Home Energy-Savings Calculator: Smart Products Save You Money

If you’ve ever lowered the heat in winter or turned off the AC on a hot summer day just to shave a few dollars off your electricity bill, you’re not alone. Many homeowners sacrifice comfort in an effort to cut energy costs—but there’s a smarter, more efficient way to save.

This calculator and guide will help you better understand your home’s energy consumption and the true cost of electricity. Rest assured, we’ll also cover how much you could be saving with a few smart changes. Whether you’re looking to lower your monthly bills, reduce emissions, or make your home more sustainable, small shifts can make a big difference.

You’ll find an easy-to-use energy-savings calculator, smart product recommendations like the Vivint Smart Thermostat, and practical energy-saving tips you can start using right away.

Use our energy savings calculator to estimate your cost savings

Our energy savings calculator gives you a quick estimate of potential savings based on your current energy bill. It’s a simple way to see how small changes can lead to big savings.

How much can you save with Vivint smart home products?

Estimate your energy savings by selecting the smart devices you use—or plan to install—in your home.

To get started, enter your average monthly energy bill. The calculator will estimate your potential annual energy savings using typical cost-reduction percentages from smart home upgrades and usage habits.

Your results will depend on several factors, including how much energy your heating and cooling systems use, the wattage and efficiency of your appliances, the time of day you use electricity, and even the rates charged by your local energy provider. Everything from how you heat water to how often your air conditioner runs plays a role in your monthly utility costs.

Why it matters

Reducing your energy use isn’t just about lowering your electricity bill—though that’s a big plus. Here's how energy efficiency can help you save:

• Lower electricity bills by up to 12% on heating and cooling costs alone with the Vivint Smart Thermostat
• Smaller carbon footprint for your home with reduced emissions
• Improved long-term sustainability through smarter energy management—residential buildings account for roughly 20% of the nation’s energy consumption.

Using tools like this calculator and adopting smarter energy habits helps you make more informed decisions about your energy use—leading to better energy management, long-term cost savings, and a more sustainable home, all while keeping comfortable.

How smart technology helps reduce energy costs

Energy saving and efficiency are top considerations for 40% of homeowners exploring smart device purchases, and for good reason.

Smart home technology does more than add convenience—it helps you take control of your home’s energy use in ways that traditional systems can’t. With intelligent automation, real-time data, and seamless device integration, smart tech empowers you to make energy-efficient choices that lead to long-term cost savings and more sustainable living.

Smarter HVAC control with the Vivint Smart Thermostat

How much can a smart thermostat save? A smart thermostat can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 12%, saving  some homeowners approximately $200-$300 annually.

Heating and cooling account for a significant portion of your energy costs, especially if your system runs longer than necessary. The Vivint Smart Thermostat, for example, helps optimize your HVAC system by using geolocation and in-home sensors to adjust the temperature based on your schedule and daily activity.

Instead of constantly changing the settings, the thermostat learns your habits and maintains efficient comfort automatically. It keeps your cooling system, heat pump, or air conditioner running as needed, saving energy while maintaining a consistent indoor temperature. That kind of control helps reduce BTU usage and prevent wasted electricity or natural gas.

By adjusting temperature settings in real-time, the Vivint Smart Thermostat can help lower your heating and cooling energy use by up to 12% annually—without sacrificing comfort.

Vivint Smart Thermostat details

Smart home integration boosts efficiency

The Vivint Smart Thermostat connects with the Vivint Smart Hub, creating a whole-home energy management system. When your smart devices work together, they can automate your routines for maximum efficiency.

You can schedule your HVAC system to power down while you’re at work, have smart lights turn off when no one’s in the room, and remotely control appliances from your phone—all from one central app. This kind of coordination makes it easier to save energy every day without having to think about it.

More ways to save energy at home

Smart thermostats and connected devices are a great start, but everyday habits can also make a big difference in your overall energy consumption. Small changes in how and when you use appliances, heat water, or do laundry can quickly add up to noticeable cost savings.

