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Smart Thermostat Programs

No-cost smart thermostat upgrades for qualifying multifamily

Utility-funded ENERGY STAR thermostat replacement for qualifying Texas apartment communities - inspected, coordinated, documented, and closed out through our FreeStatUpgrade program.

The opportunity

Better thermostats, funded by a program you already pay into

Aging manual and non-programmable thermostats waste energy and frustrate residents. Replacing them across a whole community sounds expensive and disruptive - which is exactly why so many properties never get around to it.

Texas utilities run energy-efficiency programs, funded through rates, that pay for ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats in qualifying multifamily communities. For qualifying communities, the equipment and installation are funded through the utility program at no cost to the property. ENERGY STAR certifies smart thermostats that reduce heating and cooling energy use, and renter demand for them is high. The catch was never the equipment - it was coordinating the rollout across occupied units. That is the part we handle.

What's included

A complete, documented rollout

We deliver the whole program - not just a box of thermostats. Every step is tracked so the project closes cleanly.

  • ENERGY STAR certified thermostat upgrades
  • Multifamily property inspections
  • Resident and maintenance-team training
  • Documentation and photo tracking
  • Extra thermostats for maintenance and common areas when applicable
  • Two-year thermostat warranty where program terms provide it

Does your community qualify?

Qualification usually comes down to these facts. We verify all of them during the property review:

  • Existing multifamily community (not new construction)
  • Units are individually metered
  • Units have individual air conditioning and electric heat
  • Property is in a participating utility territory (Oncor or AEP Texas)

Program brand

FreeStatUpgrade is our thermostat program

FreeStatUpgrade.com is the smart thermostat program brand nested under Sequera Solutions. It's the front door for the no-cost thermostat offer for qualifying communities; Sequera Solutions is the broader partner that also handles HVAC upgrade planning and full incentive management. Same team, same standard.

How it works

From qualification to closeout

The thermostat program follows our standard six-step process, built for occupied communities. See the full process.

  1. 1

    Property Review

    We review property age, unit count, utility territory, and current equipment to see what fits.

  2. 2

    Onsite Inspection

    We inspect sample units, verify thermostat and equipment type, and collect basic documentation.

  3. 3

    Program Approval

    We coordinate the required information and confirm eligibility with the program.

  4. 4

    Scheduling & Resident Communication

    We provide resident notices and coordinate with your onsite staff.

  5. 5

    Installation & Tracking

    The project team completes approved work while Sequera Solutions tracks progress, documents each unit, and manages issue resolution.

  6. 6

    Final Reporting

    We organize the required documentation for closeout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the thermostat program really no-cost?
For qualifying communities in participating utility territories, the ENERGY STAR thermostat and its installation are funded through the utility's energy-efficiency program - there is no equipment or install cost to the property. We confirm eligibility before any work begins.
How disruptive is the installation?
Minimal. We send resident notices in advance, schedule around the community, and each unit install takes only a few minutes. Your onsite team doesn't have to coordinate installers - we do.
What happens to residents who aren't home?
We track access and schedule return visits for missed units, so coverage is complete and documented rather than left with gaps.
Do we get thermostats for common areas and maintenance offices?
Where the program terms allow it, extra thermostats can be provided for maintenance and common areas in addition to resident units. We confirm what's included for your specific program.
Is there a warranty?
Where the program provides it, installed thermostats carry a manufacturer or program warranty - commonly a two-year term. We confirm the exact warranty during qualification.

See if your community qualifies for no-cost thermostats

Tell us your property address and unit count. We'll confirm your utility territory, review eligibility, and recommend the right starting point - with no obligation.