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CNET
a day ago
- Business
- CNET
When Homes Get Hot, Here's How Much Cash Smart Thermostats Can Save You
While the hottest days call for serious AC, cooling your home doesn't have to be an energy drain. Smart thermostats, in particular, can juggle your cooling schedule with energy-efficient automation. That leads to savings, but if you're going to drop a couple of hundred dollars on a thermostat, you're probably wondering just how much savings. Adina Roth, product lead for the Nest Learning Thermostat, told me, "Some of my favorite features that I notice improve savings are the automatic adjustments with Smart Schedule, Auto-Eco energy-saving shifts and Seasonal Savings." Nest isn't the only thermostat that has these features, either. Smart models from Ecobee, Honeywell Home, Amazon and others have similar modes. I've charted the expenses myself and compared them with what the research says. The results are promising, especially when it comes to smart thermostats paying for themselves. Here are the numbers you should know. Read more: Renters Can Buy Smart Thermostats Too, But They May Want to Hurry How smart thermostats save money Thermostat sensors can go anywhere to monitor specific temperatures. Google Nest Smart thermostat savings come in two parts. First, you save money by implementing heating and cooling settings that lower the house's energy usage. Technically, you can do this with any thermostat, but smart thermostats make it especially easy with their eco modes and suggestions, which means the average user typically starts saving more money when they adopt a smart thermostat. The second part of savings involves more unique smart thermostat capabilities, such as learning algorithms and portable wireless sensors. Learning capabilities on today's smart thermostats can collect data on when activities start and end in the house, and then start making programming adjustments themselves based on when people get up in the morning, when they arrive home, how their activities change over the weekend, and so on. Added together, that usually leads to more accurate implementation of eco modes and lowered settings that save money. Set your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit or below when winter comes knocking. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Greg Fyke, president and CEO at Ecobee, explained a little more about how features like these save money with minimal effort. "For example, if you leave for work at 8 a.m., our smart thermostats can proactively lower the temperature while you are away to conserve energy and preheat or precool your home to ensure that your house is at your desired temperature when you return. This means lower utility bills and a more efficient home without sacrificing comfort." The wireless satellite sensors also help, as they allow smart thermostats to turn off heating/cooling not based on where the thermostat is, but where the sensor is placed. If that's an especially cool or warm spot (like a hot living room on movie night), the thermostat shuts down early enough to save more money. Average annual savings from a smart thermostat Nest's thermostat is pretty but the real advantage is the savings inside. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Combined, these features add up to notable savings. Google Nest's research, for instance, showed that users of the Nest Learning Thermostat saved an average of 12% to 15% per year without making other major changes. That works out to between $131 and $145 dollars annually, not too shabby for a single device upgrade. When I asked Ecobee, they reported that users could save up to 26% by installing one of their smart thermostats. That's a high-end example, but if it works out, people could save around $250 a year by making the switch -- especially if they haven't done much thermostat optimization before. Keep in mind, these numbers also work for renters who pay for their electricity. However, renters will probably need to get permission to install a smart thermostat. Paying off a smart thermostat Learning thermostats tend to pay for themselves. Google/CNET It's also important to consider the initial cost of a smart thermostat. Prices can range from around $100 for the cheapest models to more than $350 for top models with all the bells and whistles. The good news is that thanks to the average savings, almost every smart thermostat purchase will pay for itself within a year or two. Then your smart thermostat can really start saving you money. Participating in a peak usage program Smart displays can control compatible thermostats with a touch. Google Nest/CNET There's also another option to save even more money with a smart thermostat. When I talked to the nonprofit Energy Trust of Oregon, its spokesperson mentioned that users could go the extra mile and link a smart thermostat with programs called "Connected Savings" or similar names. These programs allow utility companies to make minor adjustments to your thermostat during peak use hours or special events to help save money and earn energy discounts. The problem is that you do have to give up some control, and you can't guarantee the utility companies won't make your house uncomfortable to live in (from what we and Reddit have seen, their decision-making can vary greatly). If you don't want to connect with utility companies directly, Ecobee offers an interesting alternative. It lets you connect with its Community Energy Savings program, which is very similar but basically takes care of the details for you. Ecobee reports you can earn up to $125 extra as a gift for participating in the program. What about rebates? Ecobee's Smart Thermostat Premium may be available with rebates in the right locations. Jon Reed/CNET We can't guarantee rebates or incentives to buy a smart thermostat, but it's a really good idea to look for them in your local programs. Many utility companies offer a rebate just for buying a smart thermostat, especially if it's Energy Star-rated (as many are). A number of power company websites will have a list of thermostat models that qualify, or more information about how to participate. On your way to saving money, stop by our guide to the easiest ways to save energy around the home, how smart plugs can help you save energy and quick spring tricks for device management.
