WVC Smart Thermostat Upgrade Energy Savings Case

West Valley City Smart Thermostat Upgrade: Janet F. Glendale Neighborhood Energy Savings

Customer:
Janet F. (consent for documentation given; long-term WVC homeowner familiar with our company since 2021)
Address area:
West Valley City Glendale neighborhood, near 3100 South and 1100 West — established 1960s-1970s residential area with mature trees and mixed housing stock
Home characteristics:
1971 single-story home with full basement, approximately 1,820 sq ft on main level plus 1,820 sq ft partially-finished basement. Brick veneer exterior. Vinyl double-pane windows replaced 2014 throughout. Forced-air HVAC. Main floor includes living room, dining room, kitchen, three bedrooms, and 1.5 bathrooms. Basement includes family room, fourth bedroom, full bathroom, laundry, and mechanical room. Janet purchased the home in 2008 (16 years at time of project) and has invested consistently in home efficiency upgrades. Household: Janet (age 64, recently retired educator) and her sister Bonnie (age 67, retired nurse, moved in 2022 after Janet’s husband passed away).
Project type:
Smart thermostat installation replacing existing mid-tier programmable thermostat. Project specifically targeted: improved temperature scheduling automation, occupancy-aware setbacks, integration with utility demand-response programs, energy savings tracking for sustainability-focused household, and accessibility features for senior household.
Project completion date:
February 28, 2024
Total cost:
$485 installed (ecobee SmartThermostat Premium + installation + configuration + customer training)

Background

Janet first contacted our company in 2021 for a furnace tune-up after researching local HVAC contractors. She’s a careful researcher who values transparency and documentation. Her household had used a Honeywell T6 Pro programmable thermostat installed by previous contractor in 2014. She and Bonnie use the home efficiently with consistent daily patterns, but the manual programming had become inconvenient as their schedule shifted post-retirement. Janet identified the smart thermostat upgrade after attending a Rocky Mountain Power Wattsmart workshop where utility representatives discussed demand-response program eligibility. The project also intersected with Janet’s broader interest in home efficiency: she’d recently completed window upgrades and was considering rooftop solar installation in 2025-2026 timeframe.

Existing Equipment Context

Furnace:
2019 Bryant 925SA60080V17 furnace, 80,000 BTU/hr input, 96% AFUE. 5 years service. Variable-speed ECM blower. PVC concentric venting through east basement wall. Operating well, regular Comfort Care plan maintenance since installation. Compatible with smart thermostat advanced features.
AC:
2019 Bryant 113ANA030 AC, 2.5-ton, 14 SEER, R-410A. Matched system with furnace, same installation date.
Existing thermostat (being replaced):
2014 Honeywell T6 Pro programmable thermostat. 10 years service. Functional but: (a) limited remote access capability (the model installed had basic remote app but with limited features), (b) manual programming inconvenient as Janet’s post-retirement schedule shifted, (c) no occupancy sensing capability, (d) no integration with utility demand-response programs, (e) limited energy reporting/tracking.
Wifi network:
Comcast Xfinity gateway router + Eero mesh nodes. Strong Wifi coverage throughout home including thermostat location in hallway. Adequate bandwidth for smart thermostat data transmission.
Existing wiring:
5-wire thermostat connection: R, C, W, Y, G. Adequate for smart thermostat installation (5-wire installations support all standard smart thermostat features including 24V common wire for continuous power).

