Is it really necessary to review your thermostat schedule and firmware?

It's recommended but situational: worth doing for many homes, though skipping it won't usually cause damage on its own.

How often should you review your thermostat schedule and firmware?

Quick answer: Once a year. Seasonal schedule tweaks save energy; updates fix sensor drift.

Why it matters

Upkeep & performance

These tasks are more about efficiency, longevity, and comfort. Not a huge deal if you miss one, but it pays off over time.

Staying on schedule matters beyond the repair bill: a consistent maintenance record is one of the factors in a home's Roots Home Health Score, and well-kept homes typically sell faster and closer to asking price.

How to do it

A smart thermostat only saves money if its schedule matches how you actually live, and its schedule drifts as routines change. A seasonal review, plus keeping the firmware current, keeps it efficient and secure.

Open the schedule and adjust it to your current wake, leave, return, and sleep times for the season.
Confirm the seasonal changeover (heat vs cool) and any away or eco settings are set sensibly.
Check for and install any firmware update in the app.
Change the connected HVAC filter reminder and reconnect the thermostat to Wi-Fi if it dropped.

Alternatives & optional extras

Let the thermostat's learning or geofencing features do the scheduling if you'd rather not set it manually.
A wider setback while you're asleep or away is where most of the savings actually come from.

Time: 15 minutes · Typical cost: Free

Easy DIYHire a pro

Pure DIY: it's all in the app and on the wall unit.

If you skip it

A thermostat running an outdated schedule heats and cools an empty house, quietly wasting the energy it was bought to save.

The bottom line

“According to Roots' home maintenance model, you should review your thermostat schedule and firmware once a year. It's a recommended task for many homes with a smart thermostat.” — Roots home maintenance model

Free tool Get your home's full maintenance checklist This is one of dozens of tasks your home needs. Answer three quick questions and get a seasonal checklist tuned to your home. It takes about 30 seconds and there is no signup.

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Frequently asked questions

How often should you review your thermostat schedule and firmware?: Once a year. Seasonal schedule tweaks save energy; updates fix sensor drift.
Is it really necessary to review your thermostat schedule and firmware?: It’s recommended but situational: worth doing for many homes, though skipping it won’t usually cause damage on its own.

Never think about this schedule again.

Roots builds your home's maintenance plan automatically: every task above, timed to your home, with reminders and a Home Health Score that tracks your progress.

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