Let me start by saying this refurbished smart thermostat surprised me in the best way possible. When it arrived in its simple Amazon-branded box, I honestly couldn't tell it wasn't brand new - no scratches, no signs of wear, just a pristine device ready for installation.

The setup process was shockingly easy. The Alexa app walked me through each step like a patient teacher. Within 20 minutes (including coffee breaks), I had it mounted and connected. Pro tip: ditch the included screwdriver - it's about as useful as a chocolate teapot. Grab your own tools for a smoother experience.

Day-to-day use has been fantastic. Controlling my home's temperature from bed or work never gets old. The touchscreen responds perfectly, and voice commands through Alexa work flawlessly ("Alexa, make it tropical in here" is my favorite). Energy savings are noticeable too - my last bill was about $15 lower than usual.

Now for the not-so-perfect bits: The thermostat only connects to 2.4GHz WiFi, which caused some initial frustration until I figured that out. Also, while the smart features are great in theory, the location-based automation can be hit or miss - sometimes it thinks I'm away when I'm just binge-watching Netflix upstairs.

Considering this costs half the price of a new unit but performs just as well? Absolute no-brainer purchase. Unless you absolutely need room sensors or 5GHz WiFi support, this refurbished gem delivers serious bang for your buck while looking sleek on your wall.