Decision Framework and Equipment Selection

Smart thermostat options evaluated:
  1. ecobee SmartThermostat Premium (selected): $245 equipment, dual-band Wifi, occupancy and motion sensors, voice control (Alexa/Google), Apple HomeKit and Google Home integration, advanced scheduling, energy reporting, utility demand-response program compatibility. Best overall feature set for Janet’s specific use case.
  2. ecobee SmartThermostat Enhanced: $185 equipment, similar feature set but without built-in voice control speakers. Lower price point. Voice control via separate Alexa/Google device.
  3. Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen): $245 equipment, machine-learning scheduling, similar smart features. Different ecosystem (Google integration vs. Apple HomeKit). Some users find learning approach less intuitive than explicit programming.
  4. Honeywell T9 with sensors: $185 equipment, room sensors included, similar smart features. Lower price but somewhat less polished mobile app experience.
  5. Mitsubishi kumo cloud (for Mitsubishi systems): Not applicable; not a Mitsubishi system.
Customer selection rationale (ecobee SmartThermostat Premium):
  • Apple HomeKit integration: Janet uses iPhone and HomeKit for other home automation
  • Built-in voice control: Convenience for Bonnie (less comfortable with mobile apps; voice commands more accessible)
  • Occupancy and motion sensors: Automatic setback when no one home, return to comfort when occupancy detected
  • Energy reporting: Detailed data supports Janet’s sustainability tracking and future solar integration planning
  • Wattsmart demand-response eligibility: Confirmed compatibility with Rocky Mountain Power program
  • Industry-leading customer support and feature reliability per Janet’s research
Smart thermostat features supporting elderly household:
  • Voice control for Bonnie (limited mobile app comfort)
  • Larger display visible from across room for both household members
  • Automatic adjustments based on occupancy patterns (no need to manually program)
  • Remote monitoring/control by Janet’s adult daughter (who lives in Murray) for additional safety monitoring
  • Email/text alerts if temperature falls outside acceptable range (concern for senior household)

Pre-Project Assessment

Initial consultation (February 14, 2024):
90-minute consultation. Marcus Halverson reviewed existing system, current usage patterns, Janet’s specific goals. Performed pre-upgrade measurements for baseline:

  • Existing thermostat programming review
  • Janet’s current monthly utility usage patterns (12 months of Rocky Mountain Power + Dominion Energy bills reviewed)
  • Current setbacks and recovery patterns
  • Future system upgrade considerations (Janet’s planned solar integration)
Baseline usage analysis (winter 2023-2024 pre-upgrade):
  • December 2023 gas consumption: 84 therms ($143 cost)
  • January 2024 gas consumption: 96 therms ($164 cost)
  • February 2024 gas consumption: 78 therms ($133 cost)
  • Three-month winter baseline: 258 therms ($440 cost)
  • Programming: Manual programming with 70°F daytime, 65°F overnight. Limited adjustment for daytime occupancy patterns.
Baseline summer cooling analysis (2023):
  • July 2023 electric consumption (cooling portion): 480 kWh attributed to cooling ($61 estimated cooling cost)
  • August 2023 electric consumption (cooling portion): 510 kWh attributed to cooling ($65 estimated cooling cost)
  • Total summer cooling cost: approximately $250 over June-September
Projected savings from smart thermostat features:
  • Occupancy-aware setback during daytime out-of-home periods: estimated 12-18% reduction in heating/cooling runtime
  • More optimal recovery scheduling: estimated 3-5% reduction
  • Improved comfort with active management (less manual override-overcompensation): estimated 4-6% reduction
  • Wattsmart demand-response program participation: $50/year credit for August + September peak hours flexibility
  • Projected total annual savings: approximately $280-380 vs. baseline
Customer goals statement:
Janet articulated goals during consultation: (a) reduce winter heating cost by ~$50-100, (b) reduce summer cooling cost by ~$50-100, (c) integrate with Rocky Mountain Power Wattsmart program ($50 annual credit), (d) provide remote monitoring capability for her daughter, (e) provide voice control convenience for Bonnie, (f) preserve flexibility for future solar integration and demand-time-of-use rate plan participation. Smart thermostat upgrade addresses all six goals.

Equipment Specifications

Thermostat: ecobee SmartThermostat Premium
  • Wifi connectivity (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz dual-band)
  • Built-in motion and occupancy sensors
  • Built-in Alexa voice control
  • Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings compatibility
  • Energy reporting and consumption tracking
  • Demand-response program ready (utility partnership integration)
  • Geofencing capability (location-aware via mobile app)
  • Multiple user accounts
  • Touchscreen color display (3.5″)
  • 3-year limited manufacturer warranty
  • Compatible with existing 5-wire installation
Smart sensors (optional, not purchased for this project):
ecobee Smart Sensors available as add-on for temperature/occupancy measurement in other rooms. Janet declined initially given good consistency across her home. Discussed for future addition if needed.
Integration with existing equipment:
2019 Bryant 925SA furnace and matching AC compatible with all ecobee features including: variable-speed blower control, AC two-stage support (though this AC is single-stage), demand-response cycling, advanced scheduling. ECM blower benefits particularly from smart thermostat optimization.

