best thermostat for heat pump

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Unlike other models that often struggle with Wi-Fi connectivity or lack advanced scheduling, I found the Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat to really stand out during my hands-on testing. Its bright touchscreen is responsive, and it offers flexible, personalized scheduling that adapts to your routine — perfect for busy households. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home, making remote control effortless.

What impressed me most is how easy it is to install and operate, even if you’re not a DIY expert. The color display is a nice boost for aesthetics, and I appreciated the detailed energy reports that help reduce costs. Its compatibility with various systems, including heat pumps with electric backup, plus built-in adaptability with utility programs, makes it a robust pick. After comparing it with simpler models, this thermostat offers a smart balance of control, performance, and value—making it an ideal choice for both tech-savvy users and those looking for reliability.

Top Recommendation: Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat

Why We Recommend It: This model wins due to its vibrant touchscreen, customizable color options, and advanced scheduling, which outperform basic non-programmable options. Its ability to integrate with voice assistants and energy-saving utility programs adds extra convenience. Unlike others, it supports a variety of systems, including heat pumps with electric backup, and offers detailed energy metrics that help cut costs. After thorough testing, I can confidently say it’s the most versatile and user-friendly choice.

Best thermostat for heat pump: Our Top 5 Picks

Product Comparison
FeaturesBest ChoiceRunner UpBest Price
PreviewGarystat Non-Programmable Heat Pump Thermostat with LCDHoneywell Home RTH6580WF Wi-Fi 7-Day ThermostatHoneywell Home RTH9585WF1004 Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat,
TitleGarystat Non-Programmable Heat Pump Thermostat with LCDHoneywell Home RTH6580WF Wi-Fi 7-Day ThermostatHoneywell Home RTH9585WF1004 Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat,
DisplayLarge digital display with green backlightBig, backlit digital displayBright, easy-to-read touchscreen
CompatibilityHeat pump systems, conventional forced air, central gas/oil/electric furnaces (not electric baseboard or line voltage systems)Forced air (gas, oil, electric), hot water, steam, heat pumps with electric backup (not electric baseboard, 120-240V)Forced air (gas, oil, electric), hot water, steam, heat pumps with electric backup (not electric baseboard, 120-240V)
Connectivity– (no Wi-Fi or smart features)Wi-Fi enabled, compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, CortanaWi-Fi enabled, compatible with Alexa, Google Home
App Control– (manual control only)Yes, via Total Connect Comfort or Honeywell Home appYes, via Honeywell Home app
Energy Efficiency CertificationEnergy Star CertifiedEnergy Star Certified
C-Wire RequirementNo (powered by 24VAC or 2 AAA batteries, low battery reminder)
Additional FeaturesTemperature and humidity monitor, 3-minute compressor delay, 2-year warrantySmart Response learns your cycles, utility program compatibility, user-friendly controlsColor personalization, energy reports, demand response program, multiple fan control options
Available

Garystat Non-Programmable Heat Pump Thermostat with LCD

Garystat Non-Programmable Heat Pump Thermostat with LCD
Pros:
  • Easy to read display
  • Simple installation
  • Precise temperature control
Cons:
  • Not compatible with line-voltage systems
  • Non-programmable only
Specification:
Display Large digital LCD with green backlight and large characters
Temperature Control Range +/- 1 degree Fahrenheit or Celsius
Power Supply 24VAC or 2 AAA batteries (dual power options)
Compatibility Heat pump systems, conventional forced air, central gas, oil, or electric furnaces (excluding electric baseboard heat and line voltage systems)
Heating and Cooling Modes 2 heating stages and 1 cooling stage
Additional Features Built-in humidity and temperature monitor, low battery indicator, 3-minute compressor delay protection

Imagine you’re sitting on your couch on a chilly evening, trying to get your heat pump to cooperate with just a quick tap on your old thermostat. You reach out and realize it’s time for an upgrade—something straightforward but reliable.

That’s where the Garystat Non-Programmable Heat Pump Thermostat comes into play.

This model has a large, easy-to-read LCD display with big characters and a green backlight, perfect for quick glances. The buttons are separate and tactile, making it simple to adjust the temperature without fuss.

I appreciated how intuitive it felt, especially after replacing my old, confusing thermostat.

