Archives for November 2018

Best Gas Furnace Reviews: Specifications, Pricing, And More

Some of the most expensive systems in your home are heating and air conditioning. Depending on your climate, you may be spending far more on one or another. Either way, a furnace is not only a major expense, but has the opportunity to save you hundreds of dollars a year in energy costs.

If your furnace is older than 10 years, you may want to consider replacing it. Not only can furnaces begin to break down, but older furnaces are less efficient than newer models. Take a look at these reviews to find the best gas furnace for your home. A premium gas furnace will not only heat your home quickly and effectively, it can also lower your monthly gas bill.

Quick Navigation

FAQs

1. What Is AFUE?

2. What Size Furnace Do I Need?

2. Thermo Pride OL5 Furnace

3. Trane XC95m Furnace

4. Trane S9V2 Furnace

5. Goodman 60,000 BTU Furnace

6. York TG8S Furnace

7. Frigidaire FG7TE-VS Furnace

8. Goodman 100,000 BTU Furnace

9. York LX Series TM9M Furnace

10. Direct Comfort 120,000 BTU Furnace

The Verdict

FAQs

1. What Is AFUE?

This acronym is used in advertising and owner’s manuals for most gas furnaces. It stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. It measures the efficiency of your furnace. A 96 percent AFUE furnace, for example, will use less fuel than a 80 percent AFUE furnace in order to produce the same amount of heat. Higher fuel efficiency also results in lower emissions, so premium furnaces are also more environmentally friendly. There are plenty of other statistics to consider before choosing the right furnace for your home. Look for the BTUs, warranty length and Energy Star rating to help you determine which is the best gas furnace for you.

2. What Size Furnace Do I Need?

Bigger isn’t always better. It is possible to have a furnace that is too large for your house. This will cause short cycling on your furnace, which puts additional stress and wear on many parts. Larger furnaces usually use larger ductwork, so there will be several additional expenses that are unnecessary.

At the same time, a small furnace will work too hard to bring your house to the desired temperature. An undersized furnace can be equally inefficient. Consult a professional to make sure your furnace is the right size for your home. Be sure your ductwork is large enough to accommodate the furnace of your choice.

How We Reviewed

Each furnace was chosen based on professional reviews, customer ratings and best-selling selections from trusted brands. There are many excellent furnaces available, and the right furnace for you depends on the size and location of your home and your budget. Compare and contrast each furnace in order to find the best gas furnace for your heating needs.

The brands on this list all offer a wide range of furnaces at many sizes. If you find a brand you like, but the furnace isn’t a good fit for your home, consider looking at other models from the same brand. Often, like the York LX TM9M, the furnace on this list is just one option in an entire series of excellent furnaces.

Price Range

Depending on the efficiency, or AFUE, of your furnace, the price can range dramatically. The least expensive furnace on the list is $748.00, while the most expensive is $2,555.00.

Inexpensive furnaces are less efficient and have lower BTUs. They are designed for smaller homes and aren’t appropriate for a large home in a cold climate.

Expensive furnaces produce more BTUs and have a higher AFUE efficiency up to 97 percent.

You’ll need to contact each brand or a local professional in order to receive an installation estimate. Due to the complicated and potentially dangerous nature the of natural gas or propane and electrical elements of a furnace, it’s highly recommended that you hire a professional to install your new furnace. Installation costs can easily be as expensive or higher than the unit itself, so you’ll want to budget $2,000.00 to $4,500.00 for the entire unit and installation.

Top 10 Gas Furnaces

1. York TM9V Furnace

Mid-range and cost-effective, this furnace uses a variable-speed fan to provide the perfect amount of heat. With a two-stage burner and a 96 percent AFUE, the York TM9V is an excellent choice for your heating needs. It’s designed to not only be more, but doesn’t need a chimney vent. The MBH input, or thousand BTUs per hour, is between 40 and 120. This furnace comes with a 10-year warranty on all parts, and a lifetime warranty on the heat exchanger. It comes with an Energy Star rating, and is one of the more energy-efficient models on the list. However, this unit is more expensive than other furnaces on the list, so be sure that you need a furnace of this size.

$1,400.00
Up to 96% AFUE
33 Inches High
10-Year Warranty

2. Thermo Pride OL5 Furnace

Great BTUs for a great price. With a variable-speed blower and a quiet operation, the OL5 is a popular choice for its price range. Consider this Thermo Pride furnace for an excellent value on a mid-sized furnace. The innovative design of the 13-gauge copper-coated steel heat exchanger is marketed as a more energy-efficient design. However, with a AFUE percentage of only 86 percent, this furnace isn’t as effective as premium models, like the Trane XC95m.

The BTU output of this furnace is 85,000, which is mid-range and effective for many homes. Compare your climate and square footage to find out if this furnace is a good fit for your house. The OL5 comes with a 10-year warranty, which is standard for the industry. Consider this furnace if you want a unit with plenty of BTUs and an affordable price tag.

$1,600.00
Up to 86% AFUE
43 1/4 Inches High
10-Year Warranty

3. Trane XC95m Furnace

The most efficient furnace on the list, and one of the highest AFUE ratings in the industry, the Trane XC95m is an excellent choice for a high-end furnace with some great features.

The XC95m uses a variable-speed blower to keep up its impressive efficiency. It has an advanced communication system that allows it to stay calibrated throughout its use. If you’re concerned with the quality of air your furnace is blowing throughout your house, Trane has a patented air cleaning system that filters pollen and dust as it circulates air.

Because this is one of the most expensive furnaces on the list, many customers are frustrated with the longevity of their purchase. Like every furnace, it’s only backed by a 10-year warranty, and many customers began experiencing problems after 10 years. While the additional expense may bring about more energy savings during the lifetime of the XC95m, it won’t keep your furnace running longer than average.

