Energy Savings
Energy Savings | Thermostat Upgrades | Heating and Air Conditioning | Delano
Imagine a thermostat that learns your schedule, fine-tunes temperature room by room, and shows your energy savings in real time. That’s what HEP brings to Delano homeowners with thermostat upgrades that seamlessly integrate with existing heating and air conditioning systems. Our licensed technicians handle everything—from selecting the right smart model to professional installation—so you start saving on utility bills from day one.
Whether you’re fighting July humidity or January’s biting chill, a responsive thermostat keeps comfort constant while trimming energy waste by up to 20%. Control your HVAC from your phone, let geofencing do the thinking when you leave, and receive maintenance alerts before small issues become costly repairs. Ready to modernize your comfort and lower those monthly statements? Schedule your HEP visit today and experience a smarter, greener Delano home.
FAQs
How can upgrading my thermostat save energy and lower my utility bills in Delano?
Older manual thermostats are often inaccurate by 2–5 °F, causing your heating and cooling equipment to run longer than necessary. A modern programmable or smart thermostat allows you to set automatic temperature setbacks when you’re asleep or away, which can trim HVAC run-time by up to 10 %–15 %. In Delano’s hot summers and cool winter nights, that translates into noticeable year-round savings. Many smart models also use occupancy sensors, local weather data, and learning algorithms to fine-tune run cycles, squeezing out another 5 %–8 % in energy use. Over a single season most households recoup the cost of the thermostat in reduced electric and natural-gas bills.
What kinds of thermostats do you install, and which one is best for my home?
We offer three main categories: • Programmable digital thermostats – affordable, 4–7-day scheduling, ideal if your routine is predictable. • Wi-Fi–enabled programmable thermostats – add remote control through a phone app and basic usage reports; good for rental properties or families that travel. • Learning smart thermostats – self-programming, occupancy and humidity sensors, energy reports, voice assistant integration, and utility demand-response readiness. Which model is best depends on your HVAC system (single-stage vs. multi-stage heat pump, dual-fuel, or zoned), the number of occupants, and how tech-savvy you are. During our free in-home assessment we measure wiring compatibility, review your comfort goals, and recommend a thermostat that maximizes savings without overcomplicating daily use.
Are there rebates or incentives for energy-efficient thermostat upgrades in Delano?
Yes. Residents served by PG&E, Southern California Edison, or Southern California Gas can typically claim a $50–$75 bill credit or instant rebate on qualified smart thermostats listed under ENERGY STAR® Version 2.0. Kern County also offers occasional weatherization grants that include thermostat replacements for income-qualified households. In addition, some electric utilities run seasonal demand-response programs that pay you $40–$60 per year when your smart thermostat allows slight temperature adjustments on peak days. We’ll handle the paperwork and provide proof of installation so you receive every incentive you’re entitled to.
Will a new thermostat work with my existing heating and air-conditioning system, or will I need additional equipment?
Most contemporary thermostats are compatible with 24-volt conventional gas furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps. During our site visit we confirm: • Available control wires: many smart models require a common (C) wire for continuous power. If you don’t have one, we can often use a power extender kit or fish a new conductor. • Staging: single-stage, multi-stage, or variable-speed equipment may need a thermostat that can address multiple heat/cool calls. • High-voltage systems: electric baseboard heaters or packaged terminal units need specialty line-voltage controls. • Accessories: if you have a whole-house humidifier, dehumidifier, or ERV, we choose a thermostat with the appropriate terminals. In 95 % of Delano homes no major HVAC modifications are needed—just a straightforward thermostat swap.
How long does installation take, and will my heating or cooling be offline?
A standard replacement, including removal of the old unit, mounting, wiring, Wi-Fi setup, and user tutorial, takes about 60–90 minutes. Your HVAC will be off only while we disconnect the control wires—usually 10–15 minutes. Complex jobs that require pulling a new C-wire or upgrading a multi-zone panel can take 2–3 hours. We schedule installations at your convenience, and same-day service is often available to minimize downtime during extreme Delano temperatures.
What ongoing maintenance or updates will my new smart thermostat need?
Smart thermostats are largely maintenance-free. Firmware updates download automatically over Wi-Fi, adding new features or security patches. We recommend: • Checking the app monthly for update prompts and energy-use insights. • Replacing backup batteries (if present) every 18–24 months to preserve settings during power outages. • Cleaning the thermostat’s vent slots with a soft brush once a year to keep the temperature sensor accurate. • Reviewing your schedule and temperature setpoints seasonally to ensure they still fit your lifestyle. During your annual HVAC tune-up we’ll verify sensor calibration and connection strength so the thermostat keeps delivering optimal comfort and savings.