Will a smart thermostat save money?
Inquiring minds want to know! Will a smart thermostat save money? Can you really trim your energy bill with a smart thermostat?
Absolutely. And we did the data digging, so you don’t have to.
How will a smart thermostats save money? Let’s find out!
They learn how to reduce energy waste for you.
Wifi-connected smart thermostats use machine learning to understand when you’re home and what temperatures you prefer. Over time, they create a custom heating and cooling schedule that minimizes energy use when you don’t need it, making them far easier to use than a conventional programmable thermostat.
ENERGY STAR and the U.S. Department of Energy report that you can save an average of 8%-10% on your heating and cooling costs using a smart thermostat.
Translation: If your average energy bill is $150 each month, you could save $140-$150 in just one year. This savings would more than cover the cost of many smart thermostats on the market.
Programs like Smart Thermostat Rewards, offered by TVA EnergyRight and participating local power companies, can help you save even more.
Remote access prevents unnecessary heating and cooling.
Never say “Whoops! I did it again. I forgot to turn the air conditioning off.” Although a smart thermostat will learn your routines, you can still mix things up and adjust your settings anytime, anywhere using an app on your smartphone.
This kind of control prevents unnecessary energy use and even gives you the power to pre-condition (pre-cool or preheat) your home before you walk through the door. We call that a convenience and efficiency double-play.
Geofencing and motion sensors optimize efficiency and comfort.
If accessing an app sounds like too much work, rest easy: many smart thermostats use geofencing (based on your phone’s proximity to home) to detect when you’re away and when you’re on your way home and automatically adjust temperature settings for you.
Some also use motion sensors to determine which rooms are in use, prioritizing comfort in the spaces you’re occupying. This zoned comfort approach helps cut back on energy used to heat or cool unused areas of your home.
Make informed choices with the help of energy reports and usage insights.
Smart thermostats generate monthly energy reports that show how much energy you’ve used, how long your system ran each day, and how your energy use compares to other users. These reports may also offer suggestions for improvement.
Find even more ways to save on energy. Take a free DIY Home Energy Assessment today.
With a smart thermostat, comfort and convenience go together like biscuits and gravy.
It’s not just about cutting costs — smart thermostats also improve your home’s comfort and they’re easier to use than conventional programmable thermostats.
Personalized comfort
By learning your schedule and preferences, smart thermostats keep your home at the perfect temperature when you’re there—and scale back when you’re not. You don’t have to keep adjusting the thermostat throughout the day or deal with temperature swings.
Voice control and smart integration
Most smart thermostats are compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri. That means you can change the temperature without lifting a finger.
They may also integrate with other smart home devices, like lights or security systems, for a seamless, connected experience.
How much do smart thermostats cost?
The cost of a smart thermostat generally ranges from $100 to $300, depending on the features and brand. Some utility companies offer rebates or incentives for installing ENERGY STAR® certified smart thermostats, which can lower the upfront cost considerably.
You can shop for and compare smart thermostats on the EnergyRight Marketplace. If you’re thinking about joining Smart Thermostat Rewards (and your local power company is participating in the program), and you have questions about the program, you can find the answers here.
Are smart thermostats worth it?
Note: Features may vary depending on the make and model of your thermostat. Not all local power companies participate in the TVA EnergyRight Smart Thermostat Rewards program.
Smart thermostats offer a powerful combination of energy savings, personalized comfort and modern convenience. With the ability to reduce heating and cooling costs by 10% or more, they’re a smart upgrade for anyone looking to lower their energy bills without sacrificing comfort.
Will a smart thermostat save money? Our research points to “YES.” Whether you’re tech-savvy or just looking for a set-it-and-forget-it solution, a smart thermostat can be a key player in your home’s energy efficiency strategy.
5 fun experiments to teach your kids about thermal energy.
Tired of the chorus of “I’m booooored,” radiating from your kids’ quarters? Build a solar updraft tower, conduct a cooler contest, bake ice cream, create an endothermic reaction, or make a thermometer. These five fun, safe and inexpensive experiments should keep everyone (supervision is always a good idea) productively occupied — for the afternoon, at least.
Build a solar updraft tower.
At full scale, solar updraft towers generate electricity by harnessing the sun’s power. They consist of a central stem that’s surrounded by a greenhouse-like structure. The warmed air rises through the stem, or core, and spins power-generating turbines.
Our version applies the same principles but at table-top scale.
Gather your scientific equipment:
- Black construction paper (about 20 x 20 inches)
- Smaller piece of construction paper (any color)
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Tape
- Piece of modeling clay, formed into a ball
- Wooden skewer
- Plastic needle or toothpick
- Instant read thermometer
- Lamp with incandescent light bulb or heat lamp
- Paper
- Optional: sunshine, and a wind-protected area outside
- Optional: timer
- Optional: white construction paper
Let’s get started:
- Roll your black construction paper into a tapered cone, with a 2” opening at the top, and a 4” opening at the bottom.
