A good thermostat is something we all need to maintain a good air temperature – but if you want complete control, then you might want to try the best programmable thermostat under $100.
A good thermostat does not have to be expensive to be efficient. Fortunately, the market has various thermostats at this price that help you save money, which means the purchase might be rather difficult to make.
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Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
In this regard, we have brought the most popular thermostat options, along with a buying guide to help you determine which one is the best.
Best Programmable Thermostat Under $100
- Honeywell Home RTH7600D Programmable Thermostat – Best Low-Voltage Smart Thermostat
- Emerson Sensi Wi Fi Smart Thermostat for Smart Home – Best Overall Smart Option
- Honeywell Home RTH8560D Programmable Thermostat – Best Versatile Smart Thermostat
- Honeywell Home RTH6580WF Thermostat – Best Remotely Accessed Smart Thermostat
- Emerson UP310 Premium Thermostat – Easiest to Install Smart Thermostat
Top 5 Best Programmable Thermostats Under $100
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The best programmable thermostats under $100 are simple to operate, without all the bells and whistles. We chose the following products based on their reliability, ease of installment, and how easy it is to use them.
1. Honeywell Home RTH7600D Programmable Thermostat
- Large touchscreen display makes it easy to set your preferred temperature or set a weekly schedule for automated adjustments.
- Set home and away temperatures to help save energy when you're not home. Temporary and permanent hold settings are also available for extended absences from home.
- 7-Day menu-driven programming with 4 periods per day.
- Backlit touchscreen display shows current room temperature and set point temperature simultaneously.
- Simple and straight forward to install and use. The thermostat also has a real-time clock so it will automatically adjust for Daylight Savings Time.
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for a good programmable thermostat that is sold at a good price, then you might want to take the RTH7600D by Honeywell into consideration.
This thermostat does not have too many fancy features, but it has just enough to keep things efficient. This unit allows you to set up to 7 programs, one for every day of the week.
Therefore, if you require different temperatures on weekdays and weekends, you may set it in the way you see fit.
The thermostat is straightforward to install, as long as you follow the instructions. If you previously had a thermostat, all it should take is a screwdriver and 30 minutes of your time.
However, it might take more to put everything on from scratch – in which case; you might want to opt for the help of a professional.
Pros
- Very easy to install
- The price is highly competitive
- Simple to set up and operate
- Touchscreen control
Cons
- The relay switching is quite distracting
- The backlight does not always stay on
If you are looking for a programmable thermostat that does not have all the bells and whistles, then you might want to try out this unit.
2. Emerson Sensi Wi Fi Best Smart Thermostat for Smart Home
- PRIVACY PROTECTION*: Sensi won’t sell your personal information to third parties
- SAVE ABOUT 23% ON HVAC ENERGY*: The ENERGY STAR-certified Sensi smart thermostat can help you save energy with features like flexible scheduling, remote access, and usage reports
- EASY DIY INSTALLATION: Use the built-in level and step-by-step app instructions for a quick installation. Works with HVAC equipment found in most homes. Common wire (c-wire) is not required in most applications
- SMART MAINTENANCE: Sensi can help monitor the performance and efficiency of your HVAC system by delivering valuable usage reports, alerts about your equipment, and maintenance reminders like filter replacement
- SIMPLE CONFIGURATION: Looks and feels like a thermostat. Has buttons and fits the same space as a traditional thermostat so you don’t have to patch and paint your walls
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Wi Fi smart thermostats might be rather expensive, which is why finding this option seems like such a great convenience. In addition, the installation works with a C wire, making it one of the least stressful options to mount.
The user manual comes with instructions on both how to install and how to set it. Just like the steam heat thermostats, this Emerson sensi wi fi thermostat is compatible with Amazon heat pump, Alexa, Google Home, and Siri.
This means that if you wish to set a program, in particular, all you have to do is speak it out loud, and your smart thermostat heating and cooling system will pick it up.
Pros
- Works with multiple heating and cooling systems
- The design is sleek and attractive for modern homes
- The instructions are very clear to follow
Cons
- It only works with C wires
The brand might not be as renowned as others, but it does quite a good job. Plus, the installation process is straightforward, making it a user-friendly option.
3. Honeywell Home RTH8560D Programmable Thermostat
- Scheduling your heating/cooling cycles to fit your lifestyle is easy to do, with options to program day-to-day, over the weekend, or for an entire week..Includes : Package includes thermostat and receiver | Thermostat Type : Programmable
- The crystal-clear display on the T5 Touchscreen Thermostat provides a seamless blend of function and style.
- The screen is brightly backlit with a cool blue color and provides an easy-to-read indoor temperature, including indoor humidity readouts.
- For added convenience, reminders to change air filters appear on the screen.
- The advanced design of this thermostat provides maximum comfort by sensing whether your home needs heating or cooling with the Smart Response Learning technology.
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are concerned with the overall quality of the air in your home, you might want to go for the Honeywell RTH8560Dmodel.
Not only does this adjust the temperature in your home, but it also provides a humidity readout. This means that you can connect it with a humidifier/dehumidifier as well.
