Can AI really save you money on your heating bill? I spent two years testing to find out
TL;DR
Guardian tech writer Samuel Gibbs spent two years testing whether smart thermostats and AI-driven heating control can actually cut energy bills without leaving the home cold. Manufacturers routinely promise average savings of around 25%, or roughly 180 pounds a year, yet those figures come with heavy caveats, and constantly shifting energy prices make it hard to tell what is really working.
Nauti's Take
The long-term test is an advantage for anyone who wants real data before buying a smart thermostat, since two years of comparison say more than any percentage printed on the box. The limit is obvious: one household is no study, and insulation, tariffs and heating habits can shift the outcome a lot.
Households with irregular heating routines stand to benefit most, while already frugal users should check their own consumption numbers first.
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