- Cut three more-or-less equally distanced, equally sized (approximately 2” long by half an inch tall) arches out of the bottom of your cone. These are your air inlets.
- Use this template to cut a 3” propeller out of construction paper. Bend your “blades” to a 45-degree downward angle.
- Carefully tape a plastic needle or toothpick to a wooden skewer with the pointy end facing upwards.
- Stick the base of the needle-topped skewer into the clay ball and center the black cone over the clay ball.
- Place the propeller on top of the needle. It should be balanced and able to turn freely, like a ceiling fan.
- Record the air temperature inside your tower.
- Now, place a utility lamp with an incandescent light bulb (incandescent bulbs use more energy and generate more heat; that’s why you should use LED bulbs for your home’s lighting fixtures) or a heat lamp at the base of the tower.
- After five minutes, record the air temperature inside your tower and observe what’s happening!
Visit ScienceBuddies.org to learn more about what happened and why!
Conduct a cooler contest.
Ever wondered how coozies keep your cola cold? Mystery solved! For an added dash of sibling rivalry, make two coolers and see which one is the coolest.
Gather your scientific equipment:
- 2-4 equally sized, large plastic food storage containers (one will need a tight-fitting lid).
- 2-4 small plastic food storage containers (they will need to fit comfortably, with room to spare, inside the large containers.
- Similarly sized ice cubes.
- Insulating materials such as cotton balls, bubble wrap, or craft feathers (you’ll need enough to mostly fill your large containers.
Let’s get started:
- Identify a flat, sunny outdoor surface — like a picnic table or sidewalk.
- Fill one of the large plastic containers with one of your insulating materials. This is your “cooler.”
- Place the smaller container in the middle of the larger containers and place an ice cube in each of the smaller containers.
- Quickly put the lid on top of your cooler container.
Which ice cube do you think will last the longest? If you made two coolers with different insulation, which cooler do you think will keep the ice cube cool the longest? How do you think your cooler’s insulation is like the insulation in your home?
SOURCE: Science Buddies
Bake your ice cream.
Generally, we don’t recommend eating your experiments. This is an exception to the rule.
Gather your scientific equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- 3 eggs (at room temperature)
- Cream of tartar
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Superfine sugar
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Store-bought cupcakes of your choice (ALT: sponge cake)
- Ice cream
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Oven
Let’s get started:
- Preheat your oven to 400° F
- Cut the top half of your cupcakes off and place the bottom half on a parchment-lined baking sheet. (Gee, whatever will you do with the tops?)
- Separate the three eggs. (TIP: Have your lab partner crack an egg into your hand and then gently move the yolk from one hand to the other. Let the whites drip into your experiment bowl and put the yolk in a different bowl.)
- Using a whisk or electric mixer, mix the egg whites with ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon vanilla. Continue mixing until the whites begin to sitffen and can form peaks. This may take a while, but don’t give up, it’s super cool!
- After your meringue (your flavored egg whites) has taken shape, slowly and gradually stir 1 cup of superfine sugar into your meringue.
- Quickly add a small scoop of ice cream to each cupcake half. Be sure the ice cream does not touch the edges of the cupcake.
- Quickly coat each cupcake/ice cream combo with the meringue foam. Make sure the meringue covers the cake and ice cream completely!
- Place the baking sheet on the bottom rack of the oven and set the timer for 10 minutes. Turn the oven light on and check every three minutes to make sure that the meringue is not burning or browning too quickly.
What part of this experiment is acting as insulation?
SOURCE: Scientific American
Create an endothermic reaction.
See how reactions move energy around! We recommend using the kitchen sink as your laboratory.
Gather your scientific equipment:
- Insulated cup
- Instant read thermometer
- Distilled white vinegar
- Baking soda
- Measuring cup
- Tablespoon
Let’s get started:
- Pour ¼ of a cup of vinegar into your insulated cup. Measure and record the temperature of the vinegar.
- Gradually add 1 tablespoon of baking soda into the cup and gently stir with your thermometer.
- Record your observations of temperature changes over time. Does the solution get hotter or colder as the reaction is occurring?
Source: Fizzics Education
Make a thermometer.
Definitely do NOT put this experiment to the taste test!
Gather your scientific equipment:
- Mason jar with straw lid
- Clear straw
- Play dough or modeling clay
- Water
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cooking oil (any kind)
- Food coloring
- Permanent marker
Let’s get started:
- Mix ¼ cup water, ¼ cup rubbing alcohol, a few drops of food coloring and a tablespoon of cooking oil in the mason jar.
- Make marks along the bottom half of your straw at half-centimeter intervals.
- Put the lid on and drop the straw into the mixture.
- Mold the play dough around the straw, sealing any gaps around the straw and holding the straw about ½” off the bottom of the jar.
- Place your thermometer outside in a sunny place and wait 10-20 minutes. Observe what happens.
- Next place it in a bowl of ice. Observe.
SOURCE: wikiHow
What is a mini split heat pump and how does it work?
