Use a programmable thermostat to control and reduce your energy consumption.

A thermostat is one of those things that is on that list of stuff you don’t think or worry about until it’s not working—like the elevator, your remote control, or a long-term relationship. But, in my and my wife’s quest to save money and energy, we knew the thermostat was the next step in the process.

Our house, although brand new when we bought it just two years ago, was equipped with a manual thermostat (the typical thermostat in which a needle controls the temperature) that cannot be programmed while we’re at work or away on a trip. So, unless we could remember to flip the needle right or left or to switch the entire system off, our house would stay comfortably cool most summer weekdays, when it’s only occupied by our two cats.

After some quick research to make sure I (a non-handyman) could install a new thermostat, we headed off to the hardware store to look at some models. Home Depot has a great selection, ranging from $30-$150. Some models have more bells and whistles than others, and we opted for a mid-range brand (with the energy-star logo) that can have 4 different settings for each day of the week.

After cutting open the package (how do they wrap those things so tightly that the plastic becomes hazardous when opened?) and reading the instructions, I felt confident I could complete the task at hand. I switched off the furnace and air conditioning breakers, then uninstalled the original, manual thermostat and labeled the wires. Because my old thermostat contains mercury (and most of them do), I need to call to have it disposed of properly.

Following the instructions was incredibly easy, and in less than a half an hour I had drilled mounting holes, connected the wires, installed the new unit, put in new batteries, and programmed the unit based on our energy needs. I was on my way to saving money, and more importantly, keeping precious natural resources in the ground.

On average, we should expect to save about $100 a year in heating and cooling costs. Not bad for an hour’s work.

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Ingredients:

• Digital Programmable Thermostat
• Screwdriver
• Drill
• Hammer

Caring Time:

• 58 Minutes (doesn’t include drive to hardware store)

Cost:

• About $45

Results:

• Reduced utility bill
• Conservation of natural resources
• Satisfaction of making a difference