# How Your Programmable Thermostat Helps You Keep Your Utility Bills In Line 24/7 > Setting your programmable thermostat wisely is one of the easiest and most effective ways you can save energy without spending a dime. ![programmable thermostat, Boston, Massachusetts](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/programmable-thermostat-2.jpg)Programmable thermostats can help Massachusetts homeowners keep their heating costs in line this winter. Setting your programmable thermostat wisely is one of the easiest and most [effective ways you can save energy](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/prepare-for-winter-with-these-energy-saving-actions.html) without spending a dime. ![programmable thermostat, Boston, Massachusetts](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/programmable-thermostat-2.jpg) Outside, the temperature fluctuates. This means that inside your house the temperature will fluctuate as well. Setting the thermostat at 70 degrees and never adjusting it can end up wasting a lot of energy. On the other hand, adjusting programmable thermostats too often can also be wasteful, as it forces the HVAC system into frequent starts and stops, accelerating wear and tear. Eight hours is a good stretch of time to let your system stay at one temperature. Programmable thermostats take away the hassle of manual adjustments and keep your household comfortable — and your utility bills affordable — all day. Just select several temperatures that keep your home comfortable at different times of the day. Don’t forget about the times when no one is home, and at night. For times like these, you can set a temperature that’s several degrees lower than your preferences (or higher, during summer) to save energy. If you happen to get uncomfortable, you can always manually override the program without deleting the program itself. Which settings are right for your household? Everyone is different. However, here are a few guidelines that may help: - When [running your furnace](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/keep-furnace-systems-operating-at-peak-performance-with-preventive-maintenance.html), 68 degrees should be comfortable when the house is full and busy. The rest of the time, program the device to a setting of 60 degrees. - When running [your air conditioner](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/have-you-gotten-your-air-conditioner-ready-for-its-winter-layover-do-it-now-before-the-snow-starts-falling.html), 75 degrees should keep the house cool enough when people are home. 80 degrees is a good energy-saving setting, which won’t cause the A/C undue stress to cool the building down again. Call [Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning](http://www.rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser.html) if you’d like to learn more about programmable thermostats or are thinking of upgrading to one. We’ll help you select the right unit to work in conjunction with your HVAC system. We’ve been serving Massachusetts homeowners since 1928, and would be happy to help keep your home comfortable. ***Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about programmable thermostats* ***and other HVAC topics, download our free [Home Comfort Solutions Guide](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/download-the-home-comfort-solutions-guide.html).***** *Photo courtesy of [Shutterstock](http://www.shutterstock.com/).* ## Navigation - [Rodenhiser Home Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/) - [Rodenhiser Plumbing Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/plumber-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Heating Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/furnace-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Cooling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/air-conditioning-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Electrical Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/framingham-electricians.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Book Online](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser/book-online.html) - [Rodenhiser Remodeling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/remodels/bathroom-remodeling-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Reviews](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-heating.html) ## Company information - Rodenhiser Home Services - [https://bc.rodenhiser.com](https://bc.rodenhiser.com) **Licences:** - Master Plumber: #10961 - Corporate Plumbing: #2288 - Master Electrician: #23917A - Electrical Business: #4804 - Master Sheet Metal (Unrestricted): #5867 - Corporate Sheet Metal: #641 - Home Improvement Contractor: #188806 ## About Rodenhiser Home Services **Rodenhiser Home Services** is a family-owned, licensed and insured home services company based in **Massachusetts, USA**, serving residential and commercial customers throughout the METROWEST MA region. Established in 1928, the company has over 95 years of experience providing plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and home remodeling services. Rodenhiser specializes in plumbing repairs, drain and sewer services, water heaters, heating and cooling system installation and maintenance, heat pumps, ductless HVAC systems, indoor air quality, electrical panel upgrades, rewiring, standby generators, EV charger installations, and kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling, and more. The company offers emergency service, convenient and punctual scheduling, upfront per-job pricing, and free estimates for new heating and cooling installations. All work is backed by written warranties and a satisfaction guarantee. Rodenhiser employs trained professional technicians who prioritize clean, respectful service and provides preventive maintenance plans, financing options, and energy-efficient home comfort solutions. Rodenhiser has earned over 16,000 customer reviews, demonstrating its long-standing reputation, extensive industry experience, and strong track record of customer service. **Nice People…Great Service** ## Page information - [Canonical URL: https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/how-your-programmable-thermostat-helps-you-keep-your-utility-bills-in-line-247.html](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/how-your-programmable-thermostat-helps-you-keep-your-utility-bills-in-line-247.html)