$2,555.00
Up to 97% AFUE
40 Inches High
10-Year Warranty

4. Trane S9V2 Furnace

The smaller, more compact Trane S9V2 furnace offers many of the same features of the larger Trane XC95m at the same price. If you have a cramped utility room or basement, you’ll appreciate the small design of the S9V2. At only 34 inches tall, it’s a full 6 inches shorter than the Trane XC95m. It loses one percentage point of AFUE, but 96 percent efficiency is still impressive.

The S9V2 still comes with the Trane air filtration system and is housed in a virtually airtight cabinet. However, with only a two-speed blower, it isn’t quite as versatile as the variable-speed XC95m. Choose this premium gas furnace if you need a highly efficient and dependable furnace in a small package.

$2,555.00
Up to 96% AFUE
34 Inches High
10-Year Warranty

5. Goodman 60,000 BTU Furnace

Check Price

Affordable and reliable, this Goodman furnace is the perfect choice for a budget furnace. Despite the low price, it still has some great features, like a quiet blower, a secondary stainless-steel heat exchanger and a high efficiency rating.

However, this furnace only has 60,000 BTUs, and the blower is single speed. It’s an excellent choice for its price, but doesn’t have the same features as more premium furnaces. It has an excellent price tag for a high-efficiency furnace.

$880.00
Up to 96% AFUE
Height: N/A
10-Year Warranty

6. York TG8S Furnace

The most affordable furnace on the list is also compact and reliable. The TG8S has a single-stage burner, durable heat exchangers and is only 33 inches tall. It’s a great choice for a compact and high-quality furnace. It is, however, affordable for a reason. This furnace only has an efficiency rating of 80 percent, which is far lower than most premium furnaces. While you’ll save on the initial cost with this furnace, it isn’t a cost-effective choice if you live in a particularly cold climate.

$800.00
Up to 80% AFUE
33 Inches High
10-Year Warranty

7. Frigidaire FG7TE-VS Furnace

Efficient and effective, the Frigidaire FG7TE-VS offers great efficiency, a variable-speed blower and works well with an air conditioner. The motor is specifically designed to be efficient with both air conditioning and heating, so you’ll enjoy lower energy bills all year. Like the Trane XC95m, this premium furnace has a variable-speed blower, which keeps consistent temperatures throughout your home.

You’ll need to contact a Frigidaire contractor to get a price quote for this furnace in your area. Like all furnaces, the overall price will vary depending on installation fees. This premium furnace is missing the patented air filtration system that makes the Trane XC95m a top-of-the-line furnace.

Contact for Pricing
Up to 96% AFUE
34 1/2 Inches High
10-Year Warranty

8. Goodman 100,000 BTU Furnace

Check Price

Heavy-duty and affordable, Goodman has another best selling furnace with straightforward features and an excellent price tag. Whether you are looking for lots of BTUs or an inexpensive furnace, the Goodman 100,000 BTU has plenty to offer. It isn’t as affordable as the Goodman 60,000 BTU furnace, but is far more powerful. It still only uses a single-speed blower, so it isn’t as effective at consistent temperatures as the Trane or Frigidaire furnaces. Consider this furnace if you want a mid-priced unit with high BTUs from a reliable brand.

$1,128.00
Up to 96% AFUE
34 1/2 Inches High
10-Year Warranty

9. York LX Series TM9M Furnace

As part of the LX Series, the TM9M furnace is one of the more premium York furnaces. It comes with a few improvements on the TG8S design. This furnace is one of the more compact units, at only 33 inches tall. It also includes a burner that modulates in order to precisely adjust the temperature.

You’ll enjoy a lifetime warranty on the heat exchanger as well as the standard 10-year warranty on all other parts. However, the TM9M doesn’t use a variable-speed blower. With a constant-speed blower, this model isn’t as versatile as other premium furnaces, like the Frigidaire and Trane furnaces. Choose this model for a mid-range option with an excellent burner and warranty.

$1,400.00
Up to 97% AFUE
33 Inches High
10-Year Warranty

10. Direct Comfort 120,000 BTU Furnace

The highest BTUs combined with one of the lowest efficiency ratings, the Direct Comfort 120,000 BTU furnace is perfect on a budget. This inexpensive unit has plenty of power, with 120,000 BTUs. While it’s Energy Star rated, the AFUE rating is only 80 percent. Like many furnaces, the heat exchanger on this Direct Comfort unit comes with a lifetime warranty. Consider this option if you don’t plan on using your furnace frequently. Otherwise, the low AFUE may make it more expensive long term.

$748.00
Up to 80% AFUE
Height Not Availables
10-Year Warranty

COMPARISON TABLE

Product	DETAILS	ESTIMATED PRICE
Product Name	SIZE
York TM9V Furnace	33 Inches High	Check Here
	33 Inches High	Check Here

Product	DETAILS	ESTIMATED PRICE
Product Name	SIZE
Thermo Pride OL5 Furnace	43 1/4 Inches High	Check Here
	43 1/4 Inches High	Check Here

Product	DETAILS	ESTIMATED PRICE
Product Name	SIZE
Trane XC95m Furnace	34 Inches High	Check Here
	34 Inches High	Check Here

Product	DETAILS	ESTIMATED PRICE
Product Name	SIZE
Trane S9V2 Furnace	33 Inches High	Check Here
	33 Inches High	Check Here

Product	DETAILS	ESTIMATED PRICE
Product Name	SIZE
Goodman 60,000 BTU Furnace	Height: N/A	Check Price
	Height: N/A	Check Price

