In 2025, the biggest smart thermostat improvements were better occupancy sensing on higher-end models (often using radar), tighter utility-grid integration for demand-response programs, and more flexible multi-room control when paired with room sensors. Most other “new features” are just repackaged versions of what was already available. This article explains which updates matter—and which ones you can ignore.
What Actually Changed in Smart Thermostats This Year
Smart thermostats in 2025 brought three meaningful improvements. First, millimeter-wave radar replaced older passive infrared (PIR) sensors for occupancy detection. PIR could only sense movement—meaning you had to wave your hand or walk by for it to register. Radar detects presence, so it knows you’re home even if you’re reading, working, or sleeping.
Second, thermostats now connect directly to utility companies through standardized APIs, allowing automatic participation in demand-response programs—and earning homeowners bill credits during peak events.
Third, multi-zone temperature control is easier to set up than it used to be, especially when you pair a smart thermostat with room sensors or existing zoning hardware.
That’s it—those are the real upgrades worth paying attention to. Everything else is just marketing.
The Three Real Innovations
Millimeter-wave radar lets newer thermostats sense the tiny movements that happen even when a person is mostly still—like breathing or small posture shifts. With older PIR sensors, a room could look “empty” unless someone walked past the thermostat or waved an arm, which often caused heating or cooling to shut off while someone was quietly watching TV or working at a desk. Radar-based models avoid that problem by recognizing presence, not just motion. This makes them especially helpful in work-from-home setups or for older adults who spend long periods seated. It also improves energy use, with early data showing a noticeable drop in conditioning unoccupied rooms compared to previous-generation sensors.
Utility grid integration means the thermostat can communicate directly with your energy provider. When the grid is under heavy strain—like a hot afternoon when everyone’s air conditioner is running—your utility can request a small, temporary temperature change, usually only 2–3 degrees for a short window. Most homeowners don’t notice the adjustment, but it helps prevent brownouts and keeps the grid stable. In return, utilities typically offer annual incentives for participating in these demand-response events. In earlier generations, joining programs like this required extra hardware or clunky sign-up steps. The 2025 models streamline everything: the capability is built right into the thermostat software, and enrollment takes just a single tap.
Native multi-zone control in today’s smart thermostats typically works by pairing the thermostat with wireless room sensors from the same brand. Those sensors act as extra “thermostats” around the house, so you can prioritize the bedroom at night and the living room during the day without constantly changing settings.
Pro Tip: Before buying a new smart thermostat, check whether your utility company supports demand-response programs. If they haven’t enabled the necessary integration yet, grid-connected features may not be available in your area. Many utilities are expanding these programs over time, so even if the feature isn’t supported now, it may become available later.
What Got Rebranded
Most of the other “new” features being promoted for 2025 are really just updated packaging. Learning algorithms? Those have been around since the first Nest thermostat in 2011 and have only seen minor refinements since. Geofencing that changes the temperature when you leave the house has been standard for years, and voice control through Alexa or Google Assistant has been common since the late 2010s. Remote access through a smartphone app isn’t groundbreaking either—that capability is what defined the smart thermostat category in the mid-2010s.
Many brands are now labeling their 2025 models as “AI-powered” or offering “next-generation learning,” but the spec sheets often tell a different story. If the upgrade amounts to a refreshed app design or a slightly faster processor, it’s not a new technology—it’s just marketing dressed up as innovation.
Ready to upgrade your thermostat?
If you want guidance choosing the right smart thermostat for your HVAC system—whether that’s a Trane model we install often or another brand—Larry Cook Heating and Cooling can help. Contact us to schedule your thermostat consultation.
The AI Claims: What’s Real and What’s Just Rebranded
A lot of 2025 thermostats are being marketed as “AI-powered,” but most are simply using the same learning algorithms introduced several years ago—now paired with better sensors that give them more accurate data. True artificial intelligence would go further: it would understand preferences for different rooms, anticipate your arrival based on typical travel patterns, and make weather-driven adjustments before you even think about changing the temperature. At the moment, only a handful of higher-end models are approaching that level of capability. The Ecobee SmartThermostat Premium and Honeywell Home T10 Pro are among the few that genuinely extend beyond basic schedules and pattern recognition into smarter, more adaptive control.
