Smart Thermostats in Canada: How to Choose One and Save on Energy
How smart thermostats save energy, how to choose one for a furnace, heat pump or baseboard heaters, and which Canadian programs offer rebates or rewards.
Smart thermostats in Canada can lower your heating and cooling costs by adjusting the temperature automatically when you’re asleep or away, and by letting you control your system from your phone. The key is choosing one that’s compatible with your heating system, whether that’s a furnace, a heat pump or electric baseboards, and using its scheduling features. Look for ENERGY STAR certification, and check whether your utility offers a rebate or rewards program.
How smart thermostats in Canada save energy
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) describes three main features of smart thermostats:
they learn your preferred temperatures and set a schedule that automatically lowers the temperature when you’re asleep or away
they provide usage data so you can track and manage your consumption
they let you control heating and cooling remotely from a phone, computer or tablet
NRCan notes that lowering the temperature by two to three degrees Celsius is optimal for saving energy. A smart thermostat makes that easy to do consistently. Read NRCan’s smart thermostat page.
Choose a smart thermostat for your heating system
Compatibility matters more than brand when you shop for smart thermostats in Canada. Match the thermostat to your system:
Your heating system
What to look for
Watch out for
Gas or oil furnace with central air
A standard low-voltage smart thermostat
Many need a “C-wire” for constant power; check your wiring
Central heat pump
A thermostat that supports heat pumps, including auxiliary or backup heat stages
Poorly set backup heat can raise your costs
Dual-fuel (heat pump plus furnace)
Support for dual-fuel control and a configurable switch-over temperature
Ask your installer to set the switch-over point
Ductless mini-split
The manufacturer’s controller, or a compatible smart controller
Standard wall thermostats often don’t work with mini-splits
Electric baseboards
A line-voltage smart thermostat rated for the heater load
Low-voltage thermostats aren’t compatible; use a licensed electrician if unsure
If you’re installing a new heat pump, ask your contractor which thermostat they recommend and how they’ll set the backup heat. Learn more about heat pump efficiency (COP) and the heat pump defrost cycle.
Why ENERGY STAR certification matters
According to NRCan, ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats are third-party certified, based on field data from homes, to deliver energy savings. They also report equipment use and temperature data, and enter a low-power standby mode when inactive. Many rebate programs require ENERGY STAR certification.
Rebates and rewards for smart thermostats in Canada
Several programs reward smart thermostats in Canada. Programs change often, so check the current details:
Ontario: the Home Renovation Savings Program includes smart thermostats among its eligible upgrades. Save on Energy’s Peak Perks pays incentives to eligible homes that let their smart thermostat make brief adjustments at peak times.
Tips to get the most from smart thermostats in Canada
Set a schedule for sleep and away times, and let the thermostat adjust.
Don’t crank it up or down. Big swings don’t heat the home faster and can trigger backup heat on heat pumps.
Use time-of-use rates if your utility has them: pre-heat or pre-cool before peak periods.
Pair it with solar. If you have solar panels, you can run heating or cooling harder while the sun is shining. See our 5 kW solar system output guide.
Check the reports. Monthly usage data can reveal settings that waste energy.
Installation
Many low-voltage smart thermostats can be installed by a handy homeowner following the manufacturer’s instructions, with the power off. Line-voltage thermostats for baseboard heaters work at household voltage, so if you’re not comfortable with electrical work, hire a licensed electrician. See what certifications your contractor should have.
The bottom line
The best smart thermostats in Canada are the ones that match your heating system and that you actually use to schedule lower temperatures. Choose an ENERGY STAR certified model, set it up for your furnace, heat pump or baseboards, and check your utility for rebates or rewards.
Frequently asked questions
Do smart thermostats work with heat pumps?
Many do, but make sure the model supports heat pumps and backup heat stages, and that backup heat is set up correctly. Ductless mini-splits often need the manufacturer’s controller instead.
Can I use a smart thermostat with electric baseboard heaters?
Yes, but you need a line-voltage smart thermostat rated for the heater. Standard low-voltage thermostats for furnaces won’t work.
How much can a smart thermostat save?
It depends on your home, your heating system and how you use it. NRCan notes that lowering the temperature by two to three degrees Celsius when you’re asleep or away is optimal for saving energy, and a smart thermostat automates that.
