For households seeing summer electric costs rise, a smart thermostat is one of the simpler upgrades to look into.
As Men's Journal detailed, experts say the devices can lower heating and cooling expenses by avoiding energy use during times such as sleeping hours, work hours, or other stretches when no one is actively using the home.
Here's what to know
Heating and air conditioning are among the largest drivers of energy use at home, which is why thermostat control matters so much. The publication said smart models can trim unnecessary HVAC runtime by learning your habits, sensing whether anyone is around, and changing the temperature automatically instead of relying on you to remember each adjustment.
Alex Afone, CEO of Wilson & Myers, an appliance repair company, broke it down to Men's Journal.
"Smart thermostats increase efficiency by allowing you to set a daily routine to adjust the temperature of your home around your schedule," he told the outlet.
Citing the U.S. Department of Energy, Men's Journal reported that changing your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day could reduce yearly energy costs by as much as 10%.
Afone also pointed to Electric Choice figures showing the average U.S. energy bill at $163 a month, or $1,956 a year, according to Men's Journal. That means a 10% reduction would amount to about $195 in annual savings.
If you're thinking beyond a thermostat, upgrading your heating and cooling system is also one of the best ways to save money on utility bills and protect yourself against rising energy prices. For homeowners, Palmetto's Comfort Plan network can help you find efficient heating and cooling solutions for your home and connect you with vetted installers.
Save $10,000 on solar panels without even sharing your phone number Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers in your area. To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner. Solar panels can save you more than $50k over their 25-year lifespan, and EnergySage can help you save as much as $10k on installation. Which begs the question — isn't that worth an email or two? |
More background
Michael Haines, chief commercial officer at AC Direct, told Men's Journal that automatic adjustments are useful because many people do not remember to change the temperature when they leave the house or go to bed.
"They learn your routines and monitor how quickly your home heats and cools so they reach your preferred temperature right when you need it," Haines said.
Some smart thermostats also offer geofencing, using your phone's location to begin heating or cooling before you get home. That can maintain comfort on arrival.
A smart thermostat will not solve every energy-cost problem on its own, but it can reduce waste and make day-to-day home management simpler.
What can be done?
A smart thermostat is often a relatively simple first step, but older heating and cooling equipment may be leaving even bigger savings on the table.
That's where Palmetto may also be useful. Through Palmetto's Comfort Plan, homeowners can explore efficient HVAC and heat pump options, and if you're not ready to spend up front, the plan includes $0-down options that can lower your heating and cooling costs by up to 50%. Palmetto Comfort Plans also include 12 years of free maintenance.
You can push your costs even lower by pairing electric appliances such as efficient HVACs with solar panels. EnergySage makes it easy to find the best solar system and installer for your home and budget with potential savings of up to $10,000 on installations.
Ultimately, the most effective upgrades are the ones that fit how you actually live. A better thermostat, a more efficient HVAC system, and lower-cost electricity can work together to give you more control over both comfort and monthly expenses.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
