Running a business means watching every expense, and that includes your energy bill. If you’ve already installed a smart thermostat, you’ve taken a smart step toward saving energy. These handy devices can help reduce energy use, lower operating costs, and keep customers and employees comfortable. But like any tool, they work best when you know how to use them.

Here are five easy smart thermostat adjustments that can lead to big savings, plus a few common mistakes to avoid.

Smart thermostat tips for business owners

1. Use remote access to stay in control. With most smart thermostats, you can monitor and adjust settings from your phone, tablet or computer. That means you can respond quickly if business slows early or if someone forgets to turn off the heat at closing time.
2. Lock in your preferred settings. Tired of constant fiddling with the temperature? Set a comfortable range and use your thermostat’s lock feature to keep it consistent. This helps prevent unnecessary changes that waste energy and keeps everyone comfortable without the thermostat becoming a battleground.
3. Coordinate multiple thermostats. If you have more than one thermostat, make sure they’re connected and managed through a single platform. This makes it easier to ensure everything is working together efficiently, not competing for control.*
4. Set schedules that match your hours. Heating and cooling an empty space is like leaving the lights on all night – wasteful and expensive. Program your thermostat to match your actual business hours, including opening and closing times, breaks, and weekend closures.
5. Find the comfort sweet spot. Avoid the urge to crank the heat in winter or blast the A/C in summer. Instead, aim for a moderate, steady temperature. Adjusting your thermostat by just a few degrees can make a noticeable difference in your energy bill.

Avoid these common smart thermostat mistakes

Even a smart device needs the right setup to work properly. Watch out for these common pitfalls:

1. Bad placement. Thermostats installed near windows, entrances or heat-generating equipment (like ovens or computers) can give inaccurate readings. If your thermostat thinks the room is hotter or colder than it is, your HVAC system might overwork unnecessarily.*
2. Underusing built-in features. Most smart thermostats come with powerful tools for scheduling, occupancy sensing, energy reporting and more. If you’re only using the basic temperature control, you’re leaving savings on the table. Take a few minutes to explore your settings and features – it’s worth it.
3. Disconnected systems. In larger spaces, or businesses with more than one thermostat, it’s essential that all devices are connected to a central platform. This helps ensure consistent comfort and gives you full visibility and control from one dashboard.

Save even more with smart thermostat incentives

If you haven’t already installed a smart thermostat or are considering upgrading, Energy Trust of Oregon offers cash incentives of up to $500, which can cover the full cost of installing a new smart thermostat in many cases. Visit the smart thermostat page to learn more about qualifying products and how to apply.

If you’re a Portland General Electric customer, be sure to check out their Energy Partner Smart Thermostat Program for opportunities to earn ongoing incentives when you allow your smart thermostat to adjust slightly during peak energy times. It’s a simple way to support the energy grid and earn rewards.

* Relocation may require electrical modifications and should be evaluated by a qualified technician.