The truth is, picking a thermostat for visually impaired people is difficult. Tech industries are still behind in terms of catering to most people with disabilities. The majority only focus on making thermostats that cater to the physically fit. This is why people with eyesight issues tend to have trouble getting their temperature control needs met.
That said, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t any thermostats out there for someone with visual impairments. For that very reason, I’ve decided to compile a guide to help people with such disabilities out. In this way, you’ll know what to look for and how to choose the right thermostat for your specific needs.
Through all my thorough trials and research, I finally found the 8 beat thermostats for visually impaired people.
8 Best Thermostats for Visually Impaired People
1. [amazon link=”B01M1LADA9″ title=”Fane VIP3000″ /] – Best Overall
Editor’s rating: 5/5 stars
Standout Features
- Universal
- Supports both heating and cooling
- Talking thermostat
- Includes a CD bundle
The VIP 3000 is my pick as the best thermostat for blind people. It has unique voice prompts that announce each button that’s pressed as well as the thermal readings on display. It also comes with respective buttons for each power option, both for your fan and the heating. The buttons are also well-placed so that people with visual defects can easily find and learn their positions.
The thermostat itself is universal, compatible with most 24V AC heating and cooling equipment. These include units that have multistage support, with 2 cooling and 3 heating zones. It also supports gas, oil, and electrical systems. It even works with heaters and air cons that include single or dual compressors as well as aux heat.
To improve communication, the VIP 3000 thermostat includes a CD bundle that comes with each audio cue pr-recorded in both MP3 and wave formatting. You can give them a listen on your PC or a CD player, which will allow you to memorize each of the functions and prompts for your ease.
Not only is it easy to install and use, but the talking thermostat dictates information to users. That’s what makes it the best talking thermostat for the visually impaired.
2. [amazon link=”B001E0IKHK” title=”Honeywell T87N1026″ /] – Best Under $100
Editor’s rating: 5/5 stars
Standout Features
- Simple temperature dial
- Click sounds with every 2-degree temp change
- Braille markings for blind people
- 40-90F temperature range
Honeywell is a major thermostat producer, well known for its programmable and non-programmable options. It comes as no surprise that it, therefore, features a blind-friendly model like the digital Honeywell T87N1026, with easy reading and simple calibrations.
Altering the temperature is as easy as rotating the dial to the preferred position. The thermostat then sends out a sound if the temperature changes by two degrees. So, if you remember your set temperature, you’ll be able to count the clicks and figure out the new temperature accordingly.
Not only that, but the thermostat also comes with large and obvious number readings and buttons. This makes it easy for people with visual impairments to easily use the gadget without much assistance. There is also a Braille scale so that even blind people can easily use the thermostat.
The thermostat itself can function with 24-30V systems that include four-wire setups. They handle a modest temp range scaling from 40 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, making them ideal for regular use. Best of all, the model is one of the cheaper options on our list, making it affordable to people who don’t want to break their budget.
3. [amazon link=”B01N3CEUDH” title=”Emerson Sensi ST75″ /] – Best Wi-Fi Option
Editor’s rating: 4.5/5 stars
Standout Features
- Enlarged font
- Attractive contemporary design
- Smart hub integration
- Wi-Fi and app remote control
Just because someone has a visual impairment, doesn’t mean they should settle with a basic or boring setup. That’s where the Emerson Sensi ST75 comes in. It is the most attractive and feature-filled thermal regulator on my list. Its primary component shows the current temp in enlarged numbers so that the readings are easy to see for people with poor eyesight.
For people with severe visual impairments, you can get the Amazon Echo or Apple HomeKit connected with the thermostat. In this way, you can give voice commands to Alexa to change the temp whenever you need to. You can also ask Alexa to announce the current temp, making it a great smart home option for blind individuals.
The thermostat’s design allows it to be compatible with various cooling and heating mechanisms such as heat pumps, radiators, steam machines, air-cons, and many more. This compatibility includes working with 4 heat and 2 cooling stages.
Even though it’s costly, the Emerson Sensi is the ideal option for visually impaired people who already have smart home systems. Or, if you find the price tag is worth the ease of use, definitely consider this thermostat.
4. [amazon link=”B0044UYVFW” title=”Lux TX9600TS” /] – Most Easy to Use
Editor’s rating: 4.5/5 stars
Standout Features
- Large display
- Air filter alarm
- 7-day programming
- Vacation mode
Sometimes simplicity is the best solution. And the LUX TX9600TS makes use of this fact. It uses a large display to make the lives of visually disabled people better. All without the need for any smart systems or hard adjustments. The interface is easy to use, and the thermostat works efficiently.
This thermostat by Lux Products works well with almost every temperature control system, save for a baseboard heater. It is also programmable, so you can set each day of the week differently according to your schedule. You can even have two or four select periods in a day.
