What 71 Homeowners Are Saying About Smart Thermostats

Key Takeaways

• Eco mode was the most appreciated feature for automating energy savings when away from home.
• Some homeowners preferred manual control over automated settings, highlighting the value of flexibility.
• Ease of use and mobile control were major benefits cited by smart thermostat users.
• Many homeowners noticed a reduction in energy bills after installing a smart thermostat.
• Smart thermostats may qualify for utility or government rebates, check your area.
• Nest, Ecobee, and Amazon were among the most commonly used brands mentioned in the survey.
• Compatibility with existing HVAC systems is key to maximizing performance.
• Smart thermostats work well with various systems, including heat pumps, and may offer long-term savings.

Smart thermostats are changing how people regulate the temperature inside of their homes. In order to get a clear picture on what homeowners think about these thermostats, we surveyed 71 homeowners. Here are the key takeaways from their experiences:

1. Eco Mode: A Standout Feature

One of the top mentioned features was the eco mode setting. Homeowners loved how the smart thermostat automatically adjusted to eco mode when away from home, avoiding the trouble of remembering to manually adjust temperature settings. This feature was especially appreciated for its contribution to a reduction in energy consumption without sacrificing personal comfort. Many also found that using a smart thermostat for a heat pump system helped maximize energy efficiency without needing frequent manual adjustments.

However, it’s worth noting that a few of the homeowners were annoyed by the automation and chose to disable the eco mode feature. These users preferred having more control over their thermostat settings and didn’t want the thermostat automatically adjusting the temperature when they weren’t home. Most smart thermostats allow you to turn the automated settings on and off, giving flexibility depending on your preferences.

2. Simplicity and Ease of Use

Another common sentiment among homeowners was how accessible the smart thermostat interface is. The ability to control their thermostat from the comfort of their bed or couch was one of the top advantages of installing one. The convenience of adjusting the temperature with just a few taps on homeowners smartphones or voice commands made their living spaces even more comfortable while minimizing the need to physically interact with the thermostat. While the user experience was generally positive, a few homeowners noted that the smart thermostat installation cost could vary depending on the system and whether professional help was needed.

3. Energy Savings and Reduced Bills

Several homeowners mentioned a decrease in their energy bills, likely due to the automated adjustments made by the smart thermostat’s eco mode. This added benefit not only made their homes more energy-efficient but also helped to lower monthly utility costs.

4. Eligible for Rebates

Many homeowners were pleased to find out that smart thermostats are eligible for rebates. These rebates are offered by various energy companies and the federal government. If you're researching smart thermostat rebate opportunities, local utility providers and ENERGY STAR's rebate finder are great places to start. If you’re considering installing a smart thermostat, to your new or old system be sure to check for available rebates in your area.

5. Popular Smart Thermostats

While homeowners mentioned a variety of smart thermostats, the most commonly referenced brands included Ecobee, Nest, and Amazon. It’s important to note that these thermostats were mentioned in the context of being installed with an already existing heating and cooling system. If you're considering adding a smart thermostat, be sure to check that it is fully compatible with your current heating and cooling system to ensure optimal performance. If you’re planning to upgrade your heating and cooling system, most system brands offer compatible smart thermostats designed to work seamlessly with their equipment. Choosing a thermostat that is perfectly matched to your system will help maximize energy efficiency, performance, and ease of use.

6. Smart Thermostats and Seasonal Adjustments

Another advantage mentioned by several survey participants was how smart thermostats helped them better manage seasonal changes. In the summer, features like scheduling and remote control made it easy to keep their homes cool without running the system full-time. In colder months, smart thermostats helped prevent unnecessary heating when no one was home, automatically lowering the temperature during work hours or vacations.

For homeowners using a heat pump, the ability to control temperature zones and fine-tune heating schedules with a smart thermostat for heat pump setups made a noticeable difference in comfort.

Conclusion Homeowners are increasingly embracing smart thermostats for their ease of use, energy-saving features, and ability to seamlessly integrate into home systems. Whether you’re looking to optimize your current heating and cooling system or planning to upgrade your system for better energy efficiency, a smart thermostat is a valuable addition. With the added benefit of potential rebates and long-term savings, it’s no wonder these devices are becoming a staple in homes across the country.

If you’re interested in upgrading your heating and cooling system or installing a smart thermostat, Mint Home offers a range of system options to help you stay comfortable and save on energy costs year-round.

Looking to upgrade your heating and cooling system? Get an instant quote today to learn more about how Mint Home can help improve your home’s comfort and efficiency.