CTV News
14-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
India wants air conditioners to be made with milder temperature settings to save energy
BENGALURU, India — India's government is seeking to limit temperature settings on new air conditioners to save electricity in the country that considered the fastest-growing market for them. The power minister proposed a rule in June requiring air conditioners sold in the country to have thermostats that can be set no lower than 20 Celsius (68 Fahrenheit). Officials hope the small change will create massive energy savings in the country of more than 1.4 billion people. About 10 million to 15 million air conditioners are sold annually as incomes and urbanization increase along with the temperatures. The current lowest setting is 17 C (62 F). Officials say each degree an air conditioner is turned up saves about 6% on energy. Reaction to the change is mixed Energy experts said the proposal is a positive step, but that requiring units to be more energy efficient would help more. Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said the proposed rule would take effect soon but wasn't specific about timing. The proposal has gotten mixed reviews from people living in India's sweltering cities. 'Overall, I think it's good to try and save energy, but at the same time I hope the government makes sure people are not too inconvenienced,' said Vikram Kannan, a 37-year-old teacher who lives in the humid southern city of Chennai with his wife and 4-year-old daughter. 'Sometimes there is no choice but to set a low air conditioner temperature in cities like Chennai because it's just way too hot and humid. My daughter gets heat pimples at times if we don't do this.' Air conditioners are fast becoming some of the biggest energy guzzlers in India. Room air conditioners accounted for as much as one quarter of the electricity needed in India during times of the highest usage in 2024, a measure known as peak demand, according to estimates by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley. New AC units added between 2019 and 2024 have increased India's peak demand by an amount roughly equivalent to what it would take to power New Delhi for a year, the researchers estimated. Energy demand is typically highest during the summer when temperatures can reach 51 degrees Celsius (124 degrees Fahrenheit) in parts of the country. If changes are not made, India is expected to have power shortages by next year. India's hunger for energy is also a key reason the country is one of the highest emitters of planet-heating gases. Clean energy use is growing, but most of India's electricity is provided by climate-polluting fossil fuels such as coal. Nikit Abhyankar, a leader of the India Energy and Climate Center at the University of California, Berkley, said that Delhi, like other major Indian cities, now experiences dual peaks in electricity use — one in the afternoon and another around midnight — driven largely by air conditioners. While solar energy can help offset daytime demand, nighttime cooling still relies heavily on fossil fuels. Rule changes can nudge consumers to use less energy The air conditioner proposal is the latest in a series of government measures over the past decade aimed at saving energy, such as mandating that government offices be cooled at no less than 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit). In 2022, the government launched the Mission Life program that includes public service messages encouraging people to reduce emissions by cutting electricity use or skipping unnecessary car trips. The initiative announced with much fanfare has received mixed responses. Some are supportive of the proposed change to air conditioner settings. Sunil Kumar, a 47-year-old from East Delhi, said the rule could prevent fire hazards and lower bills. 'People used to live without air conditioners. We can adjust,' said Kumar, who drives a small commercial vehicle known as a tuk-tuk. New Delhi-based businessperson Surjeet Singh said turning air conditioners down to their current lowest setting was 'unnecessary.' 'People have gotten too comfortable,' he said, suggesting that cities invest in planting trees to tackle urban heat. Indian air conditioners are inefficient Abhyankar, the California professor, said that while changing temperature settings will help, requiring air conditioners to be energy efficient would do more. 'Tightening the minimum efficiency standards can change things pretty significantly,' said Abhyankar, who has also studied the energy sector in the U.S., China, Indonesia and Vietnam. Calling the proposed air conditioner rule a 'step in the right direction,' Pramod Singh, an energy savings expert with New Delhi-based Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy, said replacing the country's estimated 80 million older generation, inefficient air conditioners is a key challenge for the government. Many units available in India are so inefficient they couldn't be sold in many other countries, Abhyankar said. 'Although India imports most key components for its air conditioners from China, nearly 80 per cent of the air conditioners that are currently sold in India would be banned in China,' he said. Energy experts said other small changes can reduce energy use and customer costs, such as making sure new buildings have adequate ventilation, combining air conditioners with other cooling methods and using smart technologies to run air conditioners. 'Air conditioner use reduces significantly if users also run their ceiling fans, as the room cools much faster,' said Abhyankar. Sibi Arasu, The Associated Press
