Programmable thermostats for air-conditioning systems keep houses cool when people are home, but let temperatures rise when they’re away. Using such thermostats can conserve a lot of electricity – and money.
“You can save hundreds of dollars,” says Chu, who says families should set their ACs to kick in about one hour before they return home.
Properly programmed thermostats can save homeowners about $180 a year, according to the Energy Department.
For more energy-saving tips, visit the Energy Department’s conservation website, energysavers.gov.
