Weather obviously plays a big role in how much energy homeowners use to heat or cool their living spaces. Now, Honeywell and WeatherBug have teamed up to give Texas homeowners a way to monitor their energy usage through existing technology. On June 9, the companies announced a software update for consumers who already own one of four Honeywell Wi-Fi thermostats with the Total Connect Comfort app.
At the moment, individuals who own the Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat with Voice Control, Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat, Wi-Fi 7 Day Programmable Touchscreen Thermostat, and Wi-Fi 7 Day Programmable Thermostat can take advantage of the software. If you have one of these devices, the upgrade will make sure that your thermostat is adjusted in accordance with the latest local weather data. WeatherBug’s algorithms are also designed to keep the power coming during peak demand times.
In addition to making sure that your thermostat is optimized for use, the program will give you an Energy Insight ScoreCard. This card will explain how your home uses its energy in response to your local weather every month. The program also has a Home Energy Meter, which can let you know how hard your HVAC is working to keep you comfortable indoors.
“When linking our Wi-Fi thermostats with the WeatherBug Home software, consumers can save even more, while staying comfortable and maximizing their area’s energy supply,” said Jeremy Eaton, president of Honeywell Connected Home.
On average, Honeywell and WeatherBug claim that the software upgrade can save Texas homeowners an average of $75 per year. This should not be a surprise, considering weather is known to drive 50 percent of a home’s energy use.
The update is free for consumers to download onto their existing devices. You can find out if your product is compatible by visiting the WeatherBug Home website or contacting a local energy provider. Honeywell and WeatherBug claim that the software update is coming to other regions outside of Texas in the near future.