The Independent
14-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
India proposes 20C lower limit for air conditioners to save energy
India's government is seeking to limit temperature settings on new air conditioners to save electricity in what is considered the fastest-growing market for them. The power minister has proposed a rule requiring air conditioners sold in the country to have thermostats that can be set no lower than 20C. Indian officials hope the restriction will create massive energy savings in the country of over 1.4 billion people. Between 10 and 15 million air conditioners are sold in India annually as incomes and urbanisation increase along with the temperatures. The current lowest setting is 17C. Officials say each degree an air conditioner is turned up saves about 6 per cent on energy. Proposed change draws mixed reaction Energy experts say the proposal is a positive step but that requiring units to be more energy efficient will help more. Power minister Manohar Lal Khattar said the proposed rule would take effect soon but wasn't specific about timing. The proposal has received mixed reviews from people living in India's sweltering cities. 'Overall, I think it's good to try and save energy but at the same time I hope the government makes sure people are not too inconvenienced,' said Vikram Kannan, 37, a teacher from the humid southern city of Chennai. 'Sometimes there's no choice but to set a low air conditioner temperature in cities like Chennai because it's just way too hot and humid. My daughter gets heat pimples at times if we don't do this.' Air conditioners are fast becoming some of the biggest energy guzzlers in India. Room air conditioners accounted for nearly a quarter of the electricity consumed during periods of highest usage in 2024, a measure known as peak demand, according to researchers at the University of California, Berkeley. New AC units added between 2019 and 2024 increased India's peak demand by an amount roughly equivalent to what it would take to power New Delhi for a year, they estimated. Energy demand is typically highest during summer months when temperatures can reach 51C in parts of the country. If changes aren't made, India is expected to have power shortages by next year. India's hunger for energy is also a key reason the country is one of the highest emitters of planet-heating gases. Clean energy use is growing but most of India's electricity is provided by climate-polluting fossil fuels such as coal. Nikit Abhyankar, a leader of the India Energy and Climate Center at the University of California, Berkley, said that Delhi, like other major Indian cities, was now experiencing dual peaks in electricity use – one in the afternoon and another around midnight – driven largely by air conditioners. While solar energy can help offset daytime demand, nighttime cooling still relies heavily on fossil fuels. Rule changes can nudge consumers to use less energy The air conditioner proposal is the latest in a series of government measures over the past decade aimed at saving energy, such as mandating that government offices be cooled at no less than 24C. In 2022, the government launched the Mission Life programme that encouraged people to reduce emissions by cutting electricity use or skipping unnecessary car trips. The initiative announced with much fanfare received mixed responses. Some people are supportive of the proposed change to air conditioner settings. Sunil Kumar, 47, from East Delhi, said that the rule could prevent fire hazards and lower bills. ' People used to live without air conditioners. We can adjust,' Mr Kumar, who makes a living driving an autorickshaw in the city, said. Surjeet Singh, a businessman in Delhi, said turning air conditioners down to their current lowest setting was 'unnecessary'. 'People have gotten too comfortable,' he said, suggesting that cities could invest in planting trees to tackle urban heat. Indian air conditioners are inefficient Mr Abhyankar argued that while changing temperature settings could help, requiring ACs to be energy efficient would do more. 'Tightening the minimum efficiency standards can change things pretty significantly,' Mr Abhyankar, who has also studied the energy sector in the US, China, Indonesia and Vietnam, said. Calling the proposed rule a 'step in the right direction,' Pramod Singh, energy savings expert with the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy in Delhi, said replacing India's estimated 80 million older-generation inefficient air conditioners was a key challenge for the government. Many units available in India were so inefficient they couldn't be sold in many other countries, Abhyankar said. 'Although India imports most key components for its air conditioners from China, nearly 80 per cent of air conditioners that are currently sold in India would be banned in China,' he said. Energy experts say other small changes can reduce energy use and customer costs, like making sure all new buildings are adequately ventilated, combining ACs with other cooling methods and using smart technologies to run them. 'Air conditioner use reduces significantly if users also run their ceiling fans, as the room cools much faster,' Mr Abhyankar explained.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
India wants air conditioners to be made with milder temperature settings to save energy
