Why Houston Homeowners Are Making the Switch
Texas summers are hot and humid—especially in Houston where temperatures often hit 100°F+. Keeping your home cool isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. But it can be expensive. That’s where a smart thermostat comes in.
Smart thermostats are more than just digital temperature controls. They’re intelligent devices that optimize energy usage, lower bills and increase convenience—all while keeping your home cool in the hottest time of year. At Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical, we’ve seen firsthand how upgrading to a smart thermostat can change the way Houstonians manage their indoor climate.
Here are the top benefits of getting a smart thermostat this summer.
Let’s face it—AC costs in Texas summers are high. Your HVAC is running non-stop to combat the heat and humidity. A smart thermostat helps optimize when and how your AC runs without sacrificing comfort.
Learns your schedule and habits
Automatically adjusts temps when you’re away
Sends usage reports to help you track and reduce energy usage
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a programmable thermostat can save up to 10% annually on heating and cooling. Many smart thermostats can do even better by making real-time adjustments based on your behavior and preferences.
One of the coolest features of a smart thermostat is the ability to control your home’s temp from anywhere using your smartphone, tablet or voice assistant.
Leaving work downtown and want to cool your home before you get there?
Heading out for the weekend and forgot to turn off the AC?
With a smart thermostat you can make adjustments on the fly whether you’re in your car, at the office or on vacation. This is especially useful in unpredictable Houston weather when storms or sudden heat waves roll in.
Houston homes have hot spots—upstairs bedrooms that never seem to cool down or sun-facing living rooms that stay warmer than the rest of the house. Many smart thermostats can work with zoned HVAC systems to manage these areas independently.You can also create custom schedules to match your family’s lifestyle. For example:
Cool the house in the morning before everyone wakes up
Raise the temp while the house is empty during the day
Adjust again in the evening for a comfortable night’s sleep
No more remembering to change the thermostat manually—your smart system does it for you.
If your Houston home is already smart with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit, your smart thermostat can integrate.
This means:
Voice controlled temp changes
Automation routines (e.g. “Away Mode” that adjusts lights and AC together)
Real-time alerts for unusual temp changes or system malfunctions
This adds convenience and peace of mind especially if you have a large household or rental property.
Your thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system. A smart thermostat ensures your AC runs as efficiently as possible, which is especially important during Houston’s long cooling season.
Some models even:
Alert you when it’s time to change your air filter
Provide early warnings about system failures
Monitor humidity to keep indoor air more comfortable
This protects your investment and can extend the life of your HVAC equipment—saving you even more in the long run.
If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, a smart thermostat is a great step in the right direction. By using less energy during peak hours and eliminating unnecessary usage, you reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ease the demand on the Texas power grid.
This is especially important during ERCOT Flex Alerts when conserving energy can prevent outages across the Houston area.
Many utility companies in Texas offer rebates or incentives for installing ENERGY STAR® certified smart thermostats. These rebates can reduce your out-of-pocket costs and speed up your ROI.
Abacus can help you navigate the rebate process and recommend smart thermostats that qualify under CenterPoint Energy or Texas-New Mexico Power programs, depending on your Houston-area service provider.
Recommend the right smart thermostat for your HVAC system
Install and configure your device
Ensure full integration with your smart home
We carry top brands like Nest, Ecobee and Honeywell and back our work with industry leading warranties.
Start Saving This Summer
Get the most out of your AC and control your energy bills with a smart thermostat upgrade from Abacus.
📞 713-766-3605
💻 abacusplumbing.net