Best Heat Pump Thermostats and How to Choose One

Last Updated on June 24th, 2020

Heat Pumps are remarkable home heating and cooling units which, in the right climate, can offer year-round climate control and real energy savings.

If you are considering switching to a heat pump, or replacing an old one, you will need to choose not just the best heat pump for your home (see our article Best Window Heat Pumps 2020/2021: Review and Comparison) but the best thermostat to go with it. Or you may just need to replace an outdated or failed thermostat, and want to make sure to get the best heat pump thermostat available.

Whatever the case, this is a great opportunity to learn a little about different thermostats and the advantages they can offer, whether it is simplicity of use, saving money on energy costs or making your home and your life more comfortable – or all three!

Our buyer’s guide for heat pump thermostats for 2020/2021 will talk about the three basic varities and their advantages, provide a basic explanation of new “smart” technologies as they pertain to thermostats, and then list what we believe are the very best thermostats currently available for heat pumps.

Heat Pump Thermostats – 3 Basic Varieties:

Non-Programmable Heat Pump Thermostats

Pros:

• Least Expensive
• Easiest to Use

Cons:

• Not Programable
• More Expensive Energy Costs

Programmable Heat Pump Thermostats

Pros:

• Provide Customized Comfort
• Can Offer Significant Savings
• Can Provide Other Information (temperature, humidity, system monitoring)
• Can Offer Smart Functions (WiFi Compatibility)
• More Precise Temperature Control

Cons:

• More Expensive
• More Difficult to Learn/Use

Learning Thermostats

Pros:

• Provide Sophisticated Customized Comfort
• Learn Your Habits and Program/Adjust Themselves
• Provide Significant Savings in Energy Costs
• Fully Smart Enabled, Home Automation Compatible
• Motion Sensors, Phone Proximity for Auto Turn-On or Shut-Off
• More Precise Temperature Control

Cons:

• More Expensive
• More Difficult to Learn/Use (at least initially)
• Not (yet) Fully Compatible with Siri

After we look at the very best thermostats in these three categories, we will go over some considerations which might help you decide which type, and which model, of thermostat is best for you.

Non-Programmable Thermostats

Which Non Programmable Thermostat is Best for Heat Pumps in 2020/2021?

The basic electronic thermostat is still a classic, and despite the recent advancements in technology and the many benefits programmable and smart thermostats provide, for some people the simple non-programmable thermostat may be the best choice for heat pumps in 2020.

The main reason for this must be ease of use. Programmable thermostats are, or at least can be, a little intimidating and difficult to learn, and can confuse and frustrate new users. But a more basic electronic thermostat is simplicity itself.

There are other reasons why non-programmable thermostats remain so popular, but these reasons may be based on misconceptions. For example, people have the idea that these more basic units are more reliable, or less likely to fail or have compatibility issues with home heating and cooling systems, but statistical data does not seem to support this.

Also, people are often under the impression that non-programmable home thermostats are easier to install, but looking at the heat pump thermostat wiring diagram and the wiring of your system, there is actually no difference in this regard.

Still, they remain popular and there are several very well built and reliable models available. And, they are certainly the easiest to use – the only tricky thing might be getting one that is definitely compatible with a heat pump, but we’ve done that homework for you.

Here are our top two choices for best non-programmable thermostat for a heat pump in 2020/2021:

What Is the Best Non-Programmable Heat Pump Thermostat in 2020/2021?

Honeywell TH1110D2009 T1 Pro Non Programmable Heat Pump Thermostat

Honeywell TH1110D2009 T1 Pro Non Programmable Heat Pump Thermostat

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A really basic, clean and nice looking digital electronic thermostat from Honeywell, the most trusted name in home thermostats.

While this Honeywell heat pump thermostat has absolutely no bells or whistles, it does offer a large, easy to read display, simple two mode operation and that legendary Honeywell reliability.

If you prefer simplicity over gadgetry, or if you just want something very inexpensive, durable and well engineered that is an absolute no-brainer to operate, the Honeywell TH1110D2009 is a great option, and our first choice for best non-programmable thermostat for heat pumps in 2020/2021.

What Is the Best Non-Programmable Heat Pump Thermostat in 2020/2021 Compatible With Auxiliary Heat Systems?

Honeywell RTH3100C1002/E1 Non-Programmable Heat Pump Thermostat for Auxiliary Heat Systems

Honeywell RTH3100C1002/E1 Non-Programmable Heat Pump Thermostat for Auxiliary Heat Systems

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Another great unit from Honeywell, the RTH3100C is also ultra-simple to use. Although it does add a few more switches and additional functionality, it retains a clean design and look and a familiar layout, with only fan, mode and temperature settings.

This Honeywell heat pump thermostat adds a very important feature, thought – especially important for colder climates – and that is compatibility with auxiliary heating.

