How You Can Get a Smart Thermostat for (Nearly) Free

January 25, 2021

A smart thermostat is a great way to manage your heating and cooling bills without remembering. The majority of these thermostats learn your temperature preferences and then develop an energy-efficient schedule that corresponds, 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 disadvantage of smart thermostats is that they’re pricey, often several hundred dollars greater than a simple programmable one. But since they’re ENERGY STAR® certified, there are ways you can get a smart thermostat for free, or at little expense. Here’s how to do it!

Many Energy Companies Have Rebates for Smart Thermostats

Since a smart home thermostat helps control energy waste, your energy company in Pella probably offers a rebate for installing one. You can learn if yours does by contacting them or looking at their website. These rebates typically range from $50 to covering the whole expense of the device.

To apply, you typically print and fill out a form on the website and mail it in, along with proof of purchase. Then you’ll receive your rebate check quickly. You don’t have to do a lot, but the payoff is a large rebate and decreased utility expenses down the road!

How Much Energy Do Smart Thermostats Save?

But just how much can you save with a smart thermostat? Based on independent studies led by the popular smart thermostat manufacturer Nest, the majority of homeowners save between $131 and $145 yearly after getting one of their devices. With those savings and your rebate, your smart thermostat will pay for itself rapidly.

How to Pick the Best Smart Thermostat for Your Pella Residence

There are a lot of different options and functions available on the market, and it can be stressful to review them all. Our HVAC pros discuss the top choices below so you can find the best smart thermostat for your home.

Ecobee Smart Thermostat

Ecobee smart thermostats provide a full range of popular options, including having Alexa built-in for calls and music and a SmartSensor that confirms your most-occupied spaces are cozy. With an available adapter, they’re great if you lack a C-wire. This wire energizes your smart thermostat and ensures accurate operation of your heating and cooling system.

The Ecobee 3 Lite Smart Thermost is one of the most sought after, as it’s a wise option for comfort, value and energy efficiency. It comes with all the essential features that could save you an estimated 23% on yearly heating and cooling bills.*

Honeywell Smart Thermostat

Honeywell smart thermostats are intuitively created with the most comfort and energy savings in mind. The Honeywell T9 Smart Thermostat works with smart room sensors to boost your comfort, whatever area you’re in. With an easy-to-use app, you’ll have temperature supervision at your fingertips, on top of alerts if temperatures dramatically change or you need to replace your air filter.

Nest Smart Thermostat

Nest smart thermostats are legendary for their learning functions. For the first few days, you’ll use your thermostat as you typically would. Then, the thermostat will set itself and develop an energy-efficient schedule, whether you’re at home or gone. Just like other smart thermostats, you can adjust it with your phone when you’re out and about. You’ll also be able to see energy consumption and get specialized reports every month.

Emerson Smart Thermostat

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

Our Specialists Can Assist You 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 Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating are here to help you. Contact us at 641-628-3621 to get started right away!

*Compared to a hold of 72°F/22°C.