Power Conservation and Savings

Electric timers are often linked to home protection and energy conservation. But along with new technology have come creative uses for these handy products, allowing consumers to bring added convenience and automation into their homes.

"Many people only think of using timers to turn their lights on and off when they are on vacation," says Art Noparstak, marketing manager for Intermatic Inc., the world leader in electric timers. "While this is certainly important, there are so many other applications that add convenience and flexibility to everyday use."

According to Noparstak, the uses for electric timers are endless. To offer some ideas, he pointed out the following common, and not so common, applications for these effective electricity controls:

Become an Illusionist - Homeowners can create the illusion that someone is in the home by using timers on lights, radios and televisions, making a residence appear occupied, even when no one is home.
The Lighting Cure - A good deal of the energy used in a home can be controlled by simply turning lights and appliances off when they're not needed. Yet homeowners often forget this simple task, wasting valuable energy. Using timers on lamps and in place of light switches can cure a case of forgetfulness and add convenience.
Festive Times - The Christmas season is known for its colorful lights, but it is also a time of added energy use. Timers can help automate decorative lighting, both inside and out.
Temperature Control - Leaving air conditioning units on all day can be expensive and wasteful. Especially if they're not home during the day, air conditioning users can employ timers to help regulate the temperature while saving money on energy expenses. This same concept can apply to heaters during the winter.
Television and Stereo Dreams - Consider falling asleep at night to soothing music or television. A timer can remember to turn off the power so you don't have to wake up.
Coffee Wake-Up Call - You can set the timer and wake up to the smell of a fresh pot of coffee. The timer will also shut the power off, which can prevent wasted electricity and burning the bottom of the coffee pot.
Brighten the Aquarium - Placing a timer on aquarium lights not only lets the pet owner enjoy the fish while home, it can help prevent tanks from getting so much light that algae dirties the tank. Make sure to plug in the timer away from the tank to prevent electric shock.
A Bright Homecoming - If returning home after dark, program lights in entry areas to turn on prior to your arrival. This will help prevent injury caused by stumbling into a dark home and can help keep intruders at bay.
Outdoor Control - Outdoor timers are also available, which can handle nearly all types of inclement weather. Use these to automate outdoor landscape and security lighting and never leave the comfort of your home - especially during a snowstorm or rainstorm - to turn off the power.
Boost the Engine - When it's really cold out, starting the car can be a painstaking process. Plug timers into engine heaters to help car engines heat up on those cold mornings. If the car is in an enclosed area, such as a garage, make sure the door is open before turning on the engine.

Digital timers are an easy and inexpensive way to bring convenience and safety into the home.