CNET recommends smart thermostats for savings

CNET said in a May 2026 guide that smart thermostats can offer homeowners more control over heating and cooling, and lower utility costs than regular thermostats. The article framed the choice as a practical retrofit rather than a full smart-home overhaul, focusing on installation, compatibility and price. That pitch lines up with federal energy guidance that says heating and cooling account for a large share of household utility spending. ENERGY STAR says the average U.S. household spends more than $900 a year on heating and cooling. ### What is CNET telling readers to buy instead of a basic thermostat? CNET’s guide says a smart thermostat can do more than a standard manual or programmable unit because it connects to Wi‑Fi, can be controlled remotely and may automate temperature changes based on schedules, occupancy or other inputs. The guide presents smart thermostats as a higher-function option for people trying to manage home comfort and energy use in 2026. (energystar.gov) Consumer Reports says smart thermostats let users change settings through a smartphone app and, in some models, use local weather data, sensors and algorithms to adjust temperatures automatically. The group also says some of the usability improvements that began in smart thermostats have spread to nonconnected programmable models. ### How much money can a smart thermostat actually save? (cnet.com) ENERGY STAR says certified smart thermostats save about $50 a year for a typical household and up to $100 a year in homes with high heating and cooling bills. The agency says certified models qualify based on real-world energy data rather than a simple laboratory test. The U.S. Department of Energy says households can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning the thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day from its normal setting. (consumerreports.org) That figure applies to thermostat setbacks generally, but it helps explain why devices that automate schedules and setbacks are marketed as money-saving tools. ### Why are smart thermostats being pitched as an easy retrofit? (energystar.gov) Consumer Reports says installing a smart thermostat is easier than many buyers assume and outlines an eight-step process for setup. CNET’s framing of the category as retrofit-friendly fits that consumer pitch: the device can replace an existing wall thermostat without requiring a broader renovation. (energy.gov) ENERGY STAR says buyers should check compatibility with their heating and cooling system before purchase. The agency also says many smart thermostats rely on Wi‑Fi and that some high-efficiency HVAC systems may work best with a controller from the same manufacturer. ### What is the tradeoff versus a regular programmable thermostat? The Department of Energy says programmable thermostats already offer a path to savings by storing repeated daily settings and automatically adjusting temperatures when people are asleep or away. (consumerreports.org) That means a regular programmable thermostat can still cut costs if it is set up correctly. Consumer Reports says smart thermostats add app control, easier programming and automation features that regular units may not have. (energystar.gov) CNET’s comparison leans on those convenience features as part of the buying case, alongside potential savings. ### What should shoppers check before they spend the extra money? ENERGY STAR says shoppers should look for certified models, confirm HVAC compatibility and check for utility rebates. (energy.gov) The agency says certified smart thermostats save energy regardless of climate zone and notes that rebates are available in many parts of the country. CNET’s guide and current product roundups give buyers a place to compare models and price tiers, while ENERGY STAR maintains a certified-product list and rebate information. (consumerreports.org) For households deciding in 2026, those are the next stops before choosing between a lower-cost programmable thermostat and a connected model with automation features. (cnet.com) (energystar.gov)