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Manual thermostats tend to be cheaper and simpler to use than their programmable counterparts. But both kinds of thermostats can be set to maximize energy savings. Whether the thermostat is attached to heating or cooling equipment, kitchen or laundry appliances or even the beloved electric blanket, all thermostats have the potential to keep energy cost (to the environment and to your bank balance), to an absolute minimum.

Assess your energy needs, and do an inventory of the house. Then consider the answers to the following questions.
1. Where do I need heating and cooling the most? And will this affect my use of thermostats?
Answer: If you answered only a few rooms of the house, such as the lounge room, dining and study, which are the main "living" areas of the house, seriously consider individual room thermostats. These manual or automatic thermostats are available for electric heating/cooling. The automatic version is generally referred to as a zoned heating/cooling system and is ideal for two storey houses where upstairs temperatures vary radically from downstairs. These thermostats allow each room to have its own pre-set temperature. Why waste the same heating or cooling on all areas of the house if it's not really needed!

2. Will I see maximum energy efficiency from gas or electric thermostats?
Answer: Be aware that gas water heaters, clothes dryers, ovens and cooktops are more energy efficient than electric ones.

3. What are the "ideal" thermostat settings for heating and cooling?
Answer: In the main living areas where comfort is a premium, aim for a setting of 25degrees C (78degrees F) in summer and 20 degrees C (68degrees F) in winter. In other rooms, with separate thermostats, try to reduce the contrasts between inside and outside temperatures. The smaller the contrast, the less pressure on the thermostat to work hard and the less energy used. To save even more winter energy, www.pepco,com suggests:
" Set your thermostat at 68 degrees F. during the day and 60 degrees F. at night. You can save 3 percent on your heating costs for every degree you reduce the temperature below 70 degrees F."

4. The thermostat settings on apliances wouldn't really impact on my energy bill would they?
Answer: ANY opportunity to lower the thermostat is an opportunity to save on energy. But, in saying that, try to keep to the recommended energy saving temperatures that were advertised on your fridge and freezer products. For example, in summer, it is so tempting to

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