Technology doesn’t get any better without the best z-wave thermostat that makes your home smarter. We understand that cooling and heating takes a significant portion of the bills. In light of this, a smart thermostat can help you save money with only a little investment in the form of purchase price.
The good thing about the z wave protocol is that it can communicate with other similar devices with less interference.
Besides, z wave smart thermostats can be controlled from anywhere in the world when used together with a z wave hub that can connect to the internet.
For example, if you forgot to turn off the AC or need to change the thermostat schedule from work, vacation or while at a friend’s place. You can do it conveniently through your smart phone.
So if you love traveling, no worries, you can enjoy your stay away from home knowing you can control temperatures in your house.
Honestly, with the many z-wave devices in the market, it may be challenging to find the best z wave thermostat for your home. But do not settle for anything while there is a better option! In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of 5 best z-wave thermostats to get you started.
Let’s start the ball rolling!
But first, let’s look at some of the things you need to consider when buying a z-wave thermostat.
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Factors to Consider When Buying a Z-wave Thermostat
We understand there are so many models of thermostats in the market. How do you identify the best for your home security and comfort? Here are some of the factors to look for.
1. Mobile application
Notably, most z-wave gadgets are accessible via a mobile application. Now, before deciding to buy a thermostat, check the application for latency and ease of use. Otherwise, you may end up buying a thermostat whose app does not excite you.
2. Compatibility with other devices
It’s also important to check how compatible your thermostat is to other devices at home. If you have a smart home system, confirm whether it’s possible to pair to your zwave thermostat.
This you can easily achieve by checking on manufacturer’s specifications or reviews on amazon.
3. Electrical wiring
Most z wave thermostat use batteries or C wire connections to the HVAC system. In older homes, you won’t find the C wiring which means you would need to hire an electrician to fix the wiring.
Alternatively, go for battery powered Z-wave thermostat.
4. Alert System
Who wouldn’t want a home system that warns them when home temperatures are at critical levels?
Make sure that your choice of thermostat can send you alerts of the temperature situation in your house remotely especially when you are not at home.
This way, you can take appropriate corrective actions swiftly.
5. Sensors and Geofencing
Remote sensors are important considerations because they help you adjust different temperature settings in different rooms of your home. This is especially crucial if there are many occupants who all have different temperature needs.
Geofencing a smart thermostat on the other hand, helps you save on energy bills. Geofencing works such that the thermostat goes on auto-save mode when you go outside the home.
The feature also enables the thermostat to automatically start working to set the right temperatures before you get back home.
Now that we know what to look for, let’s look at some of the best z-wave thermostats for your home.
Comparison Table
If for some reason you don’t have the time to read the whole guide, here is a summary table of the 5 best Z-Wave thermostats.
| Gocontrol | TRANE | Alarm.com | Stelpro | Honeywell | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |
|
| Size: | 0.2 pounds 9.59 x 6.16 x 2.08 inches | 0.66 pounds 6.5 x 4.5 x 1.5 inches | 1.17 pounds 8 x 8 x 2 inches | 8 ounces 5.2 x 5 x 2 inches | 1.6 ounces 6.53 x 5.43 x 2.04 inches |
| Warranty: | 1 year against manufacturing defects | Not specified | Not specified | 5 years limited warranty | Not specified |
| Touch Screen: | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
1. GoControl Battery Powered Thermostat
This brilliant innovation by Nortek Security and Control Company is among the best Z-wave devices in the market.
Some of the most notable features on this thermostat is that you can control it using a Z-wave app from anywhere in the world. Besides, the thermostat is also compatible with Amazon Alexa voice control.
Even better is that you can even integrate this device with your HVAC system. The thermostat will also alert you when your HVAC system needs maintenance or when you need to replace the filters. Amazing, right?
Product Specifications
– AC/DC power source
– Comes with 4 AA batteries
– The package contains a mounting hardware
✅ Provides alerts
✅ Compatible to most HVAC systems
✅ Compatible to Alexa voice command
✅ Easy to install and use as it comes with a manual
⛔️ Doesn’t have a touchscreen
2. TRANE 14942771 Thermostat
If you’re looking for a budget friendly thermostat, then this Trane thermostat fits the bill. With this zwave device, you not only get to observe the climate in your home but also control it.
