There are HVAC thermostats available that not only attend to the temperature in your home but can also sense and even control the humidity level in your home. The questions many people want to be answered are why they should be worried about the humidity level in their homes, and if they have to attend to it, what role can their HVAC systems and thermostats play. And they want to know which thermostat with humidity control is the best.
You have to “worry” about the humidity level in your home. You can have the ideal temperature in your home, but fungi and mold can flourish if the humidity percentage is too high. And that can lead to health issues. Fortunately, your HVAC system can with the right thermostat, help to sense and control the humidity levels in your home. And there are several excellent thermostats with humidity control available.
Here are eight thermostats that can sense and/or control humidity in your home.
1. Honeywell T9 smart thermostat
The Honeywell T9 thermostat is a Wi-Fi smart thermostat. It comes with 1 smart room sensor, touchscreen display, Alexa and Google Assist.
It can measure humidity
Both the thermostat and the included T9 smart sensor can measure the humidity to give you a good idea of the humidity levels in your home. However, the thermostat can only measure the humidity. It cannot control it.
Although it can’t control the humidity, it is a good thermostat to use if you want to always be able to measure the level of humidity in your home.
Other characteristics
Sensors can sense motion
The T9 sensors do not only sense temperature and humidity, but they can also sense motion and presence. The thermostat adjusts the system to rooms where it detects people are in and then provides comfort in the rooms that matter.
Sensors have a long-range
With unique Honeywell Home technology, the sensors deliver efficient signals up to 200 ft. range. The sensors are battery-powered and they can be placed anywhere in your home.
The thermostat can handle multiple sensors
You don’t have to choose one room over another for placing a T9 sensor. The T9 thermostat can handle multiple rooms to focus on. You can virtually place a sensor in every room to see each room’s temperature and humidity.
Can be controlled in various ways
You can control the T9 using the Honeywell Home app. Or you can use Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, or Google Assistant.
It is Energy Star certified
As you can adjust your Energy Star certified thermostat from anywhere you save energy and money.
Offers Auto Home/Away scheduling
You can let your home automatically react to your schedule with the Auto Home/Away schedule to save you even more energy.
You can install it yourself
The installation is a DIY job. When you purchase the T9 thermostat a power adapter is included as a low-voltage alternative to a C wire. Because the thermostat can work with or without a C wire it is compatible with most homes.
You receive monthly reports
With reports the thermostat is made available once a month, you can track your heating and cooling trends. The thermostat will even suggest some tips on reducing energy use so that you can further save on your energy bills.
2. Bosch BCC100 thermostat
The Bosch BCC 00 thermostat does not only control the temperature in your home, it works and controls humidifiers and dehumidifiers as well. It is compatible with any 1-wire internally powered humidifier or dehumidifier.
Other characteristics
Is Alexa-enabled
This internet-connected programmable thermostat is Alexa–enabled. You simply connect to Wi-Fi to control temperature, the humidifiers and settings from your smartphone or tablet. It will also still be fully functional without Wi-Fi.
It features a sleek touch screen
This thermostat offers a full color, 5-inch display touchscreen. This allows easy scheduling for the most comfortable temperature for your home.
It is multi-use compatible
The Bosch BCC10 thermostat is compatible with most 24 VAC HVAC equipment, including
A heat pump (4 Heat, 2 Cool) or conventional (2 Heat, 2 Cool) system. As mentioned already, it is also compatible with any 1-wire internally powered humidifier or dehumidifier
The thermostat requires a C wire
Two-wire systems are not supported and the thermostat needs a C-wire function. Third-party products exist for adding powering options in instances where your system doesn’t have a C-wire.
Easy to install
When you purchase a Bosch BCC 100 thermostat, you will find the following in your box:
- Thermostat
- Backplate
- Manual
- Screw Driver
- Wall Anchors
- Screws
- Wire Labels
- Jumper Cable
These are all you need to install the thermostat. Generally, it is a DIY job.
It offers Wi-Fi control and an advanced app
If you connect your thermostat to Wi-Fi you can control temperature and humidity from your mobile smartphone or tablet. You can also use the BCC100 app. With the app, you can connect an unlimited number of thermostats. And you can manage up to 4 schedules per thermostat with the app.