Product	DETAILS	ESTIMATED PRICE
Product Name	SIZE
York TG8S Furnace	33 Inches High	Check Here
	33 Inches High	Check Here

Product	DETAILS	ESTIMATED PRICE
Product Name	SIZE
Frigidaire FG7TE-VS Furnace	34 1/2 Inches High	Check Here
	34 1/2 Inches High	Check Here

Product	DETAILS	ESTIMATED PRICE
Product Name	SIZE
Goodman 100,000 BTU Furnace	34 1/2 Inches High	Check Price

Product	DETAILS	ESTIMATED PRICE
Product Name	SIZE
York LX Series TM9M Furnace	33 Inches High	Check Here
	33 Inches High	Check Here

Product	DETAILS	ESTIMATED PRICE
Product Name	SIZE
Direct Comfort 120,000 BTU Furnace	Height Not Availables	Check Here
	Height Not Availables	Check Here

The Verdict

Ultimately, the best gas furnace for your home depends on your personal situation. Consider consulting a professional to determine the amount of BTUs you need for your home. Whether you live in a warmer climate and want an affordable option, like the Direct Comfort 120,000 BTU furnace, or you live in a cold climate and need a premium furnace, like the Trane XC95m, this list has all the specifications you need to choose the perfect gas furnace for your household. Enjoy a warm house and low energy bill this winter.

GE Water Heater: GeoSpring Hybrid Electric Water Heater

General Electric began manufacturing a new type of energy-efficient residential water heater in 2012, after years of simply selling GE-branded Rheem units. This new GE water heater, manufactured in the United States, is the GeoSpring hybrid electric model.

Four years later, the company that now owns GE’s appliance division, Qingdao Haier Company, Limited, sold this product and its production equipment to the United States company, Bradford White. Today, the GeoSpring is branded and manufactured by Bradford White as the AeroTherm. New and refurbished GE-branded GeoSpring units are still available on Amazon and eBay.

Quick Navigation

Five Heating Modes

Easy-To-Use Control Panel

Water Tank Capacity

First-Hour Rating (FHR)

Energy Savings

Energy Star Qualified

Standard Installation

Removable Air Filter

Warranty

Tank Corrosion Protection

Manufactured in the United States

Optional Appliance Communication Module

Design Improvements

GeoSpring Pricing

Rheem Performance Platinum Hybrid High-Efficiency Smart Tank Electric Water Heater

Reliance Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater

What Is A Hybrid Electric Water Heater?

GE GEH50DEEDSC GeoSpring Hybrid Electric Water Heater - Energy Star

50 Gallon Capacity
LED
3 - 14 Day Vacation Setting

Sometimes called a hybrid or heat pump water heater, this type of unit captures as much heat from the air as possible and transfers it to the water in its storage tank. It’s supplemented by an electric heater as needed. This combination uses less than 50% of the energy required by a conventional all-electric water heater, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

The same technology is used for heat pumps which serve as home heating units. Fans pull heat from the surrounding air into the unit, while a compressor transforms the refrigerant gas into a liquid. The refrigerant liquid is returned to its gaseous form by an evaporator, and the resulting heat is transferred to the insulated water storage tank by coils wrapped around it. The air cooled by this process leaves the unit through a different vent.

Non-hybrid water heaters include on-demand (tankless), condensing, gas, electric, oil and solar. These differ mainly in the method used to heat the water, the efficiency, the resulting energy cost and whether a storage tank is involved.

GeoSpring Specifications

Five Heating Modes

The GeoSpring has five modes selected with the control panel’s Mode button: Vacation, Electric Only, Hybrid, High Demand and Heat Pump Only.

Vacation Mode

Saves power when you’re away. You set the number of days (3-14) you’ll be gone, and the GeoSpring will use the most efficient heating mode it can to keep the water at 50 degrees Fahrenheit. One day before you return, it will begin heating the water to the usual temperature via the usual heating mode, so it will be comfortable when you arrive.

Electric Only Mode

Heats the water quickly, using both electric heating elements but not the heat pump. The fans are not needed. This is the least-efficient mode but is on par with standard electric water heaters.

Hybrid Mode

Is the default energy-efficient heating mode. It uses the heat pump and supplements it with the electric elements as needed. It maintains the flow of hot water as an all-electric heater would, at a much lower energy cost.

High Demand Mode

Keeps the water hot when more than usual is needed. The heat pump runs until demand increases beyond normal. The electric elements are then used to heat the water faster, to keep up with demand. This requires more energy but maintains the hot water recovery rate. When the demand decreases, only the heat pump will be used. In this mode, the electric elements are utilized sooner than in Hybrid Mode.

Heat Pump Only Mode

Is the most energy-efficient. It takes longer but keeps your costs low as only the heat pump is used.

Easy-To-Use Control Panel

This GE water heater includes a simple control panel. A very readable LED display shows the current water temperature setting in Fahrenheit or Celsius. You can easily adjust it with the arrow and Enter buttons next to the readout. The current operating mode is indicated by an LED and is changed with the Mode button. The Filter button resets the dirty filter alarm after you’ve cleaned and reinstalled the air filter. Another button overrides the Appliance Communication Module (ACM) power saver operation.

Water Tank Capacity

Two sizes are available. The standard, adequate for most families and homes, has a storage tank capacity of 50 gallons. An 80-gallon version is also available.

First-Hour Rating (FHR)

The FHR of any water heater with a storage tank indicates how much hot water it can deliver before the temperature decreases. The 50-gallon GeoSpring’s FHR is 65 gallons, the same as a conventional all-electric 50-gallon heater. This means it can deliver 65 gallons at the programmed temperature over the course of an hour. If more than 65 gallons are used during that hour, the temperature will start to decrease after the first 65 gallons are used. How quickly it decreases depends on the programmed operating mode. The 80-gallon GeoSpring has a correspondingly larger FHR.