What Machine Learning Actually Does
In thermostats, machine learning is essentially pattern recognition. The device watches how you adjust the temperature for a week or two, looks for routines, and then repeats those routines automatically. If you consistently lower the heat around 10 PM, it starts scheduling that change for you. If you usually nudge the AC cooler when you get home around 5:30 PM, it picks up on that habit as well. While this qualifies as machine learning, it’s far more limited than the adaptive, predictive intelligence many companies suggest in their marketing. It’s automation—not true insight.
True adaptive learning would be able to recognize when your routine shifts instead of simply averaging your past behavior. For example, if you normally leave for work at 8 AM but leave at 6 AM a couple of times for early meetings, a truly intelligent thermostat would pause and “ask”: Is this a new schedule or just a one-off change? Most models can’t make that distinction—they rely on broad patterns and tend to lock in whatever your typical average looks like.
Some models have predictive preheating that uses weather-forecast data to anticipate how long your home will take to warm up based on outdoor conditions and your home’s thermal mass. If you have your thermostat set to reach 68°F by 7 AM, it might normally begin heating around 6:30. But on a very cold morning—say, when it’s 10 degrees outside—the system may start closer to 5:45 to reach the same target temperature on time. Many mid- to high-end smart thermostats now include this feature, and it genuinely improves efficiency by spreading out the heating load instead of blasting high heat at the last minute.
The Marketing Inflation
Many of the flashy terms attached to 2025 thermostats sound more advanced than the technology actually is. When a thermostat advertises “intelligent climate control,” it usually refers to a combination of basic scheduling and occupancy detection. “Smart learning” typically means the thermostat watches your habits for a week or two and then repeats them automatically. And when companies tout “adaptive algorithms,” they’re usually talking about weather-based features—helpful, but far from groundbreaking.
Here’s what common marketing terms really translate to:
| Marketing Term | What It Actually Means | Is It Useful? |
| AI-Powered Learning | Recognizes your schedule patterns after 1-2 weeks of use | Yes, if your schedule is regular |
| Intelligent Climate Control | Adjusts based on occupancy sensors and schedule | Yes, prevents heating/cooling empty rooms |
| Predictive Preheating | Starts heating earlier on very cold days | Yes, saves energy vs. rapid heating |
| Advanced Algorithms | Weather-aware temperature adjustments | Marginally, mostly marketing |
| Neural Learning Technology | Pattern recognition (same as “AI-Powered”) | Same as basic learning |
Q: How long does it take for a learning thermostat to actually learn my schedule?
Most models need about 7–14 days of normal use to understand your routine. If you change the temperature frequently during the learning phase, it can take longer. Once the thermostat has identified your patterns, it continues fine-tuning over time—but major lifestyle changes (like switching to a work-from-home schedule) usually require another week or two for the thermostat to relearn and adjust.
Features That Actually Matter in Daily Life
The upgrades that make the biggest difference day to day are the ones that directly reduce wasted energy and improve comfort. Occupancy sensing helps by cutting back heating or cooling in rooms no one is using—especially helpful if you keep irregular hours or live in a multi-story home where certain spaces sit empty. ENERGY STAR–certified smart thermostats typically cut heating and cooling use by around 8% on average, with some users seeing higher savings when they fully use features like occupancy sensing and scheduling. Geofencing adds another layer of efficiency by adjusting temperatures automatically when you leave and restoring comfort before you return, without running the system all day. And while app control is useful, most homeowners rely on it mainly for vacation mode or occasional schedule changes—not constant adjustments—because once the thermostat learns your routine, manual changes become rare.
The Non-Negotiables
At this point, certain features are standard for any smart thermostat worth buying. WiFi connectivity, basic 7-day scheduling, and a mobile app that doesn’t lock essential functions should all be included. And don’t overlook the display: the thermostat should show the current temperature clearly on the device itself so you’re not forced to pull out your phone just to check it.
The Actually Useful Upgrades
Room sensors become invaluable in multi-level homes or in houses where certain rooms run warmer or cooler than others. Maybe the main floor feels perfect at 70°F while the upstairs bedroom climbs to 76°F—remote sensors let you decide which space the thermostat should prioritize at different times of day. For most households, choosing a thermostat that supports at least three or four additional sensors makes a noticeable difference in comfort.
