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Archives for October 2018

Tankless Vs Tank Water Heater: How Does It Work?

Water tap with hot water steam

If you're in the market for a new water heater, it's good to know you have options. Two such options are tankless vs. tank water heater. There are definite differences between the two; however, they both work well to provide your family the hot water it needs. What are the differences and which works better?

Quick Navigation
What Is a Tankless Water Heater System and How Does It Work?
Things to Consider When Choosing a Hot Water Heater
What Type of Fuel Will Power It?
How Big Is Your Home?
Tankless Option
Tank Water Heater
Pros and Cons of a Tankless Water Heater
Pros:
Cons:
Pros and Cons of a Tank Water Heater
Pros:
Cons:

What Is a Tankless Water Heater System and How Does It Work?
A tankless or on-demand water heater is a component that heats your water as you need it. Traditional tank water heaters keep a constant amount of water hot at a time.

In an on-demand, instant system, the water flows through a heating element as it is turned on in the home. In this way, the supply of hot water never runs out. In a tank water heater, once the hot water inside the tank is gone, the tank refills and makes that water hot.

There are periods of time, therefore, if you have a tank water heater that you may be without hot water when you turn on the tap. It can be highly inconvenient, especially when trying to take a shower or do a load of laundry. There is almost nothing worse than getting into a cold shower when the nozzle is turned all the way to hot. There are a few factors to consider when deciding between these two types of water heaters for your home.

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Things To Consider When Choosing A Hot Water Heater

woman taking a bath

What Type Of Fuel Will Power It?

The first step in choosing a water heater of any type is knowing what fuel will power it. Knowing this helps narrow down models by the fuel's cost and availability. For instance, if your home has access to natural gas, then you have a choice between using that or electricity for either a tankless or tank system. On the other hand, if your home only offers electricity, then you can focus on just those hot water units.

Over time, fuel costs ebb and flow, especially gas prices. While they are typically lower than electricity, in the winter they can spike due, in large part, to the demand for heat. Therefore, it's good to know what you may be looking at long-term for operating costs using one fuel versus another. Also, it's good to keep in mind that some appliances are just more energy efficient when utilizing gas versus electricity and vice versa. If you do have more than one fuel option available, it's a good idea to take some time to evaluate what operating costs might be long term.

While there are other options (vehicle gas, geothermal, solar, propane), natural gas and electricity are the two most prominent fuel choices available in hot water heating systems.

How Big Is Your Home?

All water heaters, tank or otherwise, have recommended sizes based on the internal square footage of the home and usage. If you don't buy the system that will be sufficient enough to run your household, you could run into huge inconveniences down the road.

Tankless Option

Tankless water heater

When sizing an on-demand system, you need to know flow rate and desired temperature rise. To try and reach this figure, consider the number of items in your home that may need hot water at one time including showers, faucets, bathtubs and washing machines. If your dishwasher is self-heating, then you don't have to include that in with the count.

Flow Rate


In physics, you might remember learning that flow rate is the volume of liquid that passes through something over a period of time. In general terms, it's the average amount of water a fixture of appliance generates when you turn it on. To arrive at a general flow rate for the tankless unit, you need to add up the typical flow rates for the items you've listed as being in your home. The average flow rate for a faucet is 1.0 to 1.5 gallons of water a minute. The flow rate of a standard shower is 2.1 gallons per minute (and the usual shower lasts for around 8 minutes, which is important to remember when sizing any hot water tank system). After getting the flow rates for your listed items, add up the two or three things you would possibly use at one time to arrive at the average gallon per minute requirement for a tankless unit.

Temperature Rise


The average temperature of incoming water to a hot water heating system is around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind if you live somewhere that gets very cold in the winter, this number will be lower during those months. To determine the temperature rise, the incoming water temperature is subtracted from the ideal heated temperature of the hot water heating unit. The recommended temperature setting is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, the average temperature rise is 70 degrees.

Here is where you may also see a difference in units based on fuel types. A gas-fired tankless heater may have the 70-degree rise at a rate of 5 gallons per minute. Its electrical counterpart may also have the 70-degree rise, but only at a flow rate of 2 gallons per minute.

Pros

  • Provides hot water virtually on demand
  • Takes up less space than a traditional tank water heater
  • Lasts for more than 20 years
    Might save you up to $100 per year in energy savings

Cons

  • May be strained if too much hot water is demanded at a time
    More expensive than a tank heater
  • Installation is very costly

Tank Water Heater

tank water heater

When choosing a tank system, you need to consider a slightly different usage barometer than the one set forth above. Something called the first-hour rating dictates the size of the tank hot water heater.

Each tank system indicates a first-hour rating guide that gives the average amount of hot water the system can supply to the home in one hour if the tank is full. This rating relies heavily on the fuel, size of the tank, source of the water and usage in the home.

To determine the average amount of hot water you would need in an hour, consider the following:

Peak Demand Time


Think about the time of day when your household uses the most hot water at the same time. Most experts suggest the morning is the peak time; however, this may not be the case in your home. A peak time would be when the most showers are taken. If you have a family with four children, and all four bathe at night, then consider that hour as your peak hour. If you use the flow rate and average time stated above of 2.1 gallons per minute for an 8-minute shower, that's 16.8 gallons of hot water per person. If it is used by three children in that hour, that's 40 gallons per hour in just the shower. Kick in the load of laundry you may be doing (an average of 7 gallons per load) and the faucet running to wash the dinner dishes (1.2 gallons per minute), your first-hour rating may be, on average, 50 gallons.

In the above example, a 50-gallon capacity tank would be the minimum size water heater for the home. If you have fewer people and your peak consumption hour puts out substantially less hot water use, then 40 gallons is sufficient. The first-hour rating guide is essential in trying to assure yourself, and your family, hot water will be ready when needed. If your tank only holds 40 gallons and you need 50 in that hour, chances are the last person is getting a colder shower.

