*Remote control requires the smart thermostat and compatible smartphone to have working internet connections.
Purchase a smart thermostat at your preferred retailer and apply for a rebate.
Smart thermostat benefits
According to ENERGY STAR®, almost half of an average household’s energy bill goes to heating and cooling. A smart thermostat can help you manage your temperature settings, save money and stay comfortable in your home.
- Convenience: Adjust the temperature in your home from anywhere, using a smartphone.*
- Control: Many smart thermostats offer options for scheduling temperature adjustments and geofencing, which uses smartphone location to automatically switch between “home” and “away” modes.
- Insight: Smart thermostats provide equipment use and temperature data.
Whichever features you’re interested in, you can manage your smart thermostat to fit your preferred usage style. Use of advanced features is not required.
Is your HVAC system compatible?
Smart thermostat manufacturers offer tools so you can check which models may be compatible with your HVAC setup.
Compatibility tools:
According to ENERGY STAR, smart thermostats are compatible with most forced-air HVAC systems installed after 1975. If you have an oil boiler or furnace, you may need an adapter. If your HVAC system is variable speed, multi-stage or zoned for different areas of your home, we recommend working with a professional to install a thermostat that can handle those systems. Smart thermostats may not be compatible with baseboard heating, biofuels or in-wall heaters.
C-wires
Many smart thermostats receive power through a C-wire, or “common wire,” that provides a constant power source from your HVAC control board. ENERGY STAR explains that not having a C-wire does not necessarily mean you will be unable to have a smart thermostat — but it may influence the models and brands that will work for your home and may require an adapter.
Looking for help with installation?
Smart thermostat brands often have trained staff available to help with installation over the phone. However, if you’d like professional help with installation or finding a compatible model, contact one of our Trade Ally contractors. Enter your county name, select the HVAC filter and click “Search” to find a contractor who serves your community.
