Homeowners and renters in the greater Washington, D.C. area now have numerous opportunities to receive significant discounts on the most popular smart home products.
In some cases, these products are virtually free as local utilities, law enforcement organizations, and national insurance companies are increasingly partnering with smart home vendors to help residents further improve security, lower utility costs, and increase convenience. The most popular devices on the market now address the issues of heating and cooling (smart thermostats), home security (smart locks, smart alarm systems, cameras), and safety (smart fire/carbon monoxide detectors).
Smart Thermostat Rebates from Local Utilities
- D.C. Residents: The District of Columbia Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) is offering rebates on a variety of smart thermostats purchased from November 3, 2016, to March 31, 2017. Available products include ecobee3 thermostats (retailing between $169 and $249), the Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation (retailing at $249), and five different models of the Honeywell Lyric Wi-Fi Thermostats (starting at $199). DCSEU estimates a yearly energy cost savings of between 7 and 10 percent when you replace your thermostat with a new programmable one.
- Maryland and Virginia Residents: Washington Gas customers in Maryland and Virginia also are eligible for rebates on smart thermostats. Maryland customers can receive a rebate of $100 on devices purchased and installed in 2017, while Virginia customers can receive a rebate of $50 for devices purchased and installed from May 1, 2016, to April 30, 2017.
D.C. Police Discounts on Home Security
As part of the District of Columbia’s “Safer, Stronger DC” initiative, the Metropolitan Police Department has joined forces with smart home security company Ring to offer up to a $500 rebate per residence on outdoor Ring Video Doorbells and Stick Up Cams that are installed on the exterior of a home. Both products connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network and send real-time alerts to your smartphone or tablet when someone approaches your house. The Ring Video Doorbell and the Stick Up Cam retail for around $200 each.
“The program empowers D.C. residents to take a stand against crime. We are still accepting applications and will provide rebates until available funds are expended. There are no restrictions on neighborhoods in which cameras can be installed,” said Christopher Dyer, administrator, Private Security Camera Incentive Program, Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants.
Discounts from Insurance Companies
Many national insurance companies are offering insurers free or discounted devices along with discounts on home insurance policies. Why? According to recent research findings from NTT DATA, 64 percent of U.S. homeowner’s insurance customers would be willing to change insurance companies to get policy discounts for using smart home devices, including smart thermostats and smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.
Here are a some of the discounts offered by insurance providers:
- American Family Insurance — New and existing homeowner’s insurance policyholders receive a $30 discount on Ring Video Doorbells and could qualify for a 5 percent insurance discount.
- Liberty Mutual — Switch to Liberty Mutual home insurance and receive discounts on your insurance along with a $99 Wi-Fi connected Nest Protect smoke and carbon monoxide alarm or a $100 August Smart Lock.
- State Farm — When you purchase a Canary All-in-One Security Device, you get a $20 Visa gift card and save $20 on a Canary Annual membership, in addition to receiving home insurance discounts.
Before you purchase your new smart home devices, do your research and potentially save a few hundred dollars. But hurry, as some rebate programs are ending soon.
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