Best Thermostats for Heat Pumps (2025): Aux Lockout, Balance Point & Cold-Climate Tips
Smart thermostats are finally catching up to modern heat-pump systems. In 2025, top models like ecobee, Nest, and Honeywell add automatic auxiliary lockout, balance-point algorithms, and real cold-climate optimization—saving homeowners 10–20% on winter bills without sacrificing comfort.
If your thermostat still guesses when to fire backup heat, this guide is for you. Learn how to pick the right model, set proper lockout temperatures, and make your home heat pump perform like a pro-installed system.
Related reads: C-Wire Explained (2025) • DIY Thermostat Setup Guide.
Why heat pump thermostats matter in 2025
With heat pumps replacing furnaces across the U.S. and Canada, thermostats have become critical for performance. A smart thermostat with heat-pump logic manages when to use auxiliary (backup) heat, locks it out intelligently, and balances comfort vs. efficiency.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a properly configured heat-pump thermostat can save 10–30% in cold climates by avoiding unnecessary electric-strip use below freezing. ENERGY STAR® models with verified field savings are also eligible for rebates—see our Utility Rebates & Demand Response Programs by State.
Before you buy: 5 must-knows
- System type: Verify you own a heat pump (usually both heating & cooling from the same outdoor unit). Dual-fuel systems combine a furnace and heat pump—ensure the thermostat supports both.
- Aux heat stages: Some systems have one or two electric backup stages. Your thermostat should allow custom aux lockout temperatures for each.
- C-wire requirement: Smart thermostats need continuous 24V power. If your old stat lacks it, see C-Wire Explained (2025).
- Outdoor sensor or weather link: Thermostats use this to determine outdoor temperature and decide when to lock out aux heat.
- Rebate eligibility: Many states offer $50–$125 incentives for ENERGY STAR smart thermostats or demand-response participation.
Understanding aux lockout & balance point
Auxiliary lockout is the outdoor temperature below which the thermostat allows backup (aux) heat to run. Balance point is the outdoor temperature where the heat pump alone meets your home’s heating demand.
| Climate Zone | Recommended Aux Lockout | Typical Balance Point |
|---|---|---|
| Mild (South) | 35°F | 40°F |
| Cold (Midwest / Northeast) | 25°F | 30°F |
| Very Cold (Mountain / Northern Plains) | 20°F | 25°F |
Every home differs, but lowering aux lockout a few degrees can prevent hundreds of dollars in wasted electric heat per year.
Top thermostat comparison (2025)
| Model | Price* | Aux Lockout Control | Dual-Fuel Support | Smart Ecosystem | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium | ≈ $249–$299 | ✔ Manual & Auto (weather-based) | ✔ Yes | Alexa, Google, Apple Home, SmartThings | SmartSensor, radar presence, IAQ monitor |
| Google Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd-gen) | ≈ $199–$249 | ✔ Auto balance point via Weather IQ | ✔ Yes (limited customization) | Google Home, Alexa | Auto-schedule, geofencing, Farsight display |
| Honeywell Home T10 Pro | ≈ $179–$229 | ✔ Fully manual lockout & outdoor sensor | ✔ Yes | Alexa, Google | Humidity control, multi-room averaging |
| Emerson Sensi Touch | ≈ $129–$169 | ✔ Manual only | ✖ No | Alexa, Google, Apple Home (some models) | Touchscreen, geofencing, basic aux control |
*Prices vary by retailer and rebate eligibility.
Best thermostats for heat pumps (reviews)
1. Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium — Best Overall
Why it wins: Advanced weather-aware aux lockout, built-in air-quality sensors, and SmartSensor averaging make it ideal for dual-fuel or variable-speed heat pumps. Ecobee’s “Smart Recovery” feature learns how fast your heat pump warms the home and minimizes aux use.
Pros
- Full aux lockout customization
- Dual-fuel and multistage ready
- Radar presence & SmartSensor averaging
- ENERGY STAR certified and rebate-eligible
Cons
- Premium pricing
- App setup can take time
2. Google Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen) — Best Auto-Learning
Still a favorite for simplicity, Nest’s Weather IQ auto-adjusts balance points based on local conditions. It lacks manual aux control granularity but performs well for single-stage heat pumps.
Pros
- Auto-learning temperature schedules
- Integrates seamlessly with Google Home
- Weather IQ predicts lockout points
Cons
- Limited manual aux control
- No built-in humidity management
3. Honeywell Home T10 Pro — Best for Manual Control & Sensors
Ideal for HVAC pros and tinkerers. Supports outdoor sensors, humidity control, and full manual lockout configuration. Great for large homes or when you prefer to set your own balance point.
Pros
- Precise manual aux settings
- Humidity control built-in
- Room sensors improve comfort balance
Cons
- Interface feels dated
- Setup menus less intuitive
4. Emerson Sensi Touch — Best Budget Pick
Budget-friendly yet reliable, Sensi Touch supports single-stage heat pumps with manual aux settings and geofencing. Excellent for mild climates or smaller systems.
Pros
- Affordable and easy to install
- Clear app with intuitive aux setup
- ENERGY STAR certified
Cons
- No outdoor sensor integration
- No dual-fuel mode
Setup & optimization tips
- Set your aux lockout ~5°F below your home’s balance point for best savings.
- Use the thermostat’s outdoor sensor or connect it to online weather data.
- Run a test cycle in both heat and aux modes after install (see installation guide).
- Enable adaptive recovery and weather optimization if available.
- Register your thermostat for utility rebates and demand-response credits.
FAQ
Do I need a special thermostat for a heat pump?
Yes—look for “heat-pump compatible” models with aux heat terminals (O/B and AUX/E). Ordinary single-stage thermostats can’t control backup heat properly.
What’s the best aux lockout temperature?
Typically 25°F–30°F for cold climates; 35°F in mild regions. Experiment within ±3°F to find your comfort-to-savings sweet spot.
How does balance point optimization work?
Modern thermostats monitor heat-pump efficiency vs. temperature. Once the pump can’t keep up, aux heat is allowed—but only when truly needed.
Bottom line
Heat-pump thermostats have evolved beyond simple on/off controls. The ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium remains the most advanced, while Nest Learning Thermostat offers excellent automation. For hands-on tuning, the Honeywell T10 Pro gives total control, and the Emerson Sensi Touch brings reliability on a budget.
Next steps: fine-tune your wiring with C-Wire Explained (2025), explore state rebates, and build smart routines with smart bulbs for a fully connected, efficient home.
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