Limited Availability — First Come, First Served
Free Smart Thermostat Program for Texas Utility Territories
If your multifamily property is in Oncor or AEP Texas service territory, you may qualify for free ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat upgrades — funded entirely through utility energy efficiency programs. Zero cost to property owners.
$0
Cost to Property Owners
100% funded by utility programs
500+
Communities Covered
Oncor + AEP Texas service territories
8-23%
Energy Savings Per Unit
ENERGY STAR / U.S. DOE
Limited
Annual Availability
First come, first served
Program Overview
Texas utilities fund energy efficiency programs that provide free smart thermostat upgrades for qualifying multifamily properties. Within Oncor and AEP Texas service territories — covering hundreds of communities across Texas — these programs offer a unique opportunity for apartment owners and managers to upgrade their entire property at zero cost.
The program covers the full cost of the ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat and professional installation for each qualifying unit. Property owners pay nothing — no upfront costs, no ongoing fees, no hidden charges.
Important: The program operates on a first come, first served basis with a limited number of upgrades available each year. Once the annual allocation is filled, properties are waitlisted for the next cycle. We strongly recommend scheduling your inspection early to secure your spot.
How the Process Works
We handle everything from start to finish. Here is the step-by-step process for qualifying properties.
Schedule Free Inspection
Contact us to schedule a free on-site visit. We verify your property meets all program requirements.
Property Verification
We inspect on-site and the utility also verifies your property. Once both pass, we submit the application.
Professional Installation
Our licensed HVAC contractor installs an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat in every qualifying unit.
Enjoy the Benefits
Tenants save on energy bills, you get a modernized property, and it costs you absolutely nothing.
Schedule Free Inspection
Contact us to schedule a free on-site visit. We verify your property meets all program requirements.
Property Verification
We inspect on-site and the utility also verifies your property. Once both pass, we submit the application.
Professional Installation
Our licensed HVAC contractor installs an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat in every qualifying unit.
Enjoy the Benefits
Tenants save on energy bills, you get a modernized property, and it costs you absolutely nothing.
Eligibility Requirements
Your property must meet all four criteria to qualify:
Within Oncor or AEP Texas Territory
Dallas-Fort Worth, Waco, Tyler, Midland-Odessa, Corpus Christi, Laredo, McAllen, Abilene, and hundreds of other communities across Texas.
Individually Metered
Each unit must have its own electric meter. Master-metered properties are not eligible.
Individual AC / Electric Heat
Each unit must have its own central HVAC system controlled by a thermostat.
Existing Multifamily Property
Must be an existing building (not new construction) with non-smart thermostats currently installed.
Our Texas Service Territories
We serve multifamily properties across both Oncor and AEP Texas service territories — covering major cities throughout the state.
Oncor Territory
AEP Texas Territory
These are partial lists. Not sure if your city is covered? Contact us and we will verify.
What Gets Installed
Every qualifying unit receives an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat professionally installed by our licensed HVAC contractor. The model is selected for optimal compatibility with your property's HVAC configuration. Key features include:
Wi-Fi Connectivity
Connects to the tenant's home network for remote access and smart features.
Smartphone App
Free companion app for iOS and Android with full temperature control from anywhere.
Programmable Schedules
Set daily temperature routines that automatically save energy when away.
Energy Tracking
Real-time and historical energy usage data helps tenants make informed decisions.
Voice Assistant Support
Compatible with popular voice assistants for hands-free temperature control.
ENERGY STAR Certified
Meets EPA standards for energy efficiency with 8%+ verified HVAC savings.
Program Questions
The programs are funded through utility energy efficiency initiatives and administered within Oncor and AEP Texas service territories. FreeStatUpgrade serves as an independent service provider that helps property owners access and navigate these programs.
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, no additional applications are accepted until the next cycle. This is why we recommend scheduling your inspection as early as possible to secure your spot.
From initial contact to completed installation, the process typically takes 2-4 weeks. This includes scheduling the inspection, completing both our inspection and the utility verification, submitting the application, and performing the professional installation. Timelines may vary based on property size and current program volume.
We install an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat 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.
No. The utility provides the program funding, but the actual installation is performed by our dedicated licensed HVAC contractor partner. The utility oversees the program and verifies that installations meet requirements, but the hands-on work is done by licensed professionals we coordinate.
The program is designed to upgrade all qualifying units at a property. Each individually metered unit with qualifying HVAC systems can receive a free smart thermostat upgrade. A 200-unit property would have all qualifying units upgraded, for example.
Units that already have a qualifying ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat installed are not eligible for an additional upgrade. However, units with basic programmable thermostats, manual thermostats, or older models are all eligible. We identify the eligible units during the inspection process.
The installed smart thermostat provides standard features like temperature readings, energy usage tracking, and schedule data through the manufacturer's app. The tenant controls the thermostat and their data. Some smart thermostats support optional demand response programs where the utility may briefly adjust temperature during peak demand — participation is always voluntary and tenants can opt out at any time.
Secure Your Spot — Limited Availability
Free smart thermostat upgrades are available on a first come, first served basis. Schedule your free inspection today before spots fill up.