Utility Bills
Utility Bills | Thermostat Upgrades | Heating and Air Conditioning | Cosby
Imagine glancing at your Cosby cabin’s energy readout and seeing smaller numbers month after month. That’s what customers experience when HEP’s Utility Bills Heating and Air Conditioning team installs smart, precision-calibrated thermostat upgrades that learn your schedule, trim waste, and keep every room at the perfect temperature. With seamless Wi-Fi control and real-time usage reports, you can adjust comfort levels from the porch, the office, or even the Parkway—knowing you’re saving money and extending the life of your HVAC equipment.
Backed by local technicians who treat your home like their own, HEP pairs these thermostat upgrades with a full performance check of your existing system, so you get maximum efficiency from day one. Ready to stop heating and cooling the great outdoors? Call today and see why Cosby families trust HEP for smarter energy solutions and year-round peace of mind.
FAQs
How can upgrading to a smart thermostat lower my utility bills in Cosby?
A modern smart or learning thermostat automatically adjusts your heating and cooling based on your daily routine, weather forecasts, and even when you leave or return to the house. In Cosby’s four-season climate, this can prevent your HVAC system from running when it isn’t needed, trimming 10-15 % off winter heating and 8-10 % off summer cooling costs. Remote access via a phone app lets you make temperature changes on the go, and detailed energy-use reports help you identify additional savings opportunities.
What kinds of thermostats work with the heat pumps and central air systems common in Cosby homes?
Most homes in Cosby use 24-volt (low-voltage) HVAC equipment: gas furnaces with central AC, straight cool AC with electric heat strips, or heat pumps. Look for thermostats that support: • Single-stage and multi-stage conventional systems (Y, G, W, R) • Heat-pump systems with an O/B reversing-valve terminal • Auxiliary or emergency heat for cold snaps • A dedicated C-wire for constant power Popular ENERGY STAR models such as Nest Learning Thermostat, ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, and Honeywell Home T9 cover these needs. Baseboard or wall heaters that run on 120/240 V require special line-voltage thermostats instead.
How much money can I realistically save by installing and programming a new thermostat?
A typical Cosby household spends around $1,300–$1,500 each year on heating and cooling. By setting winter occupied temperatures near 68 °F, using 6–8 °F setbacks when you’re asleep or away, and raising summer cooling settings to 75 °F occupied / 82 °F away, annual savings of $130–$200 are common. Because most smart thermostats cost $120–$250, payback is usually 12–24 months, after which the lower utility bills are pure savings.
Are there rebates or incentives for thermostat upgrades in Cosby or the surrounding area?
Yes. • TVA EnergyRight offers up to a $50 rebate for installing an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat in Sevier and Cocke Counties. • Sevier County Electric System (SCES) and Newport Utilities periodically provide $25–$50 bill credits for qualifying models—check their current programs. • A federal tax credit (IRC 25C) covers 30 % of the device cost, up to $150, on ENERGY STAR version 5.0 thermostats purchased through 2032. Save your receipt and manufacturer certificate for your tax return.
Can I install a new thermostat myself or should I hire an HVAC professional?
If your current thermostat already has a C-wire and you’re comfortable matching low-voltage wires to the new terminals, a DIY swap can take 30–60 minutes. However, mis-wiring can blow a furnace control board ($300+ repair) or disable heat-pump reversing valves. An HVAC technician will: • Confirm compatibility • Use a meter to verify correct voltage • Provide a new C-wire or power-extender kit if needed • Program equipment settings for staging, humidity control, and heat-pump orientation • Connect the thermostat to Wi-Fi and walk you through the mobile app Professional installation in Cosby typically runs $120–$200 and protects your warranty.
Will a Wi-Fi thermostat still work during power outages or if my internet goes down?
Your thermostat needs low-voltage power from the HVAC system to operate. If a storm knocks out electricity, both the HVAC unit and thermostat shut off until power returns. Once power is back, the thermostat reboots and resumes its stored schedule—even without internet. If your internet connection drops but power remains on, heating and cooling still follow the programmed schedule; you simply lose remote control and live weather data until the connection is restored. Some homeowners add a small UPS (battery backup) for the router to maintain connectivity during brief outages.