Project Overview
In large homes with multiple HVAC zones, smart thermostat technology delivers some of the highest returns on investment of any HVAC upgrade. The cost of smart thermostats and sensors is modest compared to equipment replacements, yet the energy savings can be substantial — especially when the alternative is heating and cooling unoccupied spaces around the clock.
This Wellesley project showcases the full potential of a properly configured smart thermostat system. The Ecobee platform was chosen for its superior multi-sensor support and its ability to use room-level occupancy data to determine which zones need conditioning. Unlike basic smart thermostats that simply offer remote control, the Ecobee with SmartSensors creates a truly intelligent system that adapts to the family's actual living patterns.
The results exceeded the homeowner's expectations. The 23% energy reduction in the first month translated to approximately $180 in savings — and that was during a relatively mild shoulder season. The projected annual savings are in the range of $1,500–$2,000 based on the home's historical energy consumption. Beyond the savings, the homeowner appreciates the convenience: a single app controls all four zones, and the system handles most adjustments automatically.
The Challenge
The homeowner of this 5,200 square foot Wellesley luxury home was managing four separate HVAC zones with four basic programmable thermostats. Each thermostat had to be programmed individually — a tedious process that the homeowner rarely bothered with, resulting in all zones running at the same temperature 24/7 regardless of occupancy. The home had significant energy waste: the guest wing was being fully heated and cooled even when unoccupied for weeks at a time, and the basement entertainment area ran all day despite only being used on weekends. The homeowner wanted a unified smart system that could optimize all zones automatically based on actual usage patterns.
Our Solution
We replaced all four thermostats with Ecobee Premium smart thermostats, each equipped with built-in occupancy and temperature sensors. We also installed eight additional Ecobee SmartSensors in key rooms — the master bedroom, each child's room, the home office, the kitchen, the guest suite, and the basement entertainment area. These sensors report both temperature and occupancy data to the thermostats, allowing the system to make intelligent decisions about where and when to direct heating and cooling. We configured geofencing using the homeowner's smartphones, so the system automatically enters energy-saving mode when the family leaves and resumes comfort mode when they return. Custom schedules were programmed for weekdays versus weekends, with the guest wing defaulting to an energy-saving setback unless manually overridden. The system integrates with the home's existing Apple HomeKit setup, allowing voice control through Siri and automation through the Home app.
Results & Outcomes
- 23% energy reduction in the first month of operation
- Projected annual savings of $1,500–$2,000
- Guest wing energy waste eliminated — auto setback when unoccupied
- Unified control of all 4 zones via smartphone app and voice
Project Details
Service
HVAC Maintenance
Location
Wellesley, MA
Duration
1 Day
Equipment
Ecobee
Scope
Residential
Result
Completed Successfully
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