Here’s the thing about Houston winters: they’re mild compared to up north, but they’re also unpredictable. One week it’s 80°, the next week you’re wondering if the pipes will freeze. That constant up-and-down has Houstonians running their HVAC systems in weird patterns — heat in the morning, AC by afternoon. It’s also when energy efficiency myths start circulating faster than the neighborhood group text about the next cold front.

Smart thermostats are the fancy coffee makers of HVAC — everyone’s talking about them, they look sleek on your wall, and they promise to make your life easier. But do you really need one, or is this just another shiny gadget trying to take your money? Let’s break it down.