When it comes to deciding on which hot water system to purchase for your home, it's a good idea to consider the good and the bad of each type.

Pros

  • Reasonably priced
  • Works with the piping in the home
  • Functions well if the proper size

Cons

  • Lasts only 10 to 15 years
  • Hot water may run out depending on usage
  • May leak if there are issues
  • Takes up space

If you are a household that runs on less than 41 gallons of hot water per day, then a tankless system may wind up being the most cost-effective way to heat your hot water both short and long-term. The cost is due, in large part, to the unit size. The smaller the unit, the less expensive installation and long-term usage may be. However, if you are a family of three or more, you will require a larger tankless system or a storage tank may be the better option.

The choice between tankless vs. tank water heater comes down to family usage and budget. If you have the extra money to get the tankless unit that will be sufficient to fill your home with hot water on demand, then it might be worth it short and long term. However, if you can't afford the high cost of installation, the proper sized tank water heater will serve its purpose and your home well over the following 10 to 15 years. Either way, you'll have hot water when you need it, and that's what matters.

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Lux Thermostat Review: How It Compares With Its Competitors

Lux thermostat

If you’re like most people, you love the feeling of walking into a room that feels like it’s the perfect temperature. It’s a great relief from scorching heatwaves of summer, the ice-cold days of winter, and the wet, dry, and humid days in between. Who wouldn’t want that perfect-temperature feeling in the comfort of their own home? Perfect temperature desires are the reason thermostats for homes and offices have been a popular purchase in the modern world for decades. However, there are so many thermostat brands on the market today that many people become overwhelmed when making a purchase decision.

Quick Navigation
Overview of the Lux Kono Thermostat
Specifications of the Kono Thermostat
Pricing of the Kono Thermostat
How It Compares with Its Competitors
Honeywell Lyric T5 Wi-Fi Smart 7-Day Programmable Touchscreen Thermostat
Nest Learning Smart Thermostat, 3rd Generation
Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat With Built-in Alexa
Pros and Cons of the Lux KONO Smart Thermostat
Pros
Cons
Our Final Thoughts in this Kono Review

One thermostat brand that has been popular for over a century is Lux. The company is so popular, in fact, that it sells over 1 million thermostats each year. Lux is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and also manufactures timers, smartphone apps, and other power accessories. The latest Lux thermostat to be released is the Lux KONO Smart Thermostat, which has currently sold over 16 million units. This article will provide an in-depth review of the latest Lux thermostat, including its features, specifications, pros and cons, price range, and comparison to competing brands.

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Overview Of The Lux Kono Thermostat


The Lux KONO Smart Thermostat is probably best known for being Wi-Fi and smartphone compatible, as you can control the temperature of your home from virtually anywhere. You can also voice-control this thermostat with Apple Home Kit, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa. Its sleek, elegant outer design makes it stand apart from most other thermostats on the market, and it comes with the option of 11 interchangeable decorative color plates to effortlessly match the style of your home. This thermostat also features several energy-efficient settings and usage reporting modes.

Lux KONO Smart Thermostat

Kono KN-S-MG1 Thermostat Unauthorized Version, 1 Pack
Kono KN-S-MG1 Thermostat Unauthorized Version, 1 Pack
  • Is not available for iOS and Android products
  • Does NOT work with Amazon Alexa and Apple home kit
  • Powered by system (c-wire) or the included Lux power bridge
Check Price


Specifications Of The Kono Thermostat


Product Specifications

Attribute

Value

Color:

Black Stainless-Steel Changeable Cover (snap covers sold separately)

Height:

4 ½ inches

Width:

4 ½ inches

Depth:

1 inch

System Specifications

Attribute

Value

Conventional:

Home & Away Aware™

Heat Pumps:

Up to 2 Heat/1 Cool with Aux/Emergency

Furnace:

Gas, Oil, Electric Furnace

Power:

C wire or PowerBridge (included)

Smart Features

Attribute

Value

Geofencing:

Up to 2 Heat/1 Cool Conventional Systems

Smart Scheduling:

Utility Cost Estimated

Smart Tips:

Learning & Adaptive

Engine Fan:

Indoor Air Quality Mode

Utility:

Demand/Response Capable

Temperature:

Adjustable Swing

Reporting:

Energy & Run Time Usage

Apps:

iOS & Android

Connectivity Specifications

Attribute

Value

Radio:

Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n

Frequency:

4 GHz

Encryption:

SHA256RSA

Platforms:

Amazon Alexa, Apple Home Kit

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars


Pricing Of The Kono Thermostat


If purchased directly from the Lux website, buyers can expect to pay $152.99 plus shipping and handling for the Lux KONO Smart Thermostat. This is actually slightly above the manufacturer-suggested retail price of $149.99. There is also a rebate available from the Lux website for up to $150. The Lux KONO can also be purchased from Walmart for $149.99 and eBay for about $90. You can also buy “unauthorized” versions on Amazon for about $95, but they will not be compatible with Wi-Fi, smartphones, or any other smart devices.


How It Compares With Its Competitors


The Lux KONO Smart Thermostat is clearly a frontrunner in thermostat sales around the country, but it still has some tough competition in terms of sales and customer recommendations. To get a better picture of how the Lux thermostat compares to comparable brands, we researched the most popular models of three other thermostat brands to see how they stack up against Lux.


