A programmable thermostat that lowers the temperature while you sleep or work can save up to $180 a year on heating and cooling.
Set a simple schedule and stick to it, since the savings come from consistency rather than clever features.
Lower the heat by 7 to 10 degrees for the eight hours you are asleep, which alone delivers the biggest cut.
Avoid cranking the temperature to extremes, because a gentle, steady setting uses less energy than wild swings.
Consistency beats intensity, and the schedule does the work for you automatically.