I've installed quite a few smart thermostats in custom builds, and honestly, the resale bump isn't huge on its own. But buyers do notice—and appreciate—the overall sense of modernity and efficiency these gadgets bring. If you're pairing them with other smart features (like those blinds you mentioned), it creates a cohesive "smart home" feel that can genuinely sway buyers. Individually, maybe not worth it purely for resale, but as part of a bigger package... definitely something to consider.
Totally agree with your take here. When we were house hunting, the smart thermostat alone didn't sway us much, but seeing it alongside other smart features definitely gave the impression of a thoughtfully upgraded home. Seems like a worthwhile investment as part of a broader package.
Good points—smart thermostats alone aren't game-changers, but they're definitely part of a bigger picture. I've seen homes where smart tech is integrated with energy-efficient windows, solar panels, and better insulation... that's when things really click. It's about the whole ecosystem working together.
I get the appeal of the whole integrated ecosystem, but honestly, I've seen smart thermostats make a noticeable difference even without all the extras. Had a client recently who couldn't afford solar or fancy windows yet, but just switching to a smart thermostat helped them cut down their energy bills quite a bit. Sometimes, small changes can still have a meaningful impact—even if they're not part of some grand, high-tech master plan.
"Sometimes, small changes can still have a meaningful impact—even if they're not part of some grand, high-tech master plan."
That's a fair point, but I'd argue that even a basic programmable thermostat can achieve similar savings without the extra cost of a smart device. I've personally compared my energy bills before and after installing a simple programmable model, and the difference was noticeable enough to justify skipping the pricier smart options. Sometimes, the simpler solution is just as effective—especially when budget constraints are a factor.
