Standard programmable thermostats are energy-saving but only if they have been programmed right. A smart thermostat on the other hand uses technology that allows the thermostat to save energy while running optimally.
So, when no one is home, the smart thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature to a more energy-saving one. Smart thermostats are often easy to install, although some might require a c-wire.
The c-wire ensures constant connectivity to the wifi, however not all smart thermostats need one, although it is recommended. So, if you already have a connection, then you can easily install the thermostat without any professional help.
Most smart thermostats provide users with the comfort of changing the settings through other smart devices. Smart thermostats come with smartphone apps that can be downloaded on the user’s smartphone, tablet, PC, etc.
They can also be controlled by voice assistants given that the thermostat is compatible with your smart home system. Thus, not only do they provide remote access but can be controlled with your voice also.
Smart thermostats allow you to keep track of your energy usage. You can see your progress and can see other statistics that help you minimize energy costs even more. Some thermostats also come with sensors and advanced learning capabilities that add to your comfort even more.
Distinctive Features
While all wifi thermostats come with programmability and smartphone apps, other features can vary from one thermostat to another. Moreover, smart thermostats can differ greatly also in terms of price.
Thus, at the end of the day choosing the right smart thermostat comes down to a few factors including your budget. Buying one based on someone else’s recommendation is not a good idea as it may not be compatible with your systems.
I also made the mistake of buying one that was not compatible with my HVAC system. Thus while I was researching for one I came across the Bosch BCC100 smart thermostat.
This review is a helpful guide for anyone interested in purchasing the Bosch BCC100. By the end of it, you will know whether this or some other alternative is better suited to you.
Who Should Buy Smart Thermostats?
First and foremost, if you are someone looking to reduce your heating and cooling expense, then a smart thermostat is a must-have. Not only will it help you save on your energy costs but will also be smart enough to adjust the temperature when no one is home.
Therefore, a smart thermostat is suitable for people who travel frequently or have to leave the house multiple times a day. It will save you the hassle of constantly switching your thermostat on and off as most smart thermostats are equipped with geofencing or sensors.
Smart thermostats have an aesthetic appeal to them that traditional thermostats do not. Most smart thermostats have LCD touchscreens that complement any kind of home. Moreover, if you already have an HVAC system and a smart home system, then getting a smart thermostat will be very beneficial.
You can integrate your smart home system with the thermostat which will allow you to give your thermostat voice commands. Hence, you don’t even need a smartphone to adjust the thermostat if you have a smart home system that is compatible with it.
Smart thermostats not just make your lives easier, but they also produce reports at the end of each month for you to track your energy usage. Smart thermostats may be a hefty investment but it will be worth it.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Smart Thermostats:
Warranty
Since smart thermostats can be expensive, it is a good idea to see how long the warranty lasts. You do not want a thermostat that you spend hundreds of dollars on, only for it to malfunction after a couple of years of use. Usually, the warranties start from 2 years and go up to 5. However, the length varies with each thermostat and brand.
Ease of Installation
If you want a DIY installation, then you should check the manual available online and decide whether the installation seems simple for you. Professional installations are expensive, although sometimes you don’t have an option because the wiring is too complex.
Interface
A smart thermostat’s interface is a very important feature. Not only does it add to the aesthetics of the home, but also allows you to have ease of use while choosing the settings.
Understanding the information on the interface is also important, thus you should see the interface at play before you buy it. Some interfaces can be quite hard to understand and the point of a smart thermostat is to add to your comfort, and not vice versa.
Geofencing
This feature is found in almost all smart thermostat, and if your thermostat doesn’t have it, then you might want to reconsider.
It helps you save up on your energy costs as the thermostat detects whether your phone’s GPS signals are within the specified radius or not. If it doesn’t detect the signal, then it will automatically change the temperature that uses less energy.
Smart Home Integration
This feature is great for users who already have smart home systems at home. The popular smart home systems include Amazon Echo, Apple HomeKit, and Google Home. All thermostats vary in their compatibility for smart home systems, and so it is crucial to make sure the thermostat you want to get is compatible with the thermostat.
Bosch BCC100 Smart Thermostat and its Alternatives
The Bosch BCC100 is a moderately priced smart thermostat that offers the basic feature of controlling your thermostat from the smartphone. Unlike most smart thermostats, it has a large 5-inch touch-screen that is in color, and not monochrome.
It is compatible with almost all HVAC systems and requires 24V power. It can connect to conventional gas, electric, and oil systems with 2 stage heating and 2 stage cooling. Also, it can connect with heat pump systems with 4 stage heating and 2 stage cooling. Additionally, it has the capability to another accessory like a humidifier or a dehumidifier.
