The Sensi thermostat is an innovative product from the reputable Emerson brand known for its smart thermostat suite. Emerson received the prestigious 2020 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year, so you can confidently invest in its products. Comparable to most other smart touchscreen thermostats, the Sensi smart thermostat assures you up to 23% HVAC power saving. But, that’s only one reason why homeowners increasingly rely on the Sensi temperature controlling device. Read ahead to know more about this Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat and if it’s worth all the hype.

Features of the Sensi Thermostat--Cost $160

  • Smart color touchscreen display panel for controlling settings manually
  • Compatible with most home automation systems like Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Wink, Amazon Echo, Samsung SmartThings, and Amazon Alexa
  • Requires a Common or C wire for installation
  • Sensi comes with an interactive phone app that enables settings on the go. 
  • Allows you to configure your home’s temperature to your preferences and schedule changes as needed.
  • It runs with both Android and Smartphone apps.
  • It integrates with voice assistant, so you can control the thermostat by issuing verbal commands.
  • Suitable for users owning multiple properties. You can use the Sensi thermostat app to change temperature settings at any location countrywide.
  • It comes with integrated LED backlighting to easily detect it in a dark room
  • Includes Geofencing and detects your phone when you enter a particular radius
  • Enables you to create a separate schedule for your heating and cooling for each day of the week. 
  • It offers the ability to switch between heating and cooling modes with the click of a button.
  • Allows users to turn on the “Sleep” mode, but keep the backlight on.
  • Displays the ambient temperature of the house
  • Built-in humidity sensor to detect moisture in the air

Product Specifications

  • Seamless touchscreen operation with smooth controls
  • It has a contemporary translucent look in piano black
  • The display changes color according to the function–for instance, red for heating, blue for cooling, and grey for sleep mode. 
  • Dimensions – 8.6 x 14.3 x 3 Centimeters
  • Weight – 1 pound
  • Voltage – 24 volts
  • Wall mounted
  • Rectangular in shape
  • Weighs 453.59gms
  • Wi-Fi connectivity over 2.4GHz

Sensi Thermostat App - Everything You Need to Know

The Sensi thermostat app is compatible with both, your Apple iOS and Android phones.

It allows you to configure settings on the Sensi thermostat remotely. Even if you have two separate thermostats installed on two floors, you can manage them from the app. The interface has separate upstairs and downstairs modes allowing you to control the temperature from any location within the house. Or even when you’re outside. 

The Sensi app has all the features you may need to use the thermostat seamlessly, right down to the installation. Not only does the app provide you with a set-by-step tutorial with images, but you can also click pictures. This feature is helpful when you’re executing a DIY replacement because you can record the existing wiring setting. Next, you’ll connect the wires to the correct terminals of your new thermostat without any confusion. 

You can use the app to change the configurations needed for your heating, cooling, and ventilating units. Since the Sensi smart thermostat also integrates your humidifier, you’ll find the settings in the app to change as needed. 

Pros of Getting the Sensi Smart Thermostat
  • Easy to install, you can complete the Sensi thermostat setup within 30 minutes or less.
  • Standard dimensions, which means that you need not worry about repainting and touching up the wall behind the new installation.
  • After purchasing the product, you can first download and install the Sensi app on your phone. The app will provide a detailed step-by-step guide for a DIY installation. Accompanying images are also available to guide you through the process.
  • Since the Sensi smart thermostat is Wi-Fi-enabled, you can warm or cool your house from a remote location. This feature ensures that you always come home to the ideal ambient temperatures.
  • It does not require you to change batteries to keep it running since it draws power to your home’s electricity supply.
  • You can expect significant power savings. The thermostat enables you to set a specific HVAC schedule for each day of the week per your family’s needs. 
  • With a quick glance at the thermostat, you can tell the specific function it is running thanks to the different colors it displays.
  • The Geofencing mode detects when your phone has left a particular radius and automatically lowers the house temperature by 4 degrees. 
  • Includes the ability to lock the screen so kids can’t accidentally change the settings.

The thermostat sends you alerts to warn you of any possible issues with your HVAC systems. You can also get maintenance reminders, for instance, when it’s time to change filters.

Cons of Installing the Sensi Smart Thermostat

  • If you don’t have a C or common wire installed, you’ll have to call in a professional electrician. This issue typically arises in older homes. The contractor will run a new wire for you before you can install your new thermostat.
  • Customer support is not all that efficient. If you have any issues, expect to deal with long wait times until you can speak to an agent. 
  • The Sensi smart thermostat does not include the AI-driven memory option that records your heating and cooling habits. Users may not be able to track and analyze their power usage to work out how to economize on bills. 

Sensi Thermostat Review - Is it a Good Buy?

The Sensi smart thermostat is a great buy and has several positives going for it. Not only is the device reasonably priced, but it’s also easy to install, set up, and use. You’ll find step-by-step instructions on the phone app, which you can download. The sleek modernistic design and the Emerson brand name combined with the interactive phone app complete the package. Sensi offers you the ideal balance of high quality with a reasonable pricing structure. The backlit faceplate with a colored display enables easy configurations so that you can adjust the settings on your HVAC systems. If you’ve been looking for a great product to help lower your power bills, the Sensi thermostat is an ideal choice. 

Frequently Asked Questions

The Sensi smart thermostat has an interactive phone app that you’ll download on your phone, tablet, or any other mobile device. The app connects to the thermostat via Wi-Fi and allows you to configure your settings. You can also control the settings on the touchscreen by tapping the menu button and following the list of actions.

No, your thermostat needs a Wi-Fi connection to work. If you see a blank screen, that’s an indication that you need to check and restore the Wi-Fi connection. 

As long as your home Wi-Fi connection is functional, the Sensi smart thermostat will automatically connect with the phone app. Here are the steps to follow:

 

  1. Turning on the phone app will show a (+) sign. 
  2. Tap on it to see the menu with a list of Sensi thermostats. 
  3. Select the appropriate model and tap on “Yes, it is on the wall.”  
  4. Now, go back to the thermostat and tap the Menu option. 
  5. Next, you’ll see the Wi-Fi option, which you’ll tap. 
  6. You’ll now see the sign–Set up a new network. 
  7. Check your app, and you’ll see the Sensi network (Sensi-XXXXXX).
  8. Tap on the Next prompt, and the app will ask you for the Security Code. You’ll find this code on a black card in the Sensi smart thermostat packaging and on the back of the thermostat’s face plate.
  9. Tapping Next will direct you to select your home Wi-Fi network. Add the password, and you’re all set.
Yes, you’ll have to install a new C or common wire if your home does not already have one. While you can run a new wire before installing the device, getting a professional is always advisable.
Yes, the thermostat is reasonably accurate. But, occasionally, you can expect a few minutes delay for the sensors to detect your settings and kick into action.
Yes, it does. You can check the display for the moisture levels in the room. Sensi also enables you to connect your home’s dehumidifier and control its settings.

Follow these steps to adjust the humidity to desired levels:

  1. Open the Sensi app on your phone and tap on the thermostat name. You’ll see the Settings gear icon.
  2. Tap on it to go to the System Settings.
  3. Next, you can tap on the Humidity Offset and set the levels to personal preference.
Adrian Dance

You might call me a techie or a technology enthusiast. I’m one of those people whose largely self-taught in the worlds of computing, technology and engineering. I have a DIY approach to the use of smart home automation and think that with the right advice, anyone can improve their lives through greater use of technology.