?
Many modern smart thermostats (and other smart home devices) are WiFi enabled, enabling them to:
However, there are a few potential downsides:
Despite the extra cost, Wi-Fi-enabled smart thermostats are generally worth the money.
I recommend using a smart thermostat like the Emerson Sensi, Ecobee, or Google Nest to control your heat pump thermostat.
Is the installation and wiring easy to follow?
Thermostat installation can be daunting for homeowners with little experience, but it’s an electrical job anyone can do without hiring an HVAC technician.
Good brands make the process simple, and I recommend looking for the following:
The Emerson Sensi and Amazon smart thermostat are both easy to install, and I recommend them for beginners.
ACLAB note:
If you do not have the necessary skills or are not comfortable/confident with installing thermostats, then it is best to seek professional help to avoid any damage or harm to you and your belongings.
However, all the smart thermostat models on the list are straightforward to fit.
Does it offer emergency heat function?
Most heat pumps have an auxiliary or ‘emergency’ heat function to provide extra heating.
The emergency heat mode will cycle on to help maintain the set temperature, allowing the primary heating function time to recover.
This allows the heat pump to provide seamless, uninterrupted heating year-round.
If your heat pump has an emergency heat function, you need a thermostat capable of controlling it.
The Honeywell Home RTH6580W gives you dedicated control of your emergency heat, but all the models listed will work.
Related article: Understanding emergency heat in heat pumps
Do the design and aesthetics appeal to you?
The look and design of your smart thermostat are almost as important as the functionality.
You want a model that’s easy to use and blends into your home, and I recommend looking for a few key factors:
It’s all about balancing the effectiveness and design of the thermostat so it works for you.
The Google Nest thermostat is the most compact and aesthetic of the smart thermostats I’ve tested, and I recommend it for homeowners who want a stylish model.
Does it support heating and cooling?
A heat pump can control heating and cooling through a reversing valve system, and you need a thermostat capable of managing both.
All the models above support the heating and cooling schedule, but always check the product specs.
The manufacturer’s information should clearly state whether the thermostat model supports a heating and cooling stage HVAC system.
How comprehensive is the warranty?
A warranty helps protect your investment, and heat pump thermostats usually have 1-2 years of warranty protection.
I recommend looking for a good-quality thermostat with at least a 1-year warranty.
Some of the best smart thermostats, like the Emerson Sensi, offer a 3-year warranty, giving you more long-term value.
Related article: Complete checklist for HVAC preventative maintenance
Are smart thermostats for heat pump worth it?
Smart thermostats are more expensive and complex but offer a lot of benefits:
A smart thermostat, like the Emerson Sensi or Google Nest, is usually best. The only time I don’t recommend installing a smart thermostat is when:
If you opt for a programmable/manual thermostat, I recommend the LUX TX9600TS.
There are also a variety of digital non-programmable thermostat options available on the market.
FAQs
How to install a thermostat for heat pump?
To install your heat pump thermostat, turn off the power and connect the new wires in the same place as your old thermostat. Each thermostat should have guidance to help you.
What is the best temperature setting for a heat pump?
Setting your heat pumps to 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit will balance comfort and efficiency. The best smart thermostats will automatically set the temperature in this range.
How do you set a thermostat to save on electricity?
Using scheduling and automatically adjusting settings can optimize performance and prevent unnecessary electricity consumption, leading to significant energy savings.
What happens when heat pump thermostat goes bad?
A malfunctioning heat pump thermostat can lead to inaccurate temperature control, system cycling issues, and increased energy usage.
So, which thermostat should you choose for heat pump?
All the thermostats above will help you get the most from your heat pump, but the Emerson Sensi is my top pick.
The precise temperature control, energy-efficient programming, intuitive interface, and simple installation make it great for any homeowner - even those with less DIY experience.
Every home is different, and your thermostat needs will vary.
There's a thermostat on the list for everyone; just make sure it's compatible with your HVAC system before you buy.
My #1 Recommendation
Emerson Sensi
- Simple installation
- Great App for remote temperature control
- Maximizes efficiency
- Voice commands options
- High-quality and long-lasting
