Tips for Your Home

Smart Thermostats Make Saving Energy Easier

Programmable thermostats can really take the heat off your energy budget, but all of that complicated programming can leave you cold. That's where today's 'smart' thermostats can help. They include all kinds of advanced features that make saving energy easy.

WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?

There are a variety of advanced thermostats available on the market. Here we highlight a few of these products and what they have to offer.

The Nest Learning Thermostat programs itself and continually adapts to your changing needs. The Nest creates a personalized schedule, optimizing energy savings based on the temperature adjustments you've made. You can adjust temperatures remotely from your mobile device and the Nest can sense when your home is empty for extended periods, adjusting temperatures as needed.

The ecobee uses remote sensors to adjust temperatures throughout your home based on room occupancy. You can monitor heating and cooling system performance and manage your thermostat remotely from a mobile device. The ecobee provides updated weather forecasts and can send you alerts about system problems and service reminders. The latest version has built-in Alexa voice response capabilities. Ask it to order your groceries or play your favorite music.

The Honeywell Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat features a convenient touchscreen interface. You can also change the background color to match your wall paint or personal preference. Control the thermostat using a computer or tablet with a Wi-Fi connection or remotely using a mobile app. You can receive system alerts and service reminders, such as when it's time for a filter change.

IS A SMART THERMOSTAT RIGHT FOR YOU?

Smart thermostats are typically fun and easy to use and can help you save a significant amount of energy. The major drawbacks are cost and installation. Smart thermostats generally cost up to $200 or more and may require professional installation. Fortunately, SWEPCO offers a $75 rebate for you to apply toward these costs. If you're looking to reduce your heating and cooling costs and your old programmable unit leaves you scratching your head, a smart thermostat may be just what you're looking for.