- HEP HVAC
- Lower Utility Bills

Lower Utility Bills
Lower Utility Bills | Thermostat Upgrades | Heating and Air Conditioning | Palmer
Winter winds, summer sunshine, and everything in between—Palmer’s weather can swing fast, and so can your utility bills. HEP’s locally trusted team installs smart, Wi-Fi–enabled thermostat upgrades that learn your schedule, fine-tune temperatures room by room, and trim waste every time your HVAC system cycles on. With real-time energy tracking and easy control from any smartphone, you’ll feel the perfect comfort zone while watching kilowatts — and dollars — drop.
From the first friendly consultation to the final app tutorial, HEP handles the entire process, ensuring compatibility with your existing heating and air conditioning equipment. Most homeowners see payback within a single season, and our 100% satisfaction guarantee means you can try new tech risk-free. Ready to start saving? Book your Palmer installation today and enjoy lower utility bills all year long.
FAQs
How can upgrading my thermostat lower my heating and cooling bills in Palmer’s climate?
Palmer experiences wide temperature swings—sub-zero winters and warm summer afternoons—which can cause systems to run longer than necessary. A modern programmable or smart thermostat automatically adjusts setpoints based on time of day, weather forecasts, and even occupancy. By preventing your furnace or air conditioner from running when no one is home and by fine-tuning temperatures overnight, customers in the Palmer area typically see 8 – 15 % reductions in annual energy costs.
What kinds of thermostats are available, and which one should I choose?
The three main categories are: 1) Non-programmable digital thermostats (basic, manual control). 2) Programmable thermostats (you set daily/weekly schedules). 3) Smart/Wi-Fi thermostats (learn your habits, offer app control, integrate with voice assistants). Homeowners who want maximum savings and convenience usually pick a smart model such as the Ecobee, Nest, or Honeywell Home T9. Renters or budget-conscious customers who have predictable schedules often do well with a mid-range programmable unit. Our technicians will evaluate your HVAC equipment, electrical setup, and lifestyle to recommend the most cost-effective option.
Is replacing my old thermostat with a smart model complicated or expensive?
For most Palmer homes the upgrade is quick and affordable. Installation typically takes 60–90 minutes and costs far less than a single month’s combined heating and cooling bill. We check the existing wiring, confirm compatibility, install a common (C) wire if necessary, mount the new thermostat, connect it to Wi-Fi, and walk you through the mobile app. Because smart thermostats are considered energy-saving devices, they often qualify for Matanuska Electric Association or state rebate programs, further reducing out-of-pocket expense.
Will a programmable or smart thermostat work with my existing HVAC system?
Almost always, yes. Modern thermostats are designed to be compatible with the 24-volt control systems used by 90 %+ of gas furnaces, heat pumps, and central air conditioners found in Palmer homes. During our free on-site evaluation we verify voltage, staging (single-stage, two-stage, or modulating), and whether additional sensors are needed for dual-fuel or radiant systems. If your equipment is older than 25 years or uses line-voltage control, we’ll explain upgrade paths so you can still enjoy automated temperature control.
How much energy can I realistically save after installing a new thermostat?
Savings depend on how consistently you used your old thermostat. Households that previously left the temperature set at one level day and night usually see the biggest gains—often $150–$300 a year. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that dialing back the temperature 7°–10°F for 8 hours a day cuts heating and cooling costs by roughly 10 %. Smart thermostats achieve those setbacks automatically and add features like geofencing and adaptive recovery, nudging yearly savings toward 12–15 % in Palmer’s climate.
Can I control my new thermostat remotely, and what apps or platforms are supported?
Yes. All smart thermostats we install connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network and provide free iOS and Android apps for remote temperature adjustments, scheduling, and energy-use reports. Popular models also integrate with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and SmartThings, allowing voice commands or advanced automation (e.g., lowering the heat when you lock the front door). Even when you’re away on the Glenn Highway, you can check indoor temperatures, receive freeze alerts, and make changes in seconds.