Got a smart thermostat? Great! But are you using it smartly?

Many California homeowners think setting it to one temperature and walking away is enough. But here’s the kicker – the biggest mistake you might be making is not using all the features your smart thermostat offers, and it’s costing you money.

What’s the Real Problem?

Smart thermostats are powerful tools. They learn your habits, adapt to your schedule, and can even talk to other smart home devices. But when you treat them like an old-school dial thermostat, you miss out on big-time savings.

1. Skipping the Schedule

Most smart thermostats let you create a custom heating and cooling schedule. But many homeowners never set it up. That means your system may be cooling or heating an empty house while you’re at work, wasting energy for no reason.

2. Not Using Geofencing

Geofencing is a fancy word for letting your thermostat know when you leave or arrive based on your phone’s location. If your smart thermostat has this feature, turning it on could mean never forgetting to adjust the temperature when you leave the house.

3. Ignoring Smart Integrations

Your thermostat can often connect to other smart devices, like your lights, security system, or voice assistant. This means it can optimize energy use even more, like lowering the AC when you lock up and leave or adjusting the temp before you get home.

4. Bad Thermostat Placement

Did you know your thermostat’s location affects how well it works? If it’s near a sunny window, a drafty vent, or even in a hallway you never use, it could be giving false temperature readings, making your whole system run inefficiently.

5. Forgetting About the C-Wire

Older homes might not have a C-wire, which provides constant power to your thermostat. Without it, your smart thermostat may glitch or shut off. Always check your wiring, or call a pro to help.

How to Fix It

  • Set your schedule – Customize it based on your daily routine.
  • Turn on geofencing – Let your thermostat adjust automatically.
  • Integrate smart devices – Make your home work together.
  • Reevaluate placement – Keep your thermostat in a central, accurate spot.
  • Upgrade your wiring if needed – A C-wire can make all the difference.

Get the most out of your smart thermostat. Call Service Champions today for expert HVAC installation, setup, and energy-saving advice you can trust!