Q. Our home has an old dial thermostat, but there seem to be a lot of fancier thermostats these days. Are the pricier, tech-focused options worth the cost?
A. Today, many thermostats can do things thermostats of the past simply could not do. It’s certainly worth asking if these new thermostats can save enough money to justify their cost.
Let’s look at the three main options for thermostats: manual, programmable and smart.
The main benefits of a manual thermostat like yours are that it’s simple to operate and there are no batteries to replace. You just have to remember to raise and lower the temperature setting whenever you leave the house.
The second option is the programmable thermostat. Typically, this type of thermostat allows settings for different periods each day. Some models can handle a different schedule for each day of the week. You control the settings to suit your climate, schedule and temperature preferences. And, you can easily override your program settings anytime.
The third option is a smart, or “learning,” thermostat. A smart thermostat connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network. After installation, you input the basics of your schedule and temperature preferences. Over time, as you change settings, it learns your schedule and adjusts to minimize energy use. A smart thermostat can even detect when no one is home. You can also control it remotely with an app on your smartphone or tablet.
If your electric co-op has a demand-response program that offers discounts for using less power during peak energy-use hours, a smart thermostat can provide additional savings on your power bill.
The move to smart technology is a significant investment. Units can cost up to $400, although some models start around $170. It’s important to note not all homes have the proper wiring to accommodate smart thermostats, so you may need to hire a professional to handle the installation.
So, are newer, more expensive thermostats worth the extra cost? How much money a thermostat can save depends on how much you spend on heating and cooling your house.
You can estimate your heating and cooling expenses by examining your utility bills related to heating your home. Compare bills for winter and summer to those for spring and fall. Most of the difference is likely due to heating and cooling. If that amount is more than $900 per year, which is the national average, you have a better chance of a good return on your investment in a smart thermostat.
The second factor that will determine how much you can save is how you are operating your current thermostat. If you are conscientious about adjusting the temperature to save energy when you’re leaving the house or going to bed, a programmable or smart thermostat may not reduce your bills that much.
Whatever you choose, remember there are ways you can use your thermostat more efficiently:
- Don’t adjust the thermostat temperature drastically in the hope of heating or cooling your home more quickly.
- For the greatest savings during winter, keep the temperature at or below 68 F while you are home during the day and cooler during the night. During summer, keep the temperature at or above 78 F while you are home.
- You can save up to 10 percent off your heating and cooling bills by turning back your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day.
- The thermostat is just one piece of the energy-efficiency puzzle. You might save more by adding insulation or sealing air leaks. A professional energy audit is the best way to identify your home’s energy weaknesses.
As you consider options, don’t forget to look to your electric co-op’s website for advice, ratings and possible rebates.
Send questions to Energy Q&A, South Carolina Living, 808 Knox Abbott Drive, Cayce, SC 29033, email energyqa@scliving.coop or fax (803) 739-3041.