Programmable thermostats can help reduce the cost of heating and cooling your home by electronically monitoring the temperature. The ability to program temperature settings in the home without affecting the level of comfort is one benefit of a programmable thermostat. Since frequent changes to the thermostat setting are unwise because it increases heating and air conditioning costs in winter and summer, another benefit of programmable thermostats is cost savings. For each degree above 68, which is considered the maximum daytime temperature setting during the colder months, an additional two percent is added to your heating bill. Since the ideal temperature is pre-set with a programmable thermostat, there is no need to manually adjust it throughout the day. Since options for programmable thermostats may vary, contact your local appliance dealer for more specific information. SOURCE: The Energy-Efficient Home