---- Summary ----
Pros:
- Simple to install
- Universally compatible with different systems
- Really does help save energy/money
- Voice controllable with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa
- Can know when you’re home/away and adjust accordingly
- Controllable from anywhere via mobile app
- Alerts for filter changes and dangerous temperature warnings
- Customizable temperature scheduling
Cons:
- Design seems outdated compared to others on market
- Lightweight plastic and loud clicking buttons make it feel cheap
- Mobile app is very basic, not elegantly designed
---- Review ----
Installation:
Included in the box are the thermostat, power wire (for installation without a C-wire), mounting screws, wall anchors, wire labels, wall plate, and mini screwdriver. This was my first time installing a thermostat, and I was pleasantly surprised by how easy the process was. After turning off the circuit breaker to my heating/cooling system, I removed the faceplate from my existing thermostat, labeled the wires with the cleverly included wire labels, and removed it from the wall. After that, I attached the LUX thermostat’s base to the wall and the wires to their matching terminals then snapped the thermostat to its base and proceeded with the setup process. My system has a C-wire, so I can’t speak to the installation process using the power wire, which looks a little more complex. Nonetheless, you don’t have to have a C-wire to install this LUX thermostat. The part that took me the longest was drilling holes and covering up the previous ones because I preferred not to use the included wall plate that’s quite large. Depending on the size difference between your existing thermostat and the LUX thermostat, and whether you prefer to use the wall plate or not, the time it takes to install will vary, but I like that there are just a few steps clearly defined in the installation manual. I didn’t experience any hiccups during installation.
Design:
I’m disappointed with the design and quality of this LUX smart thermostat. Put simply, it looks and feels cheap, which is not what I’d expect from a smart thermostat. The pictures look nice online, but it gives off a different vibe in person. Even something as simple as the buttons are offputting to me due to a loud click noise upon pressing them. Though it’s on the low end of the smart thermostat price range, there are similarly priced ones with better build quality and a modern look. This thermostat looks outdated and seems to be mostly made of lightweight plastic. Though a thermostat doesn’t need to durable or be a beautiful art piece on your wall, it just seems that there wasn’t much thought put into the design of this LUX thermostat, and that’s a shame because the features of it contend with alternatives on the market.
Features & Mobile App:
Where this LUX thermostat stacks up with the competition is features. I like the “geofencing” feature that switches the system to energy-saving mode when you’re not home and the ability to set temperature schedules in the mobile app. Both of these features help save energy and money. Additionally, I appreciate the ability to change the temperature from anywhere via the app, as well as the Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant support. These add convenience to changing the temperature. In my case, I use Google Assistant and it works great. Alerts are a feature I haven’t tested (and hopefully will never have to), but having alerts gives me peace of mind because they can warn you of dangerous freezing or heat conditions. Filter change reminders are a nice feature to have as well. When it comes to features, there’s really not much more I could ask for in a smart thermostat. However, like the thermostat’s design, the app could use some work. It was pretty easy to set up, and I haven’t experienced any glitches, but it’s very basic and not an elegant user interface. That aside, I think this LUX thermostat provides plenty of helpful features that add convenience to my life and help me save energy.
Verdict:
I really wanted to like this thermostat more than I do. It has all the features I look for in a smart thermostat, like scheduling, controlling from anywhere, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa support, and home/away awareness. Additionally, I was relieved to find that the installation process was simple. What makes this thermostat difficult to recommend is the lackluster design. If it’s appealing to you, I’d say this is a good smart thermostat that’s worth your consideration. I understand that design preferences vary from person to person. I just think some of the other similarly priced smart thermostats on the market have the same features but much more premium, modern looks. With that in mind, I can only give this thermostat a three-star, “average” rating.