The Best Thermostat for Heat Pump - Expert Reviews

Instead of relying solely on a furnace, you build a heat pump to provide your home with more effective heating and cooling. It's time to update the thermostat right now. If you've already done some research to find the best thermostat for heat pump, you are aware of the various options available.

We did the research for you so you don't have to sift through a ton of different reviews! We've chosen the top eight thermostats for a heat pump after reading reviews. The good news is that you won't need a separate thermostat for the heat pump because they all work with other systems as well.

Top Picks 

• Ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat - Best Overall 

• Google Nest Thermostat - Best Value

• Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat With Voice Control - Most Premium Option

• Google Nest Learning Thermostat

• Honeywell Wi-Fi Thermostat

Don’t forget to check our post on the Best Thermostat For Home: Picks & Guides to learn more about the different types of home thermostats.

These reviews of the best thermostat for heat pump come from our many interviews with experts as well as thorough research of different products on the market. 

1. Ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat - Best Overall 

TOP FEATURES:

• Brand: Ecobee

• Display: Touchscreen

• Type: Smart

TODAY’S BEST DEAL: 

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WHAT WE LIKE:

• Simple setup

• Work with most smart systems and heat pumps

• Outstanding expected savings annually

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE:

• Pay extra for security subscription and smartsensor. 

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The Ecobee3 light smart thermostat is the finest overall thermostat for heat pumps. It provides exceptional functionality at a cost that is fair for what you get. Additionally, it integrates independently of your current smart home system, and if you don't currently have a smart system, it won't tie you to a specific manufacturer.

You will ultimately save money if you purchase the SmartSensor and sign up for the security system. When it detects that a window or door has been left open, your thermostat will immediately suspend heating or cooling. This is one of the features you get with the additional sensors and subscription.

This thermostat is easy to install yourself and includes everything you need to use it with the majority of heat pumps. Additionally,the touchscreen features allow for easy setup. 

2. Google Nest Thermostat - Best Value

TOP FEATURES:

• Brand: Google

• Display: Programmable, Wi-Fi

• Type: Mirrored

TODAY’S BEST DEAL: 

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WHAT WE LIKE:

• Wi-Fi connection for controls at long distances. 

• Ample color options

• Certified by ENERGY STAR

• Programmable

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE:

• Some systems will require extra parts or wires for compatibility 

• Users report some issues with installation. 

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The Google Nest thermostat is the most cost-effective heat pump thermostat available. Although it lacks the "smart" features of our top pick, it is still programmable and Wi-Fi connected, which is crucial for reducing energy costs.

The Nest thermostat comes in a variety of colors to match a variety of decors, and Google promises installation is simple. Customers have, however, complained about the installation. Although it is still a DIY installation, it is more complicated than what Google promises.

It works with the majority of heat pumps without too much problem. However, you may need an additional wire (referred to as a C-wire) or power accessory for the installation if your heat pump has certain features, such as zone-controlled cooling and heating.

3. Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat With Voice Control - Most Premium Option

TOP FEATURES:

• Brand: Ecobee

• Display: Touchscreen

• Type: Smart

TODAY’S BEST DEAL: 

View Amazon

WHAT WE LIKE:

• SmartSensor provided

• Work with most heat pumps

• Simple to program and change functions

• Simple setup

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE:

• Costly

• Pay extra to sign up for some features.

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This smart thermostat has more additional integrated features compared to the Ecobee thermostat that won our top rating. But the price is also much higher. But if you don't mind paying more, this thermostat provides you everything that the Ecobee3 has to offer along with voice control.

Voice control is powered by Siri and Alexa, so they will also communicate with the other smart home appliances you have. The inclusion of the SmartSensor is another benefit of this thermostat. All that is needed is a security subscription.

Ecobee predicts that you might save up to 23% yearly on your cooling and heating expenses once the thermostat is installed and all the sensors are working properly. This is because the thermostat automatically adjusts to operate at its most efficient level.

Check out this review of the  Best Smart Thermostat  and the Best Smart Thermostats of 2023 for more information about smart thermostats. 

4. Google Nest Learning Thermostat

TOP FEATURES:

• Brand: Google

• Display: High-resolution

• Type: Programmable, Wi-Fi

TODAY’S BEST DEAL: 

View Amazon

WHAT WE LIKE:

• Wi-Fi connection

• Cost-saving features

• DIY installation

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE:

• Certain systems require a C-wire for setup.

• Pricey

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If you think programming is too difficult, you should take a look at this Google Nest learning thermostat. All you have to do to make the Nest understand your preferences is to put it to "Auto-Schedule." It will learn when you want the temperature at specific levels and program itself as you alter it using the app from anywhere.

The Nest smart thermostat's compatibility with 95% of systems enables it to operate for you without the need for any additional hardware, which is another advantage. With certain systems, the thermostat can even issue warnings of potential problems.

More information about programmable thermostats can be found at this article on the Best Programmable Thermostat for 2023.

5. Honeywell Wi-Fi Thermostat

TOP FEATURES:

• Brand: Honeywell

• Display: Touchscreen

• Type: Programmable, Wi-Fi

TODAY’S BEST DEAL: 

View Amazon

WHAT WE LIKE:

• Adaptable recovery for precise temperatures

• 7-day programming

• Application of digital assistants

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE:

• C-wire needed for the majority of installations

• Complaints about problems with programming and installation.

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There are various configurations of this Honeywell thermostat available, each of which offers a different added feature like a leak detector, light switch, or air filter. This results in a small price range but provides you the chance to select the supplemental feature that will work best for you.

Regarding air filters, read our post on the Best Home Air Purifier for You in 2023.

It is possible to integrate the thermostat with ecosystems like Google Assistant, Alexa,  or Cortana. The settings can be programmed for 7 days. These Honeywell thermostats include adaptive recovery, which is a cool feature.

After you've finished programming your preferred temperatures for different times of the day, the thermostat "learns" the time it takes to regain that temperature and will operate automatically to make sure you obtain the preferred temperature when you want it.

1. When switching to emergency heat, what is the temperature of a heat pump? 

Depending on the models and capabilities, the temperature will change. Around 34°F, the emergency heat mode is activated. The efficacy of the heat pump will fully decline whenever the temperature falls to 20°F (or below). Setting the proper temperature range on your heat pump thermostat is therefore crucial.

2. How do I reset the heat pump?

Simply turning off the thermostat's power is the best way to reset the heat pump. To allow the heat pump to cycle off, turn the thermostat off for 60 to 90 seconds. After giving the heat pump 10 minutes to properly operate, turn on the thermostat and restore electricity to it.

3. What are the signs of a poor thermostat?

When a thermostat is malfunctioning or failing, there are a few things you need to be aware of. Your temperature rises or falls above the predetermined level while the system is still operating (or not operating). The heat up will continuously turn on and off. The thermostat can stop working if it won't turn on.

Here is our recommendation for the best thermostat for heat pump in 2023. The Ecobee3 Lite smart thermostat offers outstanding connectivity with your current smart home ecosystems if you're searching for a thermostat that combines a ton of features at a fair price. The Google Nest thermostat, on the other hand, provides slightly less capability at a lower cost.