When you have to purchase a new thermostat for your HVAC system, you most probably will have a look at a Wyze thermostat as a possibility. And you will compare it with other thermostats like the Google Nest to determine which is offering the best value for money.
But as you are leaning toward buying a Wyze thermostat, you want to know whether the Wyze device is good value for money, easy to install and compatible with your system.
A Wyze thermostat is good value for money and is very easy to install. If you follow the steps it will take you only about 20 to 30 minutes to install. It is compatible with many systems, including Alexa, Google Home, and low-voltage heat pumps.
As many homeowners are worried that it will be difficult to install and activate a thermostat, we’ll explain the installing steps of the Wyze thermostat in this article. We will also look at the compatibility of the Wyze thermostat and answer the most frequent questions asked about a Wyze thermostat. At the end of the article, there is a brief comparison between the Nest and Wyze thermostats for your convenience.
Installing a Wyze thermostat
Installing a Wyze Thermostat is an easy DIY project that will take you about 20-30 minutes. If you follow the steps, it will take you about 20 to 30 minutes.
Prepare for the installation process
In the box
Before starting to install, check that the following parts are in the box you’ve purchased:
- Wyze Thermostat x1
- C-Wire Adapter x1
- Back Panel x1
- Wall Cover x1
- Mounting Screws with anchors x1
- Wire Labels x1
- Screwdriver x1
- Quick Start Guide x1
Get the tools you’ll need
If all the parts are in the box, get the tools you’ll need ready:
- A Phillips screwdriver
- A small flat head screwdriver
- Your smartphone with enough battery power
- The name and password of your home Wi-Fi
- It will also be handy to have a drill and drill bit for mounting, a wire stripper and a pencil ready.
Begin installation with the app
You start the installation of your new Wyze thermostat with your app. Ensure that you have the latest version of the Wyze app. It is available from the Apple App Store or GooglePlay. The app willask you to create an account if you don’t already have one, and then let you sign in.
Tap the plus sign on the app’s home screen, select “Add Device,” then “Home” and then “Wyze Thermostat.” The app will now show you how to install the thermostat. In doing this the app will prompt some questions. Answer them accurately.
Install the thermostat
The steps to install the thermostat is as follows:
Step 1. Cut the power – for your own safety
Turn off the switch that controls your heating/cooling system at the breaker box. If this is not possible, turn off the main power at the breaker box. When the power is off, “tap “Next” in your app to confirm it.
Step 2. Remove your existing thermostat’s cover
Depending on your old thermostat’s brand and model, you can take off the thermostat cover either by just pulling it off, or removing the screws or clasps, and then take off the cover.
You will now see wires running from your heating/cooling system attached to the back panel of your old thermostat. Tap“Next” on your app to confirm. Do not remove any wires at this stage.
Step 3. Ensure you are not using a high voltage system
You have a high voltage system if your existing thermostat has:
- 110/120V thick wires capped with wire nuts,
- a caution label indicating 20/240V, or
- only two terminals labeled as L1 andL2,
A Wyze Thermostat. Is not compatible with a high voltage system.
If you don’t have a high voltage system, continue by tapping “No” on your app.
Step 4. To assist you, take a picture of your current thermostat wiring
It is good practice to take a photo of the current thermostat wiring to refer to when you are in doubt when you are wiring the new thermostat.
Step 5. Remove all jumper wires from the old thermostat’s housing
Your Wyze thermostat does not use jumper wires. If your old thermostat has been equipped with jumper wires, release the wires and remove them. Remember, apart from the jumper wires, you still must not disconnect any other wires at this stage.
Step 6. Get the wiring diagram from the Wyze app
By following the app’s thermostat installation instructions, you get the wiring diagram on the app. Select the letter(s) of all the terminals with wires connected to your old thermostat. The Wyze app will confirm the thermostat’s compatibility before moving on.
You will be able to see a diagram on your app of what your wiring should look like.
You’ll need to install a C-wire adapter if you don’t have a C-wire selected in the compatibility checker.
Some issues you might encounter at this stage
- Some thermostats may have 2 sets of terminal labels. They will be labeled “conventional” and “heat pump.” Select the terminal names based on your actual system.
- If there are two wires in one terminal, you may have a dual transformer system.
- Remember, your Wyze thermostat is not compatible with stranded wires.
Step 7. Label the wires
Use the old thermostat’s base as a guide and stick the provided labels on each wire as you disconnect it. Disconnect all the wires from the old thermostat.
Step 8. Disconnect and remove your old thermostat
After you’ve labeled and disconnected all the wires, remove the old thermostat’s back panel by unscrewing it from the wall.
Step 9. Mount your Wyze Thermostat back panel to the wall
You now have to thread the wires through the center of the back panel. Then hold the back panel to your wall and mark where the holes should come to screw the back panel to the wall, and then drill the holes.
Step 10. Connect the wires to your Wyze Thermostat
Insert the wires into the inner holes of their corresponding terminals on the wall panel. You do this by pressing down each terminal’s lever and then fitting the wire inside. Ensure that you only put one wire in each terminal). Gently tug the wires to ensure that they are securely connected. The wires should have at least 1/4” exposed for secure insertion into the panel terminals
Step 11. Attach Wyze Thermostat to the back panel
Push all excess wires back into the wall before snapping your Wyze Thermostat into the back panel. You will hear a “click” sound when it is securely in place. Your Wyze Thermostat is now ready for setup.
Step 12. Turn on the power
Put the power on and wait a moment for the Wyze logo to appear on your screen to indicate that it is now in pairing mode. To personalize your thermostat just follow the app’s instructions.