3. Emerson 1F95-1291 with humidity control
The Emerson 1F95-1291 is another thermostat that does not only sense the temperature in your home but works and controls humidifiers and dehumidifiers as well.
Other characteristics
It has a touch screen
This thermostat offers a large, easy-to-read 12-inch touchscreen display. It makes it easy to see the settings and program the thermostat.
It accommodates different schedules
The Emerson is a 7-day programmable thermostat. You can set a different schedule for each day of the week. It allows you to either program every day differently, or use the same programming for more than one day. It also offers an auto changeover feature that automatically changes from “Cool” to “Warm” and vice versa.
It is extensively compatible
This thermostat is compatible with virtually all heating, cooling, and heat-pump systems.
It offers keypad lockout
For security reasons, you can lock the keypad so that unauthorized persons cannot change the set programs.
It comes with a warranty
The Emerson 1F95-1291thermostat gives you peace of mind with its 5-year warranty.
4. Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004
The Honeywell RTH9585WF1004 thermostat is a smart device that works with Alexa and Wi-Fi and can control the temperature and humidity in your home through voice.
Other characteristics
You can personalize the color
If you need your thermostat to blend in with your home’s décor, you can customize the color.
It has a touch screen
This Honeywell thermostat offers a bright, easy-to-read touchscreen that makes it easy and simple to operate.
It is Energy Star certified
Because the thermostat is Energy Star certified, it helps you to save energy and track your heating and cooling usage. You receive monthly energy reports and get personalized tips on how to even reduce more energy.
You can create customized schedules
This Wi-Fi thermostat allows you to create custom temperature schedules for every day of the week. If you want to update or change the schedules, it can easily be done. With its smart response technology, it learns your preferences and provides your preferred temperature only when you need it.
You can use the app
You can control your home’s temperature and humidity via the app. Choose the Total Connect Comfort app or the Resideo app to control your Wi-Fi thermostat anytime, anywhere. You will also receive alerts, such as air filter and humidifier pad change reminders on the app.
You can use voice assistance
You can easily connect this Honeywell thermostat with your Wi-Fi and compatible voice assistant devices like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Microsoft Cortana, and more.
5. Honeywell TH8321WF1001
This thermostat can control the humidity level in your home or individual rooms.
Other characteristics
It offers remote control features and a touch screen
You can program and set your thermostat on its touch screen. But you also have remote comfort control over the thermostat via computer, tablet or smartphone
You can schedule programs
The thermostat offers 7-day multiple-day programming.
It requires a C wire
This Honeywell thermostat requires a C wire to operate.
6. Ecobee smart thermostat with voice control
This thermostat can control the humidity level in your home or individual rooms.
Other characteristics
You can save on your utility bill
You can save up to 26% annually on heating and cooling costs.
You can put sensors in every room
You can ensure comfort in your most important rooms with the use of smart sensors. One sensor is included when you purchase the thermostat.
You can have added control
The thermostat comes with Siri and Alexa Built-in for calls, music, and added control.
You don’t waste energy when doors or windows are open
The Ecobee thermostat automatically pauses your heating or cooling when a door or window is left open.
You receive all you need in the box
When you purchase this Ecobee thermostat, you’ll find the following in the box:
- Ecobee SmartThermostat
- Ecobee SmartThermostat mounting plate
- SmartSensor w/ detachable stand
- Install and Quickstart guide
- Wire labels
- Large trim plate
7. EMERSON Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat
This thermostat can control the humidity level in your home or individual rooms.
Other characteristics
You get many features as a package deal
With this thermostat, you get a touchscreen color display. It also works with Alexa and is Energy Star certified. You need a C wire to let it work.
You can install it easily
The thermostat offers you a DIY installation option. To make installation easy, the thermostat has a built-in level, illuminated easy-click terminals and step-by-step app instructions.
It is compatible with most systems
The Emerson Sensi works with the HVAC equipment in most homes. A C-wire is required
Energy Star certified
As it is Energy Star certified, you can save about 23% on HVAC energy and costs. It also provides you with monthly reports regarding your energy usage.
