Let me start by saying this thermostat is a game-changer for smart home enthusiasts. The full-color touchscreen is incredibly responsive, and programming schedules feels like using a modern smartphone—no more wrestling with tiny buttons like on my old Nest. Seeing both room temp and setpoints at a glance? Chef's kiss!

The real MVP feature? Custom backgrounds. I've got my dog's photo displayed, and it legit makes me smile every time I adjust the temperature. The messaging function is surprisingly useful too—my partner now gets “Pizza in 20 mins!” alerts right on the thermostat screen.

Installation was smoother than expected considering my ancient HVAC system. The included wiring diagram saved me multiple trips to the circuit breaker. Pro tip: Take photos of your original wiring before disconnecting anything—this saved me when I second-guessed myself at 11 PM.

Now for the not-so-great: The app feels like it hasn't been updated since 2015. While it gets the job done, navigating through menus reminds me of using Windows 95. Also experienced occasional Wi-Fi dropouts until I assigned a static IP (tech support walked me through this patiently).

The dual fuel reporting issue mentioned in reviews is real—during our recent cold snap, the app showed zero energy usage while my backup heat was clearly running. For most users this won't matter, but energy nerds like me want those details.

Where this device shines is remote control. Waking up in a hotel and realizing I forgot to turn down the heat? Fixed with two taps on my phone. Coming home to perfectly tempered air after vacation? Priceless.

Final verdict: At this price point, you're getting pro-level features without subscription fees. Just be ready for some quirks and make sure your HVAC setup matches its capabilities.