Seeking Advice on Smart Thermostat Setup

Hello everyone, I’m currently in the process of setting up a smart thermostat in my home and I’m looking for some advice to make sure I do this correctly. I’ve heard great things about smart thermostats and I’m excited to integrate this into my smart home setup. However, I want to ensure I’m making the right choices and avoiding any common pitfalls.

First, I’m considering which brand to go with. I’ve seen a lot of recommendations for both Tado and Homematic, but I’m not entirely sure which one would be the best fit for my needs. I’m particularly interested in knowing if these thermostats can be fully integrated with Homey, especially since I’ve heard there might be some compatibility considerations. Does anyone have experience with either brand and could share their thoughts?

Another thing I’m curious about is the installation process. I’ve read that some thermostats require a C-wire for power, while others can operate on batteries. I’m not entirely sure about the wiring in my home, so I’m wondering if it’s possible to use a battery-powered thermostat without needing to run additional wires. If not, what’s the best way to approach this? I don’t want to end up with a complicated installation that I can’t handle on my own.

I’m also thinking about the features I want. I’d like the thermostat to learn my schedule and adjust temperatures accordingly, as well as integrate with my existing smart devices. Are there any specific features I should look for or avoid? For example, some thermostats offer geofencing, which would be great, but I’m not sure how reliable that is.

Lastly, I’m considering the long-term support and community around the thermostat. It would be helpful to know if there’s an active community or if the manufacturer provides regular updates and support. I don’t want to invest in a device that might become obsolete or unsupported in a few years.

If anyone has gone through this process and could share their experiences, I’d greatly appreciate it. Any tips, advice, or recommendations would be incredibly helpful as I prepare to make this upgrade to my home. Thank you in advance for your insights!