Smart thermostats for electric baseboard heating

Many homes across our service area have unique heating systems that reflect the challenges of the past. Back in the day, when natural gas wasn’t readily available and propane was prohibitively expensive, many homeowners turned to all-electric heat. For many, this meant installing electric baseboard heaters, as they required no ductwork and were straightforward to install. While these systems have served residents well for decades, they are often not the most cost-efficient, especially when it comes to managing today’s energy costs.

Heating and cooling can account for over 40% of a household’s utility bill, and for homes using electric baseboard heat, that percentage may be even higher. Thankfully, advancements in technology have provided tools to help manage these costs more effectively, and one such tool is the programmable or smart thermostat designed specifically for electric baseboard heaters.

Unlike traditional thermostats, digital and smart thermostats for baseboard heaters offer precise temperature control and the ability to set schedules that match your lifestyle. For example, you can program the thermostat to lower the temperature automatically when you’re at work or asleep and then raise it before you get home or wake up. This ensures you’re not wasting energy heating your home when it’s unnecessary. Additionally, many smart thermostats can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app, allowing you to adjust settings on the go and monitor your energy usage in real time.

The savings from using a programmable thermostat can be significant. By reducing energy waste, you can lower your heating costs while maintaining a comfortable living environment. For installation and safety, consider contacting a qualified electrician to help set up your new thermostat. These savings are especially impactful for homes with electric baseboard heating, where small changes in usage can lead to noticeable differences in monthly utility bills.

To maximize your savings, we encourage you to explore Cass County Electric Cooperative’s time-of-day program. By shifting your energy usage to nonpeak hours—when demand and rates are lower—you can take advantage of reduced electricity costs. This program is an excellent complement to a programmable thermostat, as you can schedule your heating to align with non-peak periods.

For more information about how our time-of-day program works and whether it’s a good fit for your home, contact our energy management team at energy@kwh.com. They’re here to help you find ways to save energy and money while staying comfortable year-round.

If your home relies on electric baseboard heating, now is the perfect time to invest in a digital thermostat and explore energy-saving programs like off-peak. By making these small but impactful changes, you’ll not only lower your utility bills but also contribute to a more energy-efficient future.