How much money can a smart thermostat realistically save during a heat wave?
A smart thermostat can lower cooling costs, but your actual savings depend on how you use it during extreme heat.
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Record-breaking summer temperatures are becoming less of an exception and more of a rule — and, in turn, a recurring challenge — for millions of Americans across the nation. Dangerously high temperatures have stretched across large portions of the country over the last few weeks alone, with forecasters warning that record-breaking high temperatures are likely to occur in many areas. And, a significant portion of the country may not even see temperatures drop overnight, leaving air conditioners running around the clock.
These heat waves have resulted in weather warnings for much of the nation, and for homeowners, the record-high summer temperatures can usher in another unwelcome outcome: a higher electric bill . Cooling costs tend to climb quickly during prolonged heat waves, as HVAC systems must work overtime to keep indoor temperatures comfortable. And with household budgets still under pressure from elevated inflation and higher everyday expenses, finding ways to trim those costs has become even more important.
That's one reason smart thermostats are attracting attention right now. These devices promise to make cooling systems work more efficiently and reduce unnecessary energy use, but the savings advertised by manufacturers don't always reflect what homeowners experience in the real world. So, how much money can you realistically expect to save by switching to a smart thermostat during a heat wave?
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