Practical tips for cutting energy use

These simple, effective tips can help you lower your monthly energy costs and reduce your home’s overall energy consumption:

• Switch to cold water. Washing clothes in cold water reduces hot water use and lowers your electricity bill. For some homeowners, this can lead to $60-$100 in savings per year.
• Run appliances during off-peak hours. Many providers offer lower rates at night—great for dishwashers and washing machines.
• Use dryer balls or air dry. Dryer balls reduce drying time, while air drying cuts energy consumption dramatically—saves up to $100 annually.
• Set your water heater to 120°F or lower. Heating water hotter than necessary wastes energy. Saves $30-$50 per year.
• Unplug unused appliances. Many electronics draw power even when turned off—pull the plug to save energy.
• Seal air leaks. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal gaps around windows and doors to keep warm or cool air inside.
• Use ceiling fans wisely. Ceiling fans can reduce the need for air conditioning by circulating air more efficiently, but only use them when you’re in the room.
• Upgrade to LED bulbs. LED light bulbs use significantly less energy and last much longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
• Install smart power strips. These can cut off power to devices that go into standby mode, reducing phantom energy use.
• Close blinds and curtains during hot days. Blocking direct sunlight helps your cooling system work less, especially during peak hours.
• Maintain your HVAC system. Regularly replacing filters and scheduling tune-ups keeps your heating and cooling systems running efficiently.

Check for rebates and incentives

You might be eligible for rebates or incentives just by making energy-efficient upgrades in your home. Many energy providers and government programs offer cash-back options, tax credits, or retrofit assistance when you improve insulation, upgrade to ENERGY STAR® appliances, or install efficient HVAC systems.

Explore resources on trusted sites or contact your local utility company to see what programs are available.

• EnergyStar.gov. Use the Rebate Finder tool to search for rebates on ENERGY STAR® certified products by ZIP code.
• Energy.gov. Offers tips on saving energy and links to federal and state-level incentives, including programs related to heating, cooling, lighting, and appliances.
• DSIREUSA.org. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency provides a comprehensive list of energy efficiency rebates and programs by state (funded by the U.S. Department of Energy).

While you’re reviewing options, look into renewable energy upgrades like energy-efficient windows or smart lighting solutions that support your overall sustainability goals.

Small changes lead to big savings

Energy efficiency isn’t just about major upgrades or overhauling your entire system. In most cases, small, consistent changes—like adjusting your thermostat or running appliances during off-peak hours—can lead to noticeable savings over time. The right combination of smart tools and simple habits can help you stay comfortable while lowering your utility costs month after month.

Make comfort and cost-efficiency work together

Saving energy doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort. With smart home technology like the Vivint Smart Thermostat and Smart Hub, your home can automatically adjust to your preferences while running more efficiently. These tools help strike the perfect balance, keeping your space cozy while minimizing unnecessary energy use.

Track progress and keep saving

The best way to stay efficient is to stay informed. Use the energy savings calculator regularly to track your progress and see how your efforts are paying off. Reviewing your energy habits over time can help you identify new ways to cut costs and reduce consumption.

For the best results, follow the recommended indoor temperature ranges. According to ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers), a comfortable and energy-efficient indoor temperature is around 74°F in summer and 68°F in winter. Sticking to these guidelines can help maintain comfort while maximizing savings.

Start saving with smart home products

Making your home more energy efficient doesn’t have to be complicated. With tools like the energy savings calculator, you can get a clear view of your potential savings and start making smarter choices right away. From adjusting your thermostat settings to using energy-saving habits and smart home tech, small steps can add up to big benefits.

By adopting smart solutions like the Vivint Smart Thermostat and Vivint Smart Hub, you can take greater control of your energy use, leading to lower utility bills, fewer emissions, and a more comfortable home all year long. Give us a call at 855.822.1220 to learn more today.

FAQs

Learn more about energy savings and the energy savings calculator here.

How much can I save with the Vivint Smart Thermostat?

The Vivint Smart Thermostat can you save up to 12% on your home's energy bill.

How much of my home's energy goes toward heating and cooling?

Heating and cooling make up a huge portion of a home's energy costs, which is why pairing your HVAC system with energy-saving products like a smart thermostat can make a huge difference. 

What is the best thermostat temperature for energy efficiency?

According to ASHRAE, the optimal thermostat temperature in the summer is 74°F, and the optimal winter temperature is 68°F. These temperature balance comfort and cost savings.

What are easy ways to reduce energy costs at home?

Small changes can lead to big savings over time. Here are some easy ways to reduce energy costs at home:

• Switch laundry to cold water when it's safe for your clothes
• Run appliances during off-peak hours
• Set your water heater to 120° or lower
• Unplug unusued appliances
• Seal air leaks around windows and doors
• Upgrade to LED bulbs
• Upgrade to a smart thermostat