Air conditioning is by far the largest contributor to electric bills in Central Florida. In the average home, approximately 52% of all energy used goes toward heating and cooling. And while it can feel like the only choice during the summer is to crank up the AC or put up with the heat, there is a third option: installing a smart thermostat.

Designed to help you stay comfortable while automating habits that save energy, time and money, smart thermostats are ideal for optimizing energy usage not only during summer, but throughout the year. And these devices are affordable, generally under $200, with options under $100. DIY installation is possible for those who feel comfortable working with wiring and electricity, although an electrician or HVAC technician may be needed.

If you’re considering upgrading your home’s climate control system, there are several reasons to add a smart thermostat to your list:

  • Personalized Scheduling. When you’re rushing out the door in the morning or going to bed at night, adjusting the AC may not be the first thing on your mind. That’s where a smart device’s hands-off scheduling can help. You can pre-set the temperature to go higher when you leave for work; automatically readjust when the kids get home from school; and cool down the house at bedtime, all without touching the thermostat once.
  • Remote Access. Forget to set the AC higher before leaving on a summer vacation? No need to turn the car around. Smart thermostats let you remotely adjust the temperature or update your schedule from your smartphone – and on the way home, you can use the remote app to have the house cooling down and set at a comfortable temperature by the time you get back.
  • Insight Into Energy Usage. Using up-the-minute data provided by smart thermostats, you can make informed decisions that optimize your home’s electric usage. Depending on the device, your thermostat may be able to recommend settings that maximize efficiency or alert you to unusual spikes in energy consumption.

At OUC, we’re here to help customers save the smart way through free energy and water efficiency audits. During your scheduled home visit, an experienced OUC auditor will help you identify cost-effective opportunities to conserve electricity and recommend rebates that can help you save on installations and upgrades.

If you’re looking for ideas to help your family save money this summer, check out OUC’s home energy usage fact sheet – or schedule your free Energy & Water Conservation audit today.