If you’re researching energy-efficient ways to heat and cool your home, you may have stumbled upon something called a mini split. So, what is a mini split heat pump and how does it work? How is it different from a traditional furnace, radiator heat or heat pumps? Let’s dig in.
Industry experts may also refer to these energy-saving, two-in-one heating and cooling units as ductless heat pumps or ductless mini splits. (Looking for more information about conventional heat pumps, AKA dual fuel heat pumps and air source heat pumps, check out this article.)
We know it’s known by many names but what exactly is a mini split, and how does it work? Let’s find out! This article covers everything you need to know — from how mini split systems operate to why they’re a smart choice for homeowners looking to save energy, lower energy costs and increase comfort.
Find even more ways to save on energy. Take a free DIY Home Energy Assessment today.
What is a mini split heat pump?
A mini split heat pump is a fully electric heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system that provides both heating and cooling. Unlike traditional central HVAC systems that rely on ductwork to distribute air throughout your home, ductless mini splits consist of two main components: an indoor air-handling unit (AKA the head unit) and an outdoor compressor/condenser combo.
These units are connected by a small conduit that houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing and a condensate drain.
Because they don’t require ducts, mini split heat pumps are often used in homes or buildings where installing or extending ductwork would be difficult or expensive — such as older homes, homes without existing ductwork, home additions, garages, detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs) or finished basements.
How does a mini split heat pump work?
A mini split heat pump uses the same basic technology as your refrigerator or traditional air conditioner; however, instead of generating hot or cool air, it transfers heat into or out of your home.
In the summer, refrigerant extracts heat from inside your home (expansion) and pumps it outside, where the heat is squeezed out (compression). In the winter, the compressor works as an evaporator, and the cycle is reversed.
Mini split cooling mode:
- The indoor unit absorbs and extracts heat from the air inside your room using a refrigerant-filled coil.
- The refrigerant carries — or pumps — the heat outside to the outdoor unit.
- The outdoor unit squeezes the heat out of the refrigerant and releases it into the outside air.
- Cool air is blown back into your room.
Mini split heating mode:
- The process is reversed.
- The outdoor unit pulls heat from the outside air — even in cold temperatures.
- The refrigerant carries this heat inside.
- The indoor unit pumps warm air into your space.
Thanks to this heat transfer process, mini split heat pumps are highly energy efficient, using 60%-70% less energy to heat your home than a traditional heating system like an electric furnace or radiator.
What are the benefits of a mini split heat pump?
1. They’re energy efficient.
Because mini splits don’t lose energy through ducts (which can account for up to 30% of energy use in traditional systems), they’re often more efficient than ducted HVAC systems. Many models are also ENERGY STAR®-certified and use inverter technology to adjust power use based on the current heating or cooling need.
2. You have more control over temperature zones in your home.
Mini splits give you the power to control the temperature in individual rooms or “zones.” Each indoor unit operates independently, so you can heat one room while cooling another, or turn off units in rooms that aren’t being used.
3. They’re (relatively) easy to install.
Without the need for ducts, mini split systems can be installed by qualified professionals in a variety of places. Wall-mounted units are the most common head unit, but there are also ceiling-recessed and floor-mounted models available.
Looking for a trusted HVAC contractor? Hire a contractor with confidence when you work with a TVA-vetted member of the Quality Contractor Network (QCN).
4. They’re quiet.
Mini split systems are praised for their quiet performance. The noisy compressor stays outside, and the indoor units are designed to operate with minimal sound, making them great for bedrooms, offices or media rooms.
5. They can help lower your energy bill.
While the upfront cost of a mini split system may be higher than a traditional window unit or space heater, the long-term savings in energy costs can be significant, especially if you’re replacing outdated, inefficient systems.
ENERGY STAR notes that “a typical household’s energy bill is around $1,900 annually, and almost half of that goes to heating and cooling.” ENERGY STAR-certified heat pumps are independently verified to save you energy and money, plus they use up to 60% less energy than standard home electric radiators.
How many indoor head units do you need?
One outdoor mini split unit can typically support up to four or five indoor air handlers, depending on the capacity of the system. The number of units you’ll need depends on the size of your home and how many zones you want to control individually.
Other sizing factors include your home’s ceiling height, number of occupants, doors and windows, and how well (or poorly) your home is insulated. (Need an insulation upgrade? Insulation and air sealing rebates are available.)
Your TVA-vetted QCN contractor can help determine the correct size and number of head units for your space using a load calculation based on square footage, insulation, window size and other factors.
What are the disadvantages of mini splits?
While there are a lot of benefits to installing a mini split, there are a few potential downsides to consider:
- Initial Cost: Installation can be more expensive than a window unit or baseboard heater.
- Aesthetics: Some homeowners don’t love the look of wall-mounted indoor units.
- Maintenance: Filters need regular cleaning and professional service is recommended annually.
Is a mini-split right for you?
If you’re looking for an energy efficient, flexible and powerful way to heat and cool your home, a mini split heat pump could be a smart choice. They’re especially well-suited for homes without ductwork, spaces with specific comfort needs and smaller homes.