While the Bosch BCC100 has a smart feature, unfortunately, it is not as smart as others in the market. The installation is also very easy, but it requires a c-wire. So, if your older thermostat did not have one, you might have to get a new connection.
[amazon fields=”B0131RG6VK” value=”thumb” image_size=”medium” image_alt=”Nest Learning thermostat”]Nest Learning Thermostat
Alternatively, the [amazon link=”B0131RG6VK” title=”Nest Learning Thermostat” /] is about $100 more expensive than the Bosch BCC100, but it does not require a c-wire. The Nest thermostat is the go-to thermostat for someone who is looking for advanced learning capabilities from their thermostat.
It learns your patterns for a few days and then automatically sets schedules based on what it has learned. That being said, the Nest thermostat cannot control humidifiers or dehumidifiers as the Bosch BCC100 can.
[amazon fields=”B06W56TBLN” value=”thumb” image_size=”medium” image_alt=”Ecobee 3 Lite”]Ecobee 3 Lite
The [amazon link=”B06W56TBLN” title=”Ecobee 3 Lite” /] is a good option if you want something in the same budget as the Bosch BCC100. It is compatible with Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Wink, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings.
It does not require a c-wire and is also compatible with smart sensors (bought separately). Additionally, it has local weather forecasting and a vacation mode, that come in handy if you travel a lot.
[amazon fields=”B01NB1OB0I” value=”thumb” image_size=”medium” image_alt=”Emerson Sensi Thermostat”]Emerson Sensi Thermostat
If you’re looking for something cheaper, then the [amazon link=”B01NB1OB0I” title=” Emerson Sensi ” /] is a good option. It is compatible with more smart home systems than the Bosch BCC100 and offers almost the same features. However, it lacks geofencing and the humidity control feature found in Bosch BCC100.
Pros
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa
- Color touchscreen
- Easy to install
- Sends alerts
- Compatible with many kinds of HVAC systems
- Controls humidifiers and dehumidifiers
- Smartphone App
Cons
- Not compatible with other smart home devices
- C-wire required
- No remote sensor
- No geofencing feature
Features of The Bosch BCC100 Smart Thermostat
1. HVAC System Compatibility
The Bosch BCC100 is compatible with a wide range of HVAC systems. It can connect to systems of up to 4-stage heating and 2-stage cooling systems along with most 24V HVAC systems. It also pairs well with humidifier and dehumidifier systems.
2. Design
The unit is simple, easy-to-read, and modern. The 5-inch screen makes navigation easier and is also colored so it adds a dash of color to the wall it is mounted on. Although you can also control it with a smartphone app or Alexa.
3. Alerts
It sends out alerts for when the temperature it records is too extreme. This can happen when kids accidentally change the temperature.
4. Warranty
It comes with a 5-year warranty which is something users want from their thermostat.
4. Installation
The wiring of the thermostat is easy to understand and so installing it is an easy task. The manual is also quite useful and there are many tutorials available online that guide you very well. However, it requires a c-wire so you might have to get the rewiring done if you want this thermostat.
What Users Think of The Bosch BCC100 Smart Thermostat
Feedback from users of Bosch BCC100 helped me know exactly what the thermostat is really like. Users like how responsive both the app and display screens are. Users also say it is a high-quality thermostat and so does not have bugs or glitches.
Many users that struggled with installation reported how the tech support from Bosch was extremely useful. Many also appreciate its weather forecasting and live weather features.
Furthermore, many users report that it is extremely sturdy and well-made especially the screw terminals that secure the wires. It is also a very reasonable thermostat, and users often like it more than higher-end thermostats like Nest.
Its scheduling is also very convenient and does not require too much effort from the user. It also connects smoothly to Alexa, and thus it makes it very easy to adjust the temperature with voice commands. Simply put, users like the quality, reliability, and simplicity of this thermostat.
Final Thoughts on The Bosch BCC100 Smart Thermostat
Overall, the Bosch BCC100 is a basic, programmable, and high-quality smart thermostat, which is budget-friendly and reliable. Its large colored display screen, easy installation, and easy scheduling make it stand out.
What sets it apart is its ability to control humidifiers and dehumidifiers. This is something not even the high-end thermostats offer at times. However, it does have its flaws too.
While the display is large, it is still a slightly complicated interface and can become a nuisance for many. Moreover, it has a c-wire requirement so you will have to get a connection if you don’t have one.
Another feature it lacks is geofencing, which is something that you can find in most low-end smart thermostats as well. Thus, while it has its pros, it also has its cons.
What matters is whether your HVAC system and smart home systems are compatible with it. After that, if you like its features like controlling the humidifier or schedule, then you should go for it. Otherwise, some alternatives are mentioned above in this review. Click [amazon link=”B073XHD8BB” title=”here” /] to shop for the Bosch BCC100 Smart thermostat.