BENGALURU, India (AP) — India's government is seeking to limit temperature settings on new air conditioners to save electricity in the country that considered the fastest-growing market for them. The power minister proposed a rule in June requiring air conditioners sold in the country to have thermostats that can be set no lower than 20 Celsius (68 Fahrenheit). Officials hope the small change will create massive energy savings in the country of more than 1.4 billion people. About 10 million to 15 million air conditioners are sold annually as incomes and urbanization increase along with the temperatures. The current lowest setting is 17 C (62 F). Officials say each degree an air conditioner is turned up saves about 6% on energy. Reaction to the change is mixed Energy experts said the proposal is a positive step, but that requiring units to be more energy efficient would help more. Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said the proposed rule would take effect soon but wasn't specific about timing. The proposal has gotten mixed reviews from people living in India's sweltering cities. 'Overall, I think it's good to try and save energy, but at the same time I hope the government makes sure people are not too inconvenienced,' said Vikram Kannan, a 37-year-old teacher who lives in the humid southern city of Chennai with his wife and 4-year-old daughter. 'Sometimes there is no choice but to set a low air conditioner temperature in cities like Chennai because it's just way too hot and humid. My daughter gets heat pimples at times if we don't do this." Air conditioners are fast becoming some of the biggest energy guzzlers in India. Room air conditioners accounted for as much as one quarter of the electricity needed in India during times of the highest usage in 2024, a measure known as peak demand, according to estimates by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley. New AC units added between 2019 and 2024 have increased India's peak demand by an amount roughly equivalent to what it would take to power New Delhi for a year, the researchers estimated. Energy demand is typically highest during the summer when temperatures can reach 51 degrees Celsius (124 degrees Fahrenheit) in parts of the country. If changes are not made, India is expected to have power shortages by next year. India's hunger for energy is also a key reason the country is one of the highest emitters of planet-heating gases. Clean energy use is growing, but most of India's electricity is provided by climate-polluting fossil fuels such as coal. Nikit Abhyankar, a leader of the India Energy and Climate Center at the University of California, Berkley, said that Delhi, like other major Indian cities, now experiences dual peaks in electricity use — one in the afternoon and another around midnight — driven largely by air conditioners. While solar energy can help offset daytime demand, nighttime cooling still relies heavily on fossil fuels. Rule changes can nudge consumers to use less energy The air conditioner proposal is the latest in a series of government measures over the past decade aimed at saving energy, such as mandating that government offices be cooled at no less than 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit). In 2022, the government launched the Mission Life program that includes public service messages encouraging people to reduce emissions by cutting electricity use or skipping unnecessary car trips. The initiative announced with much fanfare has received mixed responses. Some are supportive of the proposed change to air conditioner settings. Sunil Kumar, a 47-year-old from East Delhi, said the rule could prevent fire hazards and lower bills. 'People used to live without air conditioners. We can adjust,' said Kumar, who drives a small commercial vehicle known as a tuk-tuk. New Delhi-based businessperson Surjeet Singh said turning air conditioners down to their current lowest setting was 'unnecessary.' 'People have gotten too comfortable,' he said, suggesting that cities invest in planting trees to tackle urban heat. Indian air conditioners are inefficient Abhyankar, the California professor, said that while changing temperature settings will help, requiring air conditioners to be energy efficient would do more. 'Tightening the minimum efficiency standards can change things pretty significantly,' said Abhyankar, who has also studied the energy sector in the U.S., China, Indonesia and Vietnam. Calling the proposed air conditioner rule a 'step in the right direction,' Pramod Singh, an energy savings expert with New Delhi-based Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy, said replacing the country's estimated 80 million older generation, inefficient air conditioners is a key challenge for the government. Many units available in India are so inefficient they couldn't be sold in many other countries, Abhyankar said. 'Although India imports most key components for its air conditioners from China, nearly 80% of the air conditioners that are currently sold in India would be banned in China,' he said. Energy experts said other small changes can reduce energy use and customer costs, such as making sure new buildings have adequate ventilation, combining air conditioners with other cooling methods and using smart technologies to run air conditioners. 'Air conditioner use reduces significantly if users also run their ceiling fans, as the room cools much faster,' said Abhyankar. ___ Follow Sibi Arasu on X at @sibi123 ___ The Associated Press' climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
India wants air conditioners to be made with milder temperature settings to save energy
