Who should buy a smart thermostat?
- You have central HVAC (or a compatible system) and you can set schedules.
- Your home is empty for chunks of the day (work/school/outings).
- You’re on time-of-use pricing and can pre-cool/pre-heat before peak hours.
Features that actually reduce energy use
| Feature | Why it matters | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduling / setbacks | Lower runtime when you’re asleep or away. | Set “away” + “sleep” temperatures and keep them consistent. |
| Occupancy / geofencing | Prevents heating/cooling empty rooms all day. | Enable it, but test for false “away” triggers. |
| TOU / peak-hour awareness | Shifts load to cheaper hours, cuts peak costs. | Pre-cool before peak and relax setpoint during peak. |
| Equipment runtime reports | Lets you verify savings and spot anomalies. | Check monthly runtime trend vs weather changes. |
Common mistakes (that kill savings)
- Leaving the thermostat in “Hold” at a comfort setpoint all day.
- Over-aggressive setbacks that cause long recovery runs (wastes energy for some systems).
- Ignoring air leaks/insulation—HVAC can’t “smart” its way out of a drafty home.
Recommended thermostat-related product categories
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- Smart thermostats (HVAC compatible) — prioritize scheduling + occupancy + runtime reports.
- Room sensors — improve comfort in rooms that run hot/cold.
- HVAC filters (correct size) — clogged filters increase runtime and reduce airflow.
- Draft sealing essentials — makes thermostat scheduling work better.
Quick setup that works (15 minutes)
- Set a simple schedule: Wake / Away / Return / Sleep.
- Start with small setbacks: adjust by 1–2°C first, then fine-tune.
- Enable eco/auto features: but review after a week.
- Verify: compare HVAC runtime (or bill kWh) over 2–4 weeks.
Best paired upgrade: seal drafts
If your home has drafts, weatherstripping often improves comfort immediately and makes thermostat scheduling more effective.
Next steps (internal links)
FAQ
Will a smart thermostat always lower my bill?
Not always. Savings depend on whether you use schedules/away modes and whether your home has manageable leakage and a reasonable HVAC setup.
What’s the quickest way to see if it helped?
Compare HVAC runtime reports (if available) and your next bill’s kWh against your baseline from the DIY audit.