The 5 Best Thermostats for a Heat Pump in 2024

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Our reviews are long and detailed. We aim to equip readers with the best possible insight in order help them make informed decisions.

Looking for the best thermostat for a heat pump with day-to-day programming and terrific features along with an unbeatable price? If so, then your search ends here and you’ve come to the right place!

A good programmable thermostat for heat pump will help you keep the energy consumption low and allow your heat pump to work as efficiently as possible.

In this article, you will learn about some of the best smart thermostats for heat pump and we made sure that you get the best value for money on your investment that will exceed your expectations while cutting down all the inconvenience of owning a “smart” thermostat.

If you’re ready to explore what programmable thermostats for heat pumps have to offer, continue reading.

Our team of smart tech enthusiasts spent months rigorously testing over 7+ smart thermostats for heat pump to find the one that fits your needs perfectly!

We have covered the in-depth review of our top picks below. To discover more interesting facts about your next smart home purchase, continue reading. We have done the homework for you!

Short on time?

Here’s the #1 best selling thermostat for a heat pump with all the bells & whistles

1. Honeywell Home RTH7600D – Best Overall

Key Takeaways: Best value for money thermostat for a heat pump with terrific features at an unbeatable price. It cannot get any simpler to install this thermostat.

It’s a DIY project for anyone whose tech savvy can easily do so with a user-friendly installation manual and a few tools available in most households.

This 4-wire, 7-day programmable Honeywell thermostat for heat pump is compatible with traditional systems with dual-stage heat pumps and offers an auto-changeover feature that allows you to switch from AC to heat.

The Honeywell customer support is unbeatable. Anytime you come across an issue, feel free to reach out to the support that will help you diagnose and solve the issue in a matter of minutes.

The display looks good and the touchscreen is precise and responsive. Wire labels are extremely useful when it comes to wiring Honeywell thermostat and is guaranteed to cut down the zeros in your utility bills.

It has a fairly intuitive interface, easy to set up and programming the thermostat is simple but a tedious process.

You can select all 7 days and program them with the same schedule or you can do each individual day with four different modes if your life is that predictable.

Unlike other “smart” thermostats that have a brain of their own, you can change the temperature to your desired level and it will remain at that temperature until the next schedule change.

Try our #1 recommended thermostat for a heat pump today!

Specifications

This innovative thermostat gives you full control over your indoor climate with its large touchscreen display, allowing you to easily adjust temperatures or set a weekly schedule for automated adjustments.

It also features a real-time clock so it will automatically adjust for Daylight Savings Time.

• Compatibility

Plus, it’s compatible with single stage heating and cooling, multistage heating and cooling, furnace (warm air), central air conditioning, heat pump without auxiliary heat, and more!

• Programming

The best Honeywell thermostat for heat pumps with day to day programming with individual settings and 4 time slots (sleep, wake, away/return home) that offer the flexibility to program 4 temperature settings for every day of the week.

This thermostat packs a great punch and will meet and exceed all your expectations without breaking the bank.

• Power & Security

To power the thermostat, you can either use 2 AA batteries or use a C wire to reliably power it in case of electricity shortage/fluctuations.

For people who want a dependable, secure experience with their HVAC system. It comes with a setting that can prevent damage to the unit and compressor by requiring your compressor to wait before it restarts.

Reasons to Buy

• Everything you need to use/program the thermostat is visible on the screen without cluttering the display, no major settings are buried deep in the menu to make it confuse the user.

• Compatible with heat pumps, furnaces, and air conditioners without needing a C wire to function.

• Well lit and easy to read display.

• Notifies you to change air filters to maintain indoor air quality.

• Automatically switches between heating and cooling.

• User-friendly, pocket friendly, and reliable all in one.

• The box comes with all the necessary equipment you need to install the thermostat.

• It allows you to select multiple days to program with the same schedule throughout or uniquely program it for each day depending on whether you have a predictable routine.

• Zero touch sensitivity issues.

• The buttons on the display are large enough to properly navigate without any errors.

