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How to Buy a Smart Thermostat Bundle

How to · Tech

How to Buy a Smart Thermostat Bundle

Upgrade your home's brain during Black Friday and split the cost into small monthly chunks without interest.

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.

A good smart thermostat and hub should last you at least five to seven years. We want a setup that manages your energy bills and talks to your other gadgets without a struggle. Buying a bundle during Black Friday is usually the move because retailers want to clear out older stock to make room for the new flagship models.

Most of the time, last year's model does exactly what you need for a hundred dollars less. If you use the Discover it® Cash Back (Discover), you can spread that cost out while you wait for those energy savings to kick in.

The 15-month window is a firm deadline, not a gift. If you still have a balance when that time is up, the standard interest rate kicks in on whatever is left. Pay at least the $23.33 every month to make sure you finish on time.

The steps

  1. 01

    Shop the previous generation

    Tech companies release new hubs every autumn, but the hardware rarely changes much. Look for the "Pro" or "Gen 2" versions from last year. They usually get the same software updates as the new ones but hit the clearance rack in November.

  2. 02

    Check your wiring first

    Pull your old thermostat off the wall and look for a C-wire or common wire. If you do not have one, you will need to buy a power adapter kit. Most bundles include one, but it is better to know before you start the install.

  3. 03

    Use the intro window

    The Discover it® Cash Back (Discover) offers 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. If your bundle costs $350, you can pay $23.33 a month to clear it before interest starts. It helps keep your cash in your pocket while you set up your home.

  4. 04

    Bundle for the sensors

    A hub is only as good as the data it gets. Look for deals that include extra room sensors so the thermostat knows the temperature in your bedroom, not just the hallway. Black Friday is the only time these sensors are usually tossed in for cheap.

  5. 05

    Claim your utility rebate

    Your local power company likely offers a cash rebate for installing a smart thermostat. Keep your receipt and check their website immediately after buying. Sometimes the rebate covers half the cost of the device.

  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 need a professional to install it?

Most people can do it in under thirty minutes with a screwdriver. The apps walk you through every wire. If you have a complex HVAC system with multiple zones, that is when you call a pro.

Will this actually save me money?

It depends on how much you use your heat and AC. Most people see the device pay for itself in two or three years through lower energy bills. It is more about the comfort and control than getting rich.

Is Black Friday really the cheapest time?

For smart home tech, yes. Retailers use these gadgets as doorbusters to get you into the store. You will rarely see these prices again until the following summer.

Can I use this with any phone?

Almost all modern hubs work with both iPhone and Android. Just make sure the hub supports the specific smart assistant you already use at home.