By By ERIN VER BERKMOES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - A quick and easy way to save money on your home heating bill is to install a programmable thermostat, experts agree.
For between $30 and $70, one can purchase a programmable thermostat at local hardware or home improvement stores.
Williams Lumber &Hardware currently has a Honeywell thermostat on sale for $34.95, which claims it can help a home save up to 33 percent on their heating bill depending on which climate they live in and how harsh the weather is.
The lower-priced programmable thermostats may work on only one type of heating unit, where as the more expensive ones will work with multiple unit types including air conditioners, Williams explained.
For those uncertain as to what type of programmable thermostat they need, charts have been placed on the back of the packages indicating which units the thermostat is compatible with.
Williams explained in most cases a programmable thermostat can be installed in as little as 15 minutes.
Williams added a programmable thermostat is a great thing for a family who is on a regular schedule. It makes no sense for a family who is gone all day to have their heat turned up high while they are at work or school, Williams said.
Many of the thermostats can be programmed to have different settings for during the week and then for the weekend.
Another nice feature of a programmable thermostat is that it has a digital read out will allows the home owner to see exactly what temperature their furnace is set at.
Williams said the store is looking to keep its programmable thermostats on sale as long customers keep purchasing them.