Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency | Thermostat Upgrades | Heating and Air Conditioning | Benton
When the weather swings from humid Arkansas summers to crisp winter nights, your Benton home shouldn’t have to choose between comfort and sky-high utility bills. HEP’s energy-efficiency specialists make that decision effortless with thermostat upgrades that learn your schedule, fine-tune your heating and air conditioning output, and trim wasted energy every hour of the day. Imagine opening an app to see real-time savings, getting alerts before small issues become costly repairs, and returning to a perfectly balanced indoor climate—no matter how unpredictable the forecast gets.
Local, licensed, and backed by decades of HVAC expertise, HEP delivers fast installation, hands-on training, and ongoing support so you can start saving from day one. Whether you’re retrofitting an older system or building your dream smart home, our thermostat upgrades pair seamlessly with modern high-efficiency furnaces and AC units, unlocking rebates, extending equipment life, and keeping your family comfortable season after season. Schedule your free Benton assessment today and discover how easy smarter comfort can be.
FAQs
How does upgrading my thermostat improve my home’s energy efficiency?
Modern programmable and smart thermostats use sensors, learning algorithms, and remote connectivity to keep your HVAC system running only when it needs to. By automatically lowering temperatures when you are asleep or away and optimizing run-times when you are home, a smart thermostat can reduce heating costs by up to 10 % and cooling costs by 15 % according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The precise control prevents the short-cycling that wastes energy, and many models provide real-time usage reports so you can fine-tune schedules for even greater savings.
What thermostat upgrade options are available for Benton homeowners?
You can choose from (1) 7-day or 5-2 programmable thermostats, which let you pre-set temperatures for different times of day; (2) Wi-Fi–enabled smart thermostats that allow remote control through your phone; (3) learning thermostats such as Google Nest that build schedules automatically; and (4) zoned or multi-thermostat systems that manage separate areas of the home independently. We carry ENERGY STAR®-certified models from Ecobee, Honeywell, Nest, and Emerson that are tailored to Benton’s humid-subtropical climate and are compatible with most gas, electric, and heat-pump HVAC systems.
Will a smart thermostat work with my existing heating and cooling equipment?
In most cases, yes. Today’s smart thermostats are designed to operate with single-stage, multi-stage, heat-pump, and dual-fuel systems as long as standard 24-volt wiring is present. The main requirement is a common or “C” wire, which supplies continuous power to the thermostat’s Wi-Fi radio and display. If your current wiring lacks a C-wire, we can usually add one at the furnace control board or install an external power adapter. During our free in-home assessment we verify voltage, staging, and accessory controls (humidifier, dehumidifier, ERV) to ensure full compatibility before installation.
How much can I save by installing a smart or programmable thermostat?
Actual savings vary by usage habits, home insulation, and local utility rates, but the Department of Energy estimates average annual savings of about $180. In Benton, where summer cooling loads predominate, customers who program a 7-degree setback while away and a 4-degree setback at night typically recover the cost of the thermostat within 18–24 months. Smart models with occupancy sensors and geofencing can push savings higher because they automatically fine-tune setbacks when family members leave or return unexpectedly.
Are there rebates or incentives for thermostat upgrades in Benton?
Yes. Benton Utilities periodically offers bill credits for installing ENERGY STAR® smart thermostats. Entergy Arkansas and SWEPCO customers may qualify for $50–$75 instant rebates through their online marketplaces, and Atmos Energy provides similar incentives for gas-heated homes. In addition, the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit (IRC 25C) allows you to claim 30 % of the cost, up to $150, when you file your income taxes. We stay current on all programs, complete paperwork, and supply the AHRI certificates you need to claim rebates and credits.
Can I install a smart thermostat myself, and what does professional installation include?
Many homeowners with basic electrical skills can follow the manufacturer’s wiring diagram, but common pitfalls include misidentifying labeled wires, damaging fragile conductors, or failing to configure advanced HVAC settings such as compressor lock-out or heat-pump balance points. Our professional installation typically takes under an hour and includes safely removing the old thermostat, labeling and landing wires on the new baseplate, adding a C-wire if needed, updating firmware, integrating the thermostat with your Wi-Fi network, configuring equipment settings, and walking you through the mobile app. We also register the product for warranty and provide a one-year labor guarantee.