You Probably Qualify for a Free (or Very Cheap) Smart Thermostat
There is no such thing as a free lunch, but there is such a thing as a free smart thermostat. Power companies across the country are offering discounts to customers who can drop the price of a smart thermostat to zero, so check if you qualify before you buy an EccoBee on Amazon.
How to know if you qualify for a free smart thermostat
The easiest and fastest way to find out if you qualify for a thermostat discount is to go to Google and type in your gas or electric company name + “thermostat discount”. You should be greeted with a link to a page that explains how much discount you’ll get on which equipment. For example, I am eligible for a $100 discount on some brands of smart thermostats, a $75 discount on some brands, and no discount on others. It varies from place to place, but discounts usually cover the full cost of basic smart thermostats. If you want a prettier model, she’ll just make it “extremely inexpensive” instead.
If you’re unlucky with a Google search, go to Google’s database of energy companies that offer discounts on Nest products – if your energy company offers discounts on Nest products, they probably cover other brands as well – or visit the homepage. your energy company and look for a link to something like “energy savings”. If all this doesn’t work, just give them a call and ask.
Be aware: Some energy companies may require a smart device to be professionally installed to be eligible for rebates, but most do not.
Why are energy companies giving away smart thermometers for free?
The US Department of Energy estimates that the average consumer will save 10% per year on heating and cooling costs by simply lowering/raising the thermostat temperature slightly during sleep, and smart thermostats make this easier with automation. The government is more interested in energy efficiency than saving you money, which is why there are various programs that encourage the adoption of conservation-enhancing technologies.
These kinds of “let’s stop wasting energy” programs have been around since the 1970s and are effective, so there are likely other energy-related programs from federal, state, and local governments available to you through your energy company, be it free leds. light bulbs, insulation assistance or solar panel installation at a significant discount.
Expect more such programs in the near future, including cash incentives for the purchase of more efficient stoves , water heaters, and electric vehicles.
Does this mean the power company can control my thermostat?
The gas and electric companies that control customer smart thermostats are creating online alarm messages and conspiratorial mind spirals, but as far as I know, there are no states where a Human can change the temperature settings in your home without your permission, and your permission can be valuable.
Texas, for example, is offering consumers the chance to enter a $5,000 lottery in exchange for giving up some control over their thermostats, and used the program this summer to reduce strain on the power grid and avoid air-conditioning-related outages. Other states issue gift cards, such as California, where registration costs $125 and membership costs $60 per year. California also recently changed thermostats for customers who opted into their program .
Are the savings worth the intrusion of an outside force into heating/cooling your home? This is a philosophical question that you have to answer yourself, but the important thing is that it is voluntary.