Warning: My $40 smart thermostat actually cut my gas bill by 15% this winter

I was skeptical it would make a difference, but the auto-schedule feature stopped me from cranking the heat when I wasn't home. Anyone have tips for summer AC savings with these things?

2 comments

2 Comments

perez.thea6d ago

That auto-schedule feature is the real game changer. I set mine to let the house get a little warmer during the day, then have it cool down right before I get back. The trick is using the "away" mode for longer trips, like running errands for a few hours. It stops the AC from fighting to cool an empty house, which is where you really waste money.

rubybarnes6d ago

My old apartment in Phoenix taught me that the hard way. I'd leave the AC at 72 all day and get a $300 power bill. Now I let it drift to 78 when I'm gone and have it hit 74 thirty minutes before my commute ends. The real savings came from linking the away mode to my phone's location, so it kicks in automatically if I'm more than five miles from home.

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