Last Updated on March 4, 2022 by Alarm New England
Maintaining a consistent and comfortable temperature in the most efficient way possible is the main objective for any homeowner when it comes to finding the right thermostat.
To help you narrow down your search, we’ve done some research on two of the best thermostats on the market: the Nest Learning Third Generation and the Honeywell Lyric T6 Pro.
We’ve broken our overviews into several key categories to get a sense of various features to help you in your search for the right thermostat.
Style
Nest
The first thing you’ll notice is that the Nest Thermostat has a sleek circular design and is incredibly pleasing to the eye. It’s a modest 3.3 x 1.2 x 3.3 inches and weighs 1 pound, making it smaller and more compact than the Honeywell Lyric, but slightly heavier. It comes in black, copper, stainless steel, and white color variations.
Honeywell
The Honeywell T6 is a more traditional rectangular shape and has a slightly larger interface. It measures 5 x 5 x 2 inches and has a weight of 13 ounces, slightly lighter than the Nest.
Compatibility
Both thermostats are compatible with 95% of all heating and cooling systems across the US. It’s important to note, however, that not all heating systems are suitable for either thermostat; 110v and 220v heating systems are totally incompatible.
Please check the specs of your heating and cooling system prior to purchasing to ensure compatibility.
Nest Compatibility
- Google Home
- Amazon Alexa
- Belkin WeMo
- Philips Hue
- Amazon Echo
- Apple Watch
To check for compatibility:https://nest.com/thermostats/#works/
Honeywell Compatibility
- Amazon Alexa
- Apple Home Kit
- Google Home
- Samsung SmartThings
Programming/Features
Nest
What draws people to the Nest thermostat is its “learning” feature, which functions as the brain of the system. The device has the ability to learn your needs and to keep track of your daily temperature habits after a few days of use. You can also customize the temperature schedule using your mobile device with the Nest Smartphone App, which is free to download.
Other attractive features of the Nest Learning Thermostat are the built-in motion sensors, smart algorithms, and location tracking which determines whether or not you’re at home, and changes the temperature of your home accordingly.
Honeywell
The Honeywell T6 has simpler, more conventional programming, using standard manual “on and off” functionality.
The T6 Pro includes geofencing which can be controlled by downloading the free Honeywell Connect Comfort App. Geofencing allows you to set a customized perimeter around your house to determines your location relative to your home.
This allows the system to automatically adjust the temperature in your home before you arrive or after you leave.
Additionally, the T6 Pro integrates with your home security system through Total Connect. Those with pre-existing Honeywell products may want to consider sticking with the same ecosystem to keep things simple.
Both the Nest and the Honeywell thermostats are WiFi capable and can be controlled using the touch-screen interface or remotely through a mobile device.
Energy Savings
Nest
As reported by Nest, a Learning Thermostat can save an average of 10%-12% on heating and 15% on cooling (based on data compiled from people living in 41 different states by three independent studies and a whitepaper.) This translates to potential average annual savings of around $131.
Honeywell
The Honeywell system is also designed to improve efficiency and save you money. A 2014 study produced by technical and strategic consultancy firm, Cadmus, reviewed Honeywell data from 140,000 households across the US.
The statistics show that the average cost savings of the Honeywell thermostat was slightly higher than Nest, coming in at $135.
Warranty
Nest
The Learning Thermostat comes with a two year warranty. However, if you purchased your Nest Thermostat and installation from a Nest Pro, you’ll be able to get an additional Extended Pro Warranty, which adds three additional years of coverage.
For more information you can visit: https://nest.com/support/article/extended-pro-warranty
Honeywell
The Honeywell T6 Pro is backed by Honeywell’s 5-year warranty.
Price
The Nest Learning comes in at a pricier $249, which is over $100 more expensive than its Honeywell competitor.