If your heat pump has an auxiliary heat backup (a heating system which switches on when the temperature outside is too cold and the heat pump alone cannot adequately or safely heat your home), you must get a compatible thermostat, and this Honeywell RTH3100C1002 is the best we’ve used.

Attractive, easy to read and easy to understand and use, the Honeywell RTH3100C1002 is our first choice for best non-programmable thermostat for heat pumps with auxiliary heating in 2020/2021.

And, to be clear, “auxiliary heat,” “emergency heat,” “strip heat” and “radiant heat” all refer to the same basic feature – emergency heat is the setting on thermostats which manually turns on auxiliary heat in case temperatures in the house drop too low.

So, if you want to find the best non-programmable thermostat for heat pumps with emergency heating in 2020/2021, same answer – the Honeywell RTH3100C1002.

Programmable Thermostats

Which Programmable Thermostat is Best for Heat Pumps in 2020/2021?

In this section we will look at three varieties of programmable theromostats for heat pumps, in increasing order of sophistication:

Basic Programmable Thermostats

Smart Programmable Thermostats

Learning Programmable Thermostats

But despite the degree of technology, these are all pretty cool thermostats. Indeed, when you consider buying any programmable thermostats for your heat pump, a whole new world opens up before you.

Basic functionality includes easy control of temperature in micro-increments via buttons or a touch screen, on-screen monitoring of indoor, and sometimes even outdoor, temperature and the ability to program temperature levels for different times of the day – often in seven day increments.

And rest assured that all of the following heat pump thermostats work with auxiliary heating systems as well.

Some of these functions already make programmable thermostats much more energy efficient – or, more accurately, make the heat pump they’re attached to much more energy efficient – and installing one usually will pay for itself within just a couple of years, not to mention being better for the environment.

But the latest models of programmable thermostats for heat pumps, especially the best heat pump thermostats available in 2020, offer even much more.

Many are now “smart” thermostats, meaning that they can access Wifi and the internet, and you can control and program them using an app – on your phone, laptop, tablet or even watch – from anywhere in the world.

Some will also sense if you are in a room, or in the house at all, and adjust the heat pump settings accordingly. What’s more, the Google Nest “learning” thermostat will even learn and become smarter, watching your activities and the settings you make and prefer and, after a short time, programming itself automatically based on your preferences and habits. But more about that below…

Voice control, interaction with other appliances, emergency features, higher and higher levels of energy efficiency and savings, incredibly cool look and space-age vibe, and programmability and artificial intelligence so advanced that they’re actually (finally) becoming easier and easier to use – it is truly a whole new world when it comes to high-tech thermostats for heat pumps.

What Is the Best Programmable Heat Pump Thermostat in 2020/2021?

Honeywell RTH7600D 7-Day Programmable Touchscreen Thermostat

Honeywell RTH7600D 7-Day Programmable Touchscreen Thermostat

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We have chosen the Honeywell RTH7600D programmable thermostat not just because it offers Honeywell quality, engineering and reliability for a very low price, but because it has a range of features which make it a really great choice for any home with a heat pump – including systems with auxiliary/emergency heat.

The touchscreen, while admittedly not as cool looking as some of the smart thermostats below, is incredibly clear and easy to use, making not only daily adjustments but programming and other advanced features easier. And it displays both the set temperature and the current temperature at the same time.

The flexible programming allows for four individual phases each day (wake, leave, return, sleep) for up to seven days. Your programming choices are kept in memory in case of a power outage, so you don’t have to remember them yourself or reprogram.

The Honeywell RTH 7600D thermostat, while not a true smart device (that is, no WiFi or Home Networking fuctions) is pretty intelligent anyway, with its Smart Response Technology. This nifty feature will learn your preferences and notice how long your home takes to reach desired temperatures, and adjust itself to provide the best and most energy efficient performance.

For a much lower price than the typical smart thermostat, and even than many less advanced normal programmables, they Honeywell RTH7600D is a remarkable and sophisticated unit, and is our first choice for best programmable thermostat for heat pumps in 2020/2021.

What Is the Best Programmable Heat Pump Smart Thermostat in 2020/2021?

Ecobee Programmable SmartThermostat for Heat Pump with Auxiliary Heat

Ecobee Programmable SmartThermostat for Heat Pump with Auxiliary Heat

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The Ecobee programmable smart thermostat is a remarkable next-generation product.

In addition to the normal programming functions, which are already pretty far advanced, the Ecobee hear pump thermostat will monitor separate rooms (includes one sensor – more can be found here) to even out temperatures throughout the home and offer the most efficient heating or cooling.

It will also notice if you’re in a room or not, and adjust the temperature accordingly.

The Ecobee SmartThermostat is compatible with Android and Apple smartphones and smart watches, allowing you to program and change settings through WiFi from anywhere in the world.

