My partner and I both work from home. Will a smart thermostat save enough on our bills to cover the cost of buying one?
Yes, but check with your utility company first. They often offer discounts or rebates on smart thermostats, so you may be able to get one at a great price.
Dante said:
Yes, but check with your utility company first. They often offer discounts or rebates on smart thermostats, so you may be able to get one at a great price.
If your utility company doesn’t have a deal, you can go straight to EnergyStar for a rebate. You pay upfront, and they send you a rebate later. I got my Nest for just $10 this way.
Dante said:
Yes, but check with your utility company first. They often offer discounts or rebates on smart thermostats, so you may be able to get one at a great price.
How would it save money if someone’s home all day? A regular thermostat would just keep it steady. Not sure where the savings are.
@Johnny
Some smart thermostats adjust based on what type of heating system you have, which rooms are occupied, and how the temperature fluctuates throughout the house. Even the simplest smart thermostat has more options than a regular one.
Depends on the setup. I work from home too, and I have mine set to run less at night and warm up just before I get up. Regular thermostats can do that too, though. But the ‘away mode’ feature on smart thermostats is helpful if you’re out randomly. You can also use a ‘vacation mode’ when you’re away for a weekend or holidays, which keeps the house at minimal energy use. And if you like, you can control it from your phone, which is super convenient.
@esleystanley
Yeah, the ‘away mode’ saves a bit of cash, but the ability to adjust it from bed is so worth it.
Trenton said:
@esleystanley
Yeah, the ‘away mode’ saves a bit of cash, but the ability to adjust it from bed is so worth it.
Exactly! Nothing like lying in bed, realizing it’s too warm or cold, and just using my phone to fix it. Plus, I have a schedule set up that changes throughout the day depending on the season. And I tied it to door/window sensors, so it turns off if someone leaves a door open. Peace of mind is a nice bonus.
@esleystanley
Thanks for the detailed info! I’m wondering if, for us, the main benefit would just be convenience.
RyanLewis said:
We have a smart thermostat that saves around 4% on cooling, which isn’t much. I’d say it only saves us about $40 a year during the summer, and the savings don’t carry over in the winter.
Still, $40 in savings is better than none at all.
Honestly, you save money by using less heat, whether someone’s home or not.
If your sleep schedule is unpredictable, a smart thermostat can adjust based on when it detects movement in the house, saving you money.
Katelyn said:
If your sleep schedule is unpredictable, a smart thermostat can adjust based on when it detects movement in the house, saving you money.
Our sleep schedules are pretty consistent.
@Sammy
In that case, it might save you a bit, but it depends on how you use it.
Try using a remote temperature sensor. That way, it cools or heats based on the room’s actual temperature rather than the thermostat’s location.
If you get something like the tado system, you could save money by only heating the rooms you’re using. But the full setup with sensors and a connection to your boiler can be pricey.
You won’t see savings unless you change your habits. I like that I can control my thermostat through an app, which helps me stay consistent. I can just tell Alexa I’m leaving, and it turns the heat down automatically.
I use geofencing to save on energy. It’s especially helpful for non-work days. Also, look into any rebates offered by your energy provider; it can make a big difference.
I also work from home, and the savings are minimal, but I love having control over everything. I can set it to switch between heating and cooling automatically or sync it with my window sensors. If you’re particular about managing your space, it’s worth it.
A smart thermostat will ‘learn’ how your home heats and cools. It gradually adjusts itself to avoid overshooting your desired temperature, which helps save energy.