We all want to stay comfortable at home without spending a fortune on energy bills. But what about the times when you’re not home? Whether you’re away for the day or gone on vacation, keeping your HVAC system running at full blast is like throwing money (and energy) out the window. That’s where smart thermostats come in. They’re a game changer when it comes to saving both energy and cash.
So, how does a smart thermostat save energy? The secret lies in its ability to learn, adapt, and automatically adjust. With features like geofencing, schedule-based systems, and automatic temperature adjustments, smart thermostats make energy savings practically effortless.
Whether you’re running errands, heading to work, or taking a long vacation, your HVAC system shouldn’t be working overtime when no one is home. Smart thermostats make the difference here. These intelligent devices can learn your schedule, detect your location, and make automatic adjustments that optimize energy use without sacrificing comfort.
Let’s dive into how a smart thermostat can help you take control of your energy use.
How Does a Smart Thermostat Save Energy?
A smart thermostat connects to your home’s Wi-Fi and can be controlled from your phone, tablet, or computer. More than just remote control, it uses intelligent features to make real-time decisions about when and how to run your heating or cooling system. That means it can reduce energy consumption when you’re not home and ramp things up again just before you return.
One of the most effective strategies is adjusting your thermostat to save energy when your home is unoccupied. That could mean letting the temperature rise a few degrees in summer or drop slightly in winter when no one is around in order to save your HVAC system from unnecessary work.
In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat back 7°–10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.
But who remembers to adjust the thermostat every time they leave the house? Here’s where smart thermostats become a very smart option.
Related: How Can a Smart Thermostat Save You Money on Energy Costs This Winter?
Geofencing: Your Thermostat Knows When You’re Gone
One of the most popular smart features is geofencing, which uses your smartphone’s location to tell your thermostat when you’re home or when you’ve left.
Here’s how it works: You set up a virtual boundary around your home. When you (and your phone) leave that area, your thermostat automatically switches to an energy saving temperature for summer, fall, winter, or spring. Heading back home? The thermostat kicks your HVAC system back into gear just in time for you to walk into comfort.
No more remembering to turn the thermostat up or down when you’re running late for work or heading out for a weekend trip. It’s a seamless, behind-the-scenes way to ensure you’re not heating or cooling an empty house. Talk about an energy efficient thermostat that thinks ahead!
Schedule-Based Systems: Set It and Forget It
If geofencing isn’t your thing—or if multiple household members come and go on different schedules—you can also set your smart thermostat to follow a customized daily or weekly schedule.
For example, during summer, you might set your energy efficient thermostat to keep the home warmer between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays, then cool things down just before you get home. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 85°F when you’re away in the summer, which balances comfort and energy savings.
Many smart thermostats even suggest temperature ranges based on your goals—whether that’s saving money, staying comfortable, or both. Some systems also include smart learning features that adapt to your habits over time, refining their schedule automatically based on your behavior.
So even if you forget to program it, your thermostat has you covered.
Automatic Adjustments Based on Real-Time Conditions
Beyond geofencing and scheduling, smart thermostats can also use environmental data to make smart adjustments on the fly. Many systems include motion sensors, humidity tracking, and weather forecasts to fine-tune performance.
If a surprise heatwave hits while you’re away, your thermostat can decide not to cool the house unnecessarily, conserving energy while still protecting sensitive items like pets, plants, or electronics. Or if a cool breeze rolls in, it might pause the AC and let nature lend a hand.
All these automatic adjustments add up to serious savings. Over time, a smart thermostat learns your preferences and optimizes efficiency—not just during the hours you’re home, but also when you’re not.
The Bottom Line: Big Savings, Small Effort
Installing an energy efficient thermostat is one of the easiest and smartest steps you can take to reduce energy usage. It puts comfort and savings on autopilot, all while helping the environment by cutting down on unnecessary HVAC use.
Still wondering how a smart thermostat saves energy? It’s simple: it uses data, schedules, and smart tech to make real-time decisions that keep you comfortable and your energy bills low.
Related: Smart HVAC Systems: Are They Worth the Investment?
Let Us Help You Find the Right Smart Thermostat
Whether you’re tech-savvy or just looking for a set-it-and-forget-it option, there’s a smart thermostat out there for you—and we’re here to help you find it. Our team can recommend the best models for your needs, assist with setup, and ensure you’re getting the maximum savings and comfort from day one.
Let us show you how an energy-efficient thermostat can make a world of difference—especially when you’re away. Ready to upgrade? Contact us today to find your perfect smart thermostat solution and start saving energy and money the smart way.