Change Thermostats To Save Money On Heating and Cooling - From Carrier website.

According to EnergyStar.com, homeowners can save about $180 a year by changing thermostats to a new, digital, programmable thermostat and maintaining those settings. So, whether you are planning a remodel or simply trying to make your home as energy efficient as possible, you may want to change thermostats. Several online forums mention tips for reducing energy use and lowering utility bills, including utilizing a programmable thermostat to maintain an even temperature. New technology in programmable thermostats and changing thermostat designs helps homeowners so that they do not have to change thermostat settings so often.

In hot weather, keeping your thermostat at an even, comfortable level (75-78 degrees Fahrenheit) helps to reduce energy use, and ultimately utility costs. However, as thermostats age, they become less efficient due in part to aging wiring, poor location (too near a heat source or in a drafty hallway), or dust accumulation on movable parts. Most people can actually feel when their thermostat settings are off because the home is suddenly too hot or too cold.

Saving Energy With a Programmable Thermostat

Because digital thermostats operate very efficiently, changing your thermostat may be “one of the easiest ways you can save energy, money, and help fight global warming,” according to the Energy Star web site. So, if your current thermostat is older, or is just not performing up to par, you may want to swap it out. This is true also if your thermostat is simply unattractive.
Some of the newer thermostats are designed to fit into a wall and a room’s overall décor quite seamlessly. If you’ve been daydreaming about redesigning a room, you may have wondered how you could hide that ancient, blocky thermostat implanted in your wall.

Carrier has introduced a sleek new, Energy Star rated thermostat, the Edge. It sports seven designer thermostat faceplates to complement any room. More than just a pretty face, the Edge is just 8/10ths of an inch thin, works with nearly all heating or air conditioning systems, is fully programmable, and wait for it, can be programmed via your PC. How cool is that? If your old thermostat isn’t operating up to par, or if it’s just plain unattractive, now might be the time to upgrade your controls to match your home.

Check out the video on how to replace one. It's really easy, you can do it yourself! There is very low voltage going to thermostats so you won't zap yourself too bad but to be safe, remember to cut the circuit first.

Remember, not only is this good for the environment, but you can save money as well!