• You will not face any furnace over-cycling issues.

• The temperature readings are dead accurate.

• The price and the value that this unit offers are practically unbeatable.

• Does exactly what you program it to do and will not override your decisions with some “smart” learning algorithms that can get annoying at times.

• You can change/override the programmed temperature settings anytime you want and it will adjust itself to be more/less warmer or colder.

• It activates the furnace a few minutes early so the temperature reaches your desired level by the programmed time.

• Instruction manuals are concise and easy to understand.

• Don’t let this thermostat for a heat pump whoop you. Make sure you read the instructions manual and learn the advanced settings before jumping to any conclusions.

Reasons to Avoid 

• Only offers a 1-year warranty.

• Wi-Fi connectivity is not available.

• The smart learning capability to detect when you like heating or cooling turned on is not very reliable.

• While programming may initially seem less intuitive and take time to adapt to, it remains easy to program.

• The green display is a bit outdated which could bother some people but anyone buying it knows that it comes with it and does a good job illuminating the screen.

• It is important to read the instructions manual first before thinking that the thermostat doesn’t perform a specific function when it most likely does.

• The auto-changeover between AC and heat feature is turned off and the option to turn it on is buried in the advanced settings.

If you’re tired of looking for a thermostat that offers simplicity and reliability without breaking the bank, then get this Honeywell Home RTH7600D thermostat for heat pump and get the most out of your investment now!

 You just have to do a little homework up-front and call for help if you need to.

2. Honeywell T6 Pro – Best Programmable Thermostat for a Heat Pump

Key Takeaways: A high-end wireless smart thermostat at a great price.

If we had to choose between the Honeywell Home RTH9600WF and Honeywell T6 Pro when it comes to thermostats for a heat pump, we would undoubtedly go with the T6 Pro as it tops the RTH9600WF in many ways.

It is the best programmable thermostat for a heat pump in the market which gets the job done while being cheaper than most competitors like Nest and offers more or less the same value.

It is a dumb smart thermostat in the best way possible. You don’t have to override any onboard intelligence, unlike other thermostats like the Nest where full home automation is a tedious process.

Specifications

Is your home still relying on outdated thermostats? Then it’s time to upgrade to the Honeywell T6 Pro.

• Saving & Geofencing:

This Wi-Fi-enabled smart thermostat is not only ENERGY STAR certified but also has features such as geofencing and voice control compatibility.

• Compatibility:

This Wi-Fi thermostat is designed to work with your heating system’s stages and up to 2 Heat/1 Cool with heat pump.

• Programming:

It offers 7-Day Programmable, 5-1-1 Programmable, 5-2 Programmable, and Geofencing modes for convenience and efficiency.

Plus, you can create a unique home comfort schedule for your lifestyle. And with its easy adjustment capabilities, there’s no need to worry about leaving the house unprepared or coming back to an uncomfortable setting.

• Installation:

And don’t forget that in addition to all these remarkable functions, this thermostat for a heat pump comes with Resideo Pro installation services—ensuring you get set up effortlessly and quickly start enjoying a smarter home environment.

• Interface & Functionality:

With an intuitive interface and clear visuals on its 3-inch full-color touchscreen display, controlling your HVAC system has never been easier.

It also allows you to use voice commands right from your phone or Alexa-compatible devices for additional convenience.

Reasons to Buy

• Very intuitive to use and set up, Wi-Fi enabled and has flawless integration with Amazon Alexa, Apple Homekit, Samsung SmartThings as well as the Resideo app.

• Installation is pretty straightforward and can be done by novice DIY-ers within round about 20 minutes.

• Seamless Wi-Fi connectivity and is very easy to program the thermostat preferably from your smartphone.

• Temperature adjustments and other controls of the unit are accessible via your smartphone.

• Automatically switches from heating to cooling to maintain a constant temperature during spring or fall.

• Although the unit does not rely on batteries for backup, in the event of a power loss, the settings are preserved for about 6 hours.

• Tech support is extremely cooperative.

