Honeywell T5+ Smart Thermostat Pros and Cons: Is It Worth the Upgrade?
In the crowded market of smart home climate control, the Honeywell Home T5+ (manufactured by Resideo) positions itself as the reliable, no-nonsense middle ground. It lacks the shiny glass curves of a Nest and the room sensors of an Ecobee, but it promises to just work. But does “reliable” mean “boring”? We break down the pros and cons to see if this industrial-styled workhorse deserves a spot on your wall.
The T5+ at a Glance
Before we dive into the specific advantages and disadvantages, it is important to clarify what this device is. The Honeywell Home T5+ is an update to the classic Honeywell T5. The core functionality remains largely the same: it is a Wi-Fi-enabled, programmable thermostat that works with the Resideo app.
However, the “Plus” in the name signifies a major change in installation capabilities. While older models required a dedicated C-wire (often missing in older homes), the T5+ includes a power adapter kit, opening the door for millions of homeowners to upgrade without hiring an electrician. This move was clearly aimed at competing with the Emerson Sensi and entry-level Ecobee models.
Let’s analyze whether the feature set justifies the price tag by weighing the good against the bad.
Quick Verdict: Pros and Cons
✅ The Pros
- Includes C-Wire Adapter: Installs in almost any home.
- Apple HomeKit Support: Rare for this price range.
- Geofencing Technology: Automates savings based on location.
- Adaptive Recovery: Learns your HVAC cycle times.
- Industrial Design: Simple, clean, and unobtrusive.
- Price: Highly competitive value.
❌ The Cons
- No Remote Sensors: Cannot balance hot/cold rooms.
- Monochrome Screen: Looks dated compared to color displays.
- Resistive Touchscreen: Requires a firmer press than a phone.
- No Accessory Support: Cannot control humidifiers/dehumidifiers.
- App Dependency: Advanced scheduling is best done on phone, not unit.
Check Current Price & Availability
The T5+ is often one of the most affordable HomeKit-enabled thermostats on the market.
Check Price on AmazonDeep Dive: The Advantages (Pros)
Why do so many HVAC professionals recommend the T5+? It comes down to reliability and specific smart integrations.
1. The C-Wire Power Adapter
This is the biggest “Pro” for the T5+. In the past, if you opened your wall and didn’t see a “Common” wire, you were stuck. You either had to run a new wire (expensive) or buy a battery-powered unit. The T5+ solves this by including a small adapter that you install at your furnace. It repurposes your existing wires to provide the necessary 24V power. This prevents common issues where the thermostat keeps rebooting due to power starvation.
2. Native Apple HomeKit Support
If you live in the Apple ecosystem, your choices for thermostats are limited. The Google Nest does not natively support HomeKit (without Matter updates), and Ecobee units are expensive. The T5+ is often half the price of an Ecobee but works flawlessly with Siri. You can say, “Hey Siri, set the hallway to 72,” and it happens instantly.
3. Geofencing Done Right
The T5+ uses the Resideo app to track your smartphone’s location. When you leave a set radius, it switches to “Away” mode to save energy. When you return, it resumes your schedule. For people with irregular work hours, this is far superior to a rigid 7-day schedule. If you want to understand the mechanics of this, read our guide on what is a geofencing thermostat.
4. Adaptive Intelligent Recovery
Have you ever set your thermostat to 70°F at 7:00 AM, only to wake up shivering because the heater just turned on at 7:00? The T5+ solves this. It learns how long your home takes to heat up. If it takes 20 minutes to raise the temp 5 degrees, the T5+ will start at 6:40 AM so it hits 70°F exactly at 7:00 AM. This eliminates the frustration of a thermostat not reaching set temperature on time.
Deep Dive: The Disadvantages (Cons)
The T5+ is not perfect. Here is where it falls short compared to premium models.
1. Lack of Remote Sensors
This is the dealbreaker for large homes. The T5+ only knows the temperature of the hallway where it is installed. If your upstairs bedroom is 10 degrees hotter than the hallway, the T5+ has no way of knowing. Competitors like the Honeywell Home T9 or Ecobee use remote sensors to average the temperature across the house. If you have hot and cold spots, the T5+ cannot fix them.
