Utility Bills
Utility Bills | Thermostat Upgrades | Heating and Air Conditioning | Newcomb
Tired of watching the numbers climb on your monthly utility bill every time Newcomb’s weather decides to swing from frosty mornings to muggy afternoons? HEP’s experts make it simple to cut costs and stay comfortable with thermostat upgrades that learn your schedule, fine-tune temperatures room by room, and let you adjust settings from your phone—even if you’re miles away. By replacing outdated thermostats with smart, energy-efficient models, you can trim heating and cooling expenses by up to 20 % while enjoying steadier indoor comfort all year long.
From the moment our NATE-certified technicians arrive, you’ll see why homeowners across Campbell County trust HEP. We handle everything—sizing, installation, Wi-Fi setup, and quick tutorials—so you can start saving the same day. Ready to take control of your climate and your budget? Call 423-HIGH-EFF or schedule online and feel the difference a smarter thermostat makes.
FAQs
How can upgrading my thermostat help lower utility bills in Newcomb’s climate?
Modern smart and programmable thermostats let you set precise temperature schedules that align with when you’re actually home, asleep, or away. In Newcomb’s four-season climate, this means you can automatically reduce heating demand on mild winter afternoons or cut back on air-conditioning during cooler summer nights. Studies from the U.S. Department of Energy show savings of 8–15 % on annual heating and cooling costs when a home moves from a manual dial or non-programmable thermostat to a properly used programmable or smart model.
What types of thermostat upgrades do you offer and which one is right for me?
We install three main categories: • Programmable digital thermostats – basic 5-2 or 7-day scheduling, affordable and reliable. • Wi-Fi smart thermostats – learning algorithms, remote control via phone, weather adaptive features, energy-use reporting. • Z-wave or Zigbee connected thermostats – integrate with whole-home automation hubs. If you want the highest energy insight and the ability to control temperatures while you’re away, choose a Wi-Fi smart unit. If you prefer a set-it-and-forget-it schedule without app control, a standard programmable model may suffice. We perform a quick needs assessment and budget review during the estimate visit to confirm the best fit.
Is my existing heating and air-conditioning equipment compatible with a smart thermostat?
Most forced-air furnaces, heat pumps, and central AC systems installed in Newcomb over the last 25 years use 24-volt (low-voltage) controls, which are compatible with today’s smart thermostats. The main thing we verify is the presence of a ‘C-wire’ (common wire) that supplies continuous power to the thermostat. If you don’t have one, our technicians can often add a C-wire or install a power-extender kit during the upgrade. For line-voltage electric baseboard systems, we recommend specialized line-voltage smart thermostats, which we also carry.
What is involved in the installation process and how long does it take?
A standard retrofit on a compatible 24-V system usually takes 45–90 minutes. We: 1. Turn off HVAC power and remove the old thermostat. 2. Inspect and label existing wiring; add a C-wire if required. 3. Mount the new thermostat base, level it, and connect wires. 4. Restore power, walk through on-screen setup, connect to Wi-Fi (if applicable), and test heating and cooling operation. 5. Provide a quick tutorial on scheduling and energy-saving features. For homes needing extensive wiring or multiple zones, plan on two to three hours.
What incentives or rebates are available for thermostat upgrades in the Newcomb area?
Central New York Gas & Electric (CNYG&E) currently offers a $50 instant rebate on qualifying ENERGY STAR® smart thermostats. Additionally, the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit allows up to a $150 tax credit for thermostat upgrades when bundled with other HVAC improvements (subject to IRS Form 5695 guidelines). We handle the paperwork for utility rebates and provide the documentation you need for tax filing.
How do I maintain or troubleshoot my new thermostat once it’s installed?
Maintenance is minimal: keep the screen free of dust and replace batteries in battery-backup models every 2–3 years. For Wi-Fi thermostats, verify that your router firmware is current and that the device software auto-updates. If you lose connectivity, power-cycle the thermostat and router first. Our installations include a two-year labor warranty and free phone support; most issues can be resolved remotely with a quick settings check or firmware refresh. We also offer an optional annual Comfort Check visit, during which we verify calibration accuracy, update schedules for the coming season, and inspect the overall HVAC system.