We bought a cheap programmable thermostat. It paid for itself in the first year. We do not sacrifice any comfort by using it. We let the house cool down to 62F when we are regularly not home and at night after we go to sleep. When we get home or wake up in the morning the house is already warmed to our comfort level. I have to replace the batteries once a year, I do it when I have to light the pilot on the furnace, to keep my lazy reputation.