Features and Controls

Top 3 ways your Sensi smart thermostat can help you save energy

As extreme weather events become more common, these features help you stay comfortable and avoid unexpected spikes in utility bills.

Historically, nearly half of a household’s annual energy consumption was used for heating and air conditioning. (source: Residential Energy Consumption Survey). More frequent extreme weather systems are likely to increase energy demand and consumption.

Homeowners are looking for ways to both reduce their energy usage while still maintaining comfort. Sensi smart thermostats are ENERGY STAR® certified and can help you save about 23 percent of HVAC energy costs. 

The following tips can reduce your personal energy usage while taking pressure off the energy grid--which can help eliminate the need for energy companies to ration service through brownouts or rolling blackouts during a weather crisis.

1. Flexible Schedule One easy way you can improve the efficiency of your home is by setting up a schedule on your Sensi smart thermostat. Setting back your thermostat 7° to 10° for 8 hours per day while you are away or sleeping can have a significant impact on your energy usage.  Check with your local utilities to find the ideal temperatures in your area, then program your thermostat to heat or cool based on your schedule.   Sensi smart thermostats are programmable and give you the flexibility to set separate programs for every day of the week. Manual overrides are available in the Sensi app so you can adjust if your schedule changes. You can set multiple schedules to fit your energy saving and comfort preferences.

2. Temperature Limits

You can set your Sensi smart thermostat with parameters around the highest and lowest temperatures at which it can be set. If someone tries to adjust the temperatures outside of the pre-set parameters, the thermostat will show a “Limit” message. This is extremely useful if you have kids at home that try to adjust the temperature without permission, or someone else who may be occupying a space where you pay the utility bill.

3. Demand Response Programs Many utility companies are using cutting edge technology to learn how customers heat or cool their homes and businesses in order to prevent brownouts or the need for rolling blackouts during extreme weather events. By opting into a Demand Response Program, you allow the utility to pre-heat or pre-cool your home or business to avoid using energy during peak demand times. When extreme weather hits your region, you know you’re doing your part to avoid an energy shortage. Check with your local utility program to see if they offer a Demand Response Program. There are often rebates and incentives for your participation.  In addition, you can follow these steps to check for qualifying Demand Response Programs through your Sensi app: 1. Go to Account Settings 2. Click on Simple Savings 3. Click Find Energy Programs to see if you are eligible

The time to address extreme weather is before it hits with small, proactive adjustments that can make a big difference. Take advantage of all your Sensi smart thermostat features to save energy, and protect yourself from unexpected price increases.