A smart thermostat is a Wi-Fi enabled device that automatically adjusts heating and cooling temperature settings in your home for optimal performance.
Smart thermostats that earn the ENERGY STAR label have been independently certified, based on actual field data, to deliver energy savings.
While system designs may vary, common smart thermostat features include:
Convenience
- Many smart thermostats learn your temperature preferences and establish a schedule that automatically adjusts to energy-saving temperatures when you are asleep or away.
- Geofencing allows your smart thermostat to know when you’re on the way home and automatically adjusts your home’s temperature to your liking.
Control
- Wi-Fi enabled thermostats to allow you to control your home’s heating and cooling remotely through your smartphone.
- ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostats quickly enter a low-power standby mode when inactive.
Insight
- Smart thermostats provide equipment use and temperature data you can track and manage.
- Periodic software updates ensure your smart thermostat is using the latest algorithms and energy-saving features available.
For instance, some smart thermostats can detect when a house is unoccupied and adjust the temperature accordingly or use a homeowner’s phone GPS to know when to adjust the temperature to a more comfortable setting before they arrive home. Some send the homeowner a monthly energy usage report so they can make adjustments to improve energy efficiency and lower energy bills.
These extras come at a cost. Whether basic or sophisticated, smart thermostats typically cost more than analog or digital thermostats. So are they worth the installation cost, and how much can they save?
Do Smart Thermostats Save Money?
According to Consumer Reports, yes — a smart thermostat is a worthwhile investment that can help keep energy costs in check. They can automatically make energy-efficient temperature adjustments throughout the day, adding up to savings over time. Some have advanced features, such as room temperature sensors that can help better balance the temperature throughout the home. But not everyone will save.
If your energy bills are already low, a smart thermostat probably won’t help you save much more. Either the house doesn’t need much heating or cooling, or the HVAC system is already running at close to peak efficiency. Homes without central air conditioning or a furnace might not save much money because smart thermostats don’t function well with these alternatives. A programmable digital thermostat can also save some individuals enough money that they don’t need to pay the additional price of a smart thermostat.
How Much Money Do Smart Thermostats Save?
The reported savings of smart thermostats vary, but here are savings stats from three different sources:
Saving Stats
- According to ENERGY STAR, “Homes with high heating and cooling bills, as well as homes that are unoccupied for much of the day, can save approximately $100 a year with an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat.”
- A study by ecobee, a smart thermostat manufacturer, revealed their smart thermostat users in North America save up to 26% on energy costs.
- Another independent study found that Nest thermostats save users an average of 15% on cooling and 10 to 12% on heating.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Smart Thermostats?
To better determine whether a smart thermostat is a worthwhile investment, consumers should consider the following pros and cons:
Pros
- Smart thermostats are programmable, so energy isn’t wasted when someone forgets to adjust the thermostat.
- Smart thermostats can be controlled remotely, typically through an app on a mobile device.
- A smart thermostat can send a reminder when it is time for the filter to be changed or the HVAC system is due for maintenance.
- Some smart thermostats have features that can help a homeowner determine the optimal temperature settings for energy efficiency and comfort during various times of the day and night.
Cons
- Some older homes might not have the necessary wiring to accommodate a smart thermostat.
- Households that are always occupied, either by people or pets, won’t benefit from some smart thermostat features, such as adjusting the temperature when the home is unoccupied.
- A smart thermostat could potentially be hacked, and thermostat settings could reveal to a hacker the times when no one is typically at home.
- Smart thermostats are more expensive than other types of thermostats.
Will a Digital Thermostat Save on Energy Bills?
A properly programmed digital thermostat can help save on energy bills since it removes the need for manual adjustments to keep the home at an energy-efficient temperature. Homeowners can often get the same savings with a programmable digital thermostat, but at a lower cost. Those with an analog thermostat who don’t want or need the ability to access thermostat settings with an app or the added features of a smart thermostat might consider installing a digital thermostat.
Are Smart Thermostats Worth It?
Whether a smart thermostat is worth it or not depends on the home and the homeowner. According to HomeAdvisor, the average smart thermostat costs $100 to upwards of $500, with some systems exceeding $1,000. A programmable digital thermostat typically costs between $20 and $150.
The majority of people are too busy to manually change a thermostat during the day to save energy. A digital option that has been programmed with the best energy-efficient settings will help you save money. A digital smart thermostat can often save as much money as a smart thermostat for many people. But individuals who frequently need to change temperature settings remotely or have excessive energy expenditures could find a smart thermostat to be well worth the price.