|
|
Switching To Programmable Thermostats
Now that we’re moving into the colder weather, it’s important to act quickly on any energy-saving steps that can easily be taken to lower this year’s heating bills. In many homes, installing programmable thermostats is one of the most cost-effective improvements you can make. Prices are reasonable, starting around $30, and NSTAR offers customers a $25 rebate on up to two Energy Star-qualified models per household.
About 50 percent of the energy we use in our homes goes to heating and cooling. For every degree you lower your thermostat during an eight hour period, you’ll save up to three percent on your monthly heating bill. The greatest savings can be achieved if the thermostat is lowered by five or six degrees while everyone is away during the day or sleeping at night.
|
|
For every degree
|
Today’s programmable thermostats are convenient and easy to program. Earlier generations were, at best, very intimidating. Fortunately, technology has come a long way since those early days. Directions are written in plain language, the controls are intuitive, and there are many models from which to choose.
In the simplest terms, a thermostat is merely a device that turns a heating system on and off when it senses a drop in temperature or that a temperature setting has been reached. Manual and programmable thermostats accomplish this in much the same way. However the manual ones will keep cycling the heating system on and off all day regardless of whether or not the home is occupied, relying solely upon manual intervention for any changes. This wastes heating dollars.
Programmable thermostats, on the other hand, can be pre-set to maintain a lower temperature overnight or when no one is home. They will then automatically allow the heat to rise at the desired time. It’s also easy to override the settings to accommodate temporary schedule changes. Many newer programmable thermostats can even be set with different times and temperatures for every day of the week.
To view and download a thermostat rebate form, or for more information about all of NSTAR’s energy efficiency programs, click on “Energy Efficiency” in the left side menu above. Episode 8 of the ENERGY STAR podcast also has more information about programmable thermostats.
In my next column, I’ll discuss energy efficient holiday lighting and other seasonal savings opportunities.
Bill Stack is NSTAR's energy efficiency spokesman. He can be reached by emailing brightideas@nstar.com. If you're a member of the media and would like to arrange an interview with Bill, please call Caroline Allen (617-424-2460) or Mike Durand (508-441-5831).