• Will save you a ton of money on utility bills. The best energy efficient thermostat for heat pump so far.

Reasons to Avoid

• This isn’t a thermostat without C wire so you have to have a common (C) wire and adapter to power this unit. It is not battery operated.

• Once the unit is installed, it initially takes about 6 minutes to turn on the AC.

• The Geo-fencing feature is not very reliable.

• It is not very DIY friendly when it comes to installing the unit for someone with limited technical knowledge. Hence, you are advised to call a professional to get the job done.

• It requires a specific 2.4GHz connection from your Wi-Fi router for it to work as a Wi-Fi thermostat for heat pump, so if you have a 5G Wi-Fi connection you need to reset your router for Wi-Fi connectivity on your thermostat.

• It asks you a series of technical questions about your HVAC system which seems like an overkill because it won’t affect how the heat pump would work. Plus there is no option to skip these questions so you may need professional assistance.

If you’re tired of buying a new thermostat every 6-12 months because they keep dying on you and what not, then you need to claim the Honeywell T6 Pro which will be the last smart thermostat for heat pump you will ever need.

 You just have to do a little homework up-front and call for help if you need to.

3. Honeywell Home T9 – Best Smart Thermostat for a Heat Pump

Key Takeaways: The Honeywell HomeT9 also known as the Tesla of thermostats does a spectacular job in enhancing your life with guaranteed comfort that you’re looking for.

The Honeywell Home T9 provides exceptional value as a smart thermostat for heat pump.

We reviewed this thermostat with pride as it holds immense potential of being the ideal choice for the majority of users whether you’re looking to transition to a smart thermostat or just need a reliable thermostat for a heat pump.

In a nutshell, it is a breeze to install and comes with Honeywell smart room sensors that allow you to regulate temperatures in different rooms which ensures that there are no cold/hot spots left in the space.

Setting up the thermostat and programming the 5+2 day schedule has never been made more easy.

Furthermore, the Honeywell home app is fairly intuitive, allows you to have remote access to your thermostat for a heat pump and majority of functions such as programming the thermostat, can be performed via the application.

Specifications

• Remote Control 

With the Honeywell Home T9, you can adjust your thermostat from anywhere with your mobile device or let your home automatically react to your schedule with Auto Home/Away Scheduling.

• Saving

Plus, eligible customers can enroll in their local Utility’s “Demand Response Program” which rewards customers for allowing the utility to slightly adjust their AC or furnace temperature settings when there is high energy demand.

• Sensors

You can also choose the temperature in a specific room, like the bedroom, to be exactly what you want it to be and help get a better night’s sleep.

The smart room sensors will even detect which rooms people are in and focus comfort where it matters automatically!

It offers an amazing sensor range that can reach up to 200 ft in range, depending on home construction.

With this device, you don’t have to choose between rooms and manage temperature settings manually – instead, keep different temperatures in multiple rooms using sensors.

• Rebates

And don’t forget about available rebates from energy providers that make this product even more attractive financially so everyone wins – including mother nature!

Enjoy all this convenience plus peace of mind by knowing that you’re conserving energy and money on utilities at no extra effort on your part — whether you’re sitting at home or away!

• Smart Home Automation

The T9 works seamlessly with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, and more for an effortless user experience!

You won’t find another thermostat like it on the market today!

• Compatibility & Trust

Honeywell Home’s renowned technology is designed to deliver a one-of-a-kind comfort experience no matter what type of system you’re running.

From forced air systems (gas/oil/electric) to hot water and steam systems or heat pumps with electric backup and even heating-only oil furnace systems if you have a C-Wire!

• Installation

Honeywell Home T9, is a revolutionary DIY thermostat with an easy setup and installation.

The included power adapter is incredibly low voltage and easy to install, so you don’t have to worry about complicated wiring.

So why not make your home more comfortable at the touch of a button?

Reasons to Buy

• It is a breeze to install and set up the thermostat for tech-savvy DIYers.

