For the typical home, heating and cooling costs are one of the largest expenditures. To make matters worse — and the energy bill higher — we often heat and cool our homes when it isn’t needed. Installing a programmable thermostat is an easy way for Walton Gas customers to reduce your heating bill this winter.

Here are three very good reasons why it’s a practical idea to replace your manual thermostat with a new programmable one:

1. Energy savings. By maintaining comfortable temperatures for only a few hours a day, a programmable thermostat helps you use less natural gas for home heating. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates you can save 10 percent on your heating bill by rolling back your thermostat 10-15 percent for just eight hours each day — the amount of time many families are away from home for work and school.

2. Comfort and convenience. Rather than constantly resetting the temperature manually, you can preset your thermostat to adjust the temperature at different times of the day. For instance, you can set your thermostat to lower the heat while you’re away at work and automatically raise it before you come home.

3. Increases life of heating system. By programming your use, you can reduce the time the system is run, which can cut down on system stress and repairs.

Choose a thermostat for your lifestyle

Programmable thermostats have been around for several years. However, older versions were often too difficult to program, which negated the energy-saving feature. Now, consumers have a variety of programmable thermostat choices that are easy to install and easy to operate. Even better: Prices are dropping on the most popular models.

Programmable thermostats generally fall into two categories: “smart” connected ones or non-connected programmable models. Both have benefits, depending on your lifestyle and budget.

Smart thermostats

  • Generally save the most on heating and cooling bills.
  • Intelligently adjust your home’s temperature by “learning” your behaviors and routines.
  • Select models turn down when you’re away, suggest energy-efficient settings and provide monthly energy reports.
  • Can be monitored, set and managed over Wi-Fi from a computer, smartphone or tablet.
  • May use multiple sensors to monitor temperatures and balance heating throughout the home.
  • Prices start around $80 for a seven-day programmable thermostat with built-in Wi-Fi. Models with all the bells and whistles average $200 each. Sensors are typically sold separately.
  • Not all support all types of HVAC systems, so check compatibility specifications carefully before buying.
  • Professional installation may be required.

Programmable thermostats

  • A cost-efficient option for homeowners who tend to follow a regular schedule.
  • Makes the most efficient use of your system by adjusting temperatures automatically based on preset preferences.
  • Basic models start at about $20.
  • Most models can be easily wired into an existing heating system.
  • A separate thermostat is required for gas furnace and electric cooling systems.

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Install a Programmable Thermostat