Get with the program

Using Less Natural Gas

A while back, I purchased a programmable thermostat and had it installed.  Union Gas had a promotion where they would reimburse you $25 for the purchase.  We bought ours on sale so it ended up costing me under $10. 

Last year was the first full winter using it.  We bought a 7 day programmable thermostat, which works best for our family because every day we have a different schedule.  As many parts of Canada and the United States experienced this past winter season, we had a long, cold winter, breaking several records for cold temperatures. 

Here’s what we paid for heat with a programmable thermostat:

mid-Dec 2013 to mid-Mar 2014     $465

versus the winter before without a programmable thermostat:

mid-Dec 2012 to mid-Mar 2013     $455                                                           

So, with all that cold weather, the furnace running constantly some days trying hard to warm up the house and some days the house never reaching the temperature it was supposed to, we only paid $10 more this year over what we paid last year. 

Union Gas is still offering the rebate for programmable thermostats purchased between Jan 1, 2015 and Mar 31, 2014.  If you miss this rebate period, check it out anyway.  They may have posted a coupon with a new expiry date.  Here is their link to download the coupon: Union Gas Rebate Coupon

While you’re at it, you can check out their web page to read tips on how to conserve energy.

Do you have a programmable thermostat installed and programmed?

-TJ