Saving energy and staying comfortable can be a tricky balancing act in the winter months, so take the guesswork out of comfort and conservation with a free or deeply discounted smart thermostat from Clark Public Utilities.
“Energy bills in Clark County are typically highest in winter, but smart thermostat technology can help control those costs while holding your home at your preferred temperature,” said Trevor Frick, energy services residential programs manager at Clark Public Utilities.
Lowering the thermostat a few degrees before bed or leaving the house will help reduce energy expenses, but remembering to do it can be difficult. Plus, there can be lag time between resetting the thermostat to your preference and the house warming up.
A programmable thermostat makes it easier to reach the right temperatures at specific times of day, which will help lower energy bills, but they aren’t always easy to use and can’t take into account fluctuations in your schedule or current weather patterns.
A smart thermostat will do it all and more. They quickly learn your household’s temperature preferences and typical schedules make the most out of every watt the heating and cooling system needs to keep things comfortable.
“A smart thermostat takes the guesswork, and the actual work, out of cutting out wasted energy,” Frick said. “Plus, they are usually pretty easy to install, and the manufacturers even have videos online to walk you through it. In most cases, they connect to the existing thermostat wires.”
Personal experiences will vary, but Clark Public Utilities customers who use smart thermostats can expect to save up to 10 percent on annual heating and cooling costs. It’s a technology that pays for itself, even if you spring for a more sophisticated model.
All smart thermostats have an occupancy or motion sensor and can turn the temperature down automatically when everyone has left, to conserve energy when the home is empty. Users can also control the thermostat remotely to kick the heat on before returning home.
For those who like data, smart thermostats can offer reports about energy consumption to see how much energy has been saved and learn how to increase efficiency even more.
For models with schedule-learning capabilities, the thermostat will know your personal temperature preferences after about a week and begin to automatically adjust to your comfort zone throughout the day. It’ll also factor in your home’s ambient conditions and local weather patterns before making any adjustments.
Clark Public Utilities customers who heat their homes with an electric forced-air furnace or heat pump may be eligible to receive a free or deeply discounted smart thermostat using Clark Public Utilities’ online marketplace. Just select your preferred model, check your compatibility and enjoy an instant rebate.
At clark.gpfulfillment.com, qualifying customers can choose between one of two Google Nest thermostats or two ecobee smart thermostats, one of which includes an indoor air quality monitor.
Rebates are also available through the mail. Just call the utility’s Energy Counselor of the Day during business hours at 360-992-3355 or visit our website for more information.
Homes with a gas heating system or a dual fuel system don’t qualify through Clark Public Utilities, but natural gas-heated homes may qualify for a similar rebate through Energy Trust. Visit energytrust.org for more information.
Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98668 or call 360-992-3355 during business hours.
