25 years ago, more than 50% of all household energy was consumed entirely by space heating, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). That number has since decreased as a result of smarter, energy-efficient heating solutions, including the onset of smart thermostats and home automation.
Smart thermostats can now connect to your baseboard heaters and home WiFi to systematically control temperature and energy consumption.
If every household began using a smart thermostat, we could save as much as 56 trillion BTUs of energy and offset 13 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions every year!
Smart Thermostat. Photo Credit: StelproSmart Thermostats and Baseboard Heaters, a Match Made in Heaven
Millions of dollars are wasted each year in heating a whole house when we only need to heat a few rooms.
Think about it. At night, when you’re fast asleep, the only rooms in use are bedrooms. Why waste energy keeping the kitchen and living room warm all night?
What about while the family is away at work and school all day? Your pet goldfish doesn’t need for you to keep the heaters running just for him.
Baseboard heaters allow you to heat only your home's rooms actively in use while saving on heating costs in other rooms. A smart thermostat installed with baseboard heaters provides the best opportunity to save money and reduce your environmental footprint.
What are Baseboard Heaters?
Baseboard heaters are heating devices installed on the baseboards of rooms. They are generally installed under windows to warm cool air and keep rooms warm and cozy quickly. For homes that require high heating loads, baseboard heaters generally aren’t the most efficient way to heat a space. For some homes where the heating load is very low, like in warm climate zones, their affordability often makes them the safer choice. There are two types of baseboard heaters, electric and hydronic.
$249
Google Nest Learning Thermostat
Nest Learning ThermostatPrograms itself. Then it pays for itself.The Nest Learning Thermostat automatically adapts as your life and the seasons change. Just use it for a week, and it programs itself. Pop off your old thermostat and install your new Nest. It should take about half an hour. Now turn up the temperature and get comfortable. Available in: Carbon Black, White, Copper, Mirror Black, Polished Steel, and Brass.
$129.99
Google Nest Thermostat
Putting in new light bulbs. Efficient appliances. Unplugging everything when you leave. It saves energy, sure. But it’s a drop in the bucket compared to what a thermostat can do. Your thermostat controls half your energy bill. And it’s wasting energy. Meet the Nest ThermostatFine-tune your comfort. Available in: Black (Charcoal), White (Snow), Green (Fog), and Rose (Sand).
$129
Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Thermostat ST55U
From across the room or across the country, your Sensi™ Wi-Fi thermostat makes it easy to remotely control and schedule your home comfort. Designed to work with the wires you already have, Sensi thermostat does not require a common wire (c-wire) for most installations, so it is compatible with the HVAC equipment in many homes. A c-wire is required for heat-only, cool-only, and heat pump (without aux) systems. The Energy Star certified Sensi thermostat helps you save on your HVAC energy costs, with features like geofencing, 7-day flexible scheduling, remote access, and in-app system usage Most install in 30 minutes or less Extensive compatibility Smart home compatible: works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit (c-wire required), and Samsung SmartThings Monitor current day and historical heating, cooling, and fan runtime right in the app Remotely control your home comfort from your smartphone or tablet using the Sensi mobile app for Android and iOS devices Sensi features smart alerts to help detect extreme temperature and humidity levels in your home
$599
Stiebel Eltron Tempra 20 Trend Whole House Electric Tankless Water Heater - 239215
The Tempra® 20 Trend is capable of providing consistently hot water to several fixtures at once while reducing energy usage. 240/208V - 19.2 kW copper tankless electric w. digital thermostat Tempra® Trend models feature a memory preset that makes it easy to return to your ideal water temperature at the push of a button. With the Tempra® Trend, you’ll enjoy endless hot water, unrivaled efficiency, and the utmost in comfort. A Stiebel Eltron Tempra® responds directly to your demand for hot water without interruption. Showers will always be hot, even if there are several taken in a row and they run long. Every Tempra® has self-modulation. Self-modulation ensures that only the least amount of energy is used at all times. Features: Proven reliability from the world leader Unlimited supply of hot water Sleek design saves space No venting required Provides continuous hot water on demand Saves energy with auto-modulation Solid copper heating chambers Smart microprocessor technology for steady temp. with variable flow 7/3-year warranty
$749
Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Trend Whole House Electric Tankless Water Heater - 239217
The Tempra® 29 Trend is capable of providing consistently hot water to several fixtures at once while reducing energy usage. 240/208V - 28.8 kW copper tankless electric w. digital thermostat Tempra® Trend models feature a memory preset that makes it easy to return to your ideal water temperature at the push of a button. With the Tempra® Trend, you’ll enjoy endless hot water, unrivaled efficiency, and the utmost in comfort. A Stiebel Eltron Tempra® responds directly to your demand for hot water without interruption. Showers will always be hot, even if there are several taken in a row and they run long. Every Tempra® has self-modulation. Self-modulation ensures that only the least amount of energy is used at all times. Features: Proven reliability from the world leader Unlimited supply of hot water Sleek design saves space No venting required Provides continuous hot water on demand Saves energy with auto-modulation Solid copper heating chambers Smart microprocessor technology for steady temp. with variable flow 7/3-year warranty
$749
Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Trend Whole House Electric Tankless Water Heater - 239218
