A Smart Summer Project Idea: Install a Wi-Fi Thermostat

In just 30 minutes, you can complete an easy home improvement project this summer that will improve your comfort, make your life more convenient, and save money all year round. Plus, you will make your home smarter in the process.

Installing a Wi-Fi thermostat is relatively simple and pays off with many benefits.

Comfort on demand

With a Wi-Fi thermostat, you’ll be able to control the temperature of your home with your mobile device. You may be wondering why you’d ever want to do that. Well, you can always ensure you walk into a comfortable home after a long day of work. Or if you’re in the middle of a Red Sox nail-biter and you don’t want to get off the couch to adjust the temperature, you can easily do it with your phone.

Save with simple programming

Programming your Wi-Fi thermostat with your mobile device is similar to setting an alarm on your smartphone. It’s super easy. By setting a comfortable temperature for when you’re at home, and then programming your thermostat to automatically dial back 7-10 degrees in the cooler months (or up 7-10 degrees in the warmer months) when you’re away from home or asleep, you can save as much as $180 on your energy bills annually. The savings can help pay for the thermostat itself within a year or two.

Convenient automation features

Some models can automatically adjust to a comfortable temperature by recognizing when you come and go. Others can react to current weather conditions and adjust as necessary. You can save energy and money without even doing anything. Now that’s smart.

Wi-Fi thermostats may be sophisticated pieces of technology, but installation is a breeze. Here’s what you should know:

• This is a project you can usually do yourself in about 30 minutes. In most cases, you won’t need any advanced electrical experience. Just be sure to follow safety precautions and the instructions that come with your thermostat.
• Installation requires few tools. You’ll probably need a screwdriver, drill, and a pencil to do the job.
• Make sure to shut off the power to your heating and cooling system at the breaker before starting to avoid electrical shocks. And when you’re all done, flip the power back on.
• If your new Wi-Fi thermostat is a different size or shape compared to your old thermostat, you may want to grab some paint to touch up any spots on your wall.

Want another reason to install a Wi-Fi thermostat? How about 100 reasons? Mass Save is offering a rebate of up to $100 when you install a Wi-Fi thermostat. Get the details here.