A programmable thermostat (sometimes called a setback thermostat) is a great investment. You might already have one and not know it so check your manual. It lets you set your heat to come on before you get out of bed (so you don’t have to run the heater all night) and back down when you go to work and back up right before you come home (so you don’t have to run it all day). Installing one at the onset of winter can save you up to 20% this season, recovering your costs the very first year.

More tips on saving energy with your thermostat:

• Turn down the heat -duh. Seriously, if you normally have it set for 71 degrees, try it at 70 or lower. You’ll typically save 1-3 percent on your heating costs for every degree you dial down.

• Set it lower, such as 65 degrees, if you will be away for a short time.

• If you’ll be away for five hours or more set it at 58 degrees. You’ll use less energy to heat the house when you return than if you keep it warm while you are away. Again, here is a time when it is great to have a programmable thermostat so it can get going right before you come home.

Warmer temperatures are recommended for babies, the elderly and infirm. We want to go green, people, not blue!