Honeywell Lyric T5 Wi-Fi Smart 7-Day Programmable Touchscreen Thermostat

Honeywell Home RCHT8612WF T5 Plus Wi-Fi Touchscreen Smart Thermostat...
Honeywell Home RCHT8612WF T5 Plus Wi-Fi Touchscreen Smart Thermostat...
  • Optional power adapter included - Wi-Fi thermostats typically require extra power via a "C" wire. Many homes lack this...
  • 7-day flexible scheduling or location based temperature control - it’s your choice. 7-day scheduling programs your...
  • Smart alerts - push notifications remind you to change your filter and warn you of extreme indoor temperatures
Check Price

Honeywell has been a popular thermostat and home appliance brand for several decades. This particular Honeywell thermostat is compatible with Alexa for voice control, though the Amazon Alexa device is sold separately. This thermostat is also ENERGY-STAR certified and can be controlled via a seven-day scheduling program or by a process known a geofencing, which controls temperature based on location.

Price

While you can purchase the Honeywell thermostat on Amazon for just under $100, it’s also available from other online retailers for varying price ranges. For example, eBay has the same thermostat on sale for just $69.95, while Newegg.com and Crutchfield PLA selling the same thermostat for $149.99. There are other online retailers that have the Honeywell thermostat on sale for about $130.

Ease of Use:

Assembly Time:

Once the thermostat is set up and ready for use, most people don’t have a problem with it. The touchscreen interface is remarkably easy to use and understand, which is good news for people who want to utilize features like geofencing or the seven-day temperature preset. If you know how to connect the thermostat to your home or office Wi-Fi, the overall use of the product shouldn’t be too much trouble.

Most customers have commented on the fact that this Honeywell thermostat is pretty easy to assemble, install, and connect to your home network. As long as the user’s IP address is dynamic, not static, and the Wi-Fi’s security protocol is correctly set, the assembly time for this thermostat should be minimal. If users have trouble installing the Honeywell thermostat on their own, there is always professional help available from experienced HVAC technicians.

Build Quality:

Warranty: 

At first glance, the Honeywell thermostat is a sleek, modern-looking piece of equipment with touchscreen capability and an overall minimalist design. The thermostat is also designed to conserve energy when you’re away from home, which is a clear sign of the thermostat quality being above average.

While Amazon states that this Honeywell thermostat comes with just a one-year warranty, the Honeywell website’s warranty policy states that the warranty lasts for 60 months, or five years, from the date of installation. If the product is defective due to materials used or workmanship problems, it gets returned to Honeywell and is either replaced or credited to the buyer’s account. All other Honeywell products fall into the 12-month or one-year warranty category.


Nest Learning Smart Thermostat, 3rd Generation

Google Nest Learning Thermostat - Programmable Smart Thermostat for...
Google Nest Learning Thermostat - Programmable Smart Thermostat for...
  • Programmable smart thermostat that learns your schedule and the temperatures you like and programs itself to help you...
  • Home/Away Assist automatically adjusts itself to an Eco Temperature after you leave, so you don’t heat or cool an...
  • Remote control lets family members change the temperature from anywhere on a phone, laptop, or tablet[1]
Check Price

Another popular thermostat brand on the market, Nest is known for its minimalist thermostat design and ability to control temperature through your smartphone or other smart device. A popular slogan with this device is that it “programs itself, then pays for itself” due to the thermostat’s energy-efficient status and high-functioning, almost A.I.-like capabilities. Nest thermostats are available in four different colors.

Price

At $249 for a single thermostat, the Nest-brand thermostat is among the most expensive thermostats featured in our review. You can even purchase this thermostat in a two-pack for $448, which would save you about $50. Some online retailers have the Nest thermostat available for about $220. If you’re looking to save money or stay within a specific budget, you may be better off purchasing a cheaper thermostat like Lux or Honeywell.

Ease of Use: 

Assembly Time: 

Once the thermostat is set up and ready for use, most people don’t have a problem with it. The touchscreen interface is remarkably easy to use and understand, which is good news for people who want to utilize features like geofencing or the seven-day temperature preset. If you know how to connect the thermostat to your home or office Wi-Fi, the overall use of the product shouldn’t be too much trouble.

What’s remarkable about the Nest thermostat is that people who normally have no experience installing technical or electrical equipment in their homes will most likely have an easy time correctly setting up this thermostat. Once the thermostat is installed, all the user needs to do is connect it to their home or office Wi-Fi and the Nest thermostat will be ready for use.

Build Quality:

Warranty: 

The Nest thermostat is arguably one of the more eye-catching thermostat designs on the market today. Its stainless-steel materials, easy turn-dial operation, and LED interface work together to create a smooth, sleek aesthetic for your home or office. However, this thermostat is known to occasionally short out on users and remain defective.

Nest thermostats come with a limited two-year warranty for defects in materials and workmanship from the date of delivery, and a one-year limited warranty if the thermostat is a refurbished model. If a Nest professional technician installs the product for you, you’d be eligible for an additional three years added to your warranty. All in all, we believe it’s a pretty good warranty for a thermostat.

No products found.

No products found.

Ecobee is an up-and-coming thermostat brand. The Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat comes with built-in Amazon Alexa Voice Service, meaning you can have your thermostat perform the many skills and abilities that Alexa has become known for, like fulfilling everyday tasks and letting users know important information about the day. The thermostat also includes a room sensor to manage any hot or cold spots in your home or office.

Price

The Ecobee4 thermostat is available from the Ecobee website for $249, making it the same price as the relatively expensive Nest thermostat. You can also purchase the Ecobee4 thermostat for slightly cheaper on Amazon for $243.95, which includes free one-day shipping if you’re an Amazon Prime member.

Ease of Use:

Assembly Time:

By all accounts, the Ecobee4 thermostat is very easy for the majority of customers to use and program to their desired specifications. The remote sensor on the thermostat is also said to be incredibly helpful with averaging the temperature out between all rooms in the house. Additionally, customers who are already familiar with how Amazon Alexa works will have an even easier time getting used to the Ecobee4 thermostat.

