If your house works on steam heating mode, you might already know how difficult it is to find the best thermostat for steam heat that can be installed with such a heating system.
That being said, as long as you purchase a thermostat that is compatible with your particular kind of boiler, things should not be as difficult.
It would help if you had a thermostat that can learn your daily programmed schedule, which is hassle free to install and use.
No matter if you are looking for a fancier option or one that you can buy on a smaller budget, here are some reliable options that you might want to try out.
My Overall #1 Rated Pick
Last update on 2023-04-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Not only did we gather the best thermostats for steam heat in terms of popularity, but we also created a buying guide for you to make your choice.
IN A HURRY? HERE ARE OUR TOP PICKS
- Google Nest T3007ES Learning 3rd Generation Thermostat – The Attractively-Designed Option
- Honeywell Home RTH6360D1002 Programmable Thermostat – The Budget Option
- Emerson Sensi Touch Wi Fi Smart Thermostat – The Smarter Option
- Honeywell RTH8500D 7-Day Thermostat – The Good Memory Option
- Lux Products TX9600TS Programmable Thermostat – The Easy to Use Option
Are you looking for a thermostat unit for steam heat, but you do not know precisely where to start? Check out our options here and find out which one suits you best.
We have chosen them based on their reliability and how popular they are with the average user.
Product Reviews
Last update on 2023-04-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Google Nest T3007ES Learning 3rd Generation Thermostat
- No more programming: With Auto-Schedule, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat learns from you and programs itself..Product note: You can also check your system’s compatibility before purchasing a Nest thermostat with our online Nest Compatibility Checker on the Google Nest support page
- Home/Away Assist: don't heat or cool an empty home. Home/Away Assist adjusts the temperature after you leave.
- Remote control: Control your thermostat from anywhere using the Nest app.
- Know more, save more Check your Energy History to see how much energy you use and why.
- Look for the Leaf: The Nest Leaf appears when you choose a temperature that saves energy.
Last update on 2023-04-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for a reliable smart thermostat for a modern home, then you might want to turn your eye towards Nest. Not only is this an efficient and accurate thermostat, but it is also quite attractive to the eyes.
Since it comes in various colors, you can match it with any home design. Plus, because it is compatible with Alexa, you won’t even have to go to the learning thermostat yourself to set it.
You can speak the setting change out loud. Plus, since it has a farsight mode, you may easily read the setting from another side of the room. It also comes with a motion detector to detect a customer’s phone location.
The simple design Next T3007ES has energy savings feature that learns your schedule, regulating the temperature settings based on when you are home and when you aren’t.
You don’t have to set it yourself – the thermostat learns by itself from your habits.
Pros
- It can be purchased in a variety of colors.
- Far-sight that allows you to see the settings from far away
- Smart design saving energy
- Energy efficient
- It can learn your schedule, so you don’t have to set it yourself
Cons
- It takes quite a long time until it learns your schedule.
2. Honeywell Home RTH6360D1002 Programmable Thermostat
- The RTH6360D offers flexible 5-2-Day or 1-Week programming so you can set your own schedule for comfort and energy conservation.
- Backlit LCD display shows current room temperature and set point temperature simultaneously.
- Smart Response Technology learns how long it takes to achieve the right temperature at the right time and automatically runs your system to get to your desired temperature when you want it.
- Features auto changeover between heat and cool and reminder alerts for low batteries and filter changes.
- Program is retained in memory in the event of a power outage so you can be confident your comfort stays intact.
Last update on 2023-04-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for a good quality programmable thermostat for your steam heating and cooling system, then you might want to glance at this one.
With automatic programming of 3-2 days (or even 7 days straight, if needed), you can set temperatures for different weather conditions.
This Honeywell steam system also features smart, responsive learning. For example, it will learn your average steam heating and cooling cycling times, delivering the correct temperature exactly when you need it, how you need it.
A combination of all these excellent features makes it an ideal learning thermostat for every home.
With such a device, you can also automatically change from heat to cool air delivery, depending on the temperature that the smart thermostat reads.
The HVAC system is not very difficult to install, no matter if you’ve installed a thermostat before or not. All you have to do is follow the instructions. You can also easily read the settings under low light.
Pros
- Easy installation, regardless of your skills
- Smart features that allow for the perfect home temperature
- Cooling mode
- It is sold at quite an affordable price
Cons
- It keeps your steam heater almost constantly on
3. Emerson Sensi Touch Wi Fi Smart Thermostat
- EDITORS CHOICE BEST OVERALL SMART THERMOSTAT by USA Today’s reviewed.com.SMART MAINTENANCE: Sensi can help monitor the performance and efficiency of your HVAC system by delivering important usage notifications, alerts about your equipment, and maintenance reminders like filter replacementBACKED BY HVAC EXPERTISE: More than 100 years of experience with HVAC systems went into the development of SensiSMART HOME COMPATIBLE: Sensi easily integrates with popular smart home platforms including Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant and Samsung SmartThings
- SAVE ABOUT 23% ON HVAC ENERGY*: By adjusting the temperature using flexible scheduling, remote access, and geofencing, Sensi customers saved about 23% on HVAC energy usage
- MOST INSTALL IN 30 MINUTES OR LESS**: Use the built-in level, illuminated easy-click terminals and step-by-step app instructions for a quick installation. Skip any extra work painting or patching the wall thanks to the standard thermostat size.
- SMART HOME COMPATIBLE: Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings smart home platforms.