An integral component of the thermostat is the timer for its air filter that informs you when your filters require replacing. This smart safety feature allows it to achieve the chosen temperatures by the set time while the vacation mode can be set from 1 day to up to 30 days.
So, while not the ideal option for severe blindness, it is a very useful thermostat for people with eyesight issues who just need better displays. No need to spend on additional features when everything else works just fine.
5. [amazon link=”B01D16HAFW” title=”Orbit 83521″ /] – Best Programmable Option
Editor’s rating: 4.5/5 stars
Standout Features
- Large display
- 7-day programming with copy/paste feature
- Temperature precision of +/- 1F
- Mercury-free
The Orbit 83521 has a very blind-friendly interface, with large obvious buttons and an even larger LCD. Each reading is very easy to read, and the adjustments are also easy to make so you won’t have to keep going back to set it up.
The best aspect of the thermostat is its programmability. You get to program each day of the week as needed that you can copy onto each day, along with a smart Clear Comfort system to avoid fluctuation. The system is also mercury-free, which makes it very safe for blind people in case of cleaning up after a damaged thermostat.
The Orbit 83521 works with air-cons, different kinds of furnaces, millivolt machines, 2-wire heating systems, and central thermal systems. The device is easy to set up and its inbuilt precision control function maintains the temp within +/- 1 degree. This makes it great since visually impaired people won’t have to adjust the settings repeatedly.
With so much versatility in settings and compatibility, it makes sense for people with eyesight issues to opt for this thermostat.
6. [amazon link=”B004YFY8QE” title=”PRO1 IAQ T905″ /] – Biggest Screen Option
Editor’s rating: 4.5/5 stars
Standout Features
- Large 13 square inch display
- Enlarged font
- 7-day or 5/1/1 day programming
- Multiple pre-programmed modes
For its large screen alone, this thermostat is one of the best options for people with eyesight problems. The PRO IAQ T905 is a unique gadget, offering the widest display on this list. It comes with a 13 square touch screen that is user-friendly not only for visually impaired individuals but normal folks as well.
Not only that, but the enlarged font makes it easy to operate for anyone. Each setting can be pressed on the screen with a simple push, just learn how to use it and you’ll remember where every option’s position.
Besides its ability to cater to visual issues, the thermostat also includes other features like leave, return, sleep and wake so you can switch between each mode without hassle. So, for easy viewing and eye relief, you should opt for a big screen thermostat like this.
7. [amazon link=”B074NBTCY7″ title=”Google Nest E” /] – Best Premium Option
Editor’s rating: 4/5 stars
Standout Features
- Remote control via an app
- Learning system
- Nice design
- Large display
A lot of people familiar with thermostats might be surprised by my low rating for the Thermostat E, but hear me out. Yes, it’s a spectacular thermostat that’s widely popular and user-approved. But I wanted to find options that are ideal for visually impaired people. So, while the T4000ES Nest model is a great choice, there are others far better at a much more affordable price point.
Even so, the thermostat is still great. It has tons of smart functions such as remote control, auto temp changes, and smart learning to memorize your house habits and set temps accordingly. In this way, you save a lot more energy and you don’t have to repeatedly make changes, which can be difficult with sight defects.
The reason ideal for visually impaired people is the Nest App. You can change settings via your phone or tablet easily, so if you have Braille on your phone or tablet easily, so if you have Braille on your device it’s easy to maneuver.
So, if you have money to spare, and want to make use of the learning and remote system of the Thermostat E, it’s worth it.
8. [amazon link=”B07NQT85FC” title=”Ecobee Smart Thermostat” /] – Best Alexa Integration
Editor’s rating: 4/5 stars
Standout Features
- Smart hub integration
- Inbuilt speaker
- Temperature sensor
- Automated system
Some people like all-in-one packages and Ecobee’s smart thermostat provides just that. It includes an inbuilt speaker that can be integrated with any smart hub. So, you can control temp settings, hear them aloud, or even play music or calls on the speaker. This is a wonderful option for blind people who need vocal assistance for their daily necessities.
The smart thermostat includes a sensor that measures the temp once installed. It then changes the heating or cooling according to the reading and number of people present in the room. You can get extra sensors for other spaces or more sensitivity as well.
One drawback would have to be the connectivity, which can be slightly buggy. Still, the thermostat does an accurate job of controlling temperatures through its automated system. So, you don’t have to fret overstraining your eyes with multiple trips to the thermostat.
So, if you want a more affordable voice control option, this is the option for you. You will have to overlook the connectivity though, which can be frustrating.
Buyer’s Guide
Finding the ideal thermostat for blind or visually impaired people entails having to focus on sensory features that mesh well with the individual. The most important things to consider before buying a thermostat are.