This thermostat is about as easy to install and set up as the rest of the thermostats in our review. If you’re not confident in your thermostat-installing abilities, consider hiring an HVAC professional. You’ll have to spend more money, but the peace of mind of knowing your thermostat is correctly installed may be worth it.

Build Quality:

Warranty: 

At first glance, the Ecobee4 thermostat is a stunning little device with impeccable but minimal design. Its touchscreen LED interface is effortlessly smooth enough to remind users of the ease of the smartphone experience.

The Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat features a three-year limited warranty. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service. It’s not as good as the Nest thermostat’s warranty offering, but it’s pretty close.


Pros And Cons Of The Lux KONO Smart Thermostat


It’s hard to deny that Lux makes high-quality thermostats, the Lux KONO Smart Thermostat included. However, it’s not a perfect device according to many customers, and customer experiences vary in terms of quality and performance. Like most electronic devices, the Lux KONO thermostat has its general upsides and downsides.

One of the most talked-about positives among consumers is the Lux KONO thermostat’s elegant, stylish design and customizable appearance. Most customers also report that this thermostat is easy to install and set up. Another popular upside to the Lux KONO is the Wi-Fi compatibility complete with the support of multiple voice platforms.

There aren’t many downsides to the Lux KONO thermostat. However, according to a considerable number of customer reviews, the Lux KONO doesn’t integrate with smart home devices other than Google, Apple, and Amazon Alexa. Some customers also complained of the thermostat’s lack of external room sensors and IFTTT support.

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Pros

  • Elegant, stylish design and customizable appearance
  • Easy to install and set up
  • Wi-Fi compatibility complete with the support of multiple voice platforms

Cons

  • Doesn’t integrate with smart home devices other than Google, Apple, and Amazon Alexa
  • Lack of external room sensors and IFTTT support


Preview Product
Kono KN-S-MG1 Thermostat Unauthorized Version, 1 Pack Kono KN-S-MG1 Thermostat Unauthorized Version, 1 Pack Check Price
Honeywell Home RCHT8612WF T5 Plus Wi-Fi Touchscreen Smart Thermostat... Honeywell Home RCHT8612WF T5 Plus Wi-Fi Touchscreen Smart Thermostat... Check Price
Google Nest Learning Thermostat - Programmable Smart Thermostat for... Google Nest Learning Thermostat - Programmable Smart Thermostat for... Check Price

Our Final Thoughts In This Kono Review


If you want a convenient, sleek, futuristic, and environmentally conscious way of controlling the temperature in your home, the Lux KONO Smart Thermostat is one of the best choices out there today. Not many thermostats let you color coordinate with the décor of your home, so it’s nice that Lux made a product that could step up to the challenge of replacing the standard, boring white thermostats with tons of buttons.

Although it isn’t compatible with every smart home device currently on the market, it’s nice for most consumers to know that the Lux KONO still connects with Google, Apple, and Amazon devices. Setting up the Lux KONO is also incredibly easy, making it a worthwhile addition to the electronic devices in your home.

The 10 Best Thermostats: Modern Features And Ease Of Use

Digital Thermostat

Thermostats have come a long way from simple manual HVAC controls. This article explores the two main categories today, programmable and smart, and recommends the best thermostat in each.

Quick Navigation
Frequently Asked Questions
How the Thermostats Were Reviewed
Overall Price Range
Top 10 Best Thermostats
Nest Thermostat E (T4000ES)
Comparison Table
Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

Why buy a new thermostat?

Why limit yourself to simply raising or lowering the temperature when you feel uncomfortable? The best thermostat allows you to enter complex heating and cooling schedules that anticipate your presence, access your thermostat remotely or by voice, integrate it with the rest of your living environment’s control systems, and track efficient energy use. It can even learn your temperature preferences automatically.

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What is a programmable thermostat?

A basic thermostat that allows you to manually enter a simple schedule of days, times and desired temperatures throughout the week. These devices often support less complex HVAC systems and have few extra features. They are quite economical compared to smart thermostats.

What is a smart thermostat?

A smart thermostat provides remote wireless access to your HVAC system, integration with other smart devices and assistants, intelligent energy data collection and display, creation of more complex schedules that automatically adjust if you’re not at home, and generally enable the most efficient use of your HVAC system. A smart learning thermostat goes one step further by observing how you manually adjust the system over time and anticipating your needs automatically.

Where can you buy one?

All the thermostats in this article can be purchased on Amazon. Many are also available from local hardware stores or large retailers, such as Home Depot, Best Buy or Walmart.

How much does it cost?

The best thermostat price depends on many factors, including the brand. The programmable thermostats in this article are priced under $70.00 while most of the smart thermostats are under $200.00.

Modern Programming Thermostat

Modern Programming Thermostat on a orange wall

How The Thermostats Were Reviewed

These thermostats were carefully reviewed for ease of use, range of HVAC equipment and smart assistants supported, remote access, geofencing capabilities, use of remote temperature sensors, recording and dispensing of historical energy use data, and price for the features provided. Customer reviews and the maker's brand were also considered, resulting in a one to five star rating for each unit.

Overall Price Range

All the thermostats reviewed are priced from $35.00 - $250. Both list and Amazon prices are shown when available.

Top 10 Best Thermostats

Nest Thermostat E (T4000ES)

Learning Thermostat E for Home Smart Thermostat, White
Learning Thermostat E for Home Smart Thermostat, White
  • [ Frosted display ] - Blends into the background. The Nest Thermostat E fits into any home with a frosted display that...
  • [ Remote control ] - Download the free Nest app for iOS 8 or Android 4 or later. Then you can change the temperature...
  • [ Energy-efficiency ] - Start saving from day one. Plus, you can check the Nest app to see how much energy you use and...
Check Price

The Nest Thermostat E is not only a smart thermostat, but a learning thermostat. It monitors the changes you make to your cooling and heating settings over time, then does what it thinks you prefer. It starts this process from a common schedule rather than a blank slate, which reduces the learning time required.

