The first decision you’ll have to make is to get either a programmable or non programmable thermostat.

A programmable thermostat can help you save a good chunk of change each month on your heating and cooling bill if your home is frequently empty.

However, if you’re home all the time and always leave the thermostat at the same temperature, then it’s not going to save you any money – it’ll just cost you money as programmable thermostats cost more than their non programmable counterparts.

I’ll give you some recommendations for each:

Best Digital Non Programmable Thermostats

Rite Temp 6020 – This thermostat will work with 1 or 2 stage systems, and is really user friendly. It has a push button backlight so you can illuminate the display and see the temperature even if the room is dark. It’ll run you about $25.

Lux DHP2120 Digital Non Programmable Thermostat for Heat Pump – If you have a heat pump, this is probably the best choice for you. You can find it online at retailers like Amazon for $39.98. It’s a mercury free thermostat with adjustable temperature stops, an auxilary heat indicator and emergency heat position.

My Favorite Programmable Thermostats

BayWeb Internet Controlled Thermostat

When you first look at the BAYweb you’ll probably wonder where the rest of it is. The only part you see is a small display with a green lcd display that only displays temperature. You can raise and lower the temperature from this panel and that’s about it. If you don’t know what it is, you’ll probably it’s about as useful as a non programmable thermostat.

Nothing could be further from the truth. This thermostat is built to be controlled from the web. It’s great if you have rental property of a vacation home. It’s also great if your family is always on the go. It has occupancy sensing which can automatically adjust the temperature based on if anyone is home. You can also change the temperature from any smartphone or any place with internet access. Some people even use it as as a cheap security system (remember the occupancy sensor?).

Honeywell Prestige HD YTHX9321R5003 Deluxe Comfort Thermostat System Kit

The Honeywell prestige setup is really cool. First of all, it comes with an HD touchscreen display AND a remote control. You can change the temperature of any zone from any room if you have the remote. That means you can turn the heat on to your game room if you want to go shoot a game of pool while sitting on your couch watching TV. It works on multi-stage, single stage and heat pump systems.

Proliphix NT120e or NT120h IP Thermostat

By now youve probably figured out I have a thing for web controlled and home automation systems. This professional series model is one of my favorites. The thermostat itself looks quite ordinary, but the ability to control your temperature remotely is the selling point here.