Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency | Thermostat Upgrades | Heating and Air Conditioning | Mascot
Imagine a Mascot home that intuitively knows when you’re on your way back from work, warms the living room before you step through the door, and coasts into energy-saving mode the moment everyone leaves. HEP’s thermostat upgrades make that scenario real, pairing high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems with cutting-edge smart controls that learn your schedule, monitor local weather, and deliver precision temperature management without the guesswork.
Our certified technicians handle everything—from selecting the right device for your HVAC setup to seamless installation and personalized app training—so you can start saving up to 15% on utility bills from day one. Whether you want voice-activated comfort, detailed energy reports, or eligibility for local power-company rebates, HEP puts effortless climate control right at your fingertips and keeps Mascot homes cozy, eco-friendly, and future-ready.
FAQs
Why should I upgrade my thermostat instead of keeping the existing manual model?
Modern programmable and smart thermostats can cut heating and cooling costs by 10–25 % by automatically adjusting temperatures when you’re asleep or away. They also provide precise digital control (±0.5 °C), learn your comfort patterns, and offer remote access via phone apps. In Mascot’s temperate climate—warm summers and mild winters—these features help limit unnecessary run-times, maximising system efficiency and lowering energy bills.
Are smart thermostats compatible with the gas or ducted reverse-cycle system I already have?
Most current smart thermostats work with 24-volt (low-voltage) HVAC systems, including split ducted reverse-cycle, gas furnaces, and heat pumps common in Mascot homes. During our site visit we confirm wiring, transformer voltage, and stage outputs (1-stage, 2-stage, or multi-stage). If your system is high-voltage or lacks a C-wire, we can install an add-a-wire kit or recommend a compatible model so you still gain smart features.
How much energy can I realistically save in Mascot by installing a programmable or smart thermostat?
Savings depend on how consistently you use scheduling and occupancy features, but households that set 7- to 8-hour temperature setbacks of 7 °C in winter and 3 °C in summer typically see 10–15 % lower electricity and gas usage. With Mascot’s average heating and cooling load, that translates to roughly $140–$260 per year on typical combined energy bills. Smart learning thermostats with geofencing can push savings higher because they automate setbacks when everyone leaves the house.
What is involved in the installation process and how long does it take?
A standard thermostat replacement takes about 60–90 minutes. We first isolate power at the switchboard, label and disconnect old wiring, mount the new thermostat base, verify level/position, connect wires (adding a C-wire adapter if required), restore power, and run a system test. We then set up Wi-Fi, program schedules, and give you a tutorial on usage. For multi-zone or commercial systems the process can extend to half a day, but most Mascot residences are completed in a single visit.
Do thermostat upgrades qualify for any rebates or incentives in NSW?
Yes. Under the NSW Energy Savings Scheme (ESS), upgrading to high-efficiency controls like smart thermostats may generate Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs). We are an accredited certificate provider and handle paperwork, so the rebate is applied as an up-front discount on your invoice. Amounts vary but usually offset $40–$80 of the thermostat cost. Federal Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) don’t apply, but some electricity retailers also run seasonal smart-home promotions.
How do I maintain my new thermostat and what support do you provide after installation?
Thermostats are largely maintenance-free. Keep the screen clean with a dry cloth, change batteries annually if it’s a battery-back-up model, and update firmware via the app when prompted. We provide a 5-year manufacturer warranty and 12-month labour warranty. If you add or modify HVAC equipment, call us to recalibrate settings. Our Mascot support line offers free remote assistance, and we can log in (with permission) to diagnose most issues without a site visit.