Can Smart Thermostats help save money on energy bills?
Smart Thermostats offer remote control, automation and more precise scheduling to help reduce unnecessary heating and improve efficiency. The extent of any financial savings depends heavily on user behaviour, property characteristics and existing heating systems.
Smart Thermostats are increasingly discussed alongside Smart Meters in the context of home energy efficiency. While both technologies relate to energy use, they serve different purposes.
Smart Meters primarily measure and report energy consumption, whereas Smart Thermostats actively control heating systems.
What is a Smart Thermostat?
A Smart Thermostat is an internet connected device that allows users to control their home heating remotely, typically via a smartphone or tablet.
Unlike traditional thermostats, which require manual adjustment or fixed programming, smart thermostats offer advanced features such as automated schedules, learning user behaviour, and integration with smart home systems. These devices can learn your routine adjust temperatures automatically.
They typically connect to a boiler via a receiver and are controlled through an app or hub. This enables users to manage heating even when they are not at home, improving convenience and potentially reducing unnecessary energy use.
Do all new homes have Smart Thermostat installed?
Not all new homes come with Smart Thermostats installed as standard.
While energy efficiency regulations for new builds have improved, the inclusion of smart heating controls varies by developer and specification. For those that do not come with one, homeowners can install a Smart Thermostat after purchasing the property to help reduce energy usage.
How can I use a Smart Thermostat to reduce my energy usage?
Smart Thermostats can help reduce energy usage by improving how and when heating is used. Heating and hot water account for a significant portion of household energy consumption, so more efficient control can have a noticeable impact.
One of the main advantages is the ability to schedule heating more precisely. Users can set different temperatures for different times of day or rooms, ensuring energy is not wasted heating empty spaces. According to EnergyPlus, smart thermostats allow households to “heat your home only when and where it’s needed.”
Remote access is another key feature. If plans change, users can adjust heating settings via an app, preventing unnecessary usage. Some systems also use geolocation to turn heating off when occupants leave and back on when they return.
Automation and learning capabilities further enhance efficiency. Over time, certain devices can adapt to household routines, reducing the need for manual adjustments and helping maintain consistent energy saving behaviour.
Evidence suggests that these features can lead to measurable savings, although results vary. Many UK households may achieve around a 10 to 20% reduction in heating energy when upgrading from basic controls. However, there is no guarantee of savings.
Simple behavioural changes can also contribute. For example, turning down the thermostat by one degree could reduce annual energy bills by up to 10%, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Smart Thermostats make such adjustments easier to implement consistently.
Disclaimer
newhomesforsale.co.uk is an information platform and not a financial advisor, mortgage broker or mortgage lender. Always get financial advice before making significant decisions about your money, mortgages and buying a house.
Publish date 27th April, 2026
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by Vicki England
