Smart thermostats make life easy, uncomplicated, and chore-free. They keep your house at the perfect temperature 24/7 without requiring any help from you. You can set different schedules for days and these smart devices will act accordingly.
When my friend first introduced me to smart thermostats, I was peculiar to the idea. How can I depend on an electrical device to keep my home at the ideal temperature even if I am in Mauritius?
Fascinated and curious about this invention, I started searching every online site to find information about smart thermostats and if they were worth buying. Following is all my research and the unit I ended up buying; the powerful, the phenomenal, and the ever-perfect Venstar ColorTouch T7900! If you want to find out more about it, then keep on reading!
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats are small electrical devices that help with home automation and are mostly concerned with controlling a place’s heating, ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) Systems.
They are similar in function to a manual thermostat except for the fact that you can easily control them using your smartphones or a virtual assistant. Also, the biggest advantage that smart thermostats have over manual ones is remote accessibility.
Who should buy smart thermostats?
In my opinion, a smart thermostat is always better than a manual type. I mean, who does not love managing and doing all of their tasks while laying in bed and Netflix-ing? So, if you are someone who wants remote accessibility of their thermostat even when they are out of the country and want to be reminded when to change the filters instead of checking the device themselves every few days, then you should buy a smart thermostat.
Factors to consider before buying Smart Thermostats:
Following are some of the factors that I kept in my mind while searching for Venstar’s ColorTouch T7900. It helped to make my searching hunt much short, so I am sure they will help you too.
1. The Set-up
The initial and primary aspect to assess is the type of HVAC system it supports and its c-wire requirements.
HVAC System
The type of HVAC system installed in your house is the main factor that will determine the kind of thermostat you need for your place. While some thermostats work with single-stage ones, others are only compatible with multi-stage systems.
C-wire
One thing that you should know about smart thermostats is that they require more energy than a pair of batteries can give. On the other hand, they cannot be connected to a power source at home because there is a risk of overloading and overheating.
So how exactly do you power these devices? Via the HVAC systems! Yes, these devices get their power from the system via a common wire (or more commonly known as the c-wire. So before anything, check yourself or call a professional to check your system to see if it possesses a c-wire or not.
Most thermostats come with a small installation kit that possesses a c-wire. However, if there isn’t one in the kit, then just purchase it from your local store and install it yourself or ask a professional to do so.
2. Ease of Use
There are arrays and arrays of thermostats in the market. They come in every shape and size. Some adorn a wide display screen with a touch screen while others feature several buttons for control. No matter which option you choose, always check the responsiveness of the thermostat. Also, note the size of the screen.
Can you read all the information displayed on the screen clearly? Can you see the screen even during the brightest day? How easy it is to access the menu bar and other features?
An ultimate thermostat, in my belief, should be the one that allows you to understand all of the data at a glimpse and should be simple in functionality.
3. Compatibility
Almost all smart thermostats have Wi-Fi compatibility so that they can connect to your home network and let you remotely access the device from anywhere and at any time. So, make sure to check if the Wi-Fi connectivity is strong or it keeps disconnecting.
Furthermore, smart thermostats are controlled using either a mobile application or using a virtual assistant. So always check if your phone can access the application and download it and the same is the case with the virtual assistant.
If you are a couch potato like me, I suggest you pay heed to this point. It will make using a smart thermostat almost fun!
4. Installation Process
While some thermostats come with a small kit, labeled wires, and a comprehensive manual to make the installation process effortless and quick, others don’t. So, make sure that you find out how effortless or complex it is to set-up the device.
Though, if you do not understand or are struggling to install the device, call an electrician right away! You do not want to mess up your HVAC system or the different wires that power your house, now do you?
[amazon link=”B081P3KDKS” title=”Venstar ColorTouch T7900 Smart Thermostat and its Alternative” /]
Venstar’s ColorTouch T7900 Smart Thermostat is a convenient, compact, and elegant unit that can be used in homes, offices, or anywhere else you want. It can easily be controlled using your smartphone, iPad, Android, Amazon (Kindle Fire), and Blackberry phones without any hindrance.
In addition to this, it can also work with Alexa so you do not even have to exit YouTube or Instagram. Just use your voice to feed commandments to this smart device! All these features are possible because of the efficient built-in Wi-Fi so that you can connect your home network and easily manage the device.
It also gives you humidity control so that the air remains fresh and clean around the clock. If we talk about its installation, it offers a combination of four heat and two cool stages. It also gives you a heat pump or gas-electric control. Furthermore, it is dual fuel capable as well.
Lastly, I was impressed by the fact that you can add your pictures on the thermostat for display. So, it can also act like a digital photo frame, which quite honestly is very cool and gives your décor an edge.
If your HVAC system has a common wire then buy this thermostat immediately! Though, if you do not like this particular thermostat or want to compare it with other alternatives, then keep reading on. Following four thermostats are some of the best thermostats (apart from Venstar’s ColorTouch T7900 Smart Thermostat, of course) you can find in the market.
1. [amazon link=”B07K2GTKQ5″ title=”Ecobee3 lite Smart Thermostat” /]
Ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat will work ideally for you if you want to keep your energy costs low. The product claims to save as much as 23% off your electricity bill. Furthermore, it works smoothly with room sensors which means that the temperature all-around your house will be pitch-perfect all the time.
It can measure both the temperature as well as the occupancy of the room to switch to the accurate temperature. On top of that, it takes only 30 minutes to install this thermostat and comes with a home power extender kit. Whether you have an iOS or an Android device, ecobee3 will perform well with it.
