Thermostat - (5 Minutes, Free)

If you don't have a programmable thermostat and don't have a heat pump, get one. When we changed out the heater, we had the contractor install a programmable thermostat as part of the system. These let you set patterns of temperatures for when you are normally home, asleep, or away. For example, you can reduce the amount of times your heater cycles when you are at work on weekdays by having the thermostat set to 60ºF. You can also have it heat up your home by setting the temperature to your comfort level just before you normally arrive. For more information, Honeywell has a Do-It-Yourself information page on their site.

Whether you have a programmable thermostat or not, one way to save money that's fairly obvious is to make the system run less. The suggested setting for a thermostat in summer is 78ºF, and 68ºF in winter. However, every degree above the summer setting or below the winter setting will save you 4%-8% in your cooling or heating costs. Every degree in the other direction will cost you 4%-8% more. Also, keep doors and windows closed!

IF you can handle the temperatures, lowering your heater at night (and when you're away) in the winter closer to 60ºF and throwing on more blankets (or pajamas) can save a lot of money. I know a family or two that set their thermostat to 58ºF. Brrrr. However, they smile at their winter utility bills. The programmable thermostat helps here, because it can warm the house for you before you have to get out of bed to face those temperatures. Another trick is to not run the vent in the kitchen when cooking or in the bathroom when bathing. The extra humidity can help you feel warmer, since humid air holds more heat. During the day on sunny days, make sure you open the curtains to south facing windows to let in the sunlight.

In summer, when you're away from the house, set the air conditioner to 80ºF and make sure your pets have plenty of water. Definitely use the vents for bathing and cooking, since humid air holds more heat and makes air conditioners work harder. Use ceiling fans instead of turning down the air conditioner when you're hot in the summer. Ceiling fans help people feel cooler at higher temperatures and help reduce some of the effects of high humidity. Make sure to turn off the ceiling fan when you leave the room - it cools people, not rooms.