How to Get Free Smart Thermostats for Your Texas Apartment Complex

Texas Property Managers Are Getting Free Smart Thermostats — Here Is How

If you manage or own a multifamily apartment complex in Texas, you may qualify for a completely free smart thermostat upgrade for every unit in your property. No catch, no hidden fees, no strings attached.

These upgrades are funded through utility energy efficiency programs operated by major Texas transmission and distribution utilities. The programs exist because the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) mandates that utilities invest in energy efficiency measures that reduce overall grid demand. Smart thermostats are one of the most effective and cost-efficient ways to do that.

But here is the thing most property managers do not realize: spots are limited each year. These programs operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and once the annual budget is allocated, the program closes until the next cycle.

Who Qualifies for Free Smart Thermostats in Texas?

The eligibility requirements are straightforward, but they are specific. Your property needs to meet all of the following:

• Location: Your property must be within an eligible utility territory. The two largest programs serve properties in Oncor and AEP Texas service areas.
• Property type: Multifamily apartment complexes with central HVAC systems or individual unit HVAC systems qualify. Single-family homes and commercial properties generally do not.
• Unit count: Most programs have minimum unit counts. Properties with 50 or more units are ideal candidates, though some programs accept smaller properties.
• Existing thermostats: Your current thermostats must be non-smart (traditional analog or basic digital thermostats). Properties that already have smart thermostats installed are not eligible.
• HVAC compatibility: The existing HVAC systems must be compatible with ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats. Most standard central air and heat pump systems qualify.

Not sure if your property qualifies? Check your eligibility in under 60 seconds.

The Step-by-Step Process

Here is exactly what happens from the moment you apply to the day your new smart thermostats are installed and running:

Step 1: Submit Your Property Information

The process starts with a simple application. You will provide basic details about your property: address, number of units, current thermostat types, and HVAC system information. This takes about 5 minutes to complete.

Start your application here.

Step 2: Qualification Review

Our team reviews your property details against the program requirements. We verify your utility territory, confirm unit eligibility, and check that your HVAC systems are compatible. This review typically takes 2-3 business days.

Step 3: Property Inspection

Once pre-qualified, a certified technician visits your property to inspect a sample of units. They verify HVAC compatibility, assess the current thermostat setup, and confirm the installation scope. The inspection usually covers 10-15% of total units and takes about half a day for most properties.

Step 4: Program Approval

After the inspection report is submitted, the utility program reviews and approves the project. Approval timelines vary by program, but most properties receive approval within 1-2 weeks of inspection.

Step 5: Scheduling and Installation

Once approved, installations are scheduled at a time that works for your property and tenants. Our technicians install ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats in every eligible unit. For a typical 100-unit property, installation takes 2-3 days.

Each thermostat is professionally installed, configured, and tested before our team moves on. We handle all the logistics — including tenant communication templates to make the process smooth.

Step 6: Verification and Handoff

After installation, a post-install verification confirms everything is working correctly. You receive documentation for your records, and tenants get simple instructions for using their new smart thermostats.

Learn more about how the full process works.

Which Texas Utility Territories Are Eligible?

The two primary utility territories with active smart thermostat programs are:

Oncor Territory — Covers the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding areas, including Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Irving, McKinney, Denton, Waco, and more. This is the largest transmission and distribution utility in Texas, serving over 10 million customers.

AEP Texas Territory — Covers South Texas, West Texas, and the Rio Grande Valley, including Corpus Christi, Laredo, McAllen, Brownsville, Abilene, San Angelo, and surrounding communities.

Not sure which territory your property is in? Our eligibility checker automatically determines your utility territory based on your property address.

For a detailed comparison of available programs, see our Texas thermostat programs guide.

What Kind of Smart Thermostats Are Installed?

Every thermostat installed through these programs is an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat. These are professional-grade, connected devices that offer:

• Remote temperature control via smartphone app
• Automatic scheduling that learns usage patterns
• Occupancy detection to reduce waste in empty units
• Energy usage reporting for property managers
• Maintenance alerts for HVAC systems
• Vacant unit management capabilities

The specific models are selected for reliability and compatibility with multifamily HVAC systems. All thermostats come with a manufacturer warranty.

Timeline: How Long Does the Whole Process Take?

From initial application to fully installed thermostats, most properties complete the process in 4-6 weeks. Here is a typical timeline:

• Week 1: Application submitted and qualification review
• Week 2: Property inspection
• Weeks 2-3: Program approval
• Weeks 3-6: Installation scheduling and completion

Keep in mind that demand is high, especially in spring and fall when property managers are planning capital improvements. Applying early in the year gives you the best chance of securing a spot before annual program budgets are fully committed.

Why Act Now?

These utility energy efficiency programs have limited funding each year. Once the allocated budget is spent, no more properties can be enrolled until the next program cycle. We have seen programs close as early as mid-year in high-demand periods.

There is no cost and no obligation to check your eligibility. The worst that can happen is you find out your property does not qualify — and even then, we can often help you understand what would need to change.

The best time to apply is right now. Get started with a free eligibility check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this really free? What is the catch?

Yes, it is genuinely free. There is no cost to the property owner or tenants. The upgrades are funded through utility energy efficiency programs mandated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas. These programs exist because reducing energy consumption benefits the entire grid.

How long do the smart thermostats last?

ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats are built for long-term reliability. Most units come with manufacturer warranties of 2-5 years, and the devices themselves typically last 7-10 years with normal use.

Do tenants need to do anything during installation?

Tenants need to provide access to their unit for approximately 30-45 minutes during installation. We provide communication templates to help you notify tenants in advance. The installation process is clean and non-disruptive.

Can I apply if I have already upgraded some units?

Yes. If some units already have smart thermostats but others do not, the program can cover the remaining eligible units. Only units with existing non-smart thermostats qualify for the upgrade.