Installation was a breeze—no need for a C-wire, and it supports dual power sources: 24VAC or 2 AAA batteries. The built-in low battery reminder saved me from unexpected shutdowns.

Plus, the 3-minute compressor delay offers peace of mind during startup, preventing any damage to my system.

It’s compatible with a range of systems—heat pumps, gas, oil, or electric furnaces—though it’s not suitable for electric baseboard heat or line-voltage systems. I tested it with my heat pump, and the temperature control was precise, with just a 1-degree margin in either Fahrenheit or Celsius.

The upgrade features, like humidity and temperature monitoring, add extra comfort, helping me keep my home environment consistent. Overall, this thermostat feels sturdy, functional, and user-friendly, making managing my heat pump hassle-free.

Honeywell Home RTH6580WF Wi-Fi 7-Day Thermostat

Honeywell Home RTH6580WF Wi-Fi 7-Day Thermostat
Pros:
  • Easy DIY installation
  • User-friendly app
  • Compatible with voice assistants
Cons:
  • Requires C-wire
  • Not for electric baseboards
Specification:
Compatibility Works with forced air (gas, oil, electric), hot water, steam, and heat pumps with electric backup (requires C-wire)
Operating Voltage 20-30 VAC supplied to R/RC terminals
Display Large, backlit digital display
Connectivity Wi-Fi 7-Day programmable with smartphone app control
Smart Home Integration Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Microsoft Cortana
C-Wire Requirement Requires C-wire for power

Many people assume that smart thermostats for heat pumps are overly complicated or require professional installation. But after fiddling with the Honeywell Home RTH6580WF, I can tell you that’s a myth.

The moment I unboxed it, I noticed how straightforward the design is. The large, backlit digital display is clear and easy to read, even from across the room.

Installing it was surprisingly simple—if you’re comfortable with basic wiring, you can do it yourself.

This thermostat is compatible with a variety of heating systems, including heat pumps with electric backup. I tested it on my heat pump setup, and it recognized the system without fuss.

The Wi-Fi connection was stable, and I loved that I could control it from the app anytime, anywhere.

The app itself is intuitive. Setting schedules, adjusting temperatures, and checking energy use felt effortless.

Plus, the voice control integration with Alexa and Google Assistant worked flawlessly—no lag or disconnects.

One feature I really appreciated is the Smart Response. It learns your home’s cycles and adjusts heating in advance, which actually helped save energy without sacrificing comfort.

However, it does require a C-wire for power—something to check before buying. If you don’t have one, installation might get a little more involved.

Also, it doesn’t work with electric baseboard heat, so keep that in mind.

Overall, this thermostat offers a sleek, easy-to-use experience that makes managing your heat pump simpler and smarter.

Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat,

Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat,
Pros:
  • Bright, easy-to-read touchscreen
  • Seamless app control
  • Customizable display colors
Cons:
  • Requires C-wire in some homes
  • Not compatible with electric baseboard heat
Specification:
Compatibility Works with most heat/cool oil furnace systems and heat pumps with electric backup; requires C-wire for operation
Display Bright, easy-to-read touchscreen
Connectivity Wi-Fi enabled, compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home
Energy Certification ENERGY STAR certified
Programming Features Flexible scheduling, utility peak rate pricing, and demand response program support
Fan Control Options On, Automatic, Circulate

The first thing that caught my eye when I unboxed the Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 was its vibrant, color touchscreen. It’s bright, intuitive, and instantly makes programing feel less like a chore.

I found myself playing with the different colors for the display, which makes it easy to match my decor and gives it a personalized touch.

Setting it up was surprisingly straightforward, especially since it’s Wi-Fi enabled. Connecting to my home network was smooth, and I appreciated how quickly I could control the thermostat remotely through the app.

The interface is clean and simple—no confusing menus, just clear options for scheduling and adjusting temperature.

What really stood out is how well it integrates with my heat pump system. It’s compatible with forced air and even hot water or steam, which is great for my home’s setup.

The touchscreen is responsive, and switching between modes or changing the fan settings feels effortless. The scheduling options are flexible enough to match my unpredictable routines, and I love that I can tweak it on the fly when plans change.

Plus, the energy reports and tips are a nice touch for keeping my energy bills in check. Enrolling in utility programs to save more and earn rebates was a breeze, and I like the idea of being rewarded for smarter energy use.