• The app allows all members of the household to adjust the thermostat to their preferences. If someone is uncomfortable they can temporarily deviate from the schedule and change the temperature.

• The display is well-lit and easy to read even in daylight and the temperature numbers are big enough to be read by anyone with a weak eye-sight.

• The remote sensors are easy to set up, just pop the batteries in and you’re good to go.

• The temperature readings are very precise and work best when paired with smart temperature sensors.

• With the priority temperature setting, you can set different temperatures in the space/rooms of your choice.

•  The temperature room sensor can be used as the primary temperature setting, you can state which sensor the thermostat uses to measure the temperature.

• The T9 also has an Auto-changeover feature that allows you to switch from heating and cooling automatically.

The changeover temperature differential is 1.5°, so the temperature must rise or fall 1.5° before the thermostat will switch modes.

• The smart temperature sensors are fixed using a double-sided tape which is a good option instead of having to use screws that would mess up the wall.

• Can serve as the best multi zone smart thermostat with the help of its spot-on temperature sensors.

• It also has the feature to lock out all functions of the thermostat except adjusting the temperatures to prevent guests or kids from tampering with the settings. It can also be used in an Airbnb/rental.

• You can set the priority to active rooms where you spend the most time and it will prioritize rooms that show activity.

• It has a GPS/geofencing feature that uses the location on your smartphone to determine if you’re present or away from the house. This is a feature you can rely on which can also save you utility costs in the long run

Reasons to Avoid

• Despite the ease of installation, the instructions to install it for heat pumps could be more user-friendly.

• The display when active is a little too bright with no option to adjust it.

• The screen does not display the current status of the thermostat. For example, if you called for heating, it will not indicate that heat is running, on the display.

• There are no online instructions provided by Honeywell for using Alexa and other voice assistants.

•  It is on the pricier side of the scale, especially with smart temperature sensors.

• The sensors are installed using a double-sided tape that might make them fall and may not endure fall damage if the sticking gum is not good enough.

• Lack of information on the display, it only shows the current temperatures.

Save $100 on utility bills & get exceptional value on your investment with features that beat all the others on the list with the Honeywell Home T9.

You just have to do a little homework up-front and call for help if you need to.

4. Heagstat H725 – Best Affordable Smart Thermostat for a Heat Pump

Key Takeaways: Beautiful in its simplicity, the best value for money thermostat for a heat pump with emergency heat. The most user-friendly, pocket-friendly, and practical thermostat specifically made for heat pumps.

Don’t let the cheap price fool you into being skeptical about its functionality or the product itself.

Whether you are looking for a quick inexpensive thermostat to test your newly repaired heat pump system or your old thermostat just gave up on you after 2 years of staying loyal, Heagstat is here to put an end to your misery.

And no you don’t primarily need a C wire to install this unit, it can work with batteries for a backup power source.

Reasons to Buy

• If you wish to change the temperatures during any set schedule, you can manually override the schedule and set the desired temperature and it stays that way until the next programmed temperature change.

For example: If the scheduled temperature goes to 65°F at 9 am and you want it to be 60°F, you can manually adjust it. By the time the next scheduled time period starts to kick in, it will return to the programmed temperatures.

• Prevent the furnace from unnecessary over-cycles, unlike most thermostats.

• Smart maintenance reminders give you alerts like air filter replacement which is a useful feature for anyone who is forgetful and can save you from needless wear and tear and power wastage.

• This thermostat for a heat pump has the best price with features of most fancier and more expensive thermostats. Overall, it’s a win-win for the end user.

• Simple to use without much complexities and easy to wire with clear directions and diagrams for the tech savvy individuals.

• Accurate readings plus programming is fairly intuitive and customizable, allowing you to fine tune it to your needs.

• Easy to read display with big temperature readings.

• It uses both, batteries and the 24V power supply from a C wire to reliably power the thermostat.

• Has a back light that lights up when you press any button to perform a function on the unit.

Reasons to Avoid

• It’s a struggle to separate the unit from the base-plate.

