Frequently Asked Questions

Learn about the TXU Energy iThermostat^™
These frequently asked questions should provide insight into TXU Energy's innovative program that allows customers to get the most from the free TXU Energy iThermostat.

For additional information, call 1-866-733-1807.

I. Program Overview

What is the new TXU Energy iThermostat?
Why is TXU Energy offering this program?
How does the iThermostat work?
What benefits will I receive by installing a TXU Energy iThermostat?
Is there a cost for the TXU Energy iThermostat?
How can I get a TXU Energy iThermostat?
What if I choose to change my plan, opt out of the pilot program or move?

II. Cycling

What does it mean to cycle my air conditioner?
When will my air conditioner be cycled?
Will cycling my air conditioner damage it?
What are the expected changes in indoor temperature during air conditioner cycling?
How will I know that my air conditioner is being cycled?

III. Cost Savings

Will my electric bill decrease if I install a TXU Energy iThermostat?
Will any changes show up on my monthly TXU Energy bill

IV. Installation

Is the TXU Energy iThermostat easy to install?
What HVAC systems are compatible with the iThermostat?
How can I easily determine how many wires my current thermostat has?

Program Overview

Q. What is the new TXU Energy iThermostat?
A. The TXU Energy iThermostat helps TXU Energy customers easily manage the energy use of their air conditioner which can lower their energy bills. The program includes a free, ENERGY STAR^® certified programmable thermostat which lets you conveniently adjust your thermostat from any device connected to the Internet. It also allows TXU Energy to cycle your air conditioner during periods of peak energy demand.

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Q. Why is TXU Energy offering this program?
A. TXU Energy wants to help more Texans use less energy and do something good for the environment. Your participation in the TXU Energy Conservation Program and using the iThermostat^™ can help the environment by allowing TXU Energy to cycle your air conditioner, which can help reduce peak demand. Reducing peak demand helps in three ways: 1) it can reduce the need to call on less-efficient generation, which costs more to operate; 2) it can reduce the need to build new generation facilities; and 3) it can reduce the strain on transmission facilities. All three benefits help keep electric rates in Texas as low as possible, while impacting the environment in a positive way. (This program is provided by TXU Energy, a retail electric provider.  TXU Energy does not provide transmission, distribution or generation services.)

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Q. How does the iThermostat work?
A. The TXU Energy iThermostat works like a programmable thermostat, but with a major advantage. You can conveniently adjust the temperature or change the programming from any device connected to the Internet.  So there is no need to consult manuals or run the thermostat on "hold".  Simply connect through our secure, easy-to-use Web site and follow the instructions and screens from your personalized Web page available 24/7.

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Q. What benefits will I receive by installing a TXU Energy iThermostat?
A. The iThermostat is great for customers who want to manage their energy usage, save money and do something good for the environment. As a pilot participant, you will help TXU Energy shape this new program. With your free, state-of-the-art programmable thermostat (up to 2 per household), you'll be able to manage your HVAC equipment (which consumes about 55% of your home's energy use) from anywhere in the world. Plus, you will help Texas explore new ways to use its electric energy supplies efficiently – while protecting the environment and minimizing the need to build new generating facilities.

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Q. Is there a cost for the TXU Energy iThermostat?
A. There is no cost for existing TXU Energy customers to sign up for the TXU Energy Conservation Program. Plus, up to 2 iThermostats per eligible household are provided at no charge.

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Q. How can I get a TXU Energy iThermostat?
A. Joining the program is quick and easy.  Simply call the TXU Energy Conservation Program at 1-866-733-1807 to complete the simple enrollment process. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., to answer your questions.  Of course, for any other customer service needs, our representatives are available 24/7 by calling 1-800-242-9113.

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Q. What if I choose to change my plan, opt out of the pilot program or move?
A. The TXU Energy iThermostat is available to qualifying TXU Energy customers on any pricing plan. As always, you have the flexibility to change from one TXU Energy service plan to another (within the plan-specific terms of service); if you change to a new TXU Energy plan, the TXU Energy iThermostat will be compatible. However, there is a $150 fee if you opt out of the program before the 2-year term expires.  If you move there is no cancellation fee. Under both scenarios, you can keep the iThermostat. However, if you opt out, you will no longer have access to the remote communicating feature of the TXU Energy iThermostat.

