About FreeStatUpgrade
We connect multifamily property owners across Texas with free smart thermostat upgrades funded through utility energy efficiency programs — making the process simple, fast, and hassle-free.
Our Story
Texas apartment communities face a persistent challenge: aging, inefficient thermostats that drive up tenant energy bills, increase maintenance calls, and make properties harder to market. At the same time, Texas utilities fund energy efficiency programs that can cover the full cost of upgrading to ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats in multifamily buildings.
The problem? Most property owners and managers don't know these programs exist, and those who do often find the process time-consuming to navigate alongside their day-to-day responsibilities.
FreeStatUpgrade was founded to bridge that gap. We specialize exclusively in connecting multifamily properties with utility-funded smart thermostat programs. We handle every step — from scheduling inspections and verifying eligibility to coordinating professional installation — so property owners and managers can upgrade their entire community without spending a dime or a minute on paperwork.
How We Work
Our process is designed around one principle: property owners should never have to pay out of pocket or manage complex paperwork. Here is how we make that happen:
1. Schedule Your Free Inspection
We start with a phone call or form submission to learn about your property. Then we schedule an on-site inspection to verify everything meets program requirements — location within a participating utility service territory, individually metered units, and compatible HVAC systems.
2. Property Verification
We perform a thorough on-site inspection of your property. The utility also conducts their own verification. Once both inspections pass, we submit the application on your behalf. You sign the authorization — we do the rest.
3. Professional Installation
Our dedicated HVAC contractor partner handles every installation. Licensed, insured, and experienced with multifamily properties, they install ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats efficiently while minimizing disruption to tenants. Installations typically take 15-30 minutes per unit.
4. Completion & Documentation
After installation, we submit all required documentation for program fulfillment. We provide you with a complete record of installed units and warranty information.
Our Installation Partner
Every thermostat installation is performed by our dedicated HVAC contractor partner — a licensed, bonded, and insured professional team with deep experience in multifamily properties across Texas.
- ✓Licensed & Insured: Texas HVAC Contractor License (TDLR) — fully bonded with comprehensive general liability coverage
- ✓Multifamily Specialists: Experienced with high-volume installations across apartment communities of all sizes, from 20-unit buildings to 500+ unit complexes
- ✓Background Checked: All technicians undergo thorough background screening — critical for working inside occupied residential units
- ✓ENERGY STAR Certified:Trained and certified to install ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat models compatible with your property's HVAC systems
- ✓Program Experienced: Familiar with utility documentation requirements, ensuring every installation meets program compliance standards
Our Mission
Our mission is simple: make energy-efficient upgrades accessible to every apartment community in Texas.
Texas summers push air conditioning systems to their limits. In older multifamily properties, outdated thermostats waste energy, frustrate tenants, and contribute to higher utility costs across the board. Smart thermostats solve this — but the upfront cost of purchasing and installing them across dozens or hundreds of units puts the upgrade out of reach for many property owners.
Utility energy efficiency programs change that equation entirely. By funding the full cost of the thermostat and installation, these initiatives eliminate every financial barrier. Our role is to make sure every eligible property in our Texas service areas — from Dallas-Fort Worth to Corpus Christi, Laredo, McAllen, and beyond — knows about and benefits from this opportunity.
We believe that when tenants save on energy bills, stay more comfortable, and feel valued by their property management, everyone wins. Property owners see lower turnover, stronger lease renewals, and a meaningful amenity upgrade that differentiates their communities in competitive rental markets.
Why Property Managers Trust Us
Single-Program Focus
We don't juggle dozens of services. We specialize exclusively in utility-funded smart thermostat upgrades for multifamily properties, which means we know every eligibility requirement and process inside and out.
Truly Zero Cost
We never invoice property owners. Our service is fully funded through utility energy efficiency programs — learn more on our disclosure page.
End-to-End Service
From inspection to final documentation, we manage the entire process. You authorize us to act on your behalf — we take it from there.
Transparent Operations
We publish our business model, methodology, and editorial policy because we believe trust is earned through openness.
Ready to Upgrade Your Property — For Free?
Find out if your multifamily property qualifies for free smart thermostat upgrades. No cost, no obligation. Limited spots available — first come, first served.