Installation Scope and Configuration

February 28, 2024 (single-day installation and configuration):
  • 8:00 AM: Marcus Halverson arrived. Greeted Janet and Bonnie. Reviewed installation plan.
  • 8:30 AM: Existing thermostat removal. Carefully labeled wires by terminal (R, C, W, Y, G). Verified wiring continuity from furnace control board to thermostat location.
  • 9:00 AM: ecobee Premium wallplate mounting. Wire connections.
  • 9:30 AM: ecobee display unit mounted on wallplate. Initial power-up verification.
  • 9:45 AM: Wifi setup. Connected to Janet’s Eero mesh network. ecobee firmware update.
  • 10:15 AM: Initial configuration in setup wizard:
    • Home address (for outdoor temperature accuracy)
    • Heating equipment type (gas furnace)
    • Cooling equipment type (AC)
    • Existing thermostat removed
    • Reverse logic settings (none needed for this configuration)
  • 11:00 AM: ecobee mobile app installation on Janet’s iPhone and Bonnie’s iPad. Account creation. Multi-user access setup for Janet’s daughter.
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch break.
  • 12:45 PM: Smart Home/Away configuration:
    • Geofencing setup via mobile app (Janet’s iPhone location detection)
    • Backup occupancy sensor configuration (in case mobile app geofencing fails)
    • Schedule programming based on Janet’s typical patterns:
      • Sleep: 11 PM – 6:30 AM, 65°F heat / 78°F cool
      • Awake: 6:30 AM – 11 PM, 71°F heat / 75°F cool
      • Away: Auto-detected via geofencing, 62°F heat / 82°F cool
  • 1:45 PM: Rocky Mountain Power Wattsmart program enrollment via mobile app. Demand-response program participation activated for August + September peak hours.
  • 2:15 PM: Apple HomeKit integration setup. Connected ecobee to Janet’s HomeKit home for unified control.
  • 2:30 PM: Voice control verification with Alexa built-in feature. Janet and Bonnie practiced voice commands (“Alexa, set thermostat to 72 degrees”, “Alexa, what’s the temperature”).
  • 3:00 PM: Energy reporting baseline setup. Connected ecobee to Janet’s Rocky Mountain Power and Dominion Energy utility accounts for usage data integration.
  • 3:30 PM: Customer education with both Janet and Bonnie:
    • Touchscreen interface walk-through
    • Mobile app feature demonstration
    • Geofencing explanation and verification
    • Voice control practice
    • Schedule modification process
    • Manual override procedures (when needed)
    • Energy reporting interpretation
    • Demand-response participation explanation
  • 4:30 PM: Operational verification. Test cycle in heating mode and cooling mode (brief AC operation despite winter season to verify cooling functionality).
  • 5:00 PM: Installation complete. Setup documentation provided to Janet for future reference.
Total installation time:
9 hours single-day project (longer than typical 2-3 hour smart thermostat installation due to: comprehensive configuration, multi-user setup, multiple device integration, utility account linking, demand-response enrollment, extended customer education for senior household)
Permit:
Not required for thermostat installation (low-voltage control device replacement).

Cost Breakdown

Itemized project cost:
  • ecobee SmartThermostat Premium equipment: $245
  • Replacement wire if needed (not used): $0
  • Installation labor (Marcus Halverson, 9-hour comprehensive setup): $385
  • Configuration and customer education time: included with labor
  • Wattsmart program enrollment assistance: $0 (provided as customer service)
  • Apple HomeKit and multi-device integration: $0 (provided as customer service)
  • Energy account linking: $0 (provided as customer service)
  • Subtotal: $630
  • Comfort Care plan member discount (15%): -$95
  • Long-term customer adjustment (Janet customer since 2021): -$50
  • Total customer cost: $485 installed
Rebates and incentives:
  • Rocky Mountain Power Wattsmart smart thermostat rebate: $50 (one-time, applied after installation)
  • Rocky Mountain Power Wattsmart demand-response program credit: $50/year ongoing (annual credit for August + September peak hours flexibility)
  • Federal IRA 25C: not applicable (thermostats not covered)
Net cost after first-year rebates and credits:
$485 – $50 (one-time Wattsmart rebate) – $50 (first-year demand-response credit) = $385 net first-year cost
Projected payback analysis:
Based on projected $280-380 first-year energy savings:

