Dollars & Sense: Your old (or even new) thermostat could be costing you money

What to Know:ENERGY STAR estimates certified smart thermostats save households about 8% on heating and cooling bills.Smart thermostat features like scheduling, occupancy detection, and remote control may help reduce energy costs, but only if they’re properly configured.Many thermostats are designed for DIY installation, but some homes require additional wiring or professional assistance.ORLANDO, Fla. – Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: you just spent a long day at the beach. You packed up the kids and the spouse, hopped in the car, and found a great spot on the sand, all before 10 a.m. Eight hours later, you pull into the driveway, open the door and instantly wonder, “Why is it so cold in here?”Because you forgot to turn up the thermostat before you left.Empty house. No animals inside. Cooling itself all day long. Not a person in sight to enjoy it. The only one coming out ahead is the electric company. You cringe at the thought of how much money you just wasted cooling your dese