This smart yet simple thermostat can utilize remote sensors to keep the temperature in different rooms as balanced as possible. It also provides a 10-day energy use history and lets you know when you choose a temperature that saves you money. When it determines that you’re away from home (through a combination of smartphone and presence sensor based geofencing), it can interrupt its schedule so you’re not heating or cooling an empty house. Voice interaction, wi-fi and other smart assistant features work with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. The Nest Thermostat E is rated by Energy Star, and it doesn’t require a “C” wire to operate in most cases. It’s also smaller, lighter and less expensive than the slightly more advanced Nest Learning Thermostat.

Thermostat Type:

Smart, Learning

Remote Temp Sensors:

Yes

Smart Assistant/Wireless: 

Yes/Alexa, Google Assistant

Voice Commands:

Yes

Requires “C” Wire:

N in most cases

Geofencing:

Phone + Presence

Energy reports:

Yes


Nest Learning Thermostat
(3rd Generation)

Google Nest Learning Thermostat - Programmable Smart Thermostat for...
Google Nest Learning Thermostat - Programmable Smart Thermostat for...
  • Programmable smart thermostat that learns your schedule and the temperatures you like and programs itself to help you...
  • Home/Away Assist automatically adjusts itself to an Eco Temperature after you leave, so you don’t heat or cool an...
  • Remote control lets family members change the temperature from anywhere on a phone, laptop, or tablet[1]
Check Price

This Nest device is also a smart, learning thermostat like the Nest Thermostat E. It has a higher resolution (480x480) color screen that you can see across the room. You can choose between temperature, weather and clock faces for the default display. When it begins to learn your preferences, it starts with a blank slate rather than a common preset schedule.

This third-generation thermostat supports more complex HVAC systems, including those with humidifiers, three-stage heating and similar equipment. The thermostat case is also available in four different colors. In all other respects, it’s identical to the Thermostat E.

Thermostat Type:

Smart, Learning

Remote Temp Sensors:

Yes

Smart Assistant/Wireless: 

Yes/Alexa, Google Assistant

Voice Commands:

Yes

Requires “C” Wire:

N in most cases

Geofencing:

Phone + Presence

Energy reports:

Yes

Honeywell Lyric T5

Honeywell Home RCHT8610WF2006/W, T5 Smart Thermostat, Black
Honeywell Home RCHT8610WF2006/W, T5 Smart Thermostat, Black
  • Works with Alexa for voice control (Alexa device sold separately).
  • Product requires C-Wire, unit will not work without it.
  • Control your Smart Home with Amazon Alexa for voice control (Alexa device sold separately) and Apple HomeKit with voice...
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Honeywell’s Lyric T5 smart thermostat is also Energy Star rated. It uses geofencing to determine when you’re away, though it relies only on your phone being out of range (no presence sensors). Alternatively, you can program times and temperatures for four periods: Sleep, Away, Home and Wake Up. These can be set to occur every day, on weekdays only or on weekends only.

The T5 integrates well with Apple’s HomeKit, as well as Google Assistant and Alexa. It does require a “C” wire for power.

Thermostat Type:

Smart

Remote Temp Sensors:

No

Smart Assistant/Wireless: 

Y/Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri (w/HomeKit)

Voice Commands:

Yes

Requires “C” Wire:

Yes

Geofencing:

Phone Only

Energy reports:

No

Lux Kono KN-S-MG1 Thermostat

Kono KN-S-MG1 Thermostat Unauthorized Version, 1 Pack
Kono KN-S-MG1 Thermostat Unauthorized Version, 1 Pack
  • Is not available for iOS and Android products
  • Does NOT work with Amazon Alexa and Apple home kit
  • Powered by system (c-wire) or the included Lux power bridge
Check Price

Like most of the other smart thermostats reviewed here, the Lux Kono works with Alexa, HomeKit and Google Assistant. It includes geofencing based on the proximity of your smartphone to tell if you’re at home. It also helps you save money by telling you how much your energy costs will go up or down each time you change the temperature setting.

The Lux Kono does not require a “C” wire, instead using a power bridge that connects to your HVAC system. Like the others reviewed here, it can control multiple heating and cooling devices. Be sure to purchase an authentic device as Amazon also lists an “unauthorized” less-expensive Lux Kono that does not work with smart assistants.

Thermostat Type:

Smart

Remote Temp Sensors:

No

Smart Assistant/Wireless: 

Y/Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri (w/HomeKit)

Voice Commands:

Yes

Requires “C” Wire:

N, comes w/power bridge

Geofencing:

Phone Only

Energy reports:

Yes

No products found.

No products found.

The Ecobee4 is a smart thermostat loaded with features. Its remote temperature sensors include motion detectors so the Ecobee4 can adjust the temperature as you move through the house. In addition to Alexa, Google Assistant and HomeKit, it also supports other smart assistants, including SmartThings. The HomeKit integration provides easy thermostat control from an iPhone or Siri. 

An Alexa smart speaker/mic is built into the thermostat in case you don’t have an Echo or Echo Dot speaker already in the same room with your thermostat. You can ask Alexa what the temperature is at remote sensors, program your schedule and find out which HVAC equipment is running.

With the Ecobee4, you can use geofencing in place of a fixed cooling and heating schedule. When you’re away (determined by presence sensors and the proximity of your smartphone), geofencing will change its schedule to something more appropriate for an empty home. Like many smart thermostats, the Ecobee4 is Energy Star rated. It provides detailed energy reports after accumulating usage data for the first month. It does require a “C” wire, but if you don’t have one, it includes a power extender kit that you can connect to your HVAC system instead.

