Quick quiz: how smart thermostats work
Ten questions on the technology. Tap an answer to see why.
A smart thermostat controls your heating and cooling on a schedule, and you can change it from your phone. Rebates on these are usually small, but they are some of the easiest to claim.
The rules depend on how your home is heated. A thermostat for a gas furnace is not the same as one for electric baseboard heaters, which run on a higher voltage. Programs list the models they accept, and some give the thermostat away free to homes that qualify. Read the program page before you buy, so you buy the right type.
What to check before you buy
- How you heat. Gas and electric baseboard homes need different thermostats. Check that the model fits your system.
- The model list. Programs pay for specific brands and models. Check the list before you shop.
- Where you buy. Some rebates are instant at the checkout. Others need a receipt uploaded within a set time.
- Free offers. Some utilities send a free thermostat to homes that qualify. Look before you buy one.
- One per home. Many programs allow a set number per home, or only a first thermostat.
Open smart thermostat rebates, region by region
Each row is an open program today. Amounts are the most a program pays, and many depend on your home, your income or your utility, so use the calculator for your own number.
| Where | Program | Pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Red Deer smart thermostat rebate | up to $50 (CAD) | Official page, checked Oct 3, 2026 |
| Alberta | EPCOR Peak Rewards pilot | up to $50 (CAD) | Official page, checked Oct 3, 2026 |
| Manitoba | Efficiency Manitoba: smart thermostat | up to $50 (CAD) | Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026 |
| Nova Scotia | Instant rebate: smart thermostat | up to $45 (CAD) | Official page, checked Oct 5, 2026 |
| Ontario | Home Renovation Savings: smart thermostat | up to $125 (CAD) | Official page, checked Oct 4, 2026 |
| Ontario | Save on Energy Peak Perks | up to $75 (CAD) | Official page, checked Oct 5, 2026 |
| California | Burbank Water & Power: smart thermostat | up to $75 (USD) | Official page, checked Oct 2, 2026 |
| California | SCE Smart Energy Program | up to $75 (USD) | Official page, checked Oct 2, 2026 |
| California | SMUD smart thermostat | up to $50 (USD) | Official page, checked Oct 2, 2026 |
| California | Pasadena Water & Power: smart thermostat | up to $50 (USD) | Official page, checked Sep 28, 2026 |
| Colorado | Xcel Energy smart thermostat | up to $50 (USD) | Official page, checked Sep 29, 2026 |
| Illinois | Naperville Electric smart thermostat | $75 each, up to two (USD) | Official page, checked Oct 6, 2026 |
| Illinois | ComEd smart thermostat | up to $75 (USD) | Official page, checked Oct 6, 2026 |
| Illinois | Nicor Gas smart thermostat | up to $25 (USD) | Official page, checked Oct 6, 2026 |
| Illinois | Peoples Gas smart thermostat | up to $25 (USD) | Official page, checked Oct 6, 2026 |
| Michigan | DTE Energy Wi-Fi thermostat | up to $50 (USD) | Official page, checked Oct 6, 2026 |
| Michigan | Lansing BWL smart thermostat | up to $50 (USD) | Official page, checked Oct 6, 2026 |
| Minnesota | Rochester Public Utilities smart thermostat | up to $100 (USD) | Official page, checked Oct 6, 2026 |
| Minnesota | CenterPoint thermostat | up to $50 (USD) | Official page, checked Oct 6, 2026 |
| Minnesota | Minnesota Power smart thermostat | up to $50 (USD) | Official page, checked Oct 6, 2026 |
| New Jersey | Atlantic City Electric smart thermostat | up to $150 (USD) | Official page, checked Oct 6, 2026 |
| New Jersey | PSE&G smart thermostat | $60 to $100, or free (USD) | Official page, checked Oct 6, 2026 |
| New Jersey | JCP&L smart thermostat | up to $100 (USD) | Official page, checked Oct 6, 2026 |
| Pennsylvania | PPL Electric smart thermostat | $50 or $100 (USD) | Official page, checked Oct 6, 2026 |
| Pennsylvania | PECO smart thermostat | $25 to $50 (USD) | Official page, checked Oct 5, 2026 |
| Washington | Clark Public Utilities smart thermostat | up to $140 (USD) | Official page, checked Oct 6, 2026 |
| Washington | PSE smart thermostat | up to $75 (USD) | Official page, checked Oct 6, 2026 |
| Washington | Tacoma Power smart thermostat | up to $75 (USD) | Official page, checked Oct 6, 2026 |
| Washington | Seattle City Light smart thermostat | up to $50 (USD) | Official page, checked Oct 6, 2026 |
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- GuideOntario Home Renovation Savings Program: 2026 guide
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- GuideBC Hydro vs FortisBC Rebates: Which Pays More?
- GuideSCE Rebate Guide 2026: What Edison Customers Can Claim
- GuideSmart Thermostat Buying Guide for Ontario Homes
- GuideOntario smart thermostat rebate 2026: $125 back on six brands
Common questions
Will a smart thermostat save me money?
It can, if you use its schedule. Savings depend on your home and how you heat it. Some utilities also pay you to let them adjust it at peak times.
Does it work with electric baseboard heaters?
Only with a thermostat made for line voltage. A regular smart thermostat can be a poor fit, so check the model.
Do I have to install it myself?
Many people do. Some programs need a pro for certain systems. The program page says.
Where do I start?
Pick your province or state in the rebate finder to see what is open where you live.
Sources, read October 21, 2026: BC Hydro: free smart thermostats, FortisBC: connected thermostat rebates, Alberta: Red Deer smart thermostat rebate, Alberta: EPCOR Peak Rewards pilot, Manitoba: Efficiency Manitoba: smart thermostat, Nova Scotia: Instant rebate: smart thermostat, Ontario: Home Renovation Savings: smart thermostat, Ontario: Save on Energy Peak Perks.