0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and b… Citi Strata℠ Card Calculators How we make money
VOATLAS
How to Budget for a Smart Thermostat

How to · Home

How to Budget for a Smart Thermostat

Keep your bills down this winter with a smart thermostat without sweating the upfront cost.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $250 before anything else
Across the 0% window $16.67/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $250 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.

When you swap out your old dial for a smart thermostat, the biggest change is that your heat stops running when you leave the house. The installation takes about thirty minutes if your wiring is straightforward, though you should check your wall first to see if you need a C-wire adapter. Late summer and early fall are the best times to buy and install one before heating season kicks in and contractors get busy.

We are looking at about $250 for a solid unit. Before you buy, check if your local utility company offers a rebate or a discount on specific models. It pays to look at a couple of different retailers to compare prices rather than grabbing the first one you see online.

Just remember that 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers is a deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance left when those 15 months are up, standard interest kicks in on the remaining amount.

The steps

  1. 01

    Check your wiring

    Pull your current thermostat off the wall and look at the wires behind it. You want to make sure you have the right connections so you do not run into snags during setup.

  2. 02

    Shop around for the best price

    Look at a few different stores to compare prices on the model you want. Check your power company website too, since they often give cash back or instant rebates on smart home gear.

  3. 03

    Map out your timeline

    Get the hardware installed before the first cold snap hits so you can start saving on heating bills right away. Take thirty minutes on a weekend to wire it up and test the schedule.

  4. 04

    Spread out the cost

    If you want to divide up the about $250 total over time, you can use the Discover it Cash Back card, which gives you 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. That breaks down to about $16.67 per month if $250 is spread across the 15-month window.

  5. 05

    Set your schedule

    Once it is on the wall, program your away temperatures and sleep schedules. Let the geofencing feature handle the rest so it turns down automatically when the house is empty.

  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 an electrician to install a smart thermostat?

Most people can do it themselves in about half an hour with a screwdriver. You just label the wires, screw the new backplate on, and plug them into the matching terminals.

Will a smart thermostat actually lower my heating bill?

Yes, mostly by making sure you are not heating an empty house. Cutting runtime when you are at work or asleep adds up over a full winter.

What if my house does not have a C-wire?

Some smart thermostats can run without one using an internal power extender, but others require a separate adapter kit. Check the box requirements before you buy so you are not caught off guard.

Are there ongoing subscription fees?

Most smart thermostats work fine using their free apps for scheduling and remote control. You only pay for the hardware upfront unless you opt into an upgraded utility rewards program.