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Check your thermostat schedule, fan switch, water-heater temperature, standby loads and connected-appliance controls. These five settings can waste energy when they do more than your household needs, but the right setting depends on the equipment and how you use it. This is a practical checklist based on government and ENERGY STAR guidance—not a single five-item ranking published by experts.
1. Thermostat schedule and temperature setback
A schedule that keeps your home at its occupied comfort temperature while everyone is away or asleep may be heating or cooling an empty house. Review the thermostat’s programmed periods and compare them with when people are actually home.
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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) says turning a thermostat back 7–10°F for eight hours a day can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling. That is a general estimate, not a guaranteed result for every home. DOE also estimates that heating and cooling account for 43% of a typical U.S. home utility bill, making the schedule worth checking. DOE thermostat and energy-saving guidance.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesUse setbacks only if they suit your system. DOE has generally not recommended programmable-thermostat setbacks for heat pumps, although newer products may make them cost-effective. ENERGY STAR says certified smart thermostats can schedule changes for sleep and away periods; certification is based on field data. Before changing settings or replacing a thermostat, check system compatibility and the manufacturer’s instructions.
#1 Best Overall
- ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat for home that helps you save energy and stay comfortable.Connectivity : Wi-Fi - 802.11b/g/n 2.4 GHz, 802.11a/n 5 GHz Wi-Fi., Wireless interconnect : Bluetooth Low Energy Please refer to the product description section below for all applicable legal disclaimers.Product note: You can also check your system’s compatibility before purchasing a Nest thermostat with our online Nest Compatibility Checker on the Google Nest support page
- The Nest Thermostat is designed to work without a C wire in most homes, but for some systems, including heating only, cooling only, zone controlled, and heat pump systems, you’ll need a C wire or other compatible power accessory
- Nest Thermostat turns itself down when you leave, so you don’t waste energy heating or cooling an empty home. Lock feature: No
- Programmable thermostat that lets you create an energy efficient schedule in the Google Home app on your Android or iPhone
- Remote control lets family members change the thermostat temperature from anywhere on a phone, laptop, or tablet[1]
2. Thermostat fan switch: Auto or On?
For many systems, a fan left on continuously can use electricity even when the equipment is not actively heating or cooling. DOE’s 2022 Energy Saver guide advises: “Set the fan switch on your thermostat to ‘Auto’ unless an indoor air quality professional has set up your system to operate continuously for health reasons.” DOE Energy Saver thermostat guidance.
Check the fan setting, but do not override continuous operation specified by your equipment manufacturer or an indoor-air-quality professional. If you are unsure why the fan is configured to run continuously, ask a qualified HVAC professional before changing it.
Rank #2
- An Alexa thermostat - Amazon Smart Thermostat is an easy way to switch from a traditional thermostats for homes and help reduce energy usage.
- Create comfort zones throughout your home by connecting to select Alexa devices to automatically adjust heating and cooling based on temperature readings or presence detection.
- Save money and energy - After purchase, Amazon will send you an email with details about home thermostat rebates that may be available from energy providers in your area.
- Save energy - According to EPA estimates, ENERGY STAR certified thermostats save an average of $90 on yearly energy bills.
- Programmable thermostat and automatic control - Create your own home, away and sleep schedules, or have Alexa automatically control the temperature with Alexa+ advanced features.
3. Water-heater temperature
Water heating is a substantial energy use: DOE’s 2022 Energy Saver guide says it typically accounts for 18% of home energy use and is the second-largest home energy expense. DOE and the Federal Energy Management Program commonly point consumers to 120°F. The FEMP checklist phrases its advice as: “Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F).” DOE water-heating guidance and FEMP energy-efficient products and services.
Do not treat that temperature as a universal instruction. Check the water-heater manual and account for household needs and any professional guidance before adjusting it. DOE’s 2022 guide also says insulating hot-water pipes can save an additional 3%–4% per year on water-heating costs; that is a separate potential saving, not a guaranteed result.
Rank #3
- Save up to 23% every year on heating and cooling costs, adjusts to your set schedule to save energy when you’re gone and optimize comfort when you’re home. Compared to a hold of 72
- Compatible with 85% of systems, check your system’s compatibility with our online ecobee Compatibility Checker on the ecobee support page
- Change your temperature by easily tapping the color touchscreen or using the ecobee app. Plus, free software upgrades ensure you get the best out of your Smart Thermostat Essential, for years to come
- Automatically adjusts to your set schedule to save energy when you’re gone and optimize comfort when you’re home. Keep track of your energy consumption when you're on the go on the ecobee app
- Easy DIY install. No C Wire, no problem. Get the ecobee Power Extender Kit (PEK) for homes without a C-Wire and keep your walls looking nice with our trim kit – both sold separately
4. Always-on and standby loads
Some electronics draw power while switched off or inactive. The amount varies by product, so a device’s standby use cannot be inferred just from whether its screen or indicator light is on. Natural Resources Canada estimates standby power may account for 5%–10% of a household electricity bill in Canada; that figure is not a universal estimate for U.S. households. Natural Resources Canada standby-power guidance.
To investigate, try a plug-in electricity monitor on an individual compatible device, or use a monitor/control with plug-load reporting. ENERGY STAR’s home energy management system criteria include a plug-load monitor or control capable of reporting power or energy use. A plug-in monitor cannot measure hardwired equipment such as many HVAC or water-heating systems. ENERGY STAR home energy management system criteria.
Rank #4
- EASY DIY INSTALLATION: Do it yourself fast with a built-in level and simple step-by-step instructions. Works with the HVAC equipment found in most homes
- COMMON WIRE REQUIREMENTS: Common wire(C-Wire) required for heat pump and heat/cool only systems. C-wire not required on most systems
- SAVE ABOUT 23% ON HVAC ENERGY: ENERGY STAR-certified and packed with features that help you save money, including flexible scheduling, geofencing, remote access and usage reports
- PRIVACY PROTECTION: Sensi won’t sell your personal information to third parties or leverage your thermostat activity data for targeting or advertising purposes
- CONTROL FROM ANYWHERE: The top-rated mobile app for Android and iOS devices makes it easy to control your comfort from a smartphone or tablet
5. Connected appliance and schedule controls
Connected features can let owners monitor or manage equipment, but a schedule is not automatically efficient just because it is automated. ENERGY STAR lists refrigerators and pool pumps among connected product categories. Check whether a control is running a device longer or colder than your household needs, then consult the appliance manual before making a change. ENERGY STAR connected products.
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteThere is no single refrigerator temperature or pool-pump run time established here as right for every household. Follow the appliance maker’s directions and, for pool equipment, applicable safety and sanitation requirements rather than copying a setting from another home.
How to check whether a change helped
- Write down the setting and note the date before changing it.
- Change one control at a time, and only if the equipment manual and household needs allow it.
- Compare utility or energy-monitor data over a suitable period, accounting for weather, occupancy and other changes that affect use.
- For plug-in devices, use a compatible plug-in monitor; for hardwired systems, consult utility data or a qualified professional rather than assuming a plug monitor covers them.
DOE recommends asking your local utility or state energy office about a home energy audit. Availability and programs vary by location. DOE home energy assessment guidance.
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