Keeping Warm for Less – Green Home Guide
A programmable thermostat allows you to preset temperatures for different times of the day because you don’t need to keep your home at 68 degrees around the clock. Although one shouldn’t be used with heat pumps, a programmable thermostat is a real money-saver with air-conditioning as well as with heat. Choose a setting on the low end when you’re sleeping or are away and go with a higher setting at other times (see table below) for savings of between 10 and 20 percent of your bill. Some units can store up to four temperature settings each day—e.g., morning, day, evening, night. All have a manual override switch.
If you haven’t invested in a programmable thermostat yet, you are in for a treat! Programmable thermostats allow you to control the temperature of your home, even when you aren’t there. These have actually been around for quite a while, but they they are just now reaching a price level that is comparable with traditional thermostats. For about $30 dollars, you too can have your home cool during the day, and yet come home to a toasty house. And comfort isn’t the only perk that comes with these tiny computers. You’ll also save on your energy bill through more efficient use of your furnace. How great is that? This one tiny upgrade for your home that offers a huge return. So if you happen to be out and about this weekend, why not pick up a programmable thermostat while your out? You’ll definitely appreciate the benefits!
