Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency | Thermostat Upgrades | Heating and Air Conditioning | Reliance
Picture your Reliance home automatically finding the perfect temperature, all day, every day—without wasting a watt. HEP’s energy-efficiency specialists replace outdated controls with intelligent thermostat upgrades that learn your schedule, sync with mobile devices, and fine-tune both heating and air conditioning to run only when you need them. The result is a quieter system, steadier comfort, and utility bills that finally shrink instead of spike.
From the first consultation to the final app walkthrough, our team handles everything: precise wiring, system calibration, and real-time education on energy-saving features. Pair a new smart thermostat with your existing HVAC or bundle it with a high-efficiency unit and unlock exclusive rebates available to Reliance residents. Upgrade once, enjoy year-round comfort—and let your thermostat do the thinking while you enjoy the savings.
FAQs
How does upgrading to a smart or programmable thermostat improve my home’s energy efficiency?
Smart and programmable thermostats use built-in sensors, learning algorithms, and scheduling features to adjust heating and cooling output when you actually need it. By automatically reducing run-time while you’re asleep, at work, or on vacation, they can cut HVAC energy use by 8–20 %, depending on your lifestyle and the equipment’s efficiency. Many models also provide real-time usage reports that help you identify further savings, such as sealing duct leaks or improving insulation.
Will a new thermostat work with my existing HVAC system?
Most modern smart thermostats are designed to be compatible with 24-volt forced-air furnaces, heat pumps, and central air conditioners, which cover roughly 90 % of systems in Reliance homes. If you have a high-voltage (120/240 V) baseboard heater, radiant floor heat, or a proprietary communicating system, you’ll need a specialized thermostat. Our technicians check wiring, stages (single- or multi-stage), and accessories (humidifiers, dehumidifiers, ERVs) before installation to ensure seamless operation.
What kind of savings should I expect after installing a programmable thermostat?
Energy-efficient thermostat upgrades generally save $50–$200 per year in a typical Reliance household, depending on square footage, insulation, and your previous thermostat habits. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that setting back your thermostat 7–10 °F for eight hours a day can trim annual heating and cooling costs by about 10 %. Smart models amplify this by learning occupancy patterns and using geofencing, meaning the payback period is often 1–3 years.
Can I install the thermostat myself, or should I hire a professional?
Many homeowners can handle a basic thermostat swap, but smart thermostats often require a C-wire for power, correct configuration of multi-stage or heat-pump settings, and pairing with Wi-Fi and home-automation platforms. A professional installation ensures: 1) proper wiring; 2) updated firmware; 3) calibrated temperature readings; and 4) optimized HVAC settings that protect the equipment’s warranty. We also walk you through the app and energy-report features so you get the full benefit from day one.
Are there rebates or incentives available for thermostat upgrades in Reliance?
Yes. Utilities serving the Reliance area frequently offer $25–$100 instant or mail-in rebates on ENERGY STAR® certified smart thermostats. In addition, Texas’ ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program sometimes includes thermostats during seasonal promotions. We’ll help you fill out the paperwork, submit proof of purchase, and provide any installation documentation required to maximize your incentive savings.
How do smart thermostats handle zoning, dual-fuel, or multi-stage HVAC systems?
Advanced thermostats can control up to three heating stages and two cooling stages, and many support dual-fuel systems that switch between a heat pump and gas furnace for optimum efficiency. For zoned homes, you can either install a compatible master thermostat that communicates with zone boards or use multiple smart thermostats linked via Wi-Fi to manage each zone independently. During setup, our technicians configure balance points, compressor lockout temps, and staging thresholds to ensure comfort and efficiency across every zone.