EWEB is excited to announce a new residential rebate program to provide electric customers with free or greatly discounted Smart Thermostats to customers whose primary source of heating is from an electric forced-air furnace or heat pump.
Partnering with General Pacific, a utility wholesale stocking distributor in the Pacific Northwest, EWEB is providing customers with a new way to reduce energy usage and save money on their utility bills – Smart Thermostats. The new residential rebate program includes four Smart Thermostat models from two manufacturers, ranging in price from $0-$119.00.
The rebate is available exclusively through the partnership with General Pacific and can be purchased online with no additional paperwork or application process. Customers can place their order through the website, eweb.gpfulfillment.com, and General Pacific will ship the thermostat directly to the customers front door.
According to data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Smart Thermostats that meet Energy Star criteria may save users an average of 8% on their utility bills. Heating and cooling costs are the largest use of electricity in the home. With a Smart Thermostat the heat and A/C is turned off more regularly than a regular thermostat, while still maintaining the comfort of the home.
Smart Thermostats accomplish this in two ways – adjusting the temperature based on home occupancy and programming. Most Smart Thermostats use either a motion sensor or geo-fencing, tracking your phone’s location, to determine if anyone is home. If the thermostat senses that the home is empty, it will switch to an energy-saving mode.
Having the ability to program your thermostat isn’t new, but their button or touch-screen interfaces can be cumbersome, and because of this often don’t get used. With app-based interfaces, Smart Thermostats are easy to program and change as necessary, whether you are home or away.
Two of the models offered through the program EWEB have a feature where the thermostat will learn your schedule and routine. Based on when you tend to be home and how you typically use the thermostat it will automatically update the heating and cooling schedule for you.
Currently EWEB is offering the following models:
- Google Nest Thermostat – FREE
- Google Nest Learning Thermostat - $119
- ecobee Enhanced Smart Thermostat -$59
- ecobee Premium Smart Thermostat - $119
If you are considering getting a Smart Thermostat there are a few things to consider. Smart Thermostats are not recommended to control variable speed heat pumps, and are not compatible with ductless heat pump, electrical resistance baseboard heaters, in-wall heaters or cable ceiling heat. Please refer to each device’s compatibility checker before ordering.
Learn more about the program and how to purchase at eweb.org/SmartThermostat.
Heating and cooling costs can be the largest use of electricity in the home. A Smart Thermostat can help you reduce your energy usage, but there are lots of simple, low or now-cost steps you can take to make your home feel more comfortable this winter season. Check out our energy saving tips here.