When it comes to winter in New England, one simple home upgrade can have a big impact on your comfort and energy bills: A smart thermostat. With the right setup and use, these intelligent devices help you stay warm when it matters most and save money year-round.
Here’s how to make the most of smart thermostats this winter, plus how to take advantage of Mass Save® incentives to make it even more affordable.
What Makes a Smart Thermostat “Smart?”
Smart thermostats do more than just adjust the temperature. They learn your habits, sense when you’re home, and connect to your phone, letting you control your heat from anywhere.
Key features include:
- Smart scheduling based on your routine
- App and voice control (compatible with phones and smart home systems)
- Data tracking to help you see when and how you use heat
- Zoning control for multi-story homes or separate living spaces
- Integration with heat pumps and other high-efficiency systems
Some models even track local weather and adjust preemptively, keeping your home cozy and efficient.
Thanks to Mass Save, our energy experts provide eligible households with a Honeywell programmable thermostat at no cost during a no-cost Home Energy Assessment. If you’re looking for an even smarter solution, you can also purchase a Nest thermostat at the end of your assessment, and we’ll apply an instant rebate.
How to Use a Smart Thermostat (for Max Winter Savings)
Smart thermostats are powerful, but only if you use them effectively. Here’s how to unlock their full potential:
1. Create a Smart Schedule
Program your thermostat to lower temps when you’re asleep or away, and bring the heat back just before you wake up or return home. Some thermostats even learn your habits and automate this process for you.
2. Take Advantage of Zoning
If you have separate heating zones (like upstairs and downstairs), use smart controls to prioritize comfort where you need it and save where you don’t.
3. Use Your App
Going away for the weekend? Coming home early? Use the thermostat app to make quick adjustments on the go.
4. Check the Data
See how often your system runs, what temperature swings are happening, and identify areas for improvement—like rooms that are always too cold or spikes in usage.
5. Combine It with Insulation & Sealing
Even the smartest thermostat can’t stop heat loss through a drafty attic. Use it alongside insulation upgrades and air sealing to maximize comfort and efficiency.
Save Big on Your Smart Thermostat with Mass Save
Upgrading to a smart thermostat is more affordable than you might think, especially with local and federal incentives.
Get up to $100 back
Mass Save offers up to $100 in rebates for ENERGY STAR® certified smart thermostats (limit 3 per household). Find out more here.
Get paid to stay energy smart
Enroll your thermostat in the Mass Save ConnectedSolutions program and:
- Earn a one-time, $50-$100 enrollment incentive
- Get $20/year for staying enrolled
👉 Great for homes with heat pumps or central AC
Want a Smarter Heating Setup?
A no-cost Home Energy Assessment with HomeWorks Energy is the best way to get started. During the visit, one of our certified Home Energy Specialists will:
- Evaluate your current heating and cooling equipment
- Take a look at your existing thermostat
- Identify vulnerable areas of your home that contribute to heat loss
- Recommend insulation, air sealing, and HVAC upgrades based on your eligibility for Mass Save rebates and incentives
- Provide a programmable thermostat and other energy-saving devices at no-cost, on the spot
Services We Provide in Massachusetts
Ready to Get Smart About Your Heat?
Don’t spend the winter dreading your next heating bill.
With incentives, data-driven savings, and real-time control, a smart thermostat is one of the best upgrades you can make.
Schedule a no-cost Home Energy Assessment today to get expert answers, practical solutions, and a more comfortable home this winter and all year long.
Call us today at 781-305-3319 or follow the link below to book an appointment online.
