That old thermostat that came with your house doesn't have to remain in your house. If you still have an older dial thermostat, most likely it is costing you money on your energy bill each month. That out of date thermostat isn't nearly as efficient as newer programmable thermostats that are out on the market today. Not to mention, it cannot do some of the tasks that most programmable and digital thermostats can do. See below for some of the benefits of a programmable thermostat and how to install one yourself.

Programmable Thermostat Benefits

1. Energy Efficient.  Programmable thermostats allow you to program your thermostat the way you want your home to feel. So, if you want your home colder at night or during the day when you aren't home, you can program it this way. You can program your thermostat by day and time, so if you want it on a different schedule on the weekend, you can do this. The program will help save you money on your energy bill each month.
2. Eco-Friendly. Those older dial thermostats contain mercury. Newer thermostats do not, which is not only safer for you and your family at home, it's also safer for the environment. No more thermostats going into the landfill loaded with mercury.
3. Convenient Features. Some new thermostats allow you to set reminders to change your filter on your HVAC system, or reminders to do preventative maintenance on your system. Some may also allow you to use your smartphone to change the temperature while you're away, in case you ever forget to change the program (such as when you are on vacation).

How To Install A Programmable Thermostat

Installing a programmable thermostat is fairly simple. Once you have one picked out, be sure to hold onto the instructions.

Here's What You'll Need:

• Programmable thermostat
• Screwdriver (Phillips and Flathead)
• Automatic drill (and drill bits)
• Tape
• Level
• Pencil
• Hammer

Instructions:

1. First, turn off the electricity running to your HVAC system and thermostat. 
2. Next, you'll need to take off the old thermostat. While taking off the old thermostat, you'll see some wires coming out of the wall and connecting to the thermostat. These same wires will go to the new thermostat. so be sure to label them. If you had unused wires, wrap them in electric tape, as they won't be used in the new thermostat either. Be sure not to throw your thermostat into the garbage, because it may contain mercury. You'll need to dispose of it properly. Call your local waste disposal company for instructions.
3. Locate the wall plate for the programmable thermostat. Mark your wall where you want it to be placed with your pencil and use your level to be sure it is straight. Attach it to the wall with the screws that came in the package. If anchors came in the package, use the wall anchors and then screw in the wall plate.
4. After the wall plate is attached, you can begin installing the wires to their proper terminals using a screwdriver. If you have excess wires, push them back into the wall.
5. If your thermostat uses batteries, install the proper batteries and then attach the faceplate to the wall plate.
6. Turn on the power to your HVAC system and follow the programming instructions that came with your thermostat.

If you have any problems installing your programmable thermostat, consult a professional HVAC technician for help. Companies like the Maryland Oil Company may be able to meet your needs in this area.