Programmable Thermostat

Q: Dear GoGreenInStyle:

I have a condo and live alone.  I am in the market for a programmable thermostat so that I don’t have to worry about remembering to adjust my thermostat.  Is there a specific kind/brand I should be looking for?  Is there a brand that’s EnergyStar sufficient?

Thanks,
Lindsey

A: Dear Lindsey
Other than being an Energy Star unit, other important considerations are:

1. User-friendliness:  If you and/or others who occupy the residence are technologically-challenged, I would choose the simplest model, and be sure to keep the programming instructions handy just in case.  Or if you prefer lots of buttons and features, don’t worry about simplicity…
2. 7-day vs weekday/weekend:  If you have the same occupancy schedule for weekend days, and the same general schedule for weekdays, then a unit that has only these two modes might be good for you.  However, if the schedule of occupancy differs from one weekday to the next, a 7-day unit would give you tighter control (more savings).  I don’t really think that the 7-day units are more expensive anymore.  The advantage to the weekday/weekend version is the simplicity of having to program only two day types (weekend or weekday) versus programming each day separately.

Jean Pullen

Idle or turn-off

Q: Dear GoGreenInStyle:

I have heard it is bad for your car to turn your car off when you have to run inside somewhere quickly. Is that true?

-Bill

A: Dear Bill,

It’s a commonly held myth that it’s better to leave your car idling than turn it on and off.  Unless you’re car is really old, turn it off! The wear and tear is negligible. After 10 seconds of leaving your car running, you’ve wasted more fuel than you would have used by turning your car off and on. Furthermore you’re sending a lot of carbon into the environment.

I recommend taking your carbon footprint to better understand the impact of your daily activities on the environment.

For more information visit The Truth about Idling by the Clean Air Campaign.

Thanks,
Mandy