One half of homeowners already turn down their heat at night, saving
themselves 6 percent to 16 percent of heating energy. A programmable or clock thermostat can automatically do this for you.

• In addition to lowering
  temperatures while you sleep, a programmable thermostat will also raise temperatures again before
  you get out from under the covers.
• It not only saves energy, it’s cost-effective, too. Such thermostats can be used to drop the house temperature during the day as well, if the house is unoccupied.
• “Home Energy” magazine reports savings in excess of 20 percent
  with two eight-hour setbacks of 10 degrees each.
• Electronic set-back thermostats are readily available for $25 to $150.
• If you have a heat pump or central air conditioning, make sure the thermostat is designed for heat and A/C. Installation is simple, but make sure to turn off
  the power to the heating plant before you begin.
• If connecting wires makes you jittery, have an electrician or heating technician do it for you. It’s well worth the investment.