• Watch for stuck buttons when adjusting temperatures; ensure they pop back out before leaving to avoid any issues.

• There is no option to switch it from military time to traditional time format.

• The thermostat wiring diagram could be a bit confusing for novice DIYers.

That’s it in a nutshell for the Heagstat H725. You just have to do a little homework up-front and call for help if you need to.

 Grab the most ideal smart thermostat for a heat pump today!

5. Honeywell Home RTH9600WF – Best Honeywell Smart Thermostat for a Heat Pump

Key Takeaways: The fourth best Honeywell thermostat for a heat pump is super easy to learn and adjust the temperatures without going through a learning curve.

Seamless installation, clear display, and thorough instructions make it user-friendly compared to others like Nest with complex menu navigation.

Reduces the overall cost of heating and cooling your home and offers remote access of the thermostat no matter where you are.

Specifications

• Energy Saving

The Honeywell Home RTH9600WF is an ENERGY STAR-certified thermostat that helps you save energy and sends personalized tips on reducing your energy use.

Plus, eligible customers can enroll in ongoing energy savings incentives with their energy provider to keep saving all year long.

Not only will this smart programmable thermostat save you money on energy bills, but also provides updated weather forecasts right on the display.

• Remote Control

Not only will you have control over the temperature of your home, but now you have access to track it from anywhere using the mobile app or compatible smart voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana!

• Programming & Customization

With flexible programming options available at your fingertips, setting the right temperature every day has never been easier; saving money while keeping comfortable. Just set it and forget it.

Offers a customizable color screen that allows quick, easy access to indoor and outdoor temperature readings.

In addition to regulating temperatures within your own four walls – making sure it never gets too hot or cold – you can customize the look of its high-definition display any way you like.

• Compatibility

Top-tier smart thermostat for heat pumps, compatible with various forced air systems, including those with electric backup, requires C wire.

Reasons to Buy 

• It’s a breeze to hook it up to your HVAC systems and smoothly integrates with all types of heat pumps.

• The unit offers remote temperature management capabilities through your smartphone.

• Temperature readings are spot on.

• Zero connectivity issues with Wifi and Alexa integrates smoothly with the unit.

• Registering the thermostat on the Honeywell website is fairly easy and flawless.

• Installation goes without a hitch for tech savvy DIYers.

• Honeywell’s privacy policy ensures no sale of personal information to third parties, unlike Nest thermostats.

• Programming can be done via a PC or the app itself with an intuitive interface.

• Smart feature sends alerts for maintenance like air filter replacement, promoting air quality and energy efficiency.

• The app is accessible through your smartphone, tablet, laptop, and PC.

• Comes with an energy saving mode that contributes fairly to cutting down energy costs.

• Easily integrates with other smart voice assistants like SmartThings, Amazon Alexa, Microsoft Cortana, and more.

• Futuristic design with multiple color option to match your desired aesthetic.

• Comes with little sticker labels that you can wrap around the wiring of your old thermostat for a heat pump so you know what terminals they were attached to.

• Screen lock feature prevents interference, with options to lock out guests/kids or only programming settings, allowing temperature adjustments.

• The accurate outside air temperature is always visible on the screen.

• Keeps the temperature steady at a setpoint without having to fiddle with the thermostat to keep the house comfortable.

• You have the freedom to fully control the thermostat without tussling with the “smart” AI features for setting the temperatures for you.

Reasons to Avoid

• The size is relatively smaller than it is apparent. Therefore, your old mounting alterations could become visible and you might want to paint/touch up the walls.

• There is no base-plate to cover the old mounting holes.

• Finding the auto switch-over in the menu for thermostat can be confusing, causing difficulty in mode switching.

• You cannot make adjustments when the thermostat goes in vacation mode.

• Lowering/increasing the temperatures through Alexa could take an absurd amount of time.

• This unit has the fan blowing far too often. The fan shuts off approximately 30 seconds after the Ac is off. A minute or two later the ‘circulate’ feature kicks the fan on again.

• There is no way to change the factory default temperature swing differential of .25 degrees.

