Meross has launched its first Matter-certified smart thermostat for North American HVAC systems, priced at $99.99. This thermostat, compatible with 95% of heating and cooling systems, integrates with major smart home platforms like Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home without needing a cloud connection. It features a touch screen, smart scheduling, and system usage tracking via the Meross app. While it lacks some advanced features of competitors like the Nest Thermostat, it is the most affordable Matter-compatible option available, supporting room sensors and the latest Matter 1.4 spec for enhanced functionality.
A new survey suggests that the way people set their thermostats as adults is influenced by the temperature settings in their childhood homes. The study found that individuals who grew up in warmer homes tend to maintain higher thermostat settings in their current homes. This behavior persists even when accounting for factors like race, education, and income. The research highlights the importance of understanding consumer heating and cooling choices to potentially reduce energy consumption and fossil fuel use.
The Google Nest Thermostat is currently on sale for $100, ahead of the Amazon Spring Sale, offering a $30 discount on all four colors. The thermostat, designed to save energy and cut down on heating and air conditioner costs, can be controlled remotely via the Nest app or voice assistants like Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri. Additionally, Nest cameras and the Nest Doorbell Wired are also discounted as part of the sale.
Experts provide tips on how to lower heating bills during the winter, including having your heating unit inspected, setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, turning the heat down when you're away, avoiding setting the thermostat too low, considering investing in a smart thermostat, using space heaters with caution, getting an energy efficient audit, and checking for tax incentives and rebates. Other tips include weather-stripping doors, improving insulation, caulking windows, and using draft stoppers to seal off cold air.
Canadian startup Ecobee, which launched its first smart thermostat in 2008, is expanding its smart home ecosystem with the launch of a smart video doorbell and enhancements to its smart security system. Ecobee aims to differentiate itself from competitors like Nest by offering a range of features, including a smart speaker, indoor air quality monitoring, smoke and CO alarm listening, temperature and humidity sensing, and radar-powered motion sensing. The company also plans to support the new universal smart home standard Matter. Ecobee's focus on context and energy management aligns with its goal of achieving a net-zero-energy home of the future.
The ideal time to turn on the heat in the fall depends on factors such as the location and insulation of your house, as well as your local climate. However, it is recommended to keep the indoor temperature above 64 degrees Fahrenheit for the health of individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, as lower temperatures may cause issues. For healthy individuals under 65, lower temperatures are generally not a health risk as long as they are active and can use clothing or heating devices to stay warm. If you have a programmable thermostat, Energy Star suggests setting it to turn on the heat when the temperature drops to 70 degrees in the morning or evening, with an eight-degree setback during the day and at night for energy efficiency.
As temperatures soar during a 10-day heat wave, JEA customers in Jacksonville, Florida, are experiencing higher energy bills. To manage costs, JEA recommends setting the thermostat at 78 degrees, as even new AC units can only cool about 20 degrees below the outside temperature. By conserving energy and raising the thermostat by 5 to 10 degrees when away from home, customers can save up to 7% per degree on cooling costs. Regularly changing air filters, using ceiling fans, and shading windows can also help reduce energy consumption. JEA offers free efficiency assessments to help customers lower their energy bills.
GameStop is offering a BOGO sale on 40 video games, including The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD and Octopath Traveler II. Google's Nest WiFi Pro is on sale at Wellbots, with a two-pack available for $244.99 and a three-pack for $334.99. Amazon's M2 Mac Mini is available for $499.99, and the third-gen Nest Learning Thermostat is on sale for $184 at The Home Depot. Alternatively, Amazon's Smart Thermostat is available for $64.99.