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Cycling

Q. What does it mean to cycle my air conditioner?
A. When everyone's air conditioner runs at the same time on our hottest summer days, it can create too much demand on the state's electricity supply.  Cycling air conditioners lets us stagger use which reduces the strain on transmission facilities so everyone has the electricity they need to keep their homes comfortable. Of course, you have ultimate control and can easily override a cycle period from any Web-enabled device or by calling1-866-733-1807.

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Q. When will my air conditioner be cycled?
A. Your air conditioner will only be cycled when there's a strain on the power systems. Typically, such an event might occur on weekday afternoons during the months of May through September. You should not expect the cycle periods to happen on weekends or holidays since system usage is usually lower during these times. 

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Q. Will cycling my air conditioner damage it?
A. No, cycling your air conditioner will simply control the thermostat and briefly adjust the temperature setting. When the short cycling period ends, the thermostat will automatically adjust to your pre-determined settings. This is no different than when you manually adjust the thermostat and it will not damage your HVAC system.

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Q. What are the expected changes in indoor temperature during air conditioner cycling?
A. You may not even notice that your air conditioner has been cycled. The cycling period will not last longer than 10 minutes during a half hour period.  So in most cases, the temperature in your home may increase only three degrees.  Once the cycling period ends, your home will return to its pre-set condition and temperatures.

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Q. How will I know that my air conditioner is being cycled?
A. A message will be sent to the thermostat digital display approximately one hour before the cycling period begins to notify you of an upcoming event. During the event, the digital display will indicate that the thermostat is in a control mode.

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Cost Savings

Q. Will my electric bill decrease if I install a TXU Energy iThermostat?
A. The TXU Energy iThermostat is an ENERGY STAR^® certified programmable thermostat and when used properly, can save you up to $180 in energy costs per year or more on energy costs (www.energystar.gov). The cycling of your air conditioner may not directly result in additional energy savings.

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Q. Will any changes show up on my monthly TXU Energy bill?
A. No, the equipment is free, your billing rate will not change and your plan will not change. We only require that you participate in the program for 2 years.  However, there is a $150 fee if you opt out of the program before the 2 year term expires.

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Installation

Q. Is the TXU Energy iThermostat easy to install?
A. Yes, we have easy-to-follow instructions as well as a Web video which provide detailed instructions for iThermostat installation with 5 wire HVAC systems.* Or you can contact a preferred TXU Energy installation expert at 866-733-1807 to install the equipment for a fee.

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Q: What HVAC systems are compatible with the iThermostat?
A: The TXU Energy iThermostat is compatible with the following HVAC systems:

• Electric Furnace
• Heat Pump
• Hydronic Zone Heat (2 Wires)
• Millivolt Heat Only Systems (Floor or Wall Furnace)
• Standard Central Air Conditioning (Single and Two Stage)
• Standard Heat and Cooling Systems (Single and Two Stage)
• Standard Heat Only Systems (Single and Two Stage)

The iThermostat is NOT compatible with the following HVAC systems:

• Damper Systems (Zone systems or multiple thermostats on the same HVAC System)
• Digital Control Systems (Carrier Infinity)
• Dual-Fuel Systems
• Electric Baseboard Cooling/Heat with Individual Built-In Thermostat
• Hydronic Zone Heat (3 Wires)

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Q: How can I easily determine how many wires my current thermostat has?
A: Either remove the face plate of your current thermostat or remove the entire thermostat from the wall. Count the number of wires coming out of the wall that are connect to the existing thermostat.  Do not include the jumper wires when counting the number of wires connected to your existing thermostat. 

Please do not remove thermostat wires until you are ready to install the iThermostat and have turned off the power to the thermostat at the main fuse or circuit breaker. 

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