  • Conservative payback: $485 / $280 = 1.7 years
  • Optimistic payback: $485 / $380 = 1.3 years
  • After first-year credit (effective $385 net): $385 / $280 = 1.4 years conservative; $385 / $380 = 1.0 year optimistic

Smart thermostat upgrades typically pay for themselves within 1-3 years for homes with regular HVAC operation. Janet’s payback within 1-2 years aligned with typical projection.

Post-Installation Outcomes (First Year)

March-May 2024 (first three months operation):
  • March 2024 gas consumption: 62 therms (vs. estimated 68 therms with old thermostat at same outdoor temperatures) — 8.8% reduction
  • April 2024 gas consumption: 24 therms (transitional spring month, comparable usage)
  • May 2024 gas consumption: 12 therms (minimal heating)
  • Configuration adjustments based on actual usage patterns: refined geofencing trigger distance, adjusted recovery timing, optimized away-mode setbacks
Summer 2024 cooling season:
  • June 2024 electric (cooling portion): 384 kWh vs. estimated 460 kWh baseline ($49 vs. $58 estimated cost) — 16.5% reduction
  • July 2024 electric (cooling portion): 412 kWh vs. estimated 480 kWh baseline ($53 vs. $61 estimated cost) — 14.2% reduction
  • August 2024 electric (cooling portion): 426 kWh vs. estimated 510 kWh baseline ($55 vs. $65 estimated cost) — 16.5% reduction (includes Wattsmart demand-response participation events on 3 peak demand days)
  • September 2024 electric (cooling portion): 384 kWh vs. estimated 450 kWh baseline ($49 vs. $57 estimated cost) — 14.7% reduction
  • Summer 2024 total cooling cost: $206 vs. estimated $241 baseline — $35 savings
  • Wattsmart demand-response participation: 3 events during August + September; $50 annual credit applied to October 2024 utility bill
Fall and winter 2024-2025:
  • October-December 2024 transitional heating period
  • December 2024 gas consumption: 72 therms vs. estimated 84 therms baseline (14.3% reduction)
  • January 2025 gas consumption: 82 therms vs. estimated 96 therms baseline (14.6% reduction)
  • February 2025 gas consumption: 66 therms vs. estimated 78 therms baseline (15.4% reduction)
  • Three-month winter 2024-2025: 220 therms vs. estimated 258 therms baseline (14.7% reduction)
  • Three-month winter savings: 38 therms × $1.70/therm = $65 winter savings
First-year savings summary:
  • Summer cooling savings: $35
  • Winter heating savings (three winter months captured + estimated April + October/November adjustments): $105 estimated annual heating savings
  • Wattsmart demand-response credit: $50
  • Wattsmart one-time rebate: $50
  • Estimated total first-year benefits: $240
  • Lower than projected $280-380 (utility prices rose during 2024 partially offsetting consumption reductions; would have been higher savings with 2023 utility prices)
Customer satisfaction:
Janet reported in March 2025 follow-up: “The smart thermostat has changed how we manage our home. Bonnie uses the voice control daily. I check the energy report weekly to see how we’re doing. The Wattsmart demand-response participation was completely automatic – I never noticed the events happening. We’re more comfortable than we were with the old programming because the system adjusts to us instead of us adjusting to it.”
Solar integration planning (anticipated 2025-2026):
Janet’s solar installation planning continued through 2024. ecobee Premium’s time-of-use (TOU) rate compatibility supports future solar+net-metering integration. Energy reporting data from first year of smart thermostat operation provides baseline for solar production sizing recommendations. Smart thermostat planning anticipated solar integration; this proactive thinking improved overall efficiency planning.

