Have you been considering a smart thermostat but aren’t quite sure if the savings will be worth the hefty price tag?
Nest Thermostat recently announced that, after three separate studies, the Nest saves users enough to pay for itself over the course of two years. Two of the studies were independent – one done by the Energy Trust of Oregon and another by an Indiana utility company. The third study was conducted by Nest.
According to the studies, the Nest saved consumers 10 to 12% on heating bills and 15% on cooling bills. These savings amount to an estimated $130 to $145 a year. These studies were the first in the industry to back the claims of energy savings made by makers of smart thermostats.
Here are some highlights from the Oregon study:
- Homes with natural gas heating saved 12%.
- The Nest offered savings to those with heat pumps. In the past, the Department of Energy has advised heat pump users against using smart and programmable thermostats.
- Homes with higher electricity use had higher savings, while singles and the elderly saved the least.
- Customers appreciated the energy savings but also the ability to adjust the thermostat remotely.
You can learn more about smart thermostats, including the Nest, by visiting our All About AC knowledge center.
Programmable Thermostats
If you’re looking for energy savings without the hefty price tag of the Nest, consider a simple programmable thermostat, which you can pick up for about $30 at your local home improvement store. While these thermostats don’t “learn” your patterns, proper programming of the thermostat can lead to energy savings, as well as increased comfort levels in your home.
At Gagne Heating and Air, we’re here to help our customers in Alpharetta and the surrounding areas make informed decisions about their homes’ comfort systems. Contact us today if you have questions about your thermostat or need help with installation.