Step 13. Connect your Wyze Thermostat to Wi-Fi
When you’ve completed step 12 and your thermostat has powered up and displayed the Wyze logo indicating that it is now in pairing mode, open the Wyze app on your phone and select “+” and then “Add a device”. Follow the prompts and choose the right options. When asked, select your Wi-Fi and enter the password for your network. Now everything is connected and “communication” is possible via Wi-Fi.
Wyze thermostat compatibility
The compatibility of a thermostat is always an important factor to consider when replacing your old thermostat. You want the thermostat to work with all the HVAC systems and devices you are used to. It is even better if the new thermostat can provide more compatible possibilities.
Although a Wyze thermostat is not compatible with all devices and systems, it has more compatibility possibilities than many much more expensive thermostats.
To assist you to determine whether a Wyze thermostat will be compatible with your systems and devices we’ve compiled a list of the most commonly used functions, systems, and devices a Wyze thermostat is compatible with;
- Interface compatibility: Will work with Google Assistant
- Connection/communication compatibility: Accommodate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and will work with Amazon Alexa and your Google Home
- Compatible with most dual transformers
- Compatible with most zone control systems, including zone systems with dampers
- Compatible with 24-volt systems such as forced air.
- Compatible with most single-stage and multi-stage low-voltage conventional and heat pump heating and cooling systems.
- Can activate a connected humidifier or dehumidifier
FAQ
Q: Does a Wyze thermostat work with a 2-wire system?
A: Yes, Dual Transformers are compatible. Remember, if you open your thermostat wiring and see a jumper wire between the Rc terminal and the Rh terminal, it is not a dual transformer system. Your system is compatible when you have a C terminal on the same board as Rc,
Q: Does the Wyze thermostat work with heat pumps?
A: The Wyze thermostat works with low-voltage heat pumps. The thermostat works with most single-stage and multi-stage low-voltage heat pump systems. The ideal is heat pumps in a 24-volt system.
Q: Does the Wyze thermostat work with Alexa?
A: In principle, your Wyze thermostat will work with Alexa. Its cloud-based voice service, allows you to control your thermostat and other smart devices from one wireless speaker. But you should have an Echo speaker or another device with Alexa as it is not built into Wyze and Wyze doesn’t have an internal speaker.
Q: Does the Wyze thermostat work with Google Home?
A: Yes, the Wyze thermostat can work with your Google Home if you set it up in the Wyze app. This enables you to use voice commands to adjust the temperature of your home and make other thermostat settings. You can also set the Google Home app to check your thermostat when you are away from your home.
Q: Does the Wyze thermostat work with a humidifier?
A: Yes, your Wyze thermostat is equipped with a humidity sensor that will not only inform you of the relative humidity in your home but will also activate a connected humidifier or dehumidifier.
Q: Does Wyze have a temperature sensor?
A: The Wyze thermostat allows you to place a Wyze climate sensor inany room. Thus, you can track temperature and humidity throughout all the spaces in your home with the Wyze app. The sensor has a 500 ft. range so that it is easy to place a sensor in distant rooms, basem*nts and attics.
Wyze Thermostat vs. Nest Thermostat
The Google Nest Thermostat and the Wyze Thermostat are competing to dominate the HVAC system field without costing too much. But each of them has specific pros and cons. We’ve prepared a brief table and short notes to compare the most common aspects of the two thermostats.
| GOOGLE NEST THERMOSTAT | WYZE THERMOSTAT | |
| Price | About $129 | About $79 |
| Geofencing/IFTTT | Compatible but can occasionally be unreliable | Compatible and reliable |
| C-Wire adapter | Doesn’t include a C-Wire adapter | A C-Wire adapter is included |
| Colors and display | Comes in 4 colors – snow, sand, fog, and charcoal. It offers an LCD mirrored glass lens | Comes only in one color – black. It offers an IPS 180-degree viewing angleConnection2.4 / 5.0 GHz – 802.11a/b/g/n2.4 GHz / BluetoothCompatibilityCompatible with Google Assistant and Amazon AlexaCompatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Humidifiers and low-voltage heat pumpsSensorsAmbient light, motion, humidity, capacitive touch, and temperatureMotion, humidity, and temperaturePower24VAC24VAC |
Discussion of comparison
- Aesthetically, the Google Nest Thermostat has more to offer than the Wyze thermostat. The Nest comes in four color variations, while Wyze only offers one color – black.
- Neither the Nest nor the Wyze thermostat has a true touchscreen.
- Both are easy to install by DIY enthusiasts. It takes 20 to 30 minutes to install either of them.
- To control the Google Nest thermostat with the Google Home app is straightforward. The Nest thermostat allows you to set it to heat or cool according to whether you are at home or not. You can also set schedules and keep records. The Wyze app is a bit confusing. In this regard.
- Price-wise theWyze Thermostatis the best. It offers almost all the features as the Google Nest and lacks Google’s constant need to always know your location. And you can purchase it for about $50 less than the Google Nest. However, if you’re a maintenance DIY enthusiast and like the aesthetic appeal of theGoogle Nest, the $50 is perhaps not a factor.
Conclusion
It is always difficult to decide on the brand and model thermostat you have to buy to replace the current controlling your HVAC system. We hope that this article with its easy installation steps helps to convince you that you will be able to install your new Wyze thermostat. The discussion about compatibility with other devices, and the comparison between the Nest thermostat and the Wyze thermostat should also give you peace of mind that you’ve made the right choice.
If something goes wrong with your HVAC system or thermostats, you can troubleshoot both Nest and Wyze thermostats easily – but that will be discussed in other articles.
