The best thermostat to buy depends on your HVAC setup and smart home ecosystem.
The most highly recommended thermostats depend on your smart home setup and comfort needs. The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium and the Google Nest Learning Thermostat dominate the market, while traditional thermostat brands like Emerson Sensi remain excellent choices for simple, non-AI control.
Lennox systems work best with proprietary communicating thermostats like the Lennox S40, E30, or M40. However, depending on whether your equipment is "communicating" or "conventional," you can also use universal smart thermostats like Ecobee or Nest.
Most gas fireplaces use a millivolt thermostat, which is a low-voltage system (750mV) that generates its own electricity via a pilot flame. Standard household 24V thermostats are incompatible. You can choose from wired wall-mounts, wireless remotes, or smart integrations.
In winter, always leave your heat on set between 𝟓𝟎∘ 𝐅 and 𝟓𝟓∘ 𝐅. Never turn the heating completely off, as uninsulated pipes hidden inside exterior walls can freeze and burst.
For most healthy adults, 68°F (20°C) is not considered too cold and is actually the standard indoor temperature recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy. It serves as a great sweet spot for balancing physical comfort with energy savings.
The "30-minute heating rule" is a highly efficient, money-saving thermostat strategy that involves turning your heating system on 30 minutes before you need a space warmed up, and turning it off 30 minutes before you no longer need it.
Further, most digital thermostats are compatible with most gas fireplaces, so it isn't likely you'll have to worry about a model not working with your fireplace.
Running a gas fire costs between $0.20 and $1.00+ per hour. Exact costs depend on the fire's heat output (BTUs), local fuel rates, and whether you use natural gas or propane.
The most common problem with a gas fireplace is pilot light failure or ignition issues, often leaving the unit unable to start. This is typically caused by a dirty pilot assembly, dead batteries in the remote/receiver system, or a faulty thermocouple/thermopile.
To check for compatibility, you only need to know the type of heating system. The specific brand or model doesn't matter. If you don't know what type of system you have, check your manufacturer's website or contact them.
The quietest furnaces on the market are ultra-high-efficiency, variable-capacity models that operate as low as 37 to 38 decibels on their lowest settings. The Lennox SLP99V and the Carrier Infinity 98 are widely considered the absolute quietest units available, running softer than a whispered conversation.
No, Goodman and Lennox are distinct HVAC brands with different manufacturers, price points, and engineering focuses. Goodman is a budget-friendly brand owned by Daikin, while Lennox is a premium-tier, independent manufacturer known for ultra-high efficiency and advanced technology.
The "best" thermostat depends on your smart home ecosystem and specific needs. Industry consensus generally highlights Ecobee for premium features, Google Nest for self-learning automation, and Honeywell Home for broad, traditional HVAC compatibility.
The best heating thermostat depends on your smart home ecosystem and heating setup. The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is widely considered the best overall, while the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (Gen 4) is the top pick for automatic scheduling, and the Copeland Sensi Touch is best for those with privacy in mind.
Neither is objectively "better"—the right choice depends on your smart home setup, your HVAC wiring, and how you prefer to control your climate.
100 gallons of propane will last 130 to 400 hours of continuous burn time, depending on your fireplace's BTU rating. If you run the fireplace for a few hours in the evening, this supply can easily last anywhere from two to four months, or even an entire year if used sparingly.
On average, the cost of running a gas fireplace ranges from $0.30 to $1.50 per hour. If used for about four hours a day, this can add $36 to $180 to your monthly energy bill. The cost to run a gas fireplace is typically lower than traditional wood-burning options, as gas burns cleaner and requires less maintenance.
Cheapest Option: A gas fire is significantly cheaper to run if you only need to heat the room you are currently using (zone heating).
Yes, you can absolutely replace an old thermostat with a new one as a DIY project. However, success depends heavily on your existing wiring. Most standard 24-volt systems (like forced-air gas furnaces and central AC) are highly compatible with modern thermostats, but complex systems require careful planning.
Sleeping in the same room as an active gas fire is generally not recommended and can be extremely dangerous without proper safety measures. The primary concerns are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, oxygen depletion, and the risk of unattended fires igniting nearby materials.
To ensure your HVAC system runs efficiently and accurately reads the true temperature of your home, never place a thermostat in areas with temperature extremes or poor airflow. Avoid putting it near doors, windows, supply vents, appliances, or in direct sunlight.
Heating and cooling (HVAC) systems are the biggest energy consumers in a typical home, accounting for about 40–50% of your total electricity bill. Water heating, refrigerators, and lighting follow closely behind.
No, October is generally not too early. HVAC professionals and energy experts usually recommend turning the heat on when your indoor temperature drops consistently below 65∘𝐹, or when it's just plain uncomfortable.
Heating and energy expert Stephen Hankinson said that one "big energy cost saver" is to make sure you have your heating off when you're not at home. For instance, if you typically arrive home from work at around 6pm on weekdays, you could set your heating to activate just as you walk through the door.