Thermostat Type:

Smart

Remote Temp Sensors:

Yes

Smart Assistant/Wireless: 

Y/Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri (w/HomeKit)

Voice Commands:

Yes

Requires “C” Wire:

Y, includes power-extender kit

Geofencing:

Phone + Presence

Energy reports:

Yes

Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat with Touchscreen Color...

Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat with Touchscreen Color...
Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat with Touchscreen Color...
  • EDITORS CHOICE BEST OVERALL SMART THERMOSTAT by USA Today’s reviewed.com
  • SAVE ABOUT 23% ON HVAC ENERGY*: By adjusting the temperature using flexible scheduling, remote access, and geofencing,...
  • MOST INSTALL IN 30 MINUTES OR LESS**: Use the built-in level, illuminated easy-click terminals and step-by-step app...
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The Emerson Sensi Touch is a smart thermostat with basic features. Those include phone-based geofencing that lowers your temperature setting by three degrees if it thinks you’re away from home. The Sensi Touch integrates with Alexa, HomeKit and Google Assistant. 

It does require a “C” wire for operating power, and like the others reviewed here, it can control multiple heating and cooling devices.

Thermostat Type:

Smart

Remote Temp Sensors:

No

Smart Assistant/Wireless: 

Y/Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri (w/HomeKit)

Voice Commands:

Yes

Requires “C” Wire:

Yes

Geofencing:

Phone only

Energy reports:

No

Honeywell RTH6450D1009/E1 5-1-1 Day

Honeywell Home RTH6450D 5-1-1 Day Programmable Thermostat, White
Honeywell Home RTH6450D 5-1-1 Day Programmable Thermostat, White
  • Large backlit display with soft-touch button interface
  • Precise temperature control of plus-or-minus-degrees fahrenheit with auto change from heat to cool
  • Compatible with heating and cooling system plus single stage heat pump systems
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The Honeywell RTH6450D1009/E1 is a conventional programmable thermostat. Using the physical up/down arrow keys and buttons, you can program a heating/cooling schedule. Three different schedules can be entered: one for all weekdays, one for Saturdays and one for Sundays. It automatically pre-heats or pre-cools your home to the temperature you set at exactly the desired time. It doesn’t require a “C” wire, but NiMh batteries are needed.

Thermostat Type:

Programmable

Remote Temp Sensors:

No

Smart Assistant/Wireless: 

No

Voice Commands:

No

Requires “C” Wire:

No

Geofencing:

No

Energy reports:

No

Lux TX9600TS Touch Screen 7-Day

Lux Products TX9600TS Programmable Large Touchscreen Heating Cooling...
Lux Products TX9600TS Programmable Large Touchscreen Heating Cooling...
  • Universal compatibility for all system types. Large, lighted easy-to-read touchscreen display. It is compatible with...
  • Biggest size display, Easy-to-use touchscreen menu operation.
  • User-selectable periods per day (2 or 4), Programmable touch pad lockout for unauthorized users
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The Lux TX9600TS is a simple touchscreen programmable thermostat. Each of seven days can be programmed individually, with two or four periods per day. You can set temperature limits, monitor energy and air filter usage, temporarily override the current temperature, and set a four-digit code to lock out unauthorized users.

This thermostat can control up to two stages of heating (no electric baseboard heaters) and one stage of cooling. No “C” wire is required, but batteries are.

Thermostat Type:

Programmable

Remote Temp Sensors:

No

Smart Assistant/Wireless: 

No

Voice Commands:

No

Requires “C” Wire:

No

Geofencing:

No

Energy reports:

No

Honeywell RTH8500D 7-Day Touchscreen

Honeywell RTH8500D 7-Day Touchscreen Programmable Thermostat, 'C' Wire...
Honeywell RTH8500D 7-Day Touchscreen Programmable Thermostat, "C" Wire...
  • Universal Application - works with conventional and heat pump systems up to 2H/2C, it's one thermostat for nearly every...
  • 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...
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The Honeywell RTH8500D is a programmable touchscreen thermostat with a seven individual day schedule. It automatically pre-heats/pre-cools your home to the desired temperature. You can also monitor air filter usage time and set up a vacation hold to pause your schedule until you return.

This thermostat can control up to two stages of heating (no electric baseboard heaters) and two stages of cooling. The RTH8500D does require a “C” wire for its operating power.

Thermostat Type:

Programmable

Remote Temp Sensors:

No

Smart Assistant/Wireless: 

No

Voice Commands:

No

Requires “C” Wire:

No

Geofencing:

No

Energy reports:

No

Lux TX500U Universal 5-

Lux Thermostat Program 5-2 day with selectable smart recovery,...
Lux Thermostat Program 5-2 day with selectable smart recovery,...
  • Great for heating and cooling systems including single and multi-stage heat pumps
  • Universal compatibility for all system types except electric baseboard heat
  • Exclusive Lux speed slide for easy programming
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The Lux TX500U is a conventional programmable thermostat with physical buttons instead of a touchscreen. You can program a weekday and a weekend schedule for your HVAC system, with two or four periods per day. It automatically pre-heats or pre-cools your home. You can set a vacation hold for up to 30 days, track the air filter usage and set a code to prevent unauthorized use.

This thermostat can control up to two stages of heating and one stage of cooling (no electric baseboard heaters). It doesn’t need a “C” wire, but does use AA batteries.

Thermostat Type:

Programmable

Remote Temp Sensors:

No

Smart Assistant/Wireless: 

No

Voice Commands:

No

Requires “C” Wire:

No

Geofencing:

No

Energy reports:

No

Comparison Table

Product

Type

Sensors

Assistant

Buy Now

Nest Thermostat

Smart, Learning

Check Price
3rd Generation

Smart, Learning

Check Price
Honeywell Lyric T5

Smart

Check Price
Lux Kono

Smart

Check Price
No products found.