Why This Case Study Illustrates Important Patterns

Smart thermostat ROI calculation:
Smart thermostat investment typically pays back within 1-3 years for homes with regular HVAC operation. Key factors affecting ROI: (a) baseline energy consumption (larger consumption = larger absolute savings), (b) occupancy patterns (more daytime away time = larger setback opportunity), (c) HVAC equipment efficiency (newer high-efficiency equipment benefits most from advanced control), (d) utility rate structures (time-of-use rate plans amplify smart thermostat benefits), (e) demand-response program participation (additional rebates/credits). Janet’s home characteristics aligned with strong ROI scenario.
Smart thermostat features for senior households:
Smart thermostats provide accessibility features valuable for senior occupants: voice control (no mobile app required), remote monitoring by family members (safety/wellbeing), large touchscreen displays visible across rooms, automatic occupancy-aware adjustments (reduces need for manual programming), temperature anomaly alerts (notification if temperature falls outside acceptable range). These features support aging-in-place priorities. Family members can monitor parent/senior household HVAC status remotely without intrusive surveillance.
Utility demand-response program integration:
Rocky Mountain Power Wattsmart demand-response programs reduce grid stress during peak demand events while compensating participants. Smart thermostat compatibility enables: (a) automatic participation without manual intervention, (b) consistent program participation increasing utility credit value, (c) transparent reporting on program events. Annual credits ($50/year for thermostat participation) plus base smart thermostat rebate ($50 one-time) provide meaningful financial benefits beyond energy consumption reduction.
Comprehensive installation vs. quick setup:
Smart thermostat installation labor varies dramatically: basic installation (replace existing thermostat, connect Wifi, basic schedule): 1-2 hours. Comprehensive installation (advanced configuration, multi-device integration, utility account linking, demand-response enrollment, extended customer education): 4-9 hours. Quick installations often miss: utility program enrollment, advanced scheduling, multi-device integration, customer education. Comprehensive installations deliver substantially better outcomes despite higher labor cost. Janet’s 9-hour installation reflects investment in capturing full feature value.
Multi-device ecosystem integration:
Smart thermostat integration with existing smart home ecosystem (Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings) significantly enhances daily user experience. Voice control via existing smart speakers, unified mobile app for multiple home systems, automation possibilities (thermostat behavior triggered by other systems) all add value. Selection considerations: existing smart home ecosystem investment, family member device preferences, future expansion planning. ecobee SmartThermostat Premium’s broad ecosystem compatibility valuable for households with mixed device preferences (Janet iPhone/HomeKit, Bonnie iPad/voice control).
Energy reporting and tracking value:
Detailed energy consumption reporting provides: (a) verification of actual savings vs. projections, (b) identification of unusual usage patterns (potential equipment issues), (c) data for future system planning (sizing solar, heat pump conversion), (d) sustainability tracking for environmentally-conscious households, (e) tax documentation if pursuing energy efficiency credits. Smart thermostats with utility account linking provide most comprehensive data; standalone thermostats with consumption tracking provide moderate data. Reporting features benefit data-oriented households (Janet’s profile) more than casual users.

Code and Standards Compliance Documentation

Applicable codes and standards:
  • NEC Article 725: Class 2 control circuits (24V thermostat wiring)
  • 2024 IMC with Utah amendments: Mechanical equipment service
  • Rocky Mountain Power Wattsmart program requirements: Smart thermostat eligibility, demand-response enrollment
  • Utah DOPL HVAC contractor licensing: #11567823-5501 active and current
Permits:
Not required for thermostat installation (Class 2 low-voltage control device replacement).
Documentation provided to customer:
  • Installation diagram showing wire connections
  • ecobee user manual
  • Mobile app installation and configuration guide
  • Voice control command reference
  • Wattsmart program enrollment confirmation
  • Multi-user access setup documentation
  • 3-year ecobee manufacturer warranty registration
  • Energy reporting baseline measurements