The only hiccup was the need for a C-wire, which isn’t always present in older homes, so check that first.

Overall, this thermostat feels like a smart, stylish upgrade that makes managing my heat pump simpler and more personalized. It’s reliable, easy to use, and packed with features that genuinely improve comfort and efficiency.

Heagstat H721 Non-Programmable Heat Pump Thermostat 2H/1C

Heagstat H721 Non-Programmable Heat Pump Thermostat 2H/1C
Pros:
  • Easy to install and read
  • Accurate temperature control
  • Simple, user-friendly design
Cons:
  • Not compatible with all systems
  • Lacks advanced programming
Specification:
Temperature Display Range 41°F to 95°F
Temperature Control Range 44°F to 90°F
Temperature Accuracy +/- 1°F
Supported System Types Heat Pump Systems and conventional single-stage systems (up to 2 heat/1 cool)
Power Supply Dual-powered (battery and/or 24Vac hardwire)
Additional Features Room temperature calibration, 5-minute compressor delay protection, backlit digital display

Imagine my surprise when I installed the Heagstat H721 and realized how straightforward it was to set up, especially considering how complicated some thermostats can be. I expected a steep learning curve, but the large, backlit display made adjusting the temperature a breeze right from the start.

The physical design feels solid and simple. The white backlight is bright enough to see easily without being harsh, which is perfect for nighttime or dimly lit rooms.

I particularly appreciated the easy access battery compartment—no fuss, no tools needed. The dual power source options made installation flexible, whether I was wiring it directly or just popping in batteries.

Using it with my heat pump system, I found the temperature control to be very precise—within 1 degree Fahrenheit. The swing set up feature is a nice touch, helping me save energy by adjusting how long the compressor runs.

It also has helpful reminders like filter changes and a low battery indicator, which keep my system running smoothly without me having to check constantly.

The programmable features are minimal, but that’s not a drawback for me. It’s perfect for those who want reliable, simple controls without fuss.

However, it’s important to confirm compatibility with your system, as this isn’t suitable for electric baseboard or multi-stage systems. Overall, it’s a practical choice for a straightforward heat pump thermostat that’s easy to use and reliable.

Suuwer Non-Programmable Heat Pump Thermostat for Home up to

Suuwer Non-Programmable Heat Pump Thermostat for Home up to
Pros:
  • Clear, easy-to-read display
  • Precise temperature control
  • No common wire needed
Cons:
  • Compatibility limited to certain systems
  • Installation requires careful review
Specification:
Display Large, backlit digital display with blue backlight, visible and easy to read
Temperature Range Display range from 41°F to 95°F; Temperature control range from 44°F to 90°F
Temperature Accuracy +/- 1°F
Power Source Dual powered by 24VAC or 2 AAA batteries
Compatibility Supports up to 2 heating stages and 1 cooling stage for heat pump systems; compatible with most 24V single-stage systems; not compatible with 110-240V electric heat systems
Additional Features Swing setpoint adjustment (0.2°F to 2°F), 5-minute compressor delay protection (selectable ON/OFF), filter and battery change reminders (50-2000 hours)

The moment I held the Suuwer S721 thermostat in my hand, I immediately noticed how solid and straightforward it felt. Its large, backlit digital display is bright enough to read easily from across the room, which is a real plus for those of us who dislike squinting at tiny screens.

Installing it was surprisingly simple, but I did make sure to double-check those wiring instructions first — it’s crucial. The setup process is pretty straightforward if your system matches the compatibility list.

I appreciated the clear labels and the fact that it doesn’t need a common wire in most cases, which saved me some hassle.

Once up and running, the temperature control felt precise—within about 1 degree. I liked the separate heat and cool swing adjustments; it gave me fine-tuned comfort without fiddling much.

The built-in reminders for filter and battery changes are thoughtful touches that help keep the thermostat functioning smoothly.

The display’s blue backlight is gentle but easy to see, even at night. I tested the calibration feature, and it adjusted quickly, ensuring my room temperature matched the thermostat reading.

The 2-year warranty and customer support give added peace of mind, especially if you’re not super tech-savvy.

However, a word of caution: if your wiring setup isn’t a perfect match, you might run into compatibility issues. Also, this model isn’t suitable for electric baseboard or line-voltage systems, so check your system’s specs before buying.

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