Energy Savings

The GeoSpring uses less than half the energy of a standard electric tank-based unit, saving the average family of four approximately $365 per year in energy costs. These numbers are based on comparing 50-gallon conventional electric tank-based water heaters with the GeoSpring. U.S. Department of Energy test procedures were used, which showed conventional water heaters consuming 4879-kilowatt hours (kWh) per year while the GeoSpring used only 1830 kWh per year. An average national electricity cost of $0.12 per kWh was used to arrive at the $365 figure. The GeoSpring’s electric usage ranges from 550 to 4500 watts, with a Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) in Hybrid Mode of 2.4.

Energy Star Qualified

This unit is Energy Star Qualified, which means that it “meets or exceeds requirements for Energy Star per the latest Energy Star criteria revision, as well as most utility rebate programs.” Therefore, it qualifies for state and local utility rebates and tax credits.

Standard Installation

This GE water heater installs just like a standard electric water heater, with water connections on top and the electrical connections you would expect. Additional space is required above and around the unit to draw in air for the heat pump.

A drain is also required for the condensate generated by the heat pump. As you may know, installing a catch pan with a drain underneath any water heater is a very good idea, to prevent expensive water damage to the surrounding area if it springs a leak.

Removable Air Filter

The heat pump includes a removable, washable air filter at the top of the water heater. This prevents dirt and dust from building up on the fans and evaporator. A filter alarm beeps when the filter is clogged to the point of reducing efficiency and potentially damaging the unit.

Warranty

While General Electric was manufacturing the GeoSpring, they provided a one-year labor warranty and a limited 10-year parts warranty. When the product line was sold to Bradford White, the new owners honored the existing warranties and took over all servicing. New Bradford White AeroTherm-branded versions of this water heater now include a six or 10-year limited tank and components warranty.

Tank Corrosion Protection

Like many other water heaters, the GeoSpring includes a magnesium anode rod in the tank to help prevent corrosion. If you have a water softener, the rod may need replacing sooner due to the high salt content.

Manufactured in the United States

The GE GeoSpring-branded water heater was manufactured in the state of Kentucky, and the Bradford White AeroTherm-branded unit is made in Michigan.

Optional Appliance Communication Module

An optional GE Smart ACM can be plugged into the jack on the GeoSpring’s control panel to provide an extra power-saving mode. In some areas, the local utility company can communicate with this ACM, telling it what the electricity cost is at that moment of the day. The GeoSpring will use that rate to alter its operating mode based on the electricity cost. This will help keep your energy costs low, as the most efficient means of heating will automatically be used when electricity costs the most. The Power Saver button on the GeoSpring’s control panel overrides this mode for 18 hours if you decide to use a less efficient mode.

Design Improvements

In 2013, GE redesigned the GeoSpring’s evaporator and control panel to be more reliable after customer complaints. When Bradford White bought the product line and rebranded it as the AeroTherm in 2016, they made several design changes. The High Demand Mode, Power Saver override and ACM jack were removed.

A cold-climate efficiency setting was added, and the minimum exterior air temperature for heat pump operation was lowered to 35 degrees Fahrenheit from 45. If the temperature near the tank falls below 35, the electric heating elements will be used until the air temperature rises to 35. At that point, the heat pump can be used. Redesigned heating elements are immersed in the tank for direct heat transfer.

GeoSpring Pricing

The purchase price of a hybrid electric water heater is higher than a conventional electric one, frequently two or three times as much. This high cost of energy efficiency is the main reason cited by Qingdao Haier for the small market share of this GE water heater.

GE GeoSpring-branded units are frequently available on Amazon and eBay from third parties. At the time of writing, Amazon lists a refurbished 50-gallon unit for $1100.00 and a refurbished 80-gallon unit for $1599.00. Several eBay sellers list new 50-gallon units from $850.00 to $999.99.

Bradford White AeroTherm-branded units are available from contractors and some home supply stores. At the time of writing, a new 50-gallon unit is listed by a store for $1399.00 while the 80-gallon is $1999.00.

How It Compares To Other Hybrid Electric Water Heaters

There are important differences between brands, even at similar price points. To make an informed purchase, here’s what you should know about some of GeoSpring’s competitors.

Rheem Performance Platinum Hybrid High-Efficiency Smart Tank Electric Water Heater

Rheem XE50T10HD50U1 Performance Platinum 50 Gal. Hybrid High...

Brand New in box. The product ships with all relevant accessories

This Rheem unit is superior to the GE water heater in most ways except for the lower eBay price. It has a similar FHR, Energy Star rating, air filter and warranty to the GE and Bradford White units. The operating modes are also similar.

The Rheem senses water leaks, high temperature or pressure, and a variety of maintenance conditions. Most alarms are audible and can also send alerts via EcoNet to your Nest or Wink based smart home assistant, if you purchase the EcoNet Home Comfort Wi-Fi Module. Using this, you can set the water temperature and vacation mode from your smartphone or another wireless device. The GE/Bradford White unit has no smart home capability, and the Reliance’s is limited.

Rheem also has a wider heat pump operating range of 37-145F. Rheem’s fans are said to be very quiet, whereas users complain that GE’s are very loud. Its UEF is 3.55, with an energy savings of up to $475 per year compared to a pre-2015 standard all-electric water heater. This is better than GE’s $365 and Reliance’s $419. The Rheem’s LCD screen and longer vacation mode are also improvements.


