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Save With A Programmable Thermostat

posted by Annie B. Bond Feb 26, 1999 5:12 am
Save With A Programmable Thermostat
2 comments

Adapted from Real Goods Solar Living Source Book,edited by Doug Pratt and executive editor John Schaeffer.

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.
More on Reduce, Recycle & Reuse (221 articles available)
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2 comments

Go to the Source

The Real Goods Solar Living Sourcebook

The Sourcebook remains the best introduction to energy-efficient technology for common folks.
-Whole Earth Review

From novices to pros, this book explains renewable energy and efficient building practices. Great reference to start design and cost estimation from each section. One of the best features of this book is the addition of the National Electric Code for RE systems. It's possible to pick a building material to build a house, design a solar electric system, decide on appliances, determine the use of a greywater system, and more from 562 pages. No more looking up pages on the net!buy now

2 comments

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Melanie D.

Has anyone tried using a programmable thermostat on each level of a 2 story home? Currently, my upstairs is noticeably warmer than the downstairs. Would this help?

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Adapted from the Real Goods Solar Living Source Book,edited by Doug Pratt and executive editor John Schaeffer.Copyright (c) 1999, Real Goods. Reprinted by permsision of Chelsea Green Publishing Company and Real Goods.

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