Do Your Part, How to Be and Live Green in Charlotte, NC

Programmable Thermostat: A Quick Fix for High Utility Bills

Do Your Part to save energy and keep your utility bills down each and every month!  Installing a programmable thermostat is really a no-brainer.  It's relatively inexpensive to do and the pay-off is pretty close to immediate.
 
Here's the deal - you can save 10% of your yearly utility bill just by turning the temperature down in the winter and up in the summer by 10-15 degrees for 8 hours.  It's an easy thing to forget - so why not get a thermostat that does the thinking for you?
 
It''ll cost you between 30 and a hundred bucks for each one you buy.  You can set them to adjust the temperature when you are asleep or at work or on vacation.  If you do it - you'll be saving close to $200 each year...with no hard work on your part.
 
In the winter - a good guide is to set the temperature to 68.  Each degree above 68 will  increase your heating costs about 3%.  Set the thermostat lower at night, pile on a few extra blankets start reducing your home heating costs.
 
In the summer - a good guide is to keep your thermostat set at 78 degrees.  Every degree lower than 78 will add 5% to your cooling costs!  With a programmable thermostat, your air conditioner won't work as hard when you're at work and you can set the thermostat to begin cooling your home  right before get home for the day.
 
When you're shopping for programmable thermostats- make sure to get one with the energy star logo.  They have pre-programmed settings that will help you conserve energy.  Most models also come with settings that allow you to program weekdays and weekends differently!
 
Investing in a programmable thermostat is just one simple way to Do Your Part.  You'll  conserve energy and reduce your home heating and cooling cost as soon as it's installed.