Another notable feature about this thermostat is that it has a touchscreen. Yes, you heard that right! You can now forget about the button thermostat.
You even don’t have to use your hands to control the thermostat as it’s compatible with the Amazon Alexa voice control.
The TRANE thermostat cannot get an award for good looks. But, it definitely makes it in the list of best zwave thermostats that have 7 days programmable capability with up to 4 schedules each day.
Product specifications
– Connects using the z-wave protocol
– Programmable for 7 days
– Has up to 4 schedules daily
✅ Easy to install and use
✅ Gives maintenance alerts
✅ Compatible with Nexia Home Intelligence System
✅ Has a wide 4.3 inch screen
⛔️ Doesn’t have an appealing look
3. Alarm.com Smart Thermostat
Do you want to receive updates when your home experiences critical temperature changes? Then, this smart thermostat is what you need.
If you want enhanced control over the climate of your home, you can pair the thermostat with an Alarm.com temperature sensor. You can also create your account with Alarm.com to smartly upgrade your home intelligence.
Product specifications
– Uses 2 AA batteries
– Remote access and control
✅ Compatible with the 2Gig go alarm system
✅ Easy to install and use
✅ Durable thus giving value for money
✅ You can control from the comfort of your phone via an app
⛔️ The screen goes blank and doesn’t display the room or selected temperature which may cause confusion
4. Stelpro Z-Wave Plus Thermostat
The Stelpro thermostat uses a more advanced Z wave technology. It is also the first thermostat in America to work perfectly using the two line electrical connection.
Besides, with this device, you can also smartly save on energy bills by setting temperature schedules from the comfort of your phone.
Whether you’re working with the SmartThings, Vera, HomeSeer, Nexia or Wink home system, this thermostat is compatible with all of them.
With this device, temperature control is elevated to another level. You can set it to get triggers from motion, temperature change, opening or closing of the doors and windows.
Product specifications
– 240 volts and 2000 watts
– 5 year warranty
– Z wave plus technology
✅ Helps save on energy bills
✅ Remote access and control from anywhere
✅ Compatible with most smart home system
✅ Quality product and fully certified
⛔️ Termed as too technical to operate by some users
5. Honeywell Z Wave Pro Series
We cannot complete the list of best Z wave thermostats for home without mentioning Honeywell.
The world class thermostat brand allows you to control your home temperature to what you need by a simple touch of a button.
Installation of this thermostat is as easy as ABC and is compatible with other Z-wave devices within your home.
Besides, you can pair the Honeywell Z-wave pro thermostat to your smart home system.
Product specifications
– Uses 3 AA batteries
See also: how to change a honeywell thermostat battery
✅ Easy to install and use
✅ Compatible with other home security systems
✅ Quality product that gives value for money
✅ Remote access and control
✅ Saves on energy bills
⛔️ Some users claim the functionality of the thermostat is poor compared to WIFI enabled thermostats
Frequently Asked Questions
a) How many devices can connect to a z-wave network?
It’s possible to connect hundreds of devices to a Z-wave network. Each smart home hub however has its limitations. For example, the SmartThings Hub connects up to 232 devices on its Z-wave network.
b) What is a Z Wave thermostat?
A Z Wave thermostat allows you to control the temperature settings of your home from a phone. With a Z-wave thermostat, you can even preset your desired temperature schedules.
c) Is Google Nest compatible with Z Wave?
Google Nest thermostat isn’t compatible with the Z- wave network.
d) Is the Z wave more secure than WiFi?
Z-wave is preferred by most users over WIFI because it’s not overloaded by users. In terms of security, the developers have given their best to make the technology safe. However, we cannot completely rule out cases of hacking because no technology is completely safe from hackers.
e) What is the difference between Z wave and Z Wave Plus?
Z-wave protocol has a range of 40-60 feet. The Z-wave plus is better performing, faster, and has more bandwidth because it’s an improved version of the Z-wave network.
Conclusion
A thermostat is important for any smart home and for people who are conscious of the temperatures within their homes.
The Z-wave thermostats have taken the market by storm over their popularity. Well, the enthusiasm is for a good reason. Admittedly, there are so many devices in the market and getting the right one for your requirements may be a bit confusing.
We trust that this guide gives you confidence to select the best z-wave thermostat that suits your needs, taste and budget. Cheers!
All the best in your purchase!