Smart Home & WiFi
Alerts
Energy savings
UEF
Heat pump operating range

Reliance Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater

Reliance Water Heater CO 50GAL NATGas WTR Heater 6-50-NBCS

RELIANCE WATER HEATER CO
Kitchen

The Reliance unit has similar operating modes, FHR, Energy Star rating, air filter and warranty to the other units reviewed here. It can be purchased at ACE Hardware, TrueValue, Friedman’s and other home improvement stores.

The operating range for the Reliance heat pump is only 45-120F, the same as the GE-branded hybrid. It has a UEF of 2.75, better than GE but not as good as Rheem. The estimated energy savings of up to $419 per year is between Rheem’s and GE’s. The Reliance does allow you to take the longest vacation of the units reviewed. Its documentation doesn’t mention any audible or Wi-Fi-based alerts for water leaks, high temperatures or pressures, or anything else. There’s a vague statement that it is “SmartPort ready for connectivity to home management and utility SmartGrid applications” with no help on how to do that.


Smart Home & WiFi
Alerts
Energy savings
UEF
Heat pump operating range

Comparison Table

Preview	Product
	GE GEH50DEEDSC GeoSpring Hybrid Electric Water Heater - Energy Star	Check Price
	Rheem XE50T10HD50U1 Performance Platinum 50 Gal. Hybrid High...	Check Price
	Reliance Water Heater CO 50GAL NATGas WTR Heater 6-50-NBCS	Check Price

GeoSpring Pros And Cons

Pros

Manufactured in the United States
Bradford White Improvements
Reasonable energy costs
Least-expensive hybrid from third-party sellers

Cons

No smart home/Wi-Fi support
No water leak alert
Less efficient in very cold or hot locations
Loud fans
Complaints about GE Support (Bradford White may be better)

Conclusion

A hybrid electric model is the most energy-efficient tank-based water heater available today. GeoSpring, the GE water heater, is an adequate choice if you don’t use a smart home platform and aren’t concerned about the best possible energy efficiency and hazard monitoring. The Rheem hybrid is our favorite with an overall rating of 5/5.

Emerson Thermostat Review And Comparison To Other Thermostats

Imagine coming home early from work to a warm and comfy house because you remotely adjusted your thermostat while you were still at the office. Today's newer homes often include an intelligent heating, venting and air conditioning (HVAC) system controlled by a smart thermostat. You can program detailed schedules that change automatically if you're not home. It's easy to track how much and when you use energy, so you can become more efficient and save money. You can also interact with your thermostat by voice and integrate it with the other smart systems that run your home.

As you may know, there are many smart thermostats available today. Some are very basic, simply giving you the ability to program a variety of schedules and little more. At the other end of the spectrum, advanced units can learn your preferences and manipulate every aspect of your HVAC system. Most people appreciate something in between.

In this review, we take a comprehensive look at the Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi model ST75. This Emerson thermostat is an excellent middle-ground device, providing many smart features at a reasonable price point.

Quick Navigation

High-Definition Touchscreen Color Display

Application

Easy Installation and Compatibility Determination

Geofencing or Schedules

Smart Assistant and Voice Integration

24-Hour Support

Smart Alerts

Most HVAC Systems Supported

Pricing

Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Pros and Cons

The Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi

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

Named the 'Best Overall' smart thermostat of 2017, 2018 and 2019 by USA Today's Reviewed.com.
COMPATIBILITY REQUIRES C-WIRE: Extensive compatibility*** with HVAC equipment found in most homes. ALL system types...
SAVE ABOUT 23% ON HVAC ENERGY*: The ENERGY STAR certified Sensi thermostat helps you save on your HVAC energy costs,...

An updated version of the Sensi Wi-Fi thermostat, the ST75 model includes a touchscreen and looks better on your wall. The outer case is available in either black or white. It has many features that make it worthwhile to upgrade your old thermostat, described in detail below.

Specifications

High-Definition Touchscreen Color Display

The touchscreen display on the Sensi Touch Wi-Fi is large and easy to read. It glows red when heating and blue when cooling, giving a quick visual indication along with the digital temperature readout.

It's easy to navigate the menus by tapping the touchscreen and changing any of the thermostat's settings. You can program temperatures and schedules, set alerts and more, all without using the mobile app or a smart home assistant.

Application

The Sensi Touch Wi-Fi includes a free mobile app so you can control the thermostat from your tablet or smartphone while you're at home or away. The app works with both Apple iOS and Google Android devices.

You should run the app before installing your Emerson thermostat because it includes an easy-to-follow, do-it-yourself installation guide for the Sensi Touch. Once the thermostat is installed, you can also control it through the touchscreen or with any of the supported smart home assistant platforms

Easy Installation And Compatibility Determination

Emerson has tried to make installation of this thermostat as easy as possible, even if you've never done it before. Just tell the mobile app which wires were attached to your old thermostat and it will configure the Sensi Touch to match. The app will guide you through the process, illustrating each step. To help with installation, the thermostat includes lighted wire terminals that are easy to click and a built-in level.

The Sensi Touch is designed to work with most home-based HVAC systems in the United States and Canada. You can check the compatibility tool on Emerson's website to make sure that your climate control equipment and Wi-Fi router will work with this thermostat. It does require a common "C" wire connection to your HVAC system for operating power, unlike its predecessor (the Sensi Wi-Fi thermostat).

Installing and using the Sensi Touch should be very straightforward. If you need help, though, Emerson's technical support team and online resources are available seven days a week.

Geofencing Or Schedules

Using the touchscreen, your wireless device or a smart home assistant, you can quickly create custom cooling and heating schedules for each day of the week. This way you can tune your climate system to your work schedule and lifestyle, including waking up on a winter morning to a warm and comfy home.