Smart

No products found.
Sensi Touch

Smart

Check Price
Honeywell 5-1-1 Day

Programmable

Check Price
TX9600TS

Programmable

Check Price
RTH8500D

Programmable

Check Price
TX500U

Programmable

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Check Price

Recommendation

Among the six smart thermostats reviewed here, our recommendation for best thermostat is the Nest Thermostat E. It provides the best combination of modern features and ease of use for the price. The other five smart thermostats are also good, and one may be a better fit for you, depending upon your specific needs.

Of the four simple programmable thermostats reviewed, the Honeywell RTH8500D has the most features, but all get the job done for an economical price.

Kenmore Water Heater Models: Specifications And Pricing

Kenmore Water Heater Models

Kenmore has been making household appliances for many years and is a trusted name in the industry. Millions of consumers have its washers, dryers, refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers in their houses. The company also makes many different water heaters with varying warranties and the capacity to fit a wide range of budgets. Here are the current models in the Kenmore water heater line up.

Deciding Between Models

​Water heaters should be sized based on the number of people living in the house combined with the type of water usage. If your household uses more water than an average household of similar size, you will want to get a larger unit. However, you would not want to go below the specifications for your house even if you have fewer people living there. If you ever have to sell the house, prospective buyers may consider replacing a small water heater as a reason to not purchase your house.

You will also pay more for a model that has a longer warranty. If you do not plan to own the house for more than a few years, you can go with the model that accommodates the number of people but with less of a warranty. If you plan on living in the house for an extended number of years, you should purchase the water heater with the longest warranty you can afford. The water heater salesperson or plumber who comes to your house will be able to help you decide which model is best for your needs.

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Importance of First Hour Rating

While capacity and price are important, the next most important number is the first-hour rating or FHR. This has been provided for all models in this review. This rating lets you know how much hot water the tank can replenish in an hour. Imagine everyone in your household needs to get ready for work or school at the same time; you will want a water heater that can replenish this supply quickly. While a large capacity tank will have the amount of water needed for all members of the household throughout the day, the FHR will ensure everyone gets a hot shower within that first hour in the morning.




Natural Gas Water Heaters

The most common type of water heaters run on natural gas. Kenmore makes most of its models in this design to accommodate the majority of households that use this model. The main difference between these models is the amount of water that they can store and the number of years that the units are under warranty. Gas units often cost more than their electric counterparts but are less expensive to operate over time.

Specifications Of Kenmore Water Heaters

Kenmore 12-Year 74-Gallon Tall

Kenmore 12-Year 74-Gallon Tall

Overall Rating:

4 of 5 Stars

Buy from Sears
  • Largest model that Kenmore makes
  • 12-Year warranty on parts
  • Recommended for a house that has no more than five occupants with typical water usage
  • Designed with Kenmore’s trademark Ultra Coat glass-lined tank
  • Anti-corrosion parts including 2-inch thick foam insulation and an anode rod
  • Includes a self-cleaning RotoSwirl inlet tube to reduce the buildup of mineral deposit from the water
  • Not Energy Star compliant
  • First Hour rating is 175

The Kenmore natural gas water heaters come in a variety of sizes and warranties. They are mostly made with the same parts but will vary slightly to accommodate the size of the heater and the price.

Pricing

The price of the 74-gallon tall model runs over $1000 at most retailers. In addition, you will need to consider the cost of installation, which can vary by area and contractor. Smaller sized models with less of a warranty will cost considerably less but will also only be guaranteed for the limited time on the warranty. Kenmore gas water heaters sized at 50-gallons will cost approximately $900 and 40-gallon units will be priced around $500.

Comparison To Other Kenmore Models

Kenmore 12-Year 50 Gallon Tall

Kenmore 12-Year 50 Gallon Tall
Buy from Sears
  • Holds up to 50 gallons of water
  • Recommended for houses with up to five people
  • Contains two anode rods inside the cobalt blue glass-lined tank
  • Has 2 inches of foam insulation to prevent heat loss
  • Self-cleaning water inlet tube
  • Premade with a pressure and temperature safety valve
  • Comes with the 12-year warranty for both the tank and the parts
  • Not Energy Star compliant
  • First-hour rating of 84List Element

Kenmore 12-Year 40 Gallon Tall

Kenmore 12-Year 40 Gallon Tall
Buy from Sears
  • 12-year warranty on parts and the unit
  • Designed for household up to four people
  • Has the same 2-inch insulation, glass liner, anode and plastic drain valve of the other models
  • First-hour rating of 80

Pros

There are variable warranties to accommodate different budgets. Many of the Kenmore models are compatible with their new Smart Water Heater Module that can alert owners through their smart phones for problems occurring with the unit. This way, problems can be averted before they happen. This module also allows for controlling the unit through your phone to turn it on and off as needed. Gas powered hot water heaters can operate when there is no power.

Cons

Natural gas water heaters tend to be more expensive than other water heaters. They come in a variety of different warranties including.

Kenmore Electric Water Heater

An electric water heater runs fully on electric and vents out through a side wall rather than a chimney. These models are less expensive to purchase up-front but cost more over the lifetime of the unit than a gas power one. Here are the options for an electric Kenmore water heater.

Specifications Of The Kenmore Electric Water Heaters

Kenmore 12-Year 50 Gallon Tall Electric Water Heater

Kenmore 12-Year 50 Gallon Tall Electric Water Heater

Overall Rating:

3 of 5 Stars

Buy from Sears
  • 3 inches of insulation
  • Baked enamel tank to help maintain the water temperature inside
  • Accommodates a family of up to five
  • Has cobalt blue lined tank
  • Two anodes to prevent corrosion
  • Can be used in conjunction with the water heater module
  • Plastic drain valve
  • First-hour rating of 81
  • Not Energy Star compliant

Pricing

The electric water heaters do not come as large as the natural gas models. Therefore, the prices are generally lower than the gas models. Depending on the size, the price of the unit can run from $450 to $780. The cost of installation will again be in addition to price of the water heater itself.

