Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about free smart thermostat upgrades for Texas apartment communities — eligibility, installation, savings, and what happens after your upgrade.
Program Basics
Understanding what the program is, who funds it, and how FreeStatUpgrade fits in.
This is a utility-funded energy efficiency initiative that provides free ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat upgrades for qualifying multifamily properties in Texas. The program is funded through utility energy efficiency programs within Oncor and AEP Texas service territories. FreeStatUpgrade manages the inspection, application, and installation process on behalf of property owners.
Yes — 100% free. There is no cost to the property owner for the thermostats, installation, or any part of the process. The entire program is funded through utility energy efficiency initiatives. You will never receive an invoice from us.
The program is funded through utility energy efficiency initiatives, which are approved and overseen by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). The goal is to reduce overall electricity demand across the grid by helping residents use energy more efficiently.
No. FreeStatUpgrade is an independent service provider that helps property owners access utility-funded smart thermostat programs. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or employed by Oncor Electric Delivery, AEP Texas, or any utility company. We are a third-party company that specializes in managing the inspection, application, and installation process.
Yes. The program operates on a first come, first served basis with a limited number of free thermostat upgrades available each year. Once the annual allocation is filled, properties are waitlisted for the next cycle. We recommend scheduling your inspection early to secure your spot.
Eligibility Requirements
Find out if your multifamily property qualifies for the program. For a detailed breakdown, visit our eligibility page.
Existing multifamily residential properties with individually metered units and individual AC or electric heat systems. This includes apartment complexes, condominiums, townhome communities, senior living facilities, and student housing. The property must be located within Oncor or AEP Texas service territories and units must currently have non-smart thermostats installed.
The program covers all properties within Oncor and AEP Texas service territories, spanning hundreds of cities and communities across Texas. In Oncor territory, major markets include Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Irving, McKinney, Denton, Waco, Tyler, and Midland-Odessa. In AEP Texas territory, major markets include Corpus Christi, Laredo, McAllen, Brownsville, Abilene, and San Angelo. Check your electric bill or contact us to verify which utility serves your property.
Each unit must be individually metered — meaning each apartment has its own electric meter and receives its own electric bill. Properties with master-metered systems (where the building owner pays one electric bill and includes electricity in rent) are not eligible for this specific program. If you're unsure about your metering configuration, we can help you determine eligibility.
The program is designed for existing buildings that currently have non-smart thermostats. New construction projects that have not yet installed thermostats may not qualify under this specific program. Contact us and we can help identify the right solution for your situation.
Units that already have ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats installed are not eligible for the upgrade. However, the remaining units in your property that still have non-smart thermostats can qualify. We will work with you to identify and count only the eligible units during the inspection process.
Installation Process
What to expect before, during, and after the installation. See our how it works page for the complete step-by-step walkthrough.
We install an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat that is selected for optimal compatibility with your property's HVAC configuration. All units in your property receive the same model, which features Wi-Fi connectivity, programmable schedules, smartphone app control, and energy usage tracking. Our team selects the best model based on your building's specific HVAC setup.
Each unit installation typically takes 15-30 minutes. The technician removes the old thermostat, installs the new smart thermostat, verifies that the HVAC system operates correctly, connects the thermostat to Wi-Fi, and provides the tenant with operating instructions. For a 100-unit property, full installation is usually completed within 3-5 business days.
Either the tenant or a property staff member must be present to provide access to the unit. We work with property management to schedule installations during convenient windows and provide advance notice to tenants. Many properties coordinate with their maintenance team to provide access to vacant or unoccupied units first.
Smart thermostats are compatible with most standard HVAC configurations found in Texas apartments, including central air conditioning, heat pumps, electric furnaces, and gas furnaces with electric AC. Systems that use 24V low-voltage wiring (the most common type) are fully compatible. Incompatible systems include line-voltage baseboard heaters, mini-splits without a wired thermostat, and some commercial HVAC systems. Our technicians verify compatibility during installation.
Our installation team removes and responsibly disposes of all old thermostats. If any old thermostats contain mercury (older models), they are disposed of according to Texas environmental regulations. You do not need to worry about handling or storing the old equipment.
Cost & Energy Savings
Data-backed answers about energy savings and property value impact. Explore our energy savings and property value pages for more detail.
According to ENERGY STAR, certified smart thermostats save an average of 8% on heating and cooling costs. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates savings of 10-23% depending on climate, usage patterns, and the previous thermostat type. In Texas, where cooling costs dominate energy bills, the savings potential is particularly significant.
Since the upgrade costs you nothing, the ROI is technically infinite — you invest $0 and gain measurable benefits. Those benefits include improved tenant satisfaction, reduced turnover costs, stronger lease renewal rates, the ability to market units as 'smart home equipped,' and potential increases in achievable rent.
Yes. Industry surveys consistently show that smart home features — particularly smart thermostats — are among the top amenities renters look for. The NMHC/Grace Hill Renter Preferences Survey found that 72% of renters want smart thermostats. Properties with modern amenities command higher rents and experience lower vacancy rates, both of which contribute to increased property valuation.
After Installation
Support, warranties, and what happens after your smart thermostats are up and running.
Each smart thermostat comes with the manufacturer's standard warranty. Tenants have access to the manufacturer's customer support line and app-based troubleshooting. If there are any issues related to the installation itself, our HVAC contractor partner provides follow-up support to ensure everything is working properly.
All installed thermostats include the manufacturer's full warranty, which typically ranges from 2-5 years depending on the model. These are standard manufacturer warranties — not third-party or limited warranties. Details are provided during installation.
No. The smart thermostats are installed as property fixtures and remain with the unit when tenants move out — just like any other appliance or fixture. This means the next tenant benefits from the upgrade as well, providing lasting value to the property.
If a thermostat malfunctions within the manufacturer's warranty period, the tenant or property manager can contact the manufacturer for a warranty replacement. If a thermostat is damaged by a tenant (beyond normal use), standard lease terms regarding fixture damage would apply — just as with any other in-unit equipment.
Demand response programs are optional utility programs where your smart thermostat may slightly adjust temperature (typically 1-3 degrees) during peak demand periods to help stabilize the electric grid. Participation is always voluntary and tenants can opt out at any time through their thermostat's app settings. Some utilities offer bill credits for participating in demand response events.
Still Have Questions?
We are happy to help. Reach out by phone or email and we'll get back to you within one business day.
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Schedule your free property inspection today. Limited spots available — first come, first served.