A smart thermostat is a great way to manage your heating and cooling expenses without having to do much. Most of these thermostats adjust to your temperature preferences and then develop an energy-efficient schedule to match, whether you’re at home or away. There’s also the additional 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, usually several hundred dollars more than a plain 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!

Most Energy Companies Offer Rebates for Smart Thermostats

Because a smart home thermostat helps manage energy waste, your energy company in Tucson typically gives a rebate for installing one. You can find out if yours does by reaching them or looking at their website. These rebates usually range from $50 to covering the whole cost of the device.

To take advantage of the program, you generally print and fill out a form on the website and send it in, along with proof of purchase. Then you’ll receive your rebate check quickly. It takes a little effort on your part, but the payoff is a large rebate and lower heating and cooling costs 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 commissioned 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 quickly.

How to Choose the Best Smart Thermostat for Your Tucson Home

There are lots of different options and functions available on the market, and it can be time-consuming to review them all. Our HVAC pros discuss the top brands below so you can find the best smart thermostat for your house.

Ecobee Smart Thermostat

Ecobee smart thermostats have a wide range of popular solutions, such as having Alexa built-in for calls and music and a SmartSensor that confirms your most-enjoyed rooms are cozy. With an available adapter, they’re fantastic if you don’t have a C-wire. This wire energizes your smart thermostat and ensures proper operation of your heating and cooling system.

The Ecobee 3 Lite Smart Thermostat is one of the most often installed, as it’s a smart solution for comfort, value and energy efficiency. It includes all the essential features that could save you an estimated 23% on yearly energy bills.*

Honeywell Smart Thermostat

Honeywell smart thermostats are intuitively designed with top comfort and energy savings in mind. The Honeywell T9 Smart Thermostat links with smart room sensors to improve your comfort, whatever room you’re in. With an easy-to-use app, you’ll have temperature supervision at your fingertips, in addition to alerts if temperatures drastically change or you should replace your air filter.

Nest Smart Thermostat

Nest smart thermostats are well-known for their learning functions. For the first several days, you’ll adjust your thermostat as you typically would. Then, the thermostat will adjust itself and create an energy-efficient schedule, whether you’re at home or gone. Similar to other smart thermostats, you can control it with your phone when you’re away. You’ll also have the ability to monitor energy needs and have individualized reports every month.

Emerson Smart Thermostat

If you’re new to smart home technology, the Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat is a fantastic place to start. It looks like the programmable thermostat that you’ve used for years but provides the benefits of remote control. With the app, you’ll have the option to create flexible schedules and receive alerts if something’s wrong 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 operate your new smart thermostat, our comfort professionals at Ambient Air are here to help you. Give us a call at 520-357-4912 to get started right away!

*Compared to a hold of 72°F/22°C.