Why Aren’t My Energy Bills Lower With a Wi-Fi Thermostat?

When you invest in a smart thermostat for your Alexandria, Virginia, home, you expect smooth HVAC operation and lower energy bills. But what if your utility bills have stayed the same, even after you installed your new thermostat. Take a look at some of the most common Wi-Fi thermostat mistakes, and find out how yours can save both energy and money.

You Installed It in the Wrong Place

Similar to a manual thermostat, a Wi-Fi thermostat needs a neutral location for it to work properly. If you installed your thermostat near an exterior door, such as your front door or garage door, drafts will likely cause it to generate inaccurate temperature readings. This can lead to your HVAC system working too hard or not turning on often enough to keep you cool.

You should also avoid installing your Wi-Fi thermostat near a fireplace, above HVAC vent, or in direct sunlight. At Brennan’s Heating & Air Conditioning, our team recommends installing it in a room you use frequently and away from drafts and sunlight.

You Didn’t Program It Correctly

Wi-Fi thermostats like the Infinity Remote Access Touch Control may be smart, but they can’t save you energy if you don’t program them correctly. In the summer, set it to 78 degrees while you’re home, and program the thermostat to increase the temperature by 10 degrees overnight or while you’re out during the day. Always use your thermostat’s vacation mode when you’re away for a day or more to save even more energy.

You Haven’t Read the Energy Reports

You don’t have to wait for your utility bill to learn how much you’ve saved. Devices like the Côr Wi-Fi Thermostat offer digital energy reports that show you when you’re using the most energy. Use this information to dial back the temperature or fine-tune your thermostat settings and save more each month.

Whether you need a hand programming your smart thermostat or you’re in the market for an energy-efficient HVAC system, Brennan’s Heating & Air Conditioning is at your service. Call us at 703-783-0145 for all your cooling needs.

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