Help reduce carbon emissions through programmable thermostats

National averages show heating and air conditioning account for about 56% of your energy use. Heating is the largest energy expense in most homes, accounting for almost two-thirds of annual energy bills in colder areas of the country. Conversely in the warmer parts of the country, cooling bills have increased significantly with the rise in the earth's temperature.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating systems in the United States emit a billion tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) and about 12% of the sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emitted by the U.S.. Reducing energy use for heating is the single most effective way to reduce your home's contribution to global environmental problems.

The best thing you can do is use programmable thermostats that will set back temperatures when you are at work so you are not heating or cooling when no one is home. A programmable thermostat is a device that allows you to pre-set ahead of time to move the temperature up or down automatically. Many utilities offer rebates towards the purchase of these devices.

As an individual this is the most impactful thing you can do in your home to reduce carbon emissions. Go do it today!