The Tempra® 36 Trend is capable of providing consistently hot water to several fixtures at once while reducing energy usage. 240/208V - 36 kW copper tankless electric w. digital thermostat Tempra® Trend models feature a memory preset that makes it easy to return to your ideal water temperature at the push of a button. With the Tempra® Trend, you’ll enjoy endless hot water, unrivaled efficiency, and the utmost in comfort. A Stiebel Eltron Tempra® responds directly to your demand for hot water without interruption. Showers will always be hot, even if there are several taken in a row and they run long. Every Tempra® has self-modulation. Self-modulation ensures that only the least amount of energy is used at all times. Features: Proven reliability from the world leader Unlimited supply of hot water Sleek design saves space No venting required Provides continuous hot water on demand Saves energy with auto-modulation Solid copper heating chambers Smart microprocessor technology for steady temp. with variable flow 7/3-year warranty
$649
Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 Trend Whole House Electric Tankless Water Heater - 239216
The Tempra® 24 Trend is capable of providing consistently hot water to several fixtures at once while reducing energy usage. 240/208V - 24 kW copper tankless electric w. digital thermostat Tempra® Trend models feature a memory preset that makes it easy to return to your ideal water temperature at the push of a button. With the Tempra® Trend, you’ll enjoy endless hot water, unrivaled efficiency, and the utmost in comfort. A Stiebel Eltron Tempra® responds directly to your demand for hot water without interruption. Showers will always be hot, even if there are several taken in a row and they run long. Every Tempra® has self-modulation. Self-modulation ensures that only the least amount of energy is used at all times. Features: Proven reliability from the world leader Unlimited supply of hot water Sleek design saves space No venting required Provides continuous hot water on demand Saves energy with auto-modulation Solid copper heating chambers Smart microprocessor technology for steady temp. with variable flow 7/3-year warranty
$1,377.23
Moen 4-Outlet Thermostatic Digital Shower Valve
The U By Moen shower changes shower forever with an app-based, cloud-based shower. This next-generation digital shower technology gives you countless ways to create your ideal showering experience by pressing a button on the sleek handle or tapping the app on your smartphone. U by Moen Shower gives you invisible customization options previously perfectly suited to your needs, such as warming up your shower from the app while in bed, knowing that the water will pause at the preset temperature until you're ready to go inside. With up to 12 custom presets including name, greetings, outlets used, water temperature, shower timer, and notifications, the U By Moen smartphone app offers the ultimate in customization and control. The system's compact digital valve design makes installation easy and flexible, with an optional battery backup. Features: compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple Homekit/Siri, and Google Assistant 4-outlet shower valve thermostatic digital valve provides precise temperature and outlet control compact valve design and 30-foot data cable allows for flexibility in install locations accessible filter screens allow for easy servicing
$149.99
Honeywell Lyric T5+ Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat - RCHT8612WF
The T5+ Smart Thermostat helps you achieve greater comfort and efficiency in your home. The thermostat is easy to install without a C-Wire and features a simple, user-friendly interface. The ENERGY STAR certified T5+ WiFi Smart Thermostat assists in making your home the most comfortable temperature when you arrive by using geofencing technology to keep track of your smartphone's location. By not heating or cooling your home until you're close by, the smart home thermostat can save you money on energy costs while you're away. This Honeywell Thermostat is easy to install and conveniently fits into any lifestyle.You can connect your WiFi thermostat to the Honeywell Home App, a platform designed to simplify your home comfort with a single app. Control from anywhere by smartphone or tablet, and receive push notifications to remind you to change your filter and warn you of extreme indoor temperatures. The Lyric T5 uses geofencing technology to keep track of an owner's smartphone location. This allows the thermostat to prepare home settings based on arrival and departure. The Honeywell Lyric T5 WiFi Thermostat includes an Optional Power Adapter. Typical WiFi thermostats require extra power via a "C" wire. Many homes don't feature this wire, so this adapter provides a simple, low voltage alternative. Features: The Lyric T5+ is fully compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Cortana, and other ecosystems. Uses geofencing technology to keep track of your smartphone's location. So it knows when you're on your way home and makes sure your home is exactly how you like it when you arrive. Lyric is a WiFi-connected platform designed to simplify your home comfort with a single app. Control from anywhere by smartphone or tablet (Android/AppleiOS). Optional Power Adapter Included - a low voltage alternative if your home does not have a "C" wire for installation. Intelligent comfort control allows Lyric to automatically determine if your home needs heating or cooling to provide maximum comfort. Smart alerts remind you to change your filter and warn you of extreme indoor temperatures. Touchscreen display, back-lit, and easy to use. 7-day flexible scheduling or location-based temperature control. Custom fan settings to circulate more or less air, as needed, to keep air moving throughout your home. ENERGY STAR Certified WiFi Thermostat
$549
Stiebel Eltron Tempra 15 Trend Whole House Electric Tankless Water Heater - 239214
The Tempra® 15 Trend is capable of providing consistently hot water to several fixtures at once while reducing energy usage. 240/208V - 14.4 kW copper tankless electric w. digital thermostat Tempra® Trend models feature a memory preset that makes it easy to return to your ideal water temperature at the push of a button. With the Tempra® Trend, you’ll enjoy endless hot water, unrivaled efficiency, and the utmost in comfort. A Stiebel Eltron Tempra® responds directly to your demand for hot water without interruption. Showers will always be hot, even if there are several taken in a row and they run long. Every Tempra® also has self-modulation. Self-modulation ensures that only the least amount of energy is used at all times. Features: Proven reliability from the world leader Unlimited supply of hot water Sleek design saves space No venting required Provides continuous hot water on demand Saves energy with auto-modulation Solid copper heating chambers Smart microprocessor technology for steady temp. with variable flow 7/3-year warranty
Electric Baseboard Heaters
Electric baseboard heaters transmit electric currents through wires encased in piping. The heater pulls cool air in, warms it with electricity, and pushes out hot air, heating a room quickly.
