The Best 5 Smart Thermostats for Homes in the Columbia River Gorge

If you’ve ever stood in front of your thermostat, hands on hips, muttering something like, “Why does it always feel five degrees off in here?”—welcome to the club. Thermostats have been quietly running the show in our homes for decades, but with smart technology, they’re finally stepping into the spotlight.

By the end of this article, you’ll know which five smart thermostats are best for homes in the Columbia River Gorge and surrounding areas. We’ll look at price, features, and real consumer reviews, as well as how each model holds up to the Gorge’s unique mix of rainy winters, dry summers, and homes that range from historic charmers to modern builds.

And because we’ve spent more than 17 years working with families across Oregon and Washington—from the Gorge to the Portland/Gresham Metro, you’ll get insights grounded in real-world experience, not just a spec sheet.

1. Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)

Approximate Price (unit only): ~$280 MSRP, though sales/rebates can drop it closer to ~$180–$220.

Average Star Rating / What Users Say

In listings, this model often scores around 4.6–4.9 out of 5 stars depending on finish and retailer. For example, one version sells for ~$179.99 after rebate and is rated 4.9 stars. 

Most homeowners praise its premium build, visual appeal, and features like a large, borderless display (good for seeing temperature from across a room). Some criticism from users include fingerprints on certain finishes (e.g. gold), cost, and whether every home’s wiring is compatible. 

Top Features that Make It Stand Out in the Gorge

• Learning algorithms: It adapts to your schedule so that heating or cooling kicks in before you feel uncomfortable. That helps in the Gorge's climate swings. 
  
  
• System Health Monitor: It can detect when something in heating/cooling might be off, letting you catch issues early. Helpful when winter nights get cold, or during humid damp periods. 
  
  
• Compatibility: Works with many 24V HVAC setups; some systems may need a “C-wire” or Nest’s connector, so checking compatibility up front is critical. 

Addressing Hesitations

• If you’re worried about cost: yes, the MSRP is on the higher side. But occasional rebates (from utilities in Oregon/Washington) or sales can bring it down significantly.
  
  
• If your home is older with older wiring: check whether you have a C-wire (common wire) or if the “power connector” or an extender is needed. Not all HVAC systems need upgrading, but some do.
  
  
• If you like something easy to glance at: the large display with “Farsight” makes it visible from a distance. If you dislike screens or keeping things simple, you might find it more than you need—but many consider it a feature, not a gimmick.

2. Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium

Approximate Price (unit only): ~$259.99 for the standard package. If you include extra sensors, that adds to cost. 

Average Star Rating / What Users Say

Rating around 4.6 out of 5 stars with hundreds of reviews (for example, Best Buy shows 4.6 / 5 with ~667 reviews). 

Homeowners like how it handles “hot and cold spots” (rooms that tend to be too warm or too cold), praising the remote sensors. Some complaints: the need for a “C-wire” in certain setups, as well as some "occasional quirks" with settings or connectivity. 

Top Features that Make It Stand Out in the Gorge

• Smart Sensors included: Helps balance temperature throughout homes with multiple floors or rooms with varying exposure to sun/wind, etc. In this region, upstairs bedrooms can heat up quickly while lower levels stay cold. This helps. 
  
  
• Air quality monitoring and alerts: With smoke from wildfire season, dampness, etc., this adds an extra layer of comfort/security. 
  
  
• Large touchscreen, multiple integrations (Alexa, Siri/HomeKit, etc.): If you already use smart home devices (voice, lights, etc.), compatibility matters. 

Addressing Hesitations

• Price may feel steep—sensors, fancy screen, etc., add cost. But many find the extra comfort and even energy savings over time justify it.
  
  
• If your HVAC wiring is older, double-check whether you need a C-wire or the included Power Extender Kit.
  
  
• If simplicity is your priority, some users mention the interface and settings have a learning curve. But once set up, it behaves reliably.

3. Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat (with Sensor)

Approximate Price (unit only): ~$199–$210; rebates or sales sometimes drop it closer to $150–$180.

Average Star Rating / What Users Say

Average rating ranges from 4.5 to 4.8 out of 5 stars. Homeowners value the included remote sensor and say it helps even out uneven heating and cooling. Some note that the design isn’t as sleek as other models and that wall coverage may be an issue if replacing a larger old thermostat.

Top Features that Make It Stand Out in the Gorge

• Remote sensor included: Helps regulate tricky areas like upstairs bedrooms or shaded basements.
  
  
• C-wire adapter provided: Useful in older Gorge homes where wiring is limited.
  
  
• App + geofencing control: Detects when you’re home or away, adjusting temperatures accordingly to save energy.

Addressing Hesitations

Though affordable, it doesn’t have the same premium design as Nest or Ecobee. The remote sensor’s range can sometimes be affected by thicker walls or multiple floors. If aesthetics are important, you may need to patch or paint around the unit for a clean look.

4. Emerson / Sensi Touch / Sensi Touch 2

Approximate Price (unit only): MSRP ~$210; often discounted to $140–$190.

Average Star Rating / What Users Say

Generally rated between 4.4 and 4.7 out of 5 stars. Homeowners appreciate its straightforward touchscreen and value compared to pricier models. Reviews sometimes mention limited advanced features and the need for a C-wire in certain systems.

Top Features that Make It Stand Out in the Gorge

• Bright, clear touchscreen: Easy to read, especially on cold mornings or in lower light.
  
  
• Broad compatibility: Works with many system types, including heat pumps commonly found in Oregon and Washington.
  
  
• Scheduling + geofencing: Automatically adjusts when you’re home or away, reducing wasted energy.

Addressing Hesitations

Doesn’t include advanced features like air quality monitoring or multiple sensors. Some homeowners note that no wall backplate is provided, which can leave older screw holes visible. If your HVAC lacks a C-wire, you may need to add one for reliable power.

5. Amazon Smart Thermostat

Approximate Price (unit only): ~$60–$80.

Average Star Rating / What Users Say

Rated between 4.3 and 4.6 out of 5 stars. Homeowners love the price point and simple Alexa integration. Downsides include very limited on-device controls and fewer advanced features compared to premium thermostats.

Top Features that Make It Stand Out in the Gorge

• Budget-friendly smart upgrade: Great option for smaller homes or rentals.
  
  
• Seamless Alexa integration: Works smoothly if you already use Echo or other Amazon devices.
  
  
• Energy-saving basics: Includes scheduling, Home/Away modes, and reminders for filter changes.

Addressing Hesitations

It’s not ideal for large homes or those with uneven heating, since it doesn’t include remote sensors. Controls are minimal on the thermostat itself—you’ll use the app or Alexa for most adjustments. If your home uses Google or Apple smart systems, integration is limited.

Smart Thermostat Comparison for Columbia River Gorge Homes

Smart Thermostat Decisions Made Simple

When you started this article, you may have been feeling overwhelmed by the endless thermostat options—half-excited about the idea of saving money, half-worried about wasting it on the wrong device. Now you know which models perform best in Columbia River Gorge homes, what they cost, how people actually rate them, and which features stand out in a region where weather and home styles are anything but predictable.

With over 17 years of experience serving homeowners throughout Oregon and Washington, we’ve seen firsthand how the right thermostat can transform comfort, trim energy bills, and take the stress out of seasonal shifts.

Picking the right thermostat is one decision, but deciding how to install it is another. If you’re considering the DIY path, start with our installation guide.