2. [amazon link=”B073XHD8BB” title=”Bosch Thermostat” /]
Bosch’s Thermostat is an elegant looking, highly-sophisticated Thermostat that saves your energy as well as money while keeping your house comfortable whether it is day or night.
It possesses a full-color touch screen that showcases all of the menu and other important data in large digits so you can easily read it irrespective of the lighting conditions. With an unwavering Wi-Fi connection, you can control, monitor, and manage the thermostat without leaving the coziness of your couch.
It is compatible with four heating and two cool systems, a humidifier, and HVAC systems with 24-VAC.
3. [amazon link=”B001FWZ7IW” title=”Honeywell RTH7600D Programmable Thermostat” /]
Honeywell RTH7600D Programmable Thermostat offers you a schedule for an entire week. You can easily go about your day without worrying about setting the thermostat to the right temperature.
One of the best things about this particular thermostat is that it is very easy to install and will take you only a few minutes. Moreover, it has a large backlit screen that has instant responsiveness. The data appears in vibrant colors and easy on the eyes.
It also adorns a filter change reminder as well as a low battery indicator. However, it is only compatible with heating only, cooling only and heat pumps (with an Aux/EM).
4. [amazon link=”B083JQ49KS” title=”Vine’s TJ-225 Smart Programmable Thermostat” /]
If you are looking for an energy-efficient, extremely flexible, and programmable thermostat, then Vine’s TJ-225 Smart Programmable Thermostat is a wise choice. It gives you eight periods’ settings and offers flexibility for seven entire days.
Compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa as well as a majority of the smart-phones, laptops, and tablets via the Smart Vine Application. It installs easily and operates much more easily.
Lastly, it has a very sleek and modern design that goes well with all types of décor. The touch button is quick and responsive which makes using this unit a piece of cake.
Pros:
- Has a user-friendly interface
- You can switch between programmable and nonprogrammable settings
- Possesses adjustable timers
- Dual fuel capable
- Simple functionality
- Integrated Wi-Fi
- Allows you to control humidity
- Customizable display
- Possesses a weather forecast screen
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Disconnects from Wi-Fi frequently
- Needs c-wire for set-up
- The temperature has a few calibration issues
- The touchscreen has slightly slow responsiveness
Features
1. 7-Day Programmability
Venstar ColorTouch T7900 allows you to set a schedule for an entire week. So, you can easily go on about your day without worrying about the thermostat or entering a freezing cold (or boiling hot) house. This unit keeps it all under control.
2. Switchable Between Non-Programmable or Programmable
While a programmable thermostat sets the temperature in your place automatically after evaluating the predetermined schedules, a non-programmable thermostat stays at the exact temperature you have set it at all day long.
With Venstar ColorTouch T7900, you are given the freedom to choose the setting you feel most comfortable with!
3. Compatibility
One of the features that matter the most and needs to be looked at while selecting a thermostat is its compatibility with your system and phone. Especially if you are buying a smart one that can be controlled using your smart devices.
When it comes to Venstar ColorTouch T7900, it can be controlled remotely using almost all types of phones ranging from apple to blackberry. Furthermore, it works with any system with four heating and two cooling combinations and requires a c-wire for installation.
4. Ease of Use
This particular thermostat is extremely easy to use. With a widescreen, large digits, and instant functionality, it is pretty easy to use the unit. Some people complained that the touch screen responsiveness lags a bit. However, in my opinion, the rest of its features overshadow this minor issue.
5. Humidity Control
Humid air is not only unpleasant but it can also be unhealthy. With Venstar ColorTouch T7900, you are getting a device that controls the temperature as well as keeps the humidity to the optimal level. That too, even if you are not in the home.
6. Personalized Display Screen
Another notable feature is the customizable display! Venstar ColorTouch T7900 allows you to display a personal picture on its screen at all times. So, you are getting a 2-in-1 device that works like a thermostat as well as a digital photo frame.
What do users think of the Venstar ColorTouch T7900 Smart Thermostat?
If there is one thing that I tell everyone who asks for my advice before buying a certain product, it is to always read the positive as well as the negative comments. These help you to better evaluate if the product you have your eye on would work for you or not.
If you are thinking of buying Venstar ColorTouch T7900, then I will save you the trouble of reading through the numerous reviews on Amazon and YouTube. Below I have summarized all of the comments that I read about this specific thermostat. I found these when I was contemplating whether I wanted to buy this unit or not.
Most of the people were happy with how well the thermostat performed. They mentioned how easy it was to set the unit up with their existing HVAC system. Furthermore, they appreciated the fact that programming the unit was so easy.
However, there are a few flaws that can’t be ignored. One of the most common complaints was the lagging responsiveness of the touch-screen. Another one was how the unit kept disconnecting from the Wi-Fi. Some people suggested that you need to update the software to the latest version to avoid this from happen and most people mentioned that this problem did vanish once their devices were updated.
Final thoughts on the Venstar ColorTouch T7900 Smart Thermostat
If you are looking for a small, compact, and reliable thermostat that gives you the maximum features and control then Venstar ColorTouch T7900 is the one for you. Though it has a few flaws as mentioned in the above section. There is a whole lot of features that outweighed the disadvantages for me.
The unit lets you customize the screen, offers programmable as well as nonprogrammable settings, has wide range compatibility with most smartphones, and has humidity control. Besides, it is very easy to use so that was the cherry on top for me.
Although, if you think Venstar ColorTouch T7900 is not the one for you, I would suggest you buy one of the four thermostats that I mentioned above. No matter which one you chose, make sure to note the set-up, ease of use, and compatibility of the product before purchasing.[amazon link=”B081P3KDKS ” title=”Click here to buy Venstar’s ColorTouch T7900 Smart Thermostat!” /]