- USAGE REPORTS: Monitor current day and historical heating, cooling and fan runtimes right in the app.
Last update on 2023-04-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for a good programmable thermostat for your smart home, then you might want to give the Emerson Sensi Touch a try.
This Emerson Sensi unit is not only connected through Wi Fi to your phone and your smart appliances, but you may also connect it to Alexa and your smart home system. It also has room sensors.
This unit may seem like it has many advanced features, but it is not that difficult to understand. You may also easily connect it to your steam heat system through a process that should not take any longer than 15 minutes.
The color display in Emerson Sensi is large and allows you to see anything that you might need.
So, for example, if you see that the temperature settings are not exactly what you expect them to be, you can either go there to change it yourself or do so remotely through the phone app or Alexa.
Pros
- The display is large and colorful
- Very easy to install and set
- Wi fi compatible
- It works with pretty much any smart home assistant
- Easily control through a smartphone app
Cons
- The display is rather bright and might disturb you in the evening.
4. Honeywell RTH8500D 7-Day Thermostat
- Universal Application - works with conventional and heat pump systems up to 2H/2C, it's one thermostat for nearly every application
- Program is retained in memory in the event of a power outage Includes change reminders for filters and low batteries
- Separate programming for each day of the week - 4 periods per day.To avoid possible compressor damage, do not use auto changeover if the outside temperature drops below 50°F (10°C).
- Maximum comfort - Smart Response technology learns the amount of time a system needs to reach a desired temperature and adjusts accordingly
- Precise temperature control of +/-1 Degree for consistent comfort.Voltage:24 V
Last update on 2023-04-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are not entirely sure what option you should go for, then you might want to give this one a try. Compatible with pretty much any application, it is surely a good match for your steam heat system.
Plus, it has a very easy-to-understand manual, making its installation quite straightforward. So if you tend to experience power shortages in your area, this unit is also quite effective.
Since it comes with memory storage, you won’t be losing your settings if your power is down. Each day can be programmed separately as well.
Meaning that if you do not have a specific schedule every day, you may set your comfort level with this thermostat. Plus, if there’s a particular pattern, this unit will also learn and deliver.
Pros
- It features a large display
- Each day can be set separately
- The memory storage remembers your settings in the event of an outage
Cons
- The cool setting may have to be adjusted manually.
5. Lux Products TX9600TS Programmable Thermostat
- EASY-TO-READ TOUCHSCREEN: The large, lighted touchscreen display keeps comfort levels crystal clear
- HIGHLY COMPATIBLE: Works with virtually all North American heating and cooling systems
- COMFORT CONTROL: Choose between 2 or 4 periods per day, plus ensure consistency with programmable touch pad lockout for unauthorized users
- TEMPERATURE LIMITS: Stay in your comfort zone with adjustable heating and cooling temperature limits
- YOUR WEEK YOUR WAY: Enjoy 7-day or 5/2-day temperature programming that fits your schedule
Last update on 2023-04-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Did you generally have issues using your old thermostats and just looking for something you may easily use? Well, in this case, you might want to give this particular Lux model a try.
With its big touchscreen interface, you may easily select the settings you require from a quite intuitive menu.
This unit is compatible with every steam heating system type, which means you may easily set it for steam heat. It is also very easy to install, even if you have never installed a thermostat before.
Plus, it can be programmed from 2 to 4 days – meaning that if you have a rather complicated schedule, you may set it exactly the way you need it.
Pros
- It can be very easily installed and programmed
- Battery powered
- The large screen makes it very easy to use
Cons
- It has a rather bulky aspect
Education: What You Need to Know Before Buying – How to Select The Best Thermostat
Not every thermostat might work with your steam heat system; you can’t expect a thermostat for the baseboard heater to work efficiently as a thermostat for steam heat.
This is why you need to make sure that your choice is made as carefully as possible. Make the wrong choice, and you might end up paying extra for your HVAC heating and cooling system.
Whether you are installing your first thermostat or looking for a replacement, here are some factors that you want to keep in mind.
-
Setup
Before buying a thermostat, you need to make sure that you can actually install it by yourself. Most smart thermostats are quite easy to install, even if you do not have any prior electrical knowledge.
All you have to do is read the user manual and follow the instructions you have provided. Some manufacturers even offer installation videos.
However, it will depend on the complexity of the unit. For example, if you have a fancier thermostat with all kinds of wirings and connections, you might need to hire a professional.
It would be best if you also considered whether you require a C wire or other features.
-
Compatibility
Are your boiler systems compatible with the thermostat that you have in mind to install? To be safe, you might want to look for thermostats with 2H/2C, as they will work with most types of fuel for any purpose.
It’s very important here to consider whether your source is electricity, gas, oil, or even wood.
-
Programmable thermostat vs. Manual thermostat
Depending on your personal preferences, you might want to consider whether you want a programmable thermostat or a manual thermostat.
If you tend to be away for most of the week but home on weekends, then you might want to consider the programmable thermostat.
This way, you will be saving on energy, as you will not be unnecessarily heating the house. Also, smart thermostats such as the radiant heat thermostats help keeping the floor warm hence help with unwanted respiratory diseases and high energy costs.
Wrap Up
Buying the best thermostat for steam heat can be easier than you thought, provided you know where to look for it.
Smart thermostats are the most popular options as they may be installed remotely, but you may also come across some good options that don’t have all the bells and whistles.
Just go for the one that fits your budget and preferences and keeps you at an optimal home temperature.
