Does a smart thermostat actually save money?

Transcript

A smart thermostat can save money, but not because the thermostat itself somehow uses less energy. The savings come from reducing unnecessary heating and cooling. ENERGY STAR says certified smart thermostats save about eight percent of heating and cooling bills on average, roughly fifty dollars a year, although the real number varies. A smart thermostat can automatically adjust temperatures when you are asleep, away, or simply do not need the house kept at the same setting. If you already manage your thermostat carefully, your savings may be smaller. Climate, occupancy, comfort preferences, insulation, and your heating and cooling equipment all matter. Compatibility matters too, especially with some heat-pump, multi-stage, and specialty systems. So think of a smart thermostat as an automation tool, not a magic energy-saving box. The more wasted heating or cooling it can prevent without making your house uncomfortable, the more useful it becomes. Convenience and remote control may be benefits even when the dollar savings are modest.