Programmable thermostats can help save a bundle

| August 21, 2007 9:00 PM

As most of you can tell, the weather is rapidly changing and fall is just around the corner. Soon we will start cranking up those thermostats and firing up those fireplaces and stoves.

We've always used a setback thermometer to lower the temperature at night while we were resting and during the day while we were at work. I've had many friends and employees tell me I wasn't saving anything because the cost to reheat my home exceeded what I was saving by turning down my thermostat.

Actually, that is a false misconception, which has been dispelled by years of research and numerous studies. The fuel required to reheat a building to a comfortable temperature is roughly equal to the fuel saved as the building temperature drops to the lower setting.

You save fuel between the time that the temperature stabilizes at the lower level and the next time the heat is needed. The longer your house remains at the lower temperature, the more energy you save.

Numerous studies show you can cut fuel and electricity costs by as much as 20 percent by lowering your thermostat just five degrees at night and 10 degrees during the day when no one is home. The same goes for raising the temperature by that same amount when using air conditioning in warmer climates.

Note: If you have a heat pump system, you won't save in this scenario because it causes the heat pump to operate inefficiently, which cancels the savings.

If you turn off your hot water heater when it is not in use, this will also save you another 10-15 percent in utility costs.

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266), e-mail them to madan@surf1.ws or send them to the Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do? For more information about Ed, go online to www.NWEES.com.

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection and remediation contractor. Ed is CEO of Northwest Executive and Environmental Services, LLC.