Alternatively, you can enable geofencing to automatically adjust the temperature programming when you leave and return. This Emerson thermostat determines your location based on how far from home your smartphone or tablet is. If it's more than three miles away, the thermostat adjusts the temperature by three degrees. When your wireless device returns to a distance within three miles of home, the temperature returns to its original setting in time for your arrival.

The Sensi Touch does not have the ability to customize the "away from home" adjustment. You can't combine geofencing with custom schedules either; you must choose one or the other.

Smart Assistant And Voice Integration

The Sensi Touch Wi-Fi thermostat works with the major smart assistant/home automation platforms: Google Assistant, Wink, Amazon's Alexa and Apple's HomeKit. This allows you to control your thermostat from the assistant and fully integrate it with the operation of your other smart home devices.

Most smart assistant platforms also enable voice interaction. For example, with Apple's HomeKit, you can control your home's temperature with voice commands to Siri on your iPad or iPhone. You can do the same with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant using their voice capabilities.

24-Hour Support

As mentioned earlier, Emerson's highly praised technical support team is available seven days a week by email and phone. If you need help outside of the team's support hours and you've reviewed the content in the Sensi Touch's mobile app already, check out the SensiComfort support website. It gives you 24-hour access to detailed support videos, helpful articles and downloadable content. You're sure to find something there to help you solve any challenge that arises with the Sensi Touch Wi-Fi thermostat.

Smart Alerts

With the Sensi Touch Wi-Fi, you can set up smart alerts to let you know if something's not right in your home climate. In particular, extreme humidity and temperature measurements can be set to trigger these alerts. You can program these from the touchscreen, a smart assistant or the mobile app.

Most HVAC Systems Supported

This Emerson thermostat works with most existing home systems. Heat pumps with one or two stages of cooling and up to four stages of heating (4H/2C) are supported. Conventional HVAC systems with one or two stages of cooling and one or two stages of heating (2H/2C) are also compatible. Cool-only and heat-only systems also work, as do radiant-heat units. Electric, gas, duel-fuel, oil and geothermal-based systems are all supported.

There are a few types of HVAC systems that the Sensi Touch isn't compatible with, though. Electric baseboard and line voltage heaters don't work with it. Neither do millivolt (mV) systems or those which use a proprietary protocol to communicate or control them. However, if you add a 24-volt transformer to a millivolt system, you can make it work with the Sensi Touch.

As mentioned earlier, a common "C" wire is required for all types of HVAC systems to work with the Sensi Touch. If you don't already have one in place, you can buy the Emerson Thermostat Common Wire Kit to help you install one.

You can find out whether your HVAC and wireless systems will work with this thermostat by checking the compatibility tool on Emerson's website. If you need any help, their technical support team is available seven days a week.

Pricing

The Sensi Touch can be purchased on Amazon or from large home retailers such as Lowe's and Home Depot. As of this writing, prices range from $145.88 at Amazon to $169 (full list price) at Home Depot and Lowe's.

A three-year manufacturer's warranty is provided by Emerson, along with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Technical support is available by email or phone seven days a week, and their website includes many helpful videos and instructions for common questions. The Sensi Touch's mobile app also includes a step-by-step illustrated thermostat installation guide.

How It Compares To Other Smart Thermostats

If you're upgrading an old legacy or programmable thermostat, you may not be familiar with all of the features available with today's smart thermostats. You should be aware of how the Sensi Touch stacks up against some of its competitors so you can make an informed purchase.

NS Nest Thermostat

Ns Nest Thermostat White...

Auto schedule feature learns the temperatures you like and programs itself in about a week
Uses its sensors and your phone's location to automatically turn temperature down when nobody's home to save energy
Control thermostat settings from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop using Wi Fi

The NS Nest Thermostat is a good smart learning thermostat. It goes one step further than a regular smart device: Over time it observes how you adjust the system and tries to automatically anticipate your needs. Unlike the Sensi Touch, this thermostat can keep the climate in different rooms balanced by monitoring remote temperature sensors throughout your home. It doesn't have a touchscreen display like the Sensi Touch, so it's not as convenient to adjust the settings if you're standing in front of it. It doesn't support as many smart home assistant platforms as the Sensi Touch, either (Apple's HomeKit is the major one missing).

It is Energy Star rated though, which the Sensi is not. The NS Nest Thermostat has superior geofencing capabilities, more accurately determining your presence by both wireless device proximity and presence sensors. The temperature to be maintained when you're away is programmable; it doesn't simply adjust the temperature by three degrees like the Sensi Touch. It also reports on your energy use over 10 days and informs you when you choose a thermostat setting that saves money. According to Nest, no common "C" wire connection is needed in most cases. The Nest warranty is limited and only lasts one year, not as good as Emerson's three-year warranty on the Sensi Touch.

Price

from $195.55

Geofencing

Smart Assistant Support

Warranty

Honeywell Lyric

Honeywell Lyric Round Wi-Fi Thermostat, Up to 3 Heat/2 Cool Heat Pumps...

Lyric thermostat LYRIC 2.0 HOMEKIT ENABLED

Like the Emerson thermostat, the Honeywell Lyric T5 is a smart device that requires a common "C" wire for power and relies on phone-based geofencing. Alternatively, you can schedule climate control for sleep, away, wake-up and home periods every day, or just on weekdays or just weekends. It doesn't support as many smart home automation systems as the Sensi Touch does (it's missing the Wink platform, in particular).

Like the Sensi Touch, the Lyric T5 does not provide energy reports or utilize remote temperature sensors. It is Energy Star rated, though, like the Nest Thermostat E. The Lyric T5's two-year limited warranty is not as good as Sensi Touch's three-year, but is better than Nest Thermostat E's one-year warranty.

