SmartSave FAQs
WHAT IS SMARTSAVE?
- SmartSave makes it easy to save energy and earn rewards, upon enrollment, and continued annual participation, while maintaining control of your comfort.*
- Reducing your energy usage during higher rate peak periods means monthly energy savings and less strain on the grid when you continue to participate.*
- SmartSave keeps you in control of your comfort while saving energy by adjusting your thermostat setpoint 2-4 degrees at the start of an event. You can reset your thermostat to your desired comfort level at any point from the thermostat or the SmartHome app. (Subject to the Program Terms & Conditions). *
EASY ENROLLMENT & PARTICIPATION
How do I sign up?
- You can sign up for SmartSave through the SmartHome app.
- Download the app if you do not have it already. Open the app, create an account if you do not have one, and follow the prompts to add your home location and eligible device – either the Ion™ Gray Smart Thermostat or Ion™ Black System Control (coming soon).
- Once your device is online, you can follow the prompts to sign up for SmartSave.
What type of thermostat do I need to participate in SmartSave?
- The SmartSave program is currently available through the Ion™ Gray Smart Thermostat and will soon be available through the Ion™ Black System Control.
Where is SmartSave available?
- SmartSave is currently available in select regions of California, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington D.C. with additional regions coming soon.
FINANCIAL REWARDS & COSTS
How much does it cost to participate?
- SmartSave is available to join at no cost to you if you own the new Ion™ Gray Smart Thermostat or an eligible Ion™ Black System Control (coming soon). See Program Terms & Conditions for complete details.
How much will I earn in rewards for participation?
- You will receive a $25 enrollment incentive in the form of a pre-paid card (virtual or physical) after you have been approved. With continued participation, including keeping your thermostat online, you can earn an additional $20 pre-paid card (virtual or physical) annually. See Program Terms & Conditions for complete details.
How do I receive my reward?
- Your reward from Carrier Global Corporation will be in the form of a virtual or physical pre-paid card – your choice. If you are a new participant, your reward should be available in ~4-6 weeks. Instructions will be emailed on how to claim your reward.
Can SmartSave be combined with other utility company programs?
- You can only be enrolled in one demand response or virtual power plant program at a time. If you are currently enrolled in a similar utility company energy savings program, you will need to disenroll to join SmartSave.
- You can potentially combine SmartSave incentives with Utility product rebates for Smart Thermostats, subject to their terms and conditions.
YOU CONTROL YOUR COMFORT
Do I lose control of my comfort when I participate in SmartSave?
- Thermostat settings are changed based upon your preferences, which you set during enrollment. You can customize your SmartSave experience by selecting the maximum number of degrees your thermostat can be changed. You will do this in the profile settings in the SmartHome app.
- SmartSave occasionally adjusts your thermostat set point up to 4 degrees, while giving you the flexibility to reset your thermostat to your desired comfort level at any point from the thermostat or the SmartHome app.
- Temperature setpoint changes are often minimal and may not be noticeable to most people.
ENERGY SAVINGS & ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
How does my participation help the electric grid?
- As a SmartSave customer, your participation helps contribute to grid resiliency in your community by automatically reducing your electrical needs during periods of peak usage.
How does participating in SmartSave reduce impact to the environment?
- Reducing energy usage helps lessen environmental impact.
- By participating, you and your neighbors collectively may help reduce utility provider reliance on “peaker” plants. Peaker plants may be used by your utility provider during peak demand and typically emit more pollution to the environment than other power plants.
What else can I do to save energy during grid events?**
- During grid events – times of peak energy use – avoid using power-hungry appliances that use the most electricity, like stoves, dryers, washers, etc.
- If you do laundry, wash in cold water and hang dry your clothes.
- Avoid taking a bath and limit showers to 5 minutes or less.
- Use vent fans to remove sources of humidity in bathrooms and kitchens.
I supplement my home’s electrical needs with solar panels. Does having solar panels affect my participation in SmartSave?
- To participate in SmartSave, you need to receive electricity from an electric utility/energy provider. If you have an account with a participating electric utility and pay electricity bills to them then you may be eligible to participate in SmartSave. See Program Terms & Conditions for complete details.
SMARTSAVE “GRID EVENTS”
What are grid events?
- During times of higher energy demand – often during the day and during very hot weather – the electric grid can become strained. In extreme scenarios, this can lead to brownouts or blackouts. For SmartSave customers, “grid events” are times when you can help reduce stress on the grid by allowing us to make small, incremental changes to your smart thermostat settings.
When do grid events typically happen?
- Grid events often happen during peak hours that are generally between 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m., dependent on season, when energy use typically spikes.±
- Frequency of energy events will vary depending upon the weather in your area and the grid requirements. See Program Terms & Conditions for complete details.
NETWORK CONNECTION & PRIVACY
Does my thermostat need to be connected to Wi-Fi to participate in SmartSave?
- Yes. Your thermostat must maintain a continuous internet connection via Wi-Fi to participate. This is the only way SmartSave can make needed thermostat adjustments during grid events.
Should I worry about my privacy?
- Comfort matters, but your privacy matters even more. We do not sell your personal information. Carrier Global Corporation and its trusted program partners may use your personal information and any thermostat and connected equipment data to offer, enable, manage your participation in, provide support for, and improve the SmartSave program, and as otherwise provided in the Carrier Privacy Notice. See the Carrier Privacy Notice
HOW DO HOMEOWNERS CANCEL PARTICIPATION IN THE SMARTSAVE PROGRAM?
- A homeowner may cancel their participation in the SmartSave program at any time via the SmartHome app. It may take up to 60 days before the homeowner is disenrolled from the program.
*SmartSave occasionally adjusts your thermostat set point or HVAC system up to 4 degrees, while giving you the flexibility to reset your thermostat to your desired comfort level at any point from the thermostat or the SmartHome app. Reducing energy usage during higher rate, peak demand periods contributes to electricity savings on your utility bill. Savings and ability to save energy may vary depending on your location, utility provider, home, equipment, weather, and other factors. Continued participation is required for ongoing incentives. Program and incentives are subject to change. See Program Terms & Conditions for complete details.