Complete Guide to Z Wave Thermostat [Popular Models and Troubleshoot]

Gone were the days when you need a remote to adjust the temperature of your home. Now you can maintain the required temperature of your home or office with your smartphone.

Isn’t it amazing?

Z wave thermostats are indoor thermostats that enable you to monitor and adjust the temperature of your home and offices for both cooling and heating. They will convert your old and traditional home into a smart home. 
As Z wave thermostats can be deftly handled by your smartphones you can control them remotely from any place. Thus, you do not need to worry if you forgot to turn off your Z-Wave smart thermostat because they will automatically power off if there are no people in its vicinity. 
In addition, these thermostats can also communicate with other smart home devices that use the Z-Wave technology, via a central hub or controller. Some of the Z-Wave thermostats also possess humidity sensors. This will allow you to measure the level of humidity in your homes and offices, buildings and apartments.

How Do Z Wave Thermostat Works?

These thermostats use the Z-Wave protocol to transmit data among all of the Z-Wave products. This protocol is based on the mesh network topology in which multiple nodes can either connect directly with each other or they can be linked indirectly through some other node that is in range of the former two nodes. 
This linkage is facilitated by a Z Wave controller or Z Wave hub. The controller is needed to control and automate your Z-Wave thermostat. All the settings related to this smart thermostat are configured by this controller which includes triggering automated events or connecting your Z Wave thermostat with other Z-Wave devices installed in your home. 

Why Do We Need A Z-Wave Thermostat?

Z-Wave thermostats always stand out among its competitors. The following are the reasons why you need to install a brand new Z-Wave thermostat in your home or replace your existing traditional thermostats as soon as possible.

• Energy Saver

Z-Wave thermostats are smart programmable thermostats. They can be programmed to turn off automatically according to the schedule. Hence they can save up to 25% of your monthly bills and about $200 per year by saving energy. 

• Affordability

It is probably the best benefit as considered by most of the people. The Z-Wave thermostats are available at affordable industry prices so that everyone can enjoy a nice and cozy temperature without spending much. 

• Reliability

Another great benefit of the Z Wave thermostat is its reliability. Due to the mesh network technology, communication among devices is smooth and free of interference. Also, the thermostat needs less maintenance and works for a longer period of time. 

• Compatibility

The Z-wave technology makes these thermostats compatible with almost all the devices. You can also operate them with just a voice command by pairing them with the voice assistant. 

• Ease Of Installation

The device is easy to install and is compatible with the HVAC system of your house. All you need is to follow the steps as mentioned in the installation guide in detail with images about how to remove an existing one and replaced it with a new one or how to do it from scratch.  

• Programmable

The Z-Wave thermostats are programmable which means that you can program the thermostat to perform various functions by yourself. You can set various schedules so that the thermostat will work automatically according to the set schedules. 

• Ease Of Access

The Z-Wave thermostats also come with an application to configure different settings and to manage the device in a convenient way. In addition, the remote controller can also be operated via in-app that is installed on your smartphone which makes it easy to access.

• Better Than Wi-Fi Thermostats

In order to operate these thermostats remotely, you do not need an active Wi-Fi connection. In addition, the Wi-Fi thermostats consume more energy as compared to the Z-Wave thermostats which make them a better option.

• Can Be Powered By Batteries

In case you do not have a c-wiring in your home, you do not need to install it to power your Z-Wave thermostat or you do not need to have an adapter to bridge the connection. In fact, you can use batteries alone to power your thermostat.

5 Best Z-Wave Thermostats

Choosing the right device for your home is a daunting task. You have to consider a number of factors like your preferences, choices, functionality, and cost of the thermostat before spending your money. 
Given below is the list of top 5 Z-Wave thermostats with detailed features and characteristics that will help you to choose the right one for your home

1. Go Control Z-Wave Thermostat

If you need a smart programmable thermostat that delivers the best quality and saves a sufficient amount of energy then get your hands on the Go Control Z-Wave thermostat. This thermostat will add a whole new level of comfort to your life. Because it is programmable, so you need to program it once by setting a schedule. 
Unlike other traditional thermostats, you do not need to set its temperature again and again or to turn it on or off repeatedly. The Go Control Z-Wave thermostat not only enables a nice and cozy environment but also it will add more convenience to your life.
Some of its features are listed below:

• The Go control thermostat is so easy to install that you can even do it by yourself within a few moments.  
• The device comes with 4 AA batteries which allow you to install it without any c-wiring system.
• The device can save up to 48% of your energy by shutting down automatically and by using Z-wave technology instead of Wi-Fi.
• The device is compatible with all other Z-Wave smart home devices and Z-wave central hub to control these devices.
• The communication among this Z-Wave thermostat and other devices is a 2-way Radio-frequency enabled communication.
• You can control your home climate with just a single touch even when you are away from home via a mobile phone application.