Price

from $99.00

Geofencing

Smart Assistant Support

Warranty

Lux Kono

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

The Lux Kono smart thermostat doesn't support the Wink home automation platform, but is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple's HomeKit, so overall it supports fewer of these platforms than Emerson's Sensi Touch Wi-Fi. It has a limited energy-reporting feature (which the Sensi Touch does not have) that tells you how much your energy costs will decrease or increase when you change the temperature. Like the Sensi Touch, its geofencing feature is based only on the proximity of your wireless device and it doesn't utilize remote temperature sensors throughout your home.

The Lux Kono can control multiple types of cooling and heating systems, but not as diverse a variety as the Sensi Touch. Unlike the other thermostats reviewed here, it includes a power bridge that connects to your HVAC system for its operating power instead of using a common "C" wire. The Lux Kono comes with a three-year limited warranty, better than the Honeywell and Nest thermostats above, but still not as good as the Sensi Touch Wi-Fi. One caution if you decide to purchase this one from Amazon: it also lists a less expensive "unauthorized" version of the Kono which doesn't support any smart home assistant platforms at all.

Price

$120.53

Geofencing

Smart Assistant Support

Warranty

Comparison Table

Preview	Product
	Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat with Touchscreen Color...	Check Price
	Ns Nest Thermostat White...	Check Price
	Honeywell Lyric Round Wi-Fi Thermostat, Up to 3 Heat/2 Cool Heat Pumps...	Check Price
	Kono KN-S-MG1 Thermostat Unauthorized Version, 1 Pack	Check Price

Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Pros And Cons

Pros

HD color touchscreen display
All major smart home assistant platforms supported
Installation, operation and compatibility support
Number of HVAC system types supported
Warranty

Cons

No remote temperature sensors
Phone-only geofencing
No energy reports
Not Energy Star rated

Conclusion

The Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi is an excellent smart thermostat for most people. It provides a good mix of features for the price. It's also easy to use, has a superior display and controls, the best warranty, and it supports a large number of HVAC systems and smart home assistant platforms.

The other thermostats here are also good choices, depending on your specific preferences and needs. A smart Emerson thermostat like the Sensi Touch Wi-Fi will be a vast improvement if you're upgrading from a legacy programmable or analog thermostat in your home.

Cozy Living Room Ideas: Top Hygge Styles At Home

After a long day at work, coming home and unwinding probably sounds appealing. In fact, studies show that the home is the place where people feel most at ease and can relax from the stressors of the day. However, if your home isn’t conducive to a relaxing environment, you may not be able to unwind quite as easily as you’d like.

You may not even realize, however, that the reason that it’s so hard to relax after a stressful day is because your home isn’t decorated to be a relaxing environment. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to give your home that cozy feeling that you’re looking for. In fact, many people are looking to achieve what the Danish call hygge around their home.

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Make Your Bathroom A Spa

What Is Hygge

Hygge, pronounced ‘hue-gah’, is a Danish way of life and doesn’t have a direct translation to English. However, it can be best described as coziness and enjoying the simplicity in life, which can be embodied in a number of ways, starting with your home. True to the Danish lifestyle, hygge is all about maintaining a life free of unnecessary clutter to help promote a serene, peaceful space for yourself and your family.

Why Hygge

It may seem like a strange lifestyle to embrace the idea of hygge. However, people are looking for more natural ways to destress, and doing so starts in the home. When you’re at home, you want to feel relaxed and safe to be yourself, which is why creating a cozy space is essential to helping you if you suffer from anxiety or too much stress. If you can successfully embrace a hygge lifestyle, you should see your overall stress decrease and find it easier to relax when you’re at home.

How To Hygge

You can create a hygge space around your home by following several cozy living room ideas. It’s important to create a safe, inviting space for your friends and family while also keeping simplicity in mind. Here are some tips to get you started.

Use Texture

Many people use the same textures in their decorating scheme, which can give your home a flat, dull look. While you may think that adding texture to your home will give it a disorganized, cluttered look, it can actually add an element of interest to your decor and bring it to life in a whole new way. You don’t have to go over the top by mixing metals or incorporating a variety of patterns. In fact, you want to do it as subtly as possible to achieve the ultimate hygge experience. Something as simple as putting a wool throw over a wooden chair can give your home added texture for a cozy feel.

Incorporate Candles

Candles are vital to creating the perfect hygge experience in your home. Candles add an element of mystique, whimsy, and romance that makes you feel warm and relaxed. There’s nothing more enticing than a lit candle, which is why using them in your rooms can give you a radiant glow typical of a hygge home. For an added touch, cluster candles of different heights together to give the eye some depth, and remember not to use scented candles, as too many scents mingled together can actually cause scent confusion and stress.

String Lights

In addition to candles, adding some string or twinkly lights can also give your home a warm, inviting feel. They look great when combined with candles but can be used alone if you’re wary about leaving candles lit for long periods of time. String lights don’t have to be saved just for the holidays— they can be hung up year-round to give your rooms a soft touch. Overhead lighting can be harsh and create anxiety, so to fully relax, use your string lights in the evening over traditional overhead lights to help you unwind.

Light A Fire

There’s just something to be said about sitting in front of a warm crackling fire. It makes you feel cozy and relaxed, which is why fires are so popular for a hygge lifestyle. You can create a soft fire in your living room if you have a fireplace. If you don’t have one, you can buy an electric fireplace to give your room some ambiance without the dangers of an open flame. Listening to and watching a fire can be a peaceful end to an otherwise hectic day.

Make Your Bathroom A Spa

Woman lying on white textile with sliced cucumbers on her eyes

Make your bathroom feel more inviting by turning it into an oasis. Place candles around the room, and if your bathroom has a nice tub, draw yourself a bath and enjoy a relaxing soak. Invest in towel warmers so you have a soft cozy towel to wrap yourself in when you get out of the shower or bath. Rid your countertops of clutter, which can create stress, and install a Bluetooth speaker in your shower so you can listen to relaxing music while you bathe.

