A smart thermostat is a good way to stay on top of your utility expenses without thinking about it. Most of these thermostats pick up on your temperature preferences and then make an energy-efficient schedule that matches, whether you’re at home or away. There’s also the extra convenience of being able to change your thermostat with your phone or even voice controls on a few models.

The drawback of smart thermostats is that they’re expensive, typically several hundred dollars more than a basic programmable one. But since they’re ENERGY STAR® certified, there are ways you can receive a smart thermostat for free, or for not much at all. Here’s how to do it!

A Lot of Energy Companies Have Rebates for Smart Thermostats

Because a smart home thermostat helps manage energy waste, your energy company in Columbia typically offers a rebate for buying one. You can discover if yours does by calling or looking at their website. These rebates often range from $50 to covering the entire cost of the device.

To take advantage of the program, you usually print and fill out a form on the website and send it in, along with proof of purchase. Then you’ll have your rebate check within a few weeks. It doesn’t require much work, but the payoff is a sizable rebate and reduced heating and cooling bills down the road!

How Much Energy Do Smart Thermostats Save?

But just how much can a smart thermostat trim your bill? According to independent studies commissioned by the popular smart thermostat manufacturer Nest, many homeowners save between $131 and $145 annually after buying one of their devices. With those savings and your rebate, your new thermostat will pay for itself rapidly.

How to Pick the Best Smart Thermostat for Your Columbia Home

There are a lot of varying options and functions available on the market, and it can be stressful to go over them all. Our HVAC pros discuss the top models below so you can find the best smart thermostat for your residence.

Ecobee Smart Thermostat

Ecobee smart thermostats have a full range of popular features, like having Alexa built-in for calls and music and a SmartSensor that confirms your most-used spaces are comfy. With an available adapter, they’re ideal if you’re without a C-wire. This wire energizes your smart thermostat and ensures correct operation of your home comfort system.

The Ecobee 3 Lite Smart Thermostat is one of the most often installed, because it’s a great choice for comfort, value and conserving energy. It has all the important features that could save you an estimated 23% on yearly energy bills.*

Honeywell Smart Thermostat

Honeywell smart thermostats are intuitionally made with the most comfort and energy savings in mind. The Honeywell T9 Smart Thermostat links with smart room sensors to boost your comfort, whatever area you’re in. With a simple app, you’ll have temperature supervision at your fingertips, in addition to alerts if temperatures drastically change or you are required to get a new air filter.

Nest Smart Thermostat

Nest smart thermostats are legendary for their learning capabilities. For the first couple of days, you’ll adjust your thermostat as you typically would. Then, the thermostat will program itself and make an energy-efficient schedule, whether you’re at home or out. Similar to other smart thermostats, you can control it with your phone when you’re away. You’ll also have the ability to keep an eye on energy use and get specialized reports monthly.

Emerson Smart Thermostat

If you’re not especially technologically savvy, the Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat is a fantastic place to start. It appears to be the programmable thermostat that you’ve used for years but offers the perks of remote control. With the app, you’ll be able to put together schedules that work with you and receive alerts if something’s wrong with your system.

Our Professionals Can Provide Support with All Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

From helping you take advantage of valuable rebates to helping you install your new smart thermostat, our comfort pros at Watts Electric & AC are here to support you. Reach us at 601-736-7362 to get started now!

*Compared to a hold of 72°F/22°C.