Tools
Do smart thermostats save money?
ENERGY STAR puts average smart-thermostat savings near 8% of heating and cooling costs, or about $50 a year.
Program the thermostat around a regular absence before buying anything else. ENERGY STAR says certified smart thermostats save about 8% of heating and cooling costs, or roughly $50 a year on average (ENERGY STAR).
Translate the percentage into your bill
Estimate the heating-and-cooling share of your annual bill, then multiply by 8%.
- $600 a year for heating and cooling → about $48
- $1,200 a year → about $96
- $1,800 a year → about $144
Those are planning examples, not promises. Homes already using disciplined schedules may save little. Homes left at one setpoint during long daily absences have more room to improve.
Try the schedule first
For two weeks, raise the cooling setpoint during a predictable absence and return it before the house is occupied. Keep the change modest at first. Compare daily kWh with similar-weather days from the prior week and note whether indoor humidity or recovery time becomes a problem.
DOE says a much larger 7°F to 10°F setback for eight hours can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling (DOE). That is a broad national estimate. New Orleans humidity and a particular house may make a smaller cooling setback more practical.
Buy for automation, not magic
A smart thermostat earns its keep when occupancy detection, remote control, or an easier schedule changes runtime. It cannot repair duct leaks, incorrect airflow, short cycling, or a system that no longer cools.
Check kWh as well as dollars, because rate and rider changes can move the bill even when energy use falls. Entergy’s bill guide shows the usage graph and charge breakdown.
Sources
- ENERGY STAR — Smart thermostat FAQ, accessed 8/12/2026
- U.S. Department of Energy — Home upgrades, accessed 8/12/2026
- Entergy New Orleans — How to read my bill, accessed 8/12/2026