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How to Budget for a Smart Thermostat

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How to Budget for a Smart Thermostat

Keep your house at the right temp without burning cash, using spring sales and a clean payment plan.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $350 before anything else
Across the 0% window $23.33/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $350 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Your house stays at the exact right temperature without you touching the dial, and your energy bill actually drops because the sensors know when rooms are empty. Swapping out the old unit takes about an hour once you get the wiring sorted, and spring is the absolute best time to buy since home improvement stores run deep seasonal discounts before summer hits.

Before you buy the hardware, get at least two quotes from local HVAC pros if you do not want to install it yourself. Compare their rates so you do not get gouged on a simple wall swap, and lock in the gear while the spring sales are live.

Remember that the 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers is a hard deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance left when those 15 months are up, interest charges will kick in on the original amount.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your hardware

    Look for a programmable smart thermostat that comes bundled with remote room sensors for about $350. Check that your home's wiring actually supports it before you click buy, since some older systems need a extra power wire.

  2. 02

    Get two quotes

    Call a couple of local technicians to see what they charge for installation if you aren't doing it yourself. Make them break down the labor cost so you aren't paying hidden fees for a basic fifteen-minute job.

  3. 03

    Shop the spring sales

    Buy the unit during spring home improvement events when prices drop on smart home gear. Stack any store rewards or manufacturer rebates you can find to lower that $350 total even further.

  4. 04

    Set up your payment window

    Put the cost on your Discover it® Cash Back, which gives you 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. If you spread the $350 across that timeline, you're looking at about $23.33 per month to clear it.

  5. 05

    Install and calibrate

    Mount the thermostat and place the extra sensors in the rooms you use the most, like the bedroom and living room. Spend a few minutes setting your weekly schedule so the system isn't heating or cooling an empty house.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Do I really need the remote sensors?

Yes, if your thermostat is stuck in a weird hallway that reads a different temperature than your actual bedroom. The sensors let the system heat or cool the rooms where you spend your time.

Can I install a smart thermostat myself?

Most people can do it with a screwdriver and a smartphone in under an hour. Just snap a photo of your old wiring before you disconnect anything so you match it up right.

What happens if my old wiring doesn't have a C-wire?

Some smart thermostats require a common wire for continuous power. If yours doesn't have one, you might need an adapter kit or a pro to run a new wire for you.

How much will this actually save on my energy bill?

Most households see savings within the first year by cutting back on heating and cooling empty rooms. Your exact savings depend on your local utility rates and your old schedule.