Pros

• Batteries can work for 2 years.
• Do not necessarily need c-wiring to install it. 
• It is compatible with 95% of HVAC systems.
• It is compatible with Alexa.

Cons

• It has a very limited display.
• It’s not compatible with Z-Wave plus.

2. Honeywell YTH8320ZW1007/U Z-Wave Thermostat

Honeywell YTH8320ZW1007/U is a fully programmable Z-Wave thermostat that offers reliable functionality with an easy to read display. Like other Z-Wave thermostats, this thermostat is also compatible with a central Z-Wave hub or controller. Through the controller or hub, you can manage its functionality.
The device can be easily configured using the hub. Also, it can connect to all other Z-Wave devices installed in your home with a secure and reliable connection via a mesh network of Z-Wave technology. 
Here are few other astounding features offered by this Honeywell thermostat.

• You can install the Honeywell thermostat without a C wiring system by just using the batteries for a sufficient time period.
• The device features a larger backlight display with a wide area of about 10 square inches which makes it easy to read even in a dark place.
• Its menu-driven programming feature guides the user by displaying only the necessary information during the programming process.
• Users can set different schedules for multiple days in a customize way or cancel them when not needed and can also turn on the non-programmable settings.   
• You can even set the device into an energy-saving mode with particular heating and cooling setpoints.
• The real-time clock enables it to save time during a power failure. This allows the thermostat to update the time automatically for daylight savings.

Pros

• The device features a smart response technology.
• It facilitates manual or automatic system changeover.

• You can override the program schedule anytime.
• Reminder to check/change critical components is enabled.

Cons

• The device is a bit expensive.

3. Alarm.Com Smart Z-Wave Thermostat

If you want to maintain your indoor temperature with a sleek looking and modern thermostat design then the Alarm.com Smart Z-Wave thermostat is the right choice for you. The temperature is displayed in a beautiful and attractive dotted format. This thermostat utilizes the all-new Z-Wave Plus specifications.
The Alrm.com thermostat can function both with batteries and without batteries by connecting it with the house C-wiring system. Due to the Z-Wave Plus technology, the device range is improved by 67% and the expected battery life is improved by 50%. 
If you are signed up for the Alarm.com account, you can have additional features. This thermostat is compatible with any Z-Wave hub and thus it makes your life more comfortable and convenient. Other amazing features related to this device are:

• Connect the device with Alexa and make it even more convenient to operate with just a single voice command.
• You can operate the device even when you are away from home by using your smartphone application or by connecting to your Z-Wave hub.
• You can add or remove the schedules on a daily basis or for multiple days with its programmable feature to set different temperatures.
• You can pair this device with the Alarm.com temperature sensor. Through this, it can detect your room temperature and function accordingly.
• You can use the energy-saving module to optimize its energy usage by using temperature presets for sleep, home and away modes.
• The device can automatically respond to both indoor and outdoor changes like weather or location detection etc. to optimize its activity.

Pros

• Extreme Temps adjusts the temperature for extremely hot/cold days.
• Location detection is enabled through Geo-services. 
• The device can be operated using voice commands.

Cons

• No filter reminder is enabled.
• The run time of the system is not recorded.

4. Radio Thermostat Ct100 Z-Wave Thermostat

The Radio CT100 Z-wave thermostat is known for its quality performance and affordable prices with the energy-saving facility. The device has an old yet easy to use touch screen display. Now you do not need to press any navigation buttons on the thermostat. 
The device can pair up with the Z-Wave Plus hub or other controllers for Z-Wave. Through this feature the Radio CT100 thermostat can connect with other devices with a Z- wave technology like the door-lock or security device and hence favors interoperability.  
The thermostat is also compatible with all the systems including oil, gas, electric or heat pump. So you do not need to upgrade your existing systems. The 4 AAA batteries, the device can be operated for 2 years with improved range. Other features of this thermostat are mentioned below:

• The device comes with an easy installation guide to save your time while replacing or upgrading your existing system. 
• The Radio CT100 thermostat can be powered by the existing c-wiring system or by inserting the 4 AAA batteries for wire saving.
• This thermostat ensures a better heating and cooling experience by maintaining high and low stage heating/cooling for different temperatures.
• The device featured a decent-looking design with minimum volume to give a nice and sleek experience.
• The Radio thermostat has a touch screen display with a bright light to make it easy to handle and operate with great visibility. 
• The device has an improved Z-Wave range to the hub or other devices due to its compatibility with the latest Z-Wave Plus technology.

Pros

• The device is available at affordable prices.
• The device can operate to a much greater range. 
• It facilitates DIY customized scheduling.
• Compatible with Z-Wave Plus. 

Cons

• More information should be provided on its display.
• The design is not impressive. 

5. Stelpro Z-Wave Plus KI STZW402WB+ Thermostat

The Stelpro Z-Wave thermostats are known to function well with the high voltage ranging from 120V to 220V heating system. It is the first-ever device in North America that can work with the line voltage. You can control and manage your Baseboard heaters by simply pairing your Stelpro thermostat with the Z-Wave hub. 
The device is also compatible with a number of Z-Wave hubs including Vera, Nexia, Wink, SmartThings, and HomeSeer. The minimal control design makes it easy to operate and simple to understand. The majority of its functions are operated using the arrow keys to access menu options and to increase or decrease temperature. 
The device has no fan control. Thus heaters with forced air are not compatible with the device. Other features are explained in detail below.

• The Stelpro thermostats are compatible with a wide range of Z-Wave hubs and controllers to bring comfort and connect it with other Z-Wave devices.
• The Stelpro thermostat enables you to adjust the temperature for different zones in your home. You can set different temperatures for separate rooms.
• Now you can control the convectors and baseboard heater in your home through mobile phones and computers having a Z-Wave gateway controller. 
• The thermostat’s eco mode saves significant energy through preset temperature ranges for different conditions.
• Have a customized scheduling experience with the Stelpro thermostat by setting/removing different temperatures for various zones and for multiple days.
• You can pair the device with other sensors and motion detectors having Z-Wave technology to automatically turn on/off the thermostat.
• Due to the Z-Wave Plus technology, the thermostat can work with an improved range and better battery life. 

Pros

• The device can support a high voltage.
• It supports 4 heating stages for heating/cooling.
• Compatible with Z-Wave Plus technology.
• The device has an Eco energy-saving mode.

Cons

• The device does not turn off completely.
• It does not support Alexa voice assistants.

Problems/Troubleshooting Of Z-Wave Thermostat

Dealing With The Device Short Range

Sometimes the thermostat may lose connections to other devices due to its short range. For this problem try the following solutions.

• Try using additional AC powered devices that will help to relay signals to other devices at a farther place. 
• Try to avoid obstructions due to hard and solid objects like large appliances and walls in between the thermostat and hub or other devices.
• You can also identify the link quality and the range of your thermostat by conducting the Link Quality test.

Other Reasons For Poor Connection

• If your thermostat has a weak connection then check its batteries and other power sources. The device must be fully powered by significantly charged batteries or a wall outlet.
• Consider the thermostat manual in order to find a better power supply for your device. 
• If the problem is not solved then try deleting your thermostat from the central hub even if it is not connected. Then Again try to add and connect the thermostat with the central hub.
• If you are unable to delete the thermostat device from the central hub, then turn off both the thermostat and the hub and then turn on again. 

Does Not Have A C-Wiring

If you do not have a C-Wiring system in your house then you can try the following steps.

• If the device can be powered by batteries then use batteries instead of common wire that can last for almost 2 years. 
• Try finding an adapter to bridge the connection between the common wire and your thermostat. 
• Else you have to replace your traditional wiring system with C-Wiring. 

Some Additional Tips To Avoid Any Problem

• If you have to replace your old thermostat batteries with the new one, always remember to turn off the device first.
• If you are using the wiring system to power your thermostat then check the condition of all the wires before installing the device to avoid any shortage. 
• While disconnecting the wires, make sure to label them properly before removal to avoid any problem while reconnecting them. 

For further troubleshooting problems, consider the manual that comes along with the thermostat.