Comparison To Other Kenmore Electric Water Heater Models

Kenmore 6-Year 50 Gallon Tall Electric Water Heater

Kenmore 6-Year 50 Gallon Tall Electric Water Heater
Buy from Sears
  • Accommodates household of up to four people
  • 3 inches of insulation surrounding the unit
  • Cobalt blue glass-lined tank
  • One anode
  • Self-cleaning water inlet 2-4,500-watt heating elements
  • First-hour rating of 62

Kenmore 6-Year 40 Gallon Tall Electric Water Heater

Kenmore 6-Year 40 Gallon Tall Electric Water Heater
Buy from Sears
  • Cobalt glass-lined tank
  • 1 anode
  • 1-1/2 inches of insulation to prevent heat loss
  • Good for households with up to five people
  • Not Energy Star compliant
  • Plastic drain valve
  • First-hour rating of 81

Pros

The electric models are also compatible with the Smart Water Heater Module. Electric water heaters are less expensive than other water heaters.

Cons

The electric water heaters may cost more in electricity over time, and you will not have hot water if the electricity goes out.

Liquid Propane (LP) Gas Water Heater

Liquid propane is an option when natural gas is not available in an area. Often, the propane tank is located on the side of the house or property. Mostly used in rural areas, a tanker truck periodically visits the house to refill the propane tank. There are slight variations between natural gas and propane. First, propane does not dissipate like natural gas. Also, propane has a cleaner burn than gas and is more environmentally friendly. Many natural gas models can be converted to propane. This is similar to a gas model but requires more air for combustion. There is only one unit that takes liquid propane.

Specifications Of Kenmore 6-Year 50 Gallon Tall Liquid Propane Water Heater

Kenmore 6-Year 50 Gallon Tall Liquid Propane Water Heater
Overall Rating:
3.5 of 5 Stars
Buy from Sears
  • Energy efficient
  • 1-1/2-inch of foam insulation
  • Cobalt blue glass lined tank
  • One anode rod
  • 6-year warranty on tank and parts
  • Two anodes to prevent corrosion
  • First-hour rating of 88

Pricing

There are not as many models in liquid propane as there are for other models so the prices will not vary much. You may some find some price variation with discounts from different vendors.

Pros

Liquid propane water heaters use much less energy than other types of fuel sources.

Cons

If you must use a propane heater, that means that you may be limited in model types since the most common fuel source is gas or electricity.

Hybrid Water Heater

A hybrid water heater is capable of creating hot water using less electricity which makes it an energy star compliant model. Kenmore has only one version of this water heater that absorbs the surrounding heat and transfers it to the water. The hybrid uses an electric heat pump and compressor technology to create hot water with less energy.

Specification Of Kenmore Elite 50 Gallon Hybrid Electric Water Heater

Kenmore Elite 50 Gallon Hybrid Electric Water Heater

Kenmore Elite 50 Gallon Hybrid Electric Water Heater

Overall Rating:

3 of 5 Stars

Buy from Sears
  • Four operating modes
  • 51-decibel quiet operation
  • 10-year warranty on the tank and parts
  • 1-year on labor
  • First-hour rating of 70

Pricing

The prices for the hybrid are much higher than other models. Different vendors may have slightly different pricing but they should all run around the same within $100.

Pros

This unit should recoup the money output after the first two or three years of operation with an average household savings of $392 or a 71 percent drop in operating costs per year. If you compare this model to the similar electric model, this one saves you more money over time, is Energy Star compliant, and has a higher FHR.

Cons

The longest warranty is only 10 years. Proper installation must be done for it to work correctly.

Special Market Considerations: California

The state of California enacted specific water heater requirements back in 2016, which include energy standards and requirements with which all new water heater installations must comply. There are several different options for installation, but all must comply with the Title 20 Appliance Efficiency Regulations. These are the two Kenmore water heater models that fit these regulations.

Kenmore 9-Year 40 Gallon Ultra-Low NOx Water Heater

Kenmore 9-Year 40 Gallon Ultra-Low NOx Water Heater

Overall Rating:

4.5 of 5 Stars

Buy from Sears

This is the same model that is listed above with the natural gas water heaters. However, it is rated for use in California and complies with its regulations. Due to the low capacity and low FHR, the better option may be the hybrid listed below.

Kenmore Elite 50 Gallon Hybrid Electric Water Heater

Kenmore Elite 50 Gallon Hybrid Electric Water Heater

Overall Rating:

4.5 of 5 Stars

Buy from Sears

This is another model that is listed above but rated for use in California according to its strict environmental guidelines. This system has a refrigerant that pulls the heat from the surrounding air and transfers it to the water inside the tank. Combined with the heat pump, this unit uses much less energy than any standard unit.

Conclusion

While there are many different brands on the market today, a Kenmore water heater will last at least the lifetime of the warranty. Many units may perform well beyond these measures. When deciding which water heater to purchase, you need to determine what kind of fuel you have in your house: electric, natural gas, or propane. Then you will have to determine the correct size based on the number of family members living in the house.

Finally, you will need to decide how long of a warranty you want in the unit. If you will not be keeping the house long, you may want less of an investment with a model that has a shorter warranty. However, if you will be keeping the house or rental property for a long time, then you will want to get the maximum warranty that you can afford. Keep in mind that a newer model may be larger than your current model, even if it has the same capacity. The regulations regarding the amount of insulation around a tank have increased. Therefore, a similar gallon water heater will be larger. Your professional water heater installer will help you choose the model that is right for your family.

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