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What Is a Smart Thermostat?

What exactly does a smart thermostat do?

By Anne Fonda

A smart thermostat, or Wi-Fi thermostat, is a thermostat that can be controlled by a phone, tablet, smart speaker, or another internet-connected device. Generally, they will also allow you to incorporate them into home automation systems. Smart thermostats also allow you to schedule your desired temperature so that you can find your perfect balance between comfort and energy efficiency.  

Some smart thermostats can even learn your temperature preferences and automatically set a schedule.  In addition, some smart thermostats have geofencing, which uses GPS or RFID to trigger the thermostat to start heating or cooling to your preferred temperature when you’re close to home.

Benefits of Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats are a serious upgrade from both standard thermostats and programmable thermostats. You get:

  • Improved comfort and convenience
  • Enhanced energy management
  • Potentially lower energy costs based on your usage habits

Can you just replace a thermostat with a smart thermostat?

In most cases, yes. You need a central HVAC system, strong WiFi, and a smartphone. Do your research to find the best option for your home because not all smart thermostats are alike. For a Trane thermostat, your dealer should install it to ensure the best results.

Why Choose a Trane Smart Thermostat?

Trane smart thermostats are several steps above the products you’ll find online. It’s one of the reasons Trane achieved a 5-star Smart Thermostat ranking in the 2022 America’s Most Trusted® study. In addition, Trane earned the 2024 America’s Most Trusted® HVAC Brand for overall quality and performance. This is the 10th year in a row that Trane has earned the title.

Trane is committed to offering cutting-edge technology that provides reliable heating and cooling, and, when it comes to our smart thermostats, so much more. Our thermostats go beyond the basics of:

Depending on which Trane smart thermostat you choose, it may also provide the following features:

  • WiFi or Ethernet Connectivity (or both)
  • Compatible with most HVAC systems (not just Trane systems)
  • Communicating Technology
  • Allergy Clean/Quick Clean Cycles
  • Humidity Control
  • Enhanced Airflow Control
  • Runtime History
  • One Touch Presets
  • System Alerts
  • Screen Saver
  • Color Touch Screen
  • Upgradeable Software
  • Trane Diagnostics
  • Trane Home Support
  • Compatibility with Select Third Party Home Automation Controllers
  • Connection to Trane-Certified and Compatible Home Automation Devices
  • 10-Year Limited Warranty on Functional Parts with Registration

If you’re looking for a basic smart home thermostat, or the best smart thermostat with all the bells and whistles, we have you covered. We have options that are compatible exclusively with Trane equipment, but others that are compatible with virtually any HVAC system.

Browse Trane smart thermostats.

Anne Fonda, Content Writer

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A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.

She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.

When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.

Expert review by Michael Morey, Smart Thermostat Product Manager

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