Power
Saver™ Program
Free Thermostats
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Apply now to receive a free programmable thermostat plus free installation and warranty—valued between $200 and $280. In return for your free thermostat, you allow Austin Energy to coordinate the “cycling” of your air conditioner on 10-15 summer afternoons with others when the demand for electricity is highest.
Cycling Off During Peak Demand Periods
Cycling off occurs only a few days each summer between 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. when the demand for electricity is highest. For some customers, cycling may not be noticeable. A radio-controlled switch on the thermostat cycles off your air conditioner compressor when we send it a signal. Coordinating the cycling of air conditioners helps keep the demand for electricity level which then helps delay the need to build expensive power plants.
Apply Now for a Free Thermostat
Cycling Off Timeline
(occurs only when demand and load are highest) |
| June thru September |
| 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. |
| Excludes holidays and weekends |
| Happens for no more than 15 minutes every half hour |
| |
Benefits
- Free air conditioning check to determine compatibility with this type of programmable thermostat—includes a visual inspection of your air conditioner
- Easy to use--if you can set your alarm clock, you can program your free thermostat
- Free customer service support every day, 24 hours a day; free repair or replacement of your thermostat as long as you participate in the Free Thermostat program
- Depending on thermostat settings, customers can save up to 20% on cooling and heating costs
- Year-round comfort—arrive at an already cooled or heated building
- Risk-free, satisfaction guaranteed participation—if you are ever dissatisfied, we will remove the free programmable thermostat and reinstall your old thermostat at no charge
- Lock boxes at no cost for businesses if requested prior to thermostat installation
- A protective time delay allows coolant to reset before equipment powers back up after a cycling session or a power outage
- Standardize all your thermostats
Who Can Apply?
Any Austin Energy residential or commercial electric customer with standard-type air conditioners—split systems, package units, or heat pumps—may apply. The heater component may be either gas or electric.
Requirements
- Air conditioning equipment must be 10 tons or less—air conditioning greater than 10 tons will require an inspection
- Air conditioning equipment must not be controlled by another automation system
- Air conditioning equipment must be in reasonably good mechanical condition
- Thermostat installation is contingent on meeting additional technical specifications, which will be qualified in a telephone or site interview
Leased residential facilities require a Rental Release form (pdf) signed by the owner/agent. Fax the Rental Release form to (512) 926-4102 or mail it to:
Free Thermostats
c/o Comverge
P.O. Box 14312
Austin, TX 78761-9859
Renters must fill out both the Free Thermostat Application form and a Rental Release form.
To apply by phone or learn more, call our toll-free number: (877) 549-2774.
Not Ready? Request additional information.
Si le gustaría recibir esta
información en Español, llame a Austin Energy
al (512) 974-7827.
Power
Saver™ Program—Saving Energy Together |