If you want to cut down the zeros in your utility bills then claim the last thermostat for heat pump you’ll ever buy! → Honeywell Home RTH9600WF.

You just have to do a little homework up-front and call for help if you need to.

Best Heat Pump Thermostat Settings

To ensure the best performance and energy efficiency from your heat pump, it’s important to set your heat pump thermostat correctly.

To start, it’s recommended to set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature of around 68-72°F when you’re home and awake.

When you’re sleeping or away from home, you can set the thermostat to a slightly cooler temperature to save energy.

Avoid setting thermostat too high or low to prevent inefficiency and unnecessary energy usage.

Additionally, consider using a thermostat with programming capabilities so you can easily adjust settings for different times of day or activities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thermostat for a Heat Pump

What kind of thermostat do most heat pumps use?

Most heat pumps team up with what’s called a “digital programmable thermostat.” Now, don’t let the name scare you – it’s simply a smart controller for your heat pump.

Here’s the cool part: This thermostat lets you set different temperatures for different times of the day. So, when you’re snuggled up in bed at night, it keeps things warm and cozy.

When you’re out, it lowers the temperature to save energy but adjusts before you return.

Plus, these thermostats are like mind-readers. Well, not exactly, but they’re good at sensing when you’re not home. So, they give your heat pump a little break, again, to save energy.

Can you use a regular thermostat with a heat pump?

Using a regular thermostat with a heat pump is a bit like wearing flip-flops in the snow – it’s not the best fit.

Here’s the scoop: Heat pumps have their own unique style of working. They do this clever thing where they can both heat and cool your place. But regular thermostats, they’re used to the traditional heating or cooling systems.

Think of it like speaking two different languages. A regular thermostat talks in one language, while your heat pump talks in another. So, when they try to chat, it’s like a lost-in-translation situation. This can make your heat pump work too hard, leading to higher energy bills and less comfort.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – can’t we just use a translator? Well, kind of. There are thermostats specially made for heat pumps like the Honeywell Home RTH7600D. They understand both sides of the conversation, so your heat pump can shine its brightest.

Can you put a smart thermostat on a heat pump?

You can totally put a smart thermostat on a heat pump and the smartest one in our opinion is the Honeywell Home T9 with all the bells and whistles. A smart thermostat understands your heat pump’s language and also speaks the modern language of smartphones and apps.

Picture this: You’re out and about, and suddenly you remember you forgot to adjust the temperature at home. No worries! With a smart thermostat, you just whip out your phone, open an app, and voila – you can change the temperature from wherever you are.

These smart thermostats are like energy-saving wizards. They learn your daily routine and adjust the temperature on their own. When you’re away, they turn things down a bit to save energy. And they’re smart, so they know when to get things comfy before you come back.

And the best part? They’re easy to use, even if you’re not a tech wizard. Just a few taps on your phone, and you’re in control. No complicated manuals or head-scratching required.

What is the difference between a heat pump and a conventional thermostat?

Let’s keep things clear and simple. Imagine your home’s temperature control as two friends – a heat pump and a conventional thermostat. They’re pals, but they work in different ways.

A heat pump is like a two-in-one magic trick. It can warm up your home in winter and cool it down in summer. It’s energy-smart too, using less power to do its job.

Now, a conventional thermostat is more like a basic button. It’s good at turning things on and off, like your heater or air conditioner. But here’s the catch – it’s not so great at understanding the changing seasons. It doesn’t have the cool tricks a heat pump has.

So, the big difference? A heat pump is your all-season buddy, while a conventional thermostat is more like a simple switch.

If you want the full package of comfy temps in every season, a heat pump is your hero. But if you’re okay with just turning things on and off, a regular thermostat does the job.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, when it comes to finding the best thermostat for a heat pump, there are many options available.

From programmable and mechanical thermostats to smart thermostats for heat pump, each type has its own set of benefits and features that can help you save energy and money.

With the right information and research, you can find the perfect thermostat for your heat pump needs.