Save energy, Set it and forget it.

A programmable thermostat is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to save money on energy bills whether in summer or winter. The average household spends more than $1,200 in heating and cooling costs each year. Programmable thermostats( which cost between $50 to $200) are a wise invest­ment because they can reduce energy costs by as much as fifteen percent, or about $180 annually.

A programmable thermostat makes sav­ing energy easy by controlling the heating and cooling settings in both the winter and summer. It's like putting your house on auto pilot by using pre-pro­grammed settings that regulate the home's temperature during the night and even while you're on vacation. This type of thermostat au­tomatically turns down the heat in the winter and turns up the cooling in the summer. A homeowner can save money and energy while still maintaining overall comfort.

Programmable thermostats are an easy energy saving tool. Here are a few more energy savings tips,

• Always look for the Energy Star label when buying a new thermostat as well as any new appliance.

• Use the pre programmed settings to maximize energysavings by keeping temperature at just what is needed when your away or asleep.

• Heat pump systems require a special type of programmable thermostat. Consult with a HVAC specialist to determine what will work best for your home.

• Be sure to have the thermostat installed cor­rectly by following instructions closely or using a certified HVAC contractor.

Programmable thermostats offer a lot of value by maximizing energy savings without losing comfort. Best of all, they can be customized to match a family's schedules.

Overall this is one of the best things you can do for your budget as well as for the planet. So what are you reading this still for you should be on your way to your local home improvement store already. So go and get the saving started then come back and comment on the change in your monthly bills.

Happy shopping and Hubbing!