And it has Alexa built in, and is fully compatible and integratable with the Alexa Smart Home system. It even has an Amazon Alexa speaker built in, so you can use voice commands not just to change climate settings, but to access the internet and receive voice responses.

While there is a bigger learning curve, especially to take advantage of the extraordinary range of features and capabilities to be found with the Ecobee Programmable Smart Thermostat, it is surprisingly easy to use, and has a display that is big, clear and easy to read.

Beautiful to look at, too, the Ecobee has a nice glass finish and modern, minimalist appearance. And it is a quality product, with not only great engineering and real sophistication of design but very high levels of material quality, functional dependability and durability.

Not an inexpensive product, the Ecobee Programmable SmartThermostat nonetheless offers a remarkable value for the money, bringing the next era of technology and smart home integration into your home, and doing so in a beautiful and easy to use package – an easy first choice for best programmable smart thermostat for heat pumps in 2020/2021.

What Is the Best Programmable Heat Pump Learning Thermostat in 2020/2021?

Google Nest T3017US Learning Thermostat for Heat Pumps

Google Nest T3017US Learning Thermostat for Heat Pumps

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Arguably the most advanced thermostat currently available for heat pumps, the Google Nest watches and learns from you.

And not just from you – the Nest T3017 monitors your home’s temperatures not just to make changes, but to better understand how the house heats and cools. It notices when you’re away and automatically turns off unnecessary functions. And, it learns from your settings, your usage and preferences, and begins in a short time to program itself.

But let’s not just focus on how the Google Nest makes itself smarter, lest we forget just how smart it is in the first place.

A true smart product for the modern smart home, the Nest is compatible with Apple, Windows and Android tablets, so that you can adjust the thermostat’s settings and programming remotely from any device, as well as check on your home and its current conditions.

The Google Nest thermostat works with Alexa assistant, and is, of course, fully integratable with the Google Nest Smart Home platform, offering new levels of voice command and interaction. Google Nest smart devices currently include this thermostat as well as a carbon monoxide/smoke detector (which will control HVAC in an emergency), smart speakers, hub control displays, WiFi and digital streaming units, cameras, a video doorbell, a smart door lock and a security system.

And, knowing Google, there will be much more to come. In fact, it is a safe bet that the Nest Thermostat will be your entry into what will become the most complete and advanced Smart Home system available.

While the Google Nest learns from you, it also teaches you. The Green Leaf icon on the Nest’s ultra-sleek display screen indicates that your setting is energy efficient and saving you money. That way, you’ll also be teaching the Nest better habits when it starts programming itself.

That same display uses Farsight technology to notice when you are near, and lights up with a pleasing glow to show you current settings, temperature or weather.

It should be said that, while there is a lot going on here, and it does take some time to learn, understand and master all of the functionality, the Nest interface is remarkably simple and intuitive, and people are amazed at how easy it is to use. And, as its artificial intelligence grow, it gets easier and easier.

The Google Nest Google Nest T3017US may well be the most advanced thermostat available, and our first choice for best learning thermostat for heat pumps in 2020/2021, as well as best heat pump thermostat overall.

Final Thoughts: How Do I Choose the Best Thermostat for my Heat Pump?

There are, in the final determination, two basic factors which will probably play the biggest parts in determining what heat pump thermostat is best for you in 2020/2021:

• Budget
• Comfort Level

Budget: As far as budget goes, you can be assured that all of the thermostats on our buyer’s guide and review of best heat pump thermostats currently available, ranging from around 35 dollars up to 250 dollars, offer not just the best performance, features and quality for the money, but the very best value as well.

If your choice is purely based on money and affordability, you simply can’t go wrong with any of our choices.

Comfort Level: By comfort level, we mean your level of comfort in learning and using advanced features such as programming and smart technology.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone if you find all of this a little intimidating. Even millennials and others who grew up with smart phones, the internet and all kinds of high tech gadgets sometimes don’t like learning a new system.

But when you do, given today’s level of sophistication and artificial intelligence, the operation of your thermostat and heat pump system will actually become much easier – we promise!

You see, programmed heating and cooling, smart and learning technologies and thermostats’ abilities to read and adjust to the home they are installed in all mean that, in the long run, you will need to adjust or think about your thermostat much less – eventually, maybe not at all.

And the most expensive thermostats can – usually all on their own – achieve such optimized settings that they will pay for themselves in a very short time, due to reduced energy bills.

So, if you are brave, or already comfortable with programming, smart and learning devices, you will be handsomely rewarded.

And, if you’re not, even the most basic thermostat on our list will still offer lower heating and cooling costs, great quality and reliability, and will be a joy to use.

Thanks for reading our 2020/2021 buyer’s guide, comparison and review of thermostats for heat pumps, and enjoy your new thermostat!