Smart thermostats are a simple, effective way for your customers to save energy, lower operating costs, and maintain comfort in their businesses. But like any tool, they work best when properly set up and used. Trade allies can help their customers get the most out of smart thermostats and take advantage of incentives to lower installation costs.

In a recent blog post, Make the most of your smart thermostat, Energy Trust outlines five easy tips that trade allies can share with customers – like using remote access to control heating and cooling from anywhere, setting schedules to match business hours, and locking preferred settings to prevent unnecessary changes. It highlights common mistakes to avoid, such as placing thermostats too close to heat-generating equipment or failing to connect multiple devices on a single platform.

The post also explains the range of cash incentives available from Energy Trust to help customers cover installation costs – up to $500 per device – and additional opportunities for Portland General Electric customers through the Energy Partner Smart Thermostat Program.

By helping customers understand how to use smart thermostats effectively and take advantage of available incentives, contractors can deliver more value, build trust, and support energy efficiency upgrades that make a difference. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to guide your customers to smarter savings and a smoother installation process.

For more information about smart thermostat offers, or for help with questions, contact your trade ally coordinator or Erica Carlson, Existing Buildings trade ally manager at ecarlson@trccompanies.com.