BENGALURU, India (AP) — India's government is seeking to limit temperature settings on new air conditioners to save electricity in the country that considered the fastest-growing market for them. The power minister proposed a rule in June requiring air conditioners sold in the country to have thermostats that can be set no lower than 20 Celsius (68 Fahrenheit). Officials hope the small change will create massive energy savings in the country of more than 1.4 billion people. About 10 million to 15 million air conditioners are sold annually as incomes and urbanization increase along with the temperatures. The current lowest setting is 17 C (62 F). Officials say each degree an air conditioner is turned up saves about 6% on energy. Reaction to the change is mixed Energy experts said the proposal is a positive step, but that requiring units to be more energy efficient would help more. Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said the proposed rule would take effect soon but wasn't specific about timing. The proposal has gotten mixed reviews from people living in India's sweltering cities. 'Overall, I think it's good to try and save energy, but at the same time I hope the government makes sure people are not too inconvenienced,' said Vikram Kannan, a 37-year-old teacher who lives in the humid southern city of Chennai with his wife and 4-year-old daughter. 'Sometimes there is no choice but to set a low air conditioner temperature in cities like Chennai because it's just way too hot and humid. My daughter gets heat pimples at times if we don't do this." Air conditioners are fast becoming some of the biggest energy guzzlers in India. Room air conditioners accounted for as much as one quarter of the electricity needed in India during times of the highest usage in 2024, a measure known as peak demand, according to estimates by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley. New AC units added between 2019 and 2024 have increased India's peak demand by an amount roughly equivalent to what it would take to power New Delhi for a year, the researchers estimated. Energy demand is typically highest during the summer when temperatures can reach 51 degrees Celsius (124 degrees Fahrenheit) in parts of the country. If changes are not made, India is expected to have power shortages by next year. India's hunger for energy is also a key reason the country is one of the highest emitters of planet-heating gases. Clean energy use is growing, but most of India's electricity is provided by climate-polluting fossil fuels such as coal. Nikit Abhyankar, a leader of the India Energy and Climate Center at the University of California, Berkley, said that Delhi, like other major Indian cities, now experiences dual peaks in electricity use — one in the afternoon and another around midnight — driven largely by air conditioners. While solar energy can help offset daytime demand, nighttime cooling still relies heavily on fossil fuels. Rule changes can nudge consumers to use less energy The air conditioner proposal is the latest in a series of government measures over the past decade aimed at saving energy, such as mandating that government offices be cooled at no less than 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit). In 2022, the government launched the Mission Life program that includes public service messages encouraging people to reduce emissions by cutting electricity use or skipping unnecessary car trips. The initiative announced with much fanfare has received mixed responses. Some are supportive of the proposed change to air conditioner settings. Sunil Kumar, a 47-year-old from East Delhi, said the rule could prevent fire hazards and lower bills. 'People used to live without air conditioners. We can adjust,' said Kumar, who drives a small commercial vehicle known as a tuk-tuk. New Delhi-based businessperson Surjeet Singh said turning air conditioners down to their current lowest setting was 'unnecessary.' 'People have gotten too comfortable,' he said, suggesting that cities invest in planting trees to tackle urban heat. Indian air conditioners are inefficient Abhyankar, the California professor, said that while changing temperature settings will help, requiring air conditioners to be energy efficient would do more. 'Tightening the minimum efficiency standards can change things pretty significantly,' said Abhyankar, who has also studied the energy sector in the U.S., China, Indonesia and Vietnam. Calling the proposed air conditioner rule a 'step in the right direction,' Pramod Singh, an energy savings expert with New Delhi-based Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy, said replacing the country's estimated 80 million older generation, inefficient air conditioners is a key challenge for the government. Many units available in India are so inefficient they couldn't be sold in many other countries, Abhyankar said. 'Although India imports most key components for its air conditioners from China, nearly 80% of the air conditioners that are currently sold in India would be banned in China,' he said. Energy experts said other small changes can reduce energy use and customer costs, such as making sure new buildings have adequate ventilation, combining air conditioners with other cooling methods and using smart technologies to run air conditioners. 'Air conditioner use reduces significantly if users also run their ceiling fans, as the room cools much faster,' said Abhyankar. ___ Follow Sibi Arasu on X at @sibi123 ___ The Associated Press' climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at Sibi Arasu, The Associated Press