You have remote control
You can remotely control your home comfort from your smartphone or tablet using the Sensi mobile app for Android and iOS devices.
You receive everything to install the thermostat
When you purchase the thermostat you get the following in the box:
- Thermostat
- Free mobile app
- Mounting hardware
- Wire stickers
- Installation guide
- Welcome guide with Sensi code
- Warranty booklet
8. Google Nest Learning
This thermostat can control the humidity level in your home or individual rooms.
Other characteristics
It has a voice control feature
This programmable smart thermostat for home is a 3rd-generation Nest Thermostat and works with Alexa.
You don’t have to do the programming
With the thermostat’s auto-schedule, Google Nest Learning learns from you and programs itself. It also has a home/away assist system and thus doesn’t heat or cool an empty home.
You can control the thermostat via the app
You can control your thermostat remotely from anywhere using the Nest app.
You receive everything needed for installation
You’ll find everything you need for installation in the box:
- Display
- Base
- Optional trim kit
- Mounting screws and labels
- Nest screwdriver
- Installation Guide
- Welcome Guide
- Nest Pro installation card
More about humidity and the role of thermostats
Let’s have to look at the pros and cons of low humidity levels in your home, and secondly, briefly discuss how your HVAC system and the thermostat handle humidity.
Pros of lower humidity
1. Inhibits mold growth
Mold, fungi, and bacteria flourish in humid environments. A humidity level of around 80% is enough to cause a serious mold problem. If you detect black, green, or grey spots appearing on walls or inside cabinets, it is time to have a look at how you can lower humidity in your home to inhibit mold growth.
2. Makes warm air feel cooler
By evaporating excess heat into the air, your body cools itself. The lower the humidity, the better for heat to evaporate. When the humidity is high, it’s making you feel hot and sticky and the temperature feels higher than it actually is.
3. Reduces risk of allergies and respiratory issues
High humidity can cause serious breathing problems. As mold and fungi flourish in high humidity environments, the microbes can enter your airways. They can cause infections and even trigger an asthma attack.
Low humidity levels reduce these risks. Studies have found that humidity levels above 80% can triple your chances to get the dangerous respiratory infection Legionnaires’ disease.
Cons of lower humidity
1. Low humidity may cause physical discomfort
In winter months with a heater running, humidity can get so low that it may be problematic. Most people feel comfortable at a humidity level of about 40% to 50%. When it’s below this, your skin can start to dry out.
2. Very low humidity can damage your furniture and building
When the humidity gets too low, cracks might appear between floorboards, furniture legs can start to become uneven, and artwork on your walls might crumble.
How do HVAC systems handle humidity?
HVAC systems can do more than just keep your house cool or warm. They can play a big role in adjusting your indoor humidity levels. Let’s look at how a standard HVAC system with a humidity-controlling thermostat works.
The humidity controlling thermostat senses the humidity in your home or a specific room. It then tells the air conditioner that even though the inside air is, for example, 76 degrees the humidity is too high (say 65% RH). The humidity controlling thermostat will kick on the air conditioner to control the humidity but the furnace will also need to run for 10-15 minutes to do any moisture/humidity removal. The overall result is that the house is taken to a lower temperature
FAQ
Q: How do I make a thermostat work with a humidifier?
A: Although your humidifier needs to be plugged into a wall socket because its fan needs 120V to be operational, the communication wires between your thermostat and the humidifier only carry low voltage power of about 24V. If you are not an electrician yourself, it is best to let a professional connect your thermostat to the humidifier. If you are a DIY enthusiast and want to do it yourself, there are excellent videos available showing you step by step how to do it.
Q: What should thermostat humidity be set at?
A: The relative humidity (RH) of a house should be set at about 40%, ideally around 50% during cooling periods and 30% during heating. If it dips below 30%, it’s much too dry, and if it’s above 50%, the high humidity may start to feel uncomfortable.
Conclusion
It is good to know what the humidity levels in your home are so that you can take steps to keep mold and other problems at bay. There are thermostats that can do the monitoring for you and other smart thermostats that can assist you to control the humidity levels. We hope that this article will help you to choose the right thermostat for your circumstances.
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