Heating costs rise approximately 5% for every degree above 20 C (68 F) that you set your household thermostat. Dropping the temperature at night will result in savings of 1% for every degree.

If no one is home, lower the thermostat to 16 C (61 F). A programmable thermostat can do all of this for you automatically - just set it once. Depending on your settings, the thermostat can pay for itself over a very short period of time.

If you heat your home with a heat pump, use a programmable thermostat specifically designed for use with this system. Avoid manual setbacks, as adjusting the thermostat more than a few degrees at a time turns on the auxiliary heating which uses more electricity than the heat pump alone.

THERMOSTAT SETTINGS

Naturally, the temperature of your home is a personal choice. However, as a general rule, the following temperatures will provide heating comfort while still using energy wisely.

• 21 C (70 F) when relaxing
• 20 C (68 F) when working or exercising
• 18 C (64 F) when sleeping or away during the day
• 16 C (61 F) when no one is at home for an extended period

For more information about programmable thermostats contact your local home improvement retailer or home heating contractor.

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