Use Neutrals

Neutral colors are important to a hygge lifestyle. Too many bright, bold colors can actually increase stress levels, so if you have rooms with a lot of color, consider repainting them to help create a calm atmosphere. Incorporate colors such as taupe, greys, and browns to give your home a warm, earthy feeling that will feel inviting to guests.

Incorporate Softness

Coziness is important when it comes to creating a hygge atmosphere. In addition to creating the right lighting and texture, you can also use fluffy pillows, down comforters, and cozy throws to give an added touch of softness to your room that will make you want to snuggle up and relax. Adding a couple extra blankets to your room can make people feel more welcome while also providing an extra aesthetic.

Get Green

Hygge is all about embracing our inner child and becoming one with our surroundings. What better way to do that than to reminisce about simpler times when you were young and spent countless hours outdoors? Get that earthy, outdoorsy feeling by bringing some elements of the great outdoors into your home. Add plants to your space to spruce things up and make you feel centered. Not only do plants provide extra oxygen to your space to make you breathe easier, but they also produce a calming effect, which is perfect for maintaining a hygge lifestyle.

Be Unique

Part of the hygge lifestyle is to shun traditional the ideas of consumerism that we’ve become so accustomed to over the years. Instead of decorating your space with excess and clutter, instead choose your decor intentionally and let it tell a story. Perhaps you found a mesmerizing metronome at an antique shop or an old globe that reminds you of your desire to travel. Items that remind you of happy memories and give you peace are great pieces to bring into your decorating scheme.

Embrace Handmade

Homespun items are synonymous with simpler times when we didn’t have technology to distract us and things couldn’t be easily bought and thrown away whenever we felt like it. Using handmade items around your home is a great way to pay homage to the hygge lifestyle and offer some added coziness around the home. Not only do they look amazing and stand the test of time, but they’re also great conversation starters.

Some Dos And Don’ts

While it’s important to incorporate these decor into your home, it’s even more important to enjoy them. That means that after a long day, enjoy the simplicity of lighting your candles and reading a good book by their soft flicker. Consider cozying up with some cocoa or coffee in front of your fireplace as a way to unwind. Luxuriate in the moment and enjoy a relaxing soak in your spa-like bathroom. Enjoy warm meals, such as soups and chilis, or warm drinks, such as cocoa, hot cider, or coffee. Embracing warmth is part of the hygge lifestyle and can help make you feel more relaxed. All of these things can make you feel more relaxed and at ease and help you enjoy living in the moment.

To fully embrace the hygge lifestyle, you should steer away from too much technology when you’re at home. Instead, use that time to participate in conversation with your loved ones or create memories by playing games. It gives your eyes a rest from the constant blue light we’re exposed to by staring at our screens and can help you unwind in the evening. You should allow others to share stories without interrupting or letting your mind wander to the next task, and try to slow down a little bit after the hectic rush of the day.

In addition to keeping a cozy home, you can also embody the hygge lifestyle by surrounding yourself with loved ones and simply being present in the moment without letting the pressures of outside life distract you. You should appreciate the beauty around you, enjoy the quiet moments in bed in the morning before you get up, take care of your environment, and be thankful for all you have.

The hygge lifestyle is so attractive for several reasons. It works for the Danish, who live a simple, happy lifestyle, and it can work for you if you choose to adapt this cozy way of life. If you can start by creating a relaxing space in your home, you’re sure to have a space to unwind and de-stress from the pressures of the world after a long day.

Factors When Buying Types Of Air Conditioners: Type, Size, And Price

We always wish that summer would never end. And for some parts of the U.S. it often seems that way due to the scorching temperatures that tend to last well into the Fall season. When it’s miserably hot outdoors, you want to be able to go inside your home and cool off. But if you […]

Archives for November 2018

FAQs

1. What Is AFUE?

2. What Size Furnace Do I Need?

How We Reviewed

Price Range

Top 10 Gas Furnaces

1. York TM9V Furnace

2. Thermo Pride OL5 Furnace

3. Trane XC95m Furnace

4. Trane S9V2 Furnace

6. York TG8S Furnace

7. Frigidaire FG7TE-VS Furnace

9. York LX Series TM9M Furnace

10. Direct Comfort 120,000 BTU Furnace

COMPARISON TABLE

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The Verdict

What Is A Hybrid Electric Water Heater?

GeoSpring Specifications

Five Heating Modes

Vacation Mode

Electric Only Mode

Hybrid Mode

High Demand Mode

Heat Pump Only Mode

Easy-To-Use Control Panel

Water Tank Capacity

First-Hour Rating (FHR)

Energy Savings

Energy Star Qualified

Standard Installation

Removable Air Filter

Warranty

Tank Corrosion Protection

Manufactured in the United States

Optional Appliance Communication Module

Design Improvements

GeoSpring Pricing

How It Compares To Other Hybrid Electric Water Heaters

Comparison Table

GeoSpring Pros And Cons

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

Specifications

High-Definition Touchscreen Color Display

Application

Easy Installation And Compatibility Determination

Geofencing Or Schedules

Smart Assistant And Voice Integration

24-Hour Support

Smart Alerts

Most HVAC Systems Supported

Pricing

How It Compares To Other Smart Thermostats

Comparison Table

Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Pros And Cons

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

What Is Hygge

Why Hygge

How To Hygge

Use Texture

Incorporate Candles

String Lights

Light A Fire

Make Your Bathroom A Spa

Use Neutrals

Incorporate Softness