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I save with a smart thermostat?
Savings vary significantly by household. Typical residential savings: 8-15% reduction in heating and cooling consumption. Annual dollar savings: $100-400+ depending on baseline consumption, occupancy patterns, and utility rate structure. Households with: larger baseline consumption (larger homes, older equipment), more daytime away time (occupancy-aware setback opportunity), participation in utility demand-response programs, time-of-use rate plans, all benefit more from smart thermostats. Janet’s first-year savings of $240 align with typical residential smart thermostat outcomes for her household profile.
Will my old thermostat wiring work with smart thermostats?
Most homes have adequate wiring. Critical: 5-wire installation (R, C, W, Y, G) provides 24V common wire for continuous thermostat power. Smart thermostats require continuous power and won’t reliably operate on battery alone. Homes with only 4-wire installation (lacking C wire) require either: (a) adding C wire from furnace (often feasible during installation), (b) using add-a-wire adapter (manufacturer-specific options available), (c) some smart thermostat models include power-stealing capability for 4-wire operation but with reduced features. Pre-installation assessment determines wiring suitability.
Do I need a strong Wifi signal at the thermostat location?
Yes. Smart thermostats require reliable Wifi connectivity for: cloud-based scheduling features, remote app control, utility program participation, software updates, voice control integration. Weak Wifi at thermostat location creates problems: disconnections, delayed app responses, voice control failures, missed demand-response events. If thermostat location has weak Wifi: (a) add Wifi mesh network nodes, (b) install Wifi extender, (c) relocate thermostat if possible. Pre-installation Wifi testing recommended.
What about my old thermostat schedule patterns?
Smart thermostats import existing schedule patterns during initial setup OR provide better automatic schedule generation. Many users find smart thermostat automatic scheduling (geofencing-aware, occupancy-aware, learning-based) outperforms manual programming over time. Existing schedules useful as starting point but typically refined based on first 30-60 days of smart thermostat operation. Don’t worry about replicating your old schedule precisely; the smart thermostat will optimize as it learns your patterns.
Are smart thermostats secure?
Major brands (ecobee, Google Nest, Honeywell) implement security best practices: encrypted data transmission, secure authentication, regular security updates, multi-factor authentication for mobile app. Privacy considerations: thermostats collect usage data shared with manufacturer cloud service; data privacy policies vary by brand. Recommendations: (a) use strong unique password for thermostat account, (b) review manufacturer privacy policy, (c) keep firmware updated, (d) review device list periodically. Smart thermostats are generally as secure as other Wifi-connected home devices when properly configured.

Project Details Summary

Customer:
Janet F. (consent given for documentation; Comfort Care plan member since 2021)
Property:
West Valley City Glendale neighborhood 1971 single-story with full basement, 1,820 sq ft main + 1,820 sq ft basement; senior household
Project:
Smart thermostat upgrade replacing 2014 Honeywell T6 Pro with ecobee SmartThermostat Premium, comprehensive configuration including utility integration, multi-device ecosystem, demand-response enrollment
Completion date:
February 28, 2024 (9-hour comprehensive installation including extended customer education for senior household)
Equipment installed:
ecobee SmartThermostat Premium with Apple HomeKit integration, voice control, geofencing, occupancy sensing, Wattsmart demand-response participation, multi-user access for Janet’s daughter
Total cost:
$485 installed with Comfort Care plan + long-term customer discounts
Rebates and incentives:
$50 one-time Rocky Mountain Power Wattsmart smart thermostat rebate + $50 first-year Wattsmart demand-response credit = $100 total first-year benefits
First-year outcomes:
14-15% gas consumption reduction (winter), 14-16% electric consumption reduction (summer cooling). Total first-year savings: approximately $240 (combination of energy savings + utility credits). Payback within 18 months on $485 investment.
Customer satisfaction:
Janet reported high satisfaction with voice control accessibility for Bonnie, automatic occupancy-aware adjustments, energy reporting transparency, daughter’s remote monitoring capability. Smart thermostat became foundation for planned future solar integration.
Ongoing service relationship:
Comfort Care plan continued. Annual tune-ups continuing. Janet planning solar installation for 2025-2026; smart thermostat will integrate with future solar+TOU rate plan operation.

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