Smart Thermostats
Smart Thermostats | Heating and Air Conditioning | Benton
Enjoy perfect comfort in every Benton season with HEP’s smart thermostats. These intuitive devices learn your schedule, balance heating and air conditioning automatically, and give you fingertip control from anywhere via a simple app. Whether you’re bracing for a chilly morning or escaping a humid afternoon, the thermostat adjusts in real time—helping trim energy bills while keeping your home consistently cozy.
Our local technicians make the upgrade effortless, integrating the smart thermostat with your existing system and showing you how to unlock features like geofencing, voice commands, and energy-use reports. Trust HEP for dependable service, innovative solutions, and the peace of mind that your Benton home is always at the ideal temperature—no matter what the day brings.
FAQs
How can a smart thermostat lower my energy bills in Benton’s hot-humid summers and cool winters?
Smart thermostats use built-in occupancy sensors, outdoor weather data, and machine-learning algorithms to fine-tune heating and cooling cycles. In Benton, where temperatures can swing from 30 °F in January to 95 °F in July, this means your HVAC system runs only when needed. The U.S. DOE reports average savings of 10–12 % on heating and 15 % on cooling; local customers typically see $150–$250 in annual utility savings because Entergy Arkansas rates are about 12¢ per kWh.
Will a smart thermostat work with my current furnace, heat pump, or dual-fuel system?
Most leading models (Ecobee, Nest, Honeywell T10, Emerson Sensi) are compatible with single-stage, multi-stage, and variable-speed gas furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps. As long as your HVAC control board has a C-wire or can accept a power extender kit, integration is straightforward. During our free in-home assessment we verify voltage (24 V), number of control wires, and special equipment—such as humidifiers or ERVs—to confirm full functionality before installation.
Can I adjust the temperature remotely, and which devices or apps do I need?
Yes. All thermostats we install include Wi-Fi connectivity and free iOS/Android apps. Once paired, you can: • Change setpoints or modes from any smartphone, tablet, or web browser. • Use voice commands via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri Shortcuts, or Samsung SmartThings. • Receive real-time alerts if indoor temps exceed your safety limits or if the system needs a filter change. Remote control lets you pre-cool the house on the drive back from Lake Norrell or lower the heat while you’re away on vacation.
How difficult is installation and setup—can I do it myself?
DIY is possible, but a professional install ensures correct wiring, configuration of equipment type (gas vs. heat pump), calibration of temperature sensors, and optimized scheduling. Our technicians typically complete the job in under an hour, including: 1. Removing the old thermostat and labeling wires. 2. Adding a C-wire or power extender if necessary. 3. Mounting the new unit, leveling it, and checking voltage. 4. Connecting to home Wi-Fi, updating firmware, and walking you through the mobile app. All labor is covered by a 1-year workmanship warranty.
What happens to my smart thermostat during a power or internet outage?
During a power outage, the thermostat’s display and control functions turn off, but your HVAC system won’t run anyway because it also lacks power. Most models retain schedule memory, so no re-programming is needed when electricity returns. If your internet goes down but power remains, the thermostat continues to follow its last stored schedule and can still be adjusted manually at the wall. Cloud features—like remote control and weather-adaptive algorithms—resume automatically once the Wi-Fi connection is restored.
Are there rebates or tax incentives for smart thermostats in Benton or the state of Arkansas?
Yes. Entergy Arkansas offers a $50 instant rebate on qualifying ENERGY STAR® smart thermostats when purchased through their online marketplace. In addition, many utility-sponsored demand-response programs pay $25–$75 per year if you allow brief, automatic temperature adjustments during peak demand days. While federal tax credits currently focus on whole-home HVAC upgrades, Arkansas customers may also claim eligible devices under local energy-efficiency loan programs. We handle all rebate paperwork and can apply discounts at the time of sale.