The change from heating or cooling is automatic, and it also features smart responsive learning. This means that for 7 days, it will remember your preferred temperatures for every day of the week.
Pros
- Very easy to set up
- Remembers your general preferred settings
- It also shows you the humidity level of your home
- Change between warm and cool air release is automatic
- There’s no need for you to run a C wire
Cons
- The thermostat is off by 2-3 degrees
If you are looking for a multifunctional thermostat that holds complete control over the air quality, you might want to try this option. Not only does it give you full readings, but it is also easy to connect.
4. Honeywell Home RTH6580WF Thermostat
- ENERGY STAR certified. Help save energy, track your heating and cooling with monthly energy reports and get personalized tips on reducing energy use.
- SAVE ENERGY AND GET REWARDED by checking with your energy provider about available energy savings rebates to save on your purchase (rebate finder link above). Plus, eligible customers can enroll in their local Utility's "DEMAND RESPONSE PROGRAM" which can reward you for allowing the utility to slightly adjust your AC or furnace temperature settings when there is high energy demand.
- C-WIRE POWER ADAPTER REQUIRED: Before purchasing, check to see if this thermostat is compatible with your home and to determine if your home needs a C-wire power adapter.
- SMART HOME INTEGRATION. The Wi-Fi 7-Day is compatible with voice assistant devices like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Microsoft Cortana, and more.
- THERMOSTAT THAT FITS YOUR LIFE. 7-day, 4 periods per day, flexible programming lets you sync your comfort with your schedule.
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Unlike other similar thermostats, this particular Honeywell model has a more classic look – but at the same time, none of its features are compromised.
It is easy on the budget, but it still has all the features you might look for in a programmable thermostat. It can also be controlled through a mobile app, making it all the more accessible.
This unit allows you to set a temperature for every day of the week – a function that is highly convenient if you have a different schedule every day.
Plus, each day allows for four different settings. This way, if you need a different temperature during the day than you do during the night, you may program those temperatures to switch automatically.
Pros
- It can be controlled from anywhere by using an app
- Various day programming features
- The thermostat provides app notifications if the temperature exceeds the preferred settings.
Cons
- Some users find it difficult to program
- It requires a C wire
If you are looking for a simple programmable thermostat that does its basic job without stepping into too many complications, then you might want to consider trying out the Honeywell RTH6580WF.
5. Emerson UP310 Premium Thermostat
- Extensive* compatibility - works with heating, cooling and heat pump systems
- 7-day programmable thermostat - set a different schedule for each day of the week
- Precise temperature control of plus/minus 1° for maximum comfort
- Auto change from heat to cool
- NOTE: Refer the Installation Manual before use which is highly recommended.
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Those looking for simplicity in a thermostat without sacrificing its quality might learn to appreciate this unit.
Connectable with both heating and cooling systems, this device has sensors that can determine when to send cool air and send warmth into the house.
The unit itself is very easy to install, which means you do not necessarily have to bring someone in to install it.
By following the instructions, the average installation time is about 15 minutes – from the actual installation to the setting of the programs.
It is a good option if you are looking for something simple that will not give you too many headaches.
Pros
- Works best with various heating and cooling systems
- Straightforward installation
- Generous 3-year warranty
Cons
- The instruction manual still leaves some things out
If you are looking for a programmable thermostat that is very easy to install, then you might want to give this option a try. It is also a great choice if you want something with a longer warranty.
What to Look for in the Best Programmable Thermostat under $100
If you are searching for the best programmable thermostat under $100, then you likely require simplicity and usefulness – all while sticking to a budget. Here is what you should be looking for:
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Number of Programmable Days
The first thing you will have to look for is if this unit has day programming. So, for example, let’s say that you are away five days a week and are only home for two days, during the weekend.
In this case, you might want to choose a programmable thermostat with a 7-day span. Plus, some units allow you to program through times of the day as well.
For example, if you are away for most of the day and only get home during the evening, you may set the thermostat to only release warmth or cool air after 6 or 7 PM.
Also, Read – Best Thermostat for Heat Pump with Auxiliary Heat
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Connection System
Before buying a thermostat, you need to make sure you have all it takes to hook it up on the wall. For example, some thermostats are simple and do not require any special wiring.
On the other hand, some require a C-wire to be installed – an operation that might require the help of a professional.
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Display and Controls
How do you want the unit to be controlled? Do you want to go for a touchscreen model, or do you wish to go for a standard, button-pressed one?
Bear in mind that touchscreen units tend to be more expensive, but at the same time, are a bit easier to use.
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Extra Features
Can you access the thermostat through an app or a web browser? Or can you only use it by going to the thermostat itself?
Maybe you want to connect it through Amazon Alexa, as it is always listening to your surroundings. You can easily find a useful thermostat at around $60 – but the more features it has, the more expensive it will be.
Wrap Up
Finding the best programmable thermostat under $100 is simple as long as you know where to look for it. The advantage of these models is that they don’t have any complicated features, making them quite easy to use.
Still, even though they are not as expensive, it does not mean that they cannot be highly efficient at their job.
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