Six Ways to Use Smart Thermostats to Reduce Energy Use and Unlock Greater Savings

Practical Steps Homeowners Can Take to Lower Energy Bills and Support Grid Resilience

Energy

6/18/25

Across North America, changes in trade policies and market pressures are driving expectations for higher energy costs, causing home and business owners to search for practical ways to cut energy expenses without sacrificing comfort. A smart thermostat can help individuals take control of their energy use, offset rising costs and help avoid blackouts when demand for energy is high – like in a heat wave. Here are six ways homeowners can strategically use their smart thermostats to reduce energy use and unlock even greater savings.

1. Start with the Right Smart Thermostat

Equipping the home with a Honeywell Home smart thermostat like the new Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat is the first step toward improved energy efficiency. These ENERGY STAR^®-certified devices not only offer convenient automation but also integrate with the First Alert app to enhance control. With features like smart scheduling, geofencing and demand response program compatibility, homeowners can optimize their energy usage while maintaining comfort.

2. Use Smart Sensors to Prioritize Occupied Spaces

Why heat or cool empty rooms? The Honeywell Home T10+ Pro Smart Thermostat with RedLINK™ sensors leverages wireless sensing technology to adjust temperatures based on which spaces are in use. During the day, the thermostat can prioritize keeping a home office comfortable, while at night, it can shift focus to the bedroom. This targeted approach helps homeowners avoid wasting energy in unused areas while maintaining comfort where it matters most.

3. Reduce Energy Waste with Geofencing

Honeywell Home smart thermostats work with the First Alert app, which detects when the home is empty and automatically adjusts the temperature. Unlike traditional scheduling, geofencing adapts to homeowners’ changing routines, saving energy even if daily schedules vary. By eliminating unnecessary heating and cooling, geofencing helps prevent waste and can lead to improved savings.

4. Set a Schedule and Stick to It

Taking the time to create a schedule that aligns with a household’s daily routines like sleep, wake times and periods of activity or absence can lead to meaningful energy savings without sacrificing comfort. In fact, Honeywell Home thermostat users save on average 22% (heating users) and 17% (cooling users) on their HVAC energy consumption when using the recommended scheduling feature consistently.

5. Enroll in a Local Demand Response Program

Homeowners can further reduce their energy use by enrolling in a demand response program through their First Alert app. These programs temporarily adjust energy use during peak demand periods, helping to balance the electrical grid while lowering household electricity bills. Many utilities also offer incentives for participation, making it a smart way to save money while supporting a more stable energy system.

Enroll in a Local Demand Response Program 1

6. Take Control of Energy Costs

As energy prices continue to rise, the right tools and strategies can help homeowners take control of their consumption and spending. By integrating Honeywell Home smart thermostats and following best practices for optimization, individuals can protect their budgets while contributing to a more resilient energy grid.

This article was originally published by Extreme How-To and MSN. For more information on how to reduce your energy use and costs, visit HoneywellHome.com and Resideo.com.