Set It Back and Save - Saving Money is As Easy As Turning Down the Thermostat

Set It Back and Save - Saving Money is As Easy As Turning Down the Thermostat

Editor's Note - This news release is part of Governor Brian Schweitzer's Warm Homes Montana initiative. The State of Montana offers many programs and services to help our citizens stay warm in their homes. Please visit www.warmhomes.mt.gov for more information.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, turning down your thermostat 8 degrees for just eight hours a day will save 10 percent on your home heating costs. The lower the temperature setting on the thermostat, the less energy your furnace uses to heat your home.

"One way Montanans can save money on their energy bills is to use a programmable thermostat. They are one of the most reliable energy savers available," said Governor Schweitzer. "Automatic thermostats can provide savings of 10 to 20 percent on heating costs."

Programmable thermostats are especially convenient and effective for families who have regular schedules. Families who are gone during the day at work or at school can save the most because they can schedule two setback periods, providing more hours of the low-temperature setting. However, if you have trouble programming electrical devices, maybe a programmable thermostat isn't a good idea for you. You can still save by setting the thermostat back each night before going to bed and again in the morning before leaving the house.

During the day, thermostats can be set at 68 degrees F, which most people find comfortable. Wearing extra clothing helps you be comfortable at lower indoor temperatures.

Look for the ENERGY STAR label when you shop for a programmable thermostat. These thermostats also qualify for the 25 percent Montana energy conservation tax credit. As an added incentive, both NorthWestern Energy and Montana Dakota natural gas heating customers can receive rebates if they install an ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat this winter.

To avoid wasting energy when you return to a cold house, remember that the thermostat isn't like the gas pedal of your car. Setting the temperature higher than you need it doesn't speed up the furnace's heating ability.

These tips and many other energy-saving tips can be found on the web at www.warmhomes.mt.gov or by calling the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at 406-841-5200.

http://governor.mt.gov/news/pr.asp?ID=261