Radar-based occupancy detection is another upgrade to higher-end models that genuinely improves daily life. Unlike simple motion sensors, radar can tell when someone is present even if they’re sitting still. This is especially helpful for people who work from home or have family members with irregular schedules. It prevents situations where a home office goes cold simply because you weren’t moving around enough for the thermostat to detect you.
Energy reports with meaningful insights are also worth having. Basic models only show how much energy you used. Smarter thermostats explain why—for example, noting that your home used more energy than similar households because your overnight temperature was set a few degrees higher, and offering concrete suggestions and estimated savings. That kind of detail leads to real, measurable behavior changes.
The Nice-to-Haves You’ll Probably Never Use
Some features sound impressive on a spec sheet but don’t do much for everyday comfort. Touchscreen displays fall into that category—they look sleek, but you’ll still rely on the smartphone app for anything beyond simple adjustments. Air quality monitoring is another feature that often disappoints. Many thermostats can tell you the air quality, but they don’t do anything with that information unless you already have an advanced whole-home purification or ventilation system that can respond automatically.
Ultra-precise temperature control (like 0.5°F increments) also adds little value. Most homes naturally fluctuate more than half a degree due to sunlight, airflow, and normal temperature swings, so you won’t feel the difference. And humidity sensing only matters if your HVAC system includes humidification or dehumidification equipment—something most standard residential systems don’t have.
Q: Do I really need room sensors, or is that overkill for most homes?
Room sensors are helpful in two main situations:
- Multi-story homes, where temperatures vary noticeably between floors.
- Homes with a frequently used room, like a home office, that doesn’t reflect the temperature near the main thermostat.
For smaller, single-story homes—typically under about 1,800 square feet—room sensors usually aren’t necessary.
When Upgrading Makes Sense (And When It Doesn’t)
A newer smart thermostat can be a worthwhile investment if your daily routine is unpredictable, you regularly leave home without adjusting the temperature, or you live in a multi-story home where some rooms run warmer or cooler than others. In those situations, modern features like geofencing, better occupancy sensing, and multi-zone controls can noticeably improve comfort and reduce wasted energy.
But an upgrade isn’t always necessary. If your schedule rarely changes, you already use a programmable thermostat effectively, or you live in a compact, single-level home where one thermostat easily manages the whole space, you may not gain much from the newer models.
Multi-story homes gain the most from smart thermostats that use room sensors because a single thermostat can’t represent temperatures across multiple floors. A thermostat reading 72°F on the main level can easily mean upstairs bedrooms are five or six degrees warmer in summer. With remote sensors, you can tell the thermostat which area should matter most at different times—cooler bedrooms at night, comfortable living spaces during the day—without constantly changing settings.
HVAC compatibility is more important than brand features. If your system doesn’t have a C-wire (common wire) to supply continuous power—something many pre-2000 homes are missing—installation becomes more involved. Before you buy a thermostat, check the wiring behind your current one. If you only see R, W, Y, and G, expect to budget a little extra for a professional install or a power adapter. Some models can “power steal” and run without a C-wire, but this approach isn’t always stable on every HVAC system.
Renters have a different decision to make. Hardwired thermostats stay with the property, so you likely won’t be able to take the device with you when you move. Upgrading only makes sense if you plan to stay put for a couple of years, your landlord allows thermostat replacements, and the model you choose doesn’t require permanent changes.
Pro Tip: Before you disconnect a single wire, snap a clear photo of your existing thermostat wiring. As you remove each wire, add a small piece of tape and label it—“R,” “W,” “Y,” “G,” and so on—so everything goes back exactly where it belongs.
Top Picks
Many homeowners like the Ecobee SmartThermostat Premium for its strong room-sensor ecosystem and radar-based occupancy detection, which help manage temperatures across multiple areas of the home. Others prefer the Google Nest Learning Thermostat for its simplicity—once installed, it learns your routine and handles most adjustments automatically. The Honeywell Home T9 is a reliable option for those who want essential smart features without unnecessary complexity, while the Amazon Smart Thermostat pairs well with Alexa-based smart homes.