2. The “Squircle” Industrial Design
Design is subjective, but the T5+ is undeniably utilitarian. It looks like a piece of industrial equipment rather than a piece of home decor. The black plastic housing and monochrome grey screen feel dated next to the vibrant color displays of the Emerson Sensi Touch or the polished glass of a Nest.
3. Resistive Touchscreen
Most modern devices use capacitive touchscreens (like your phone) that react to the lightest touch. The T5+ uses a resistive screen, which requires physical pressure to register a tap. It can feel sluggish or unresponsive if you are used to premium tech. However, most users rely on the app, making this a minor annoyance rather than a fatal flaw.
4. No HVAC Accessory Control
If you have a whole-home humidifier, dehumidifier, or ventilator attached to your HVAC system, the T5+ cannot control it. It strictly handles heating (W) and cooling (Y) and fan (G). For accessory control, you need to step up to the T10 Pro.
Comparison: T5+ vs. The Competition
How does the T5+ stack up against its direct rivals?
| Feature | Honeywell Home T5+ | Google Nest Thermostat (2020) | Ecobee3 Lite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $ (Budget) | $$ (Mid-Range) | $$ (Mid-Range) |
| C-Wire Adapter | Included | Not Included | Included |
| Remote Sensors | No | No | Yes (Sold Separately) |
| HomeKit | Yes | No (Matter Pending) | Yes |
| Screen | Monochrome Touch | Mirrored Glass | Color Touch |
If you are debating between brands, checking our Honeywell thermostat vs Nest comparison can help clarify the ecosystem differences. Alternatively, if budget is your only concern, the Amazon Smart Thermostat is a close cousin to the T5+ (also made by Resideo) but lacks HomeKit.
Installation and Troubleshooting Notes
While the C-wire adapter makes installation easier, it isn’t foolproof. The adapter requires you to access the control board inside your furnace. If you are uncomfortable with wires, read our thermostat instructions for homeowners first.
Common Issues:
- Wi-Fi Drops: The T5+ only connects to 2.4GHz networks. If you have a mesh router, you may need to temporarily pause 5GHz to connect. Are WiFi thermostats worth it if they disconnect? Generally yes, as the T5+ keeps its schedule even when offline.
- Screen Blank: Since it doesn’t use batteries for operation, a blank screen means no power. Check your breaker or the C-wire adapter connection. You won’t see thermostat low battery symptoms because it relies entirely on grid power.
- Heat Not Turning On: If the thermostat says heat on but no heat is detected, ensure you didn’t accidentally configure it for a Heat Pump if you have a gas furnace (or vice versa).
Also note: The T5+ is not compatible with high-voltage baseboard heaters. For that, check our Mysa Smart Thermostat review.
Don’t Forget the Wall Plate
If replacing a larger old thermostat, use the wall plate to cover unpainted spots.
View AccessoriesFrequently Asked Questions
Does the T5+ save money on energy bills?
Yes. The T5+ is Energy Star certified. By utilizing geofencing and scheduling, it reduces runtime when you are away. Homeowners typically ask do smart thermostats really save money, and for the T5+, the answer is a definitive yes—often paying for itself within 1-2 years.
Can I lock the screen to prevent kids from changing it?
Yes, the T5+ features a screen lock option. You can set it to “Partial Lock” (allows temperature changes but blocks settings) or “Full Lock” (blocks everything), making it great for rentals or families.
What happens if my Wi-Fi goes down?
The T5+ stores your schedule internally. If Wi-Fi goes down, it continues to run your heating and cooling schedule as programmed. You just won’t be able to change it from your phone until connectivity is restored.
Does it work with 2-wire heat-only systems?
With the included C-wire adapter, you generally need at least 3-4 wires at the thermostat bundle to make the adapter work comfortably. For strict 2-wire systems, you might be better off with one of the best battery operated thermostats that don’t require a C-wire.