Rebates available for programmable thermostats

Just in time for the cold weather, a non-profit group is promoting rebates available for home programmable thermostats.

Programmable thermostats allow you to turn your furnace up and down at pre-planned times. The Clean Energy Resource Teams, a public-private partnership that promotes green energy and conservation, says the average Minnesota household saves about $170 a year with a programmable thermostat.

Spokesman Dan Thiede said it's easier than trying to remember to do it every day.

"If people go to work, they can schedule it so it's turning down when they leave the house, and turning on a half-hour before they get home, so their house is warm when they get there," Thiede said.

Thiede said utilities offer rebates for the gadgets, and through November Honeywell is adding its own rebate. Details are at the Clean Energy Resource Teams website.