At Larry Cook Heating and Cooling, we frequently install Trane smart thermostats because they integrate smoothly with Trane HVAC systems and offer features such as precise temperature control, energy monitoring, and built-in diagnostics. These thermostats support long-term system performance and give homeowners added insight into how their equipment is operating.
Not sure which smart thermostat is right for your home? Schedule a consultation with Larry Cook Heating and Cooling by calling 316-322-5668 or contact us online.
The Installation
A DIY installation is usually straightforward if your system already has a C-wire and you’re comfortable handling basic low-voltage wiring. Most setups involve connecting four to six labeled wires to matching terminals, and manufacturers provide step-by-step guides plus phone support if you get stuck.
Professional installation becomes the better choice when your system doesn’t have a C-wire, when you’re unsure about working with electrical components, or when your HVAC setup is more complex—such as a heat pump with auxiliary heat, dual-fuel systems, or zone controllers.
Many “thermostat not working” calls stem from incorrect DIY wiring or misconfigured heat pump settings in the thermostat software. Professional installation helps protect your HVAC warranty, since incorrect wiring can damage control boards.
If you don’t have a C-wire, C-wire adapters can supply constant power to the thermostat. They’re reliable, but they do require running new wire between the air handler/furnace and the thermostat location—simple, but more involved than just swapping wires. If running new wire isn’t an option, some thermostats offer power-stealing technology that draws small amounts of power through existing wires; this can work, but performance varies depending on the HVAC system.
Hidden Subscription Costs
Most core smart thermostat features—like scheduling, app control, and geofencing—work without any ongoing fees. However, some brands offer optional subscriptions for other services, like home security integrations or camera video history. For example, Ecobee’s Smart Security plans (about $5–$10/month) use the thermostat and sensors as part of a monitored security system. These services don’t affect basic thermostat control, so most homeowners can skip them unless they specifically want those extras.
The key point: you don’t need any of these subscriptions to get energy savings or to use the primary smart features. Before signing up, consider whether the extra services truly matter for your home or whether they’re features you’ll rarely use.
Energy Savings
Smart thermostats can reduce energy use, but how much you save depends on what you’re upgrading from. Federal data suggests that homeowners switching from a manual thermostat typically see an 8% drop in heating and cooling costs.
Most homeowners are looking at two to six years before the energy savings fully offset the upfront cost. For many people, the real value isn’t the payback—it’s the added comfort, automation, and ease of use.
Utility rebates can shorten the payback period. Some electric providers offer incentives for installing a smart thermostat that works with their demand-response programs. Before you buy, check your utility’s rebate page—some discounts apply only to certain models or require enrollment in specific energy-saving programs.
Making the Decision That’s Right for Your Home
Smart thermostats in 2025 offer three improvements that truly matter: more accurate radar-based occupancy sensing, built-in utility grid integration, and native multi-zone control without extra hardware. Most of the other “new” features are simply repackaged versions of technology that’s been around for years. You’ll see the greatest benefit from upgrading if your schedule varies, your home has noticeable temperature differences between floors, or you often forget to adjust the thermostat before leaving. The energy savings are real—though smaller if you’re already using a programmable thermostat well—and installation is usually straightforward as long as your system has the right wiring.
Don’t feel pressured to upgrade if your routine is consistent, you already use a programmable thermostat effectively, or you live in a smaller single-story home where temperature is easy to manage. Renters in short-term leases may also want to skip the investment unless the landlord covers the cost. In these situations, the energy savings are minimal, and the added convenience won’t noticeably change your day-to-day comfort.
Before buying any smart thermostat in 2025, take a moment to confirm that it will actually work with your HVAC system. Check the wiring behind your existing thermostat, look for a C-wire, and photograph everything so you have a reference. It’s also worth reviewing your utility company’s rebate options—some models qualify for incentives that can reduce your overall cost.
If you’re ready to upgrade but unsure which thermostat fits your home, Larry Cook Heating and Cooling can help you make the decision that’s right for you and your home. We also offer professional installation to help ensure your new thermostat integrates smoothly with your existing system. Schedule your thermostat consultation now.
