A smart thermostat goes beyond a programmable thermostat by learning your schedule, sensing occupancy, integrating weather forecasts, and letting you control your system from your phone. The most popular models — Ecobee, Nest, Honeywell T-series — typically save 8-15% on annual heating and cooling costs.
The most useful features for Colorado homes
- Auto-changeover — switches between heat and cool automatically during big spring/fall diurnal swings (40°F day/night deltas are normal here)
- Geofencing — backs off when no one’s home, brings the house back to setpoint before you arrive
- Remote sensors — solves the “bedroom is always cold” problem by averaging temperatures across rooms
- Xcel rebate eligibility — many qualifying models earn $50-$100 instant rebates
Heat pump compatibility matters
Not all smart thermostats handle heat pumps well — especially dual-fuel setups. Ecobee and Honeywell handle dual-fuel cleanly; Nest’s heat-pump support has improved but still has quirks. If you’re moving toward a heat pump, choose your thermostat with that in mind.
Related: Thermostat Setback, Heat Pump, Dual-Fuel.
Keep Reading
Right Way Mechanical is a family-owned HVAC contractor serving Wheat Ridge, Arvada, west Denver, and the Colorado foothills.