Are Smart Thermostats Worth It?

We install hundreds of thermostats a year in the Antelope Valley. The most common question we get is: "Should I get a Nest or Ecobee, or just keep my old white box?"

In our climate, a smart thermostat is absolutely worth the investment, but only if you use it correctly.

The "Pre-Cooling" Advantage

The biggest benefit for Lancaster and Palmdale residents is the ability to schedule "pre-cooling." You can program your smart thermostat to super-cool your house to 72°F at 3:00 PM (when electricity is cheaper), and then automatically raise it to 78°F at 4:00 PM (when peak rates start).

This "batteries included" approach to cooling can save you 15-20% on your summer electric bill.

The "C-Wire" Problem

Many older homes in Quartz Hill and Littlerock were built with 4-wire thermostat cables. Smart thermostats like the Nest Learning Thermostat and Ecobee essentially require a 5th wire, the "Common" or "C-wire," to provide constant power for their WiFi radios.

Without a C-wire, your smart thermostat might "steal" power from your furnace board, causing weird clicking noises or short-cycling.

Nest vs. Ecobee

• Nest Learning Thermostat: great for people who want a "set it and forget it" experience. It learns your schedule automatically.
• Ecobee SmartThermostat: Best for two-story homes or homes with hot spots. It comes with remote sensors you can place in the hottest bedroom to ensure that room gets cool, not just the hallway.

WiFi Control

Forgot to turn the AC off before leaving for a weekend trip to Vegas? With a smart thermostat, you can turn it off from the 14 freeway. That peace of mind alone is often worth the upgrade.