Enlarged Buttons & Straightforward Interfaces
You’ll want to get a thermostat with some raised buttons. These are easy to maneuver and manage most of the functions of the thermostat. A person who can’t see well will be able to use the buttons for whatever adjustments they need without worrying.
Braille
Braille is a font system designed for visually impaired people to read instructions and details. If you’re looking for a thermostat for someone with severe blindness, it’s best to go with one that has Braille on its buttons or screen. In this way, they’ll be able to use the different features easily.
Simple Configuration Settings
It is crucial to buy a thermostat with the essential features, and not more than that. That’s because too many features can confuse visually impaired people, who find it difficult to learn all of them. However, integral options like on/off, up/down, etc. should be present so that they can use the thermostat.
Programmability
Programmable thermostats allow visually impaired persons to set the thermostat once, and then not having to do it again. This aspect is important to make temperature control easier for them.
Audio Feature
A talking thermostat is important for blind people. Modern devices will connect to a smart hub so that you can then control these thermostats via voice control. Not only does it help by not needing to use displays or fonts, but you don’t have to keep going to the thermostat to makes changes either. Simply use prompts to make settings via the voice assistant.
Any one of these features, or a combination of them, will help with temperature control, for you or someone you know with visual impairments.
FAQs
Q1. What is the ideal place to set up a thermostat for visually impaired people?
When setting up your thermostat, try installing it in the following spots;
- An uncongested space that eliminates the possibility of trips, falls, or bumps.
- A well-lit space, in case the thermostat has no backlighting.
- Spaces without any obstructions such as doors, shelves, décor, or furniture for quick changes.
Try to avoid places with extreme temperature ranges or conditions. Any area that lets in a draft, a window that lets hot rays pass through, or bathroom spaces are not only hazards but hinder thermal readings. install it near doors that should let in a draft, windows that shine hot rays, or near the bathroom. All these places can affect readings so your room will appear hotter or colder than it is.
Also avoid spaces that are not in use, like guest rooms or hallways. The thermoregulator won’t be reading the area you want to heat or cool, leaving you in a cooler or warmer room.
Never install a thermostat near a kitchen. Kitchens tend to get warm with all the different appliances inside. Ovens, stoves, even fridges add to the room temperature, and if you have open windows then the room will be even hotter. That means your air con will run if the thermostat reads the kitchen as warm, which is a waste of power and money. Fluctuations in temperature also mess with the thermostat so you get less precise readings. The A/C running while you’re cooking can also make your dishes cold fast, and make guests feel uncomfortable in the cold.
Q2. Are big buttons and screens really important in a thermostat for the visually impaired?
Enlarged buttons make it simple for a person with low vision to use them to change the settings on a thermostat. You’re able to find settings much easier just by looking or touching. It also helps if the button makes sounds once pressed.
You can immediately opt for the setting you need or make alterations without any issue at all. Also, tactile labels can make it simpler for blind people to use thermal devices. For instance, a bump-on to show your ideal temperature on the thermal dial can act as an accessible feature.
Q3. What is a talking thermostat?
A talking thermostat comes with an inbuilt speaker. These speakers help people with visual disabilities hear different settings and buttons out loud. Some models also come with voice control so you can talk back and change settings as needed. With the push of a button, the thermostat will announce the room temperature and also dictate what mode button you have pushed. For example, the thermostat will say “You have no chosen the heat mode.”
These types of thermostats are also great for old people who have eyesight issues like cataracts. They can’t read manuals or instructions, but can instead touch the settings and listen to what they’ve chosen. Such devices are working well with voice assistants like Alexa or Siri Amazon via other smart devices, so you can also control them remotely. The system allows an individual with visual defects to make changes by saying a prompt without any hassle.
Q4. What is a learning thermostat?
A learning thermostat uses machine learning to understand the programs used and the activity of people in the room. This learning lets them control the cooling or heating depending on when you’re present and changes the programs and settings accordingly. Such products, like the Thermostat E, learn temps and programs you choose within a week. They can also turn off on their own when no one’s home, so you save energy and money simultaneously.
Conclusion
The thermostats I’ve mentioned include smart thermostats that are extremely helpful for individuals with visual impairment. They are an ideal option if you wish to do better than getting typical compact and modern thermostats with less visibility. All you have to do is think about the construction, cost, and features before choosing one that is right for you.
I think that the [amazon link=”B01M1LADA9″ title=”Fane VIP3000″ /] is the best thermostat for visually impaired people. It’s easy to install and use, has a large screen with big buttons, and most importantly comes with an audio file of all its settings. The Honeywell [amazon link=”B001E0IKHK” title=”Honeywell T87N1026″ /] and [amazon link=”B01N3CEUDH” title=”Emerson Sensi” /] are close competitors, both with their benefits. If none of these options suit your taste, you can try out the rest and let me know!