Hydronic Baseboard Heaters
Hydronic baseboard heaters draw water from your water heater into pipes installed in the baseboard heater. Once the water has cooled, it recycles back to the heater, and fresh, boiling water is pumped back in until the room reaches the desired temperature.
A smart thermostat can connect all baseboard heaters to a central control, regardless of type. From there, you can manage your home temperature room by room, even when you’re not at home.
How Does a Smart Thermostat Work?
A smart thermostat automates home heating while reducing energy consumption and saving on heating costs. By connecting through your home WiFi, the smart thermostat will turn baseboard heaters on and off, keeping rooms warm and prevents wasting of energy on rooms, not in use. The system is programmable to your schedule and even learns from your family’s patterns.
A smart thermostat remembers which hours you’re away from home and when you return, warming the house just to your liking, right before you get there. Geofencing will even recognize, via GPS, when you’re returning early to get things nice and toasty warm for your arrival.
Most smart thermostats can be controlled from an app or website, empowering homeowners to turn heaters on and off remotely. That’s an absolute lifesaver for frequent travelers who often forget whether they remembered to turn the heat off before locking up. Smart thermostats can even integrate with smart home systems like Google Home, Alexa, Homekit, and Vera for a complete home automation system.
What Smart Thermostats Work With Baseboard Heaters?
Options are growing daily in the smart thermostat market. Companies like Mysa, Sinope, and Stelpro manufacturer smart thermostats specifically for line voltage thermostats. There are some important considerations before purchasing a smart thermostat. If you have an electric resistance heater, it's almost certain that you have a line voltage thermostat. This includes wall convector heat, fan-forced wall convection heat, electric baseboard heat, and in-floor heating. It's important to note that not all thermostats are compatible with or advised for use with in-floor heating. The manufacturer and packaging can indicate which line voltage smart thermostats are compatible with in-floor heating. Each existing thermostat will have to be replaced with a smart thermostat.
Smart Thermostat. Photo Credit: MysaMysa Smart Thermostat
Mysa offers two thermostat options that are built for line voltage electric heaters and high voltage in-floor heating. The smart thermostat offers multi-room smart baseboard heating options as low as $139. They even offer options to zone your home for separate heating control. Learn more about Mysa Smart Thermostats >>
Smart Thermostat. Photo Credit: SinopeSinope Smart Thermostat
Sinope also offers web programmable smart thermostats built to integrate with Zigbee compatible home automation systems starting at $75. Learn more about Sinope Smart Thermostats >>
Stelpro Maestro Smart Thermostat. Photo Credit: StelproStelpro Smart Thermostat
Stelpro offers a variety of options in smart thermostats for baseboard heating, including single and multiple programming electronic and electronic for smart homes. Options start at $90. Learn more about Stelpro Smart Thermostats >>
Reduce Your Home Energy Consumption
On average, households that install smart thermostats with baseboard heating see a 30% reduction in total energy consumption each year. That results in significant cost savings in the cooler months and a reduced environmental impact year-round.
Generating heat, whether by electric or water, uses a great deal of energy. Join the 21st-century revolution of smarter living by decreasing your energy use with the technology and automation of smart thermostats.
Article By: Laura Bourland
Laura grew up in the California suburbs, far removed from environmentalism, but nature always has a way. She uprooted her life in 2015, moving to the countryside of Washington to live a more sustainable and simple life on 12 acres. She and her fiancee are learning on the job as they attempt everything from gardening and natural pest control to eco-friendly building and home improvement.