Find out how much a smart thermostat will save you on heating and cooling costs. Compare Nest, Ecobee, and other top brands.
Smart thermostats like Nest, Ecobee, and Honeywell Home reduce energy bills through intelligent automation and learning:
The original smart thermostat. Best for: Homes with consistent schedules. Learns automatically without programming. Beautiful circular design. Works with Google Home.
Best for: Large homes or multi-zone systems. Includes room sensors ($79 value) to balance temperature across rooms. Built-in Alexa. Air quality monitoring.
Best value. Includes 1 room sensor. Smart room detection focuses on occupied rooms. Easy DIY installation. Works with all major voice assistants.
Budget pick. Made by Honeywell, sold by Amazon. Basic smart features, Alexa integration, energy reports. Great for renters or budget-conscious buyers. Still saves 10%+.
EPA studies show smart thermostats save 8-15% on heating and 10-23% on cooling. Average household saves $130-180/year. Savings are highest when upgrading from manual thermostats or in extreme climates (very hot/cold). Your actual savings depend on current usage patterns, home insulation, and HVAC efficiency.
Yes! Most smart thermostats are DIY-friendly and take 30-60 minutes to install. You'll need: screwdriver, level, and labels for wires (usually included). However, some systems require a "C-wire" (common wire) for power. If your current thermostat has 4 wires or fewer, you may need a C-wire adapter ($15-30) or professional installation ($100-200). Many utilities offer free installation.
Nest: Better for auto-learning and sleek aesthetics. Works great in homes with consistent routines. Ecobee: Better for large homes or temperature balancing (includes room sensors). More customization options. Both save similar amounts (10-15%). Choose Nest for simplicity, Ecobee for control and multi-room homes.
Most smart thermostats work with 95% of HVAC systems including: central AC, furnaces, heat pumps, boilers, and mini-splits. However, check compatibility before buying. Systems NOT compatible: line-voltage heating (baseboard electric, wall heaters), some proprietary systems. Use manufacturer compatibility checkers on their websites - just enter your current wiring configuration.
Yes! Many utility companies offer $25-75 instant rebates on smart thermostats, sometimes making them free or under $50. Some utilities also provide free installation. Additionally, check for state energy efficiency programs. Search "[your utility name] smart thermostat rebate" or check dsireusa.org. Rebates often require enrollment in demand response programs.
You need room sensors if: (1) Your home has hot/cold spots, (2) Bedrooms are far from the thermostat, (3) You have a multi-story home, (4) You want temperature control per room. Ecobee includes 1 sensor free. Additional sensors cost $40-80 each. Most single-story homes under 2,000 sq ft don't need sensors. Room sensors can add 5-10% more savings by optimizing which rooms to heat/cool.
See how smart thermostats rank against solar, heat pumps, insulation, and 18 other energy upgrades.
Get Full 22-Upgrade Calculator