Businessman holding a piggy bankIn regards to your home, most money-saving ideas cost money to implement. Over time, most homeowners come to accept this inevitable fact of home ownership. That being said, there are some things that are relatively inexpensive that you can do to save money. The best part of them is that the cost can be recovered very quickly, which leaves you almost no excuse not to implement them. One of these ways is to install programmable thermostats. Whether you live in a cold-weather state and need your heat on most of the year, or you live in a warm-weather state and cannot live without air-conditioning, pre-setting your indoor temperatures will save you a lot of money! Installing programmable thermostats can cost anywhere from $50 to $150. This investment allows you to set your heating and cooling to fluctuate at a desired controlled temperature throughout the day and night. For instance, when you sleep you can lower your heat dramatically and have it programmed to turn up on your waking hour. Don’t forget to shop around and compare prices and deals, as many utility companies offer rebates on high-tech thermostats. For more information about calculating energy costs see the Department of Energy.