How to Use an Electronic Timer

Each year, utility bills seem to increase to the point that you have to consider adding "rising utility bills" to the other two inevitibles in life--death and taxes. Even with the invention of such money-savers as florescent light bulbs and energy efficient appliances, that monthly bill always seems to be more than the year before.

When it comes to trying to conserve energy, there is only one sure-fire way to cut costs--turn everything off. The only problem with that is remembering to do it. Luckily, technology has your back. To help you conserve energy, here is how to use an electronic timer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An electronic timer
• The manual for the timer

1. An electronic timer works similar to the way a programmable thermostat works. The difference is that the timer is turning an electric device, like a lamp, on or off rather than the central air-conditioner.
   
   Your first step in using the electronic timer is to set the timer to the current time.

2. Once the current time is displayed, you should then press the button labeled, "program."

3. Usually, the first program to pop up is the one designated for turning the circuit on. Input the time that you want the circuit to be energized. When you enter the time, be sure to specify AM or PM.
   
   Refer to the manual to see which button to press to move to the next step. It is usually the "program" button but each timer is different.

4. The next step is to set the time for the circuit to turn off. Input the time that you wish for the circuit to be turned off.

5. Some electronic timers are more elaborate and give you the option of multiple settings, so in essence, you can have a lamp turn on and off a few times during the evening to give the illusion that someone is home.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the manual in a safe place. Once you program your electronic timer, it can be easy to forget how you did it!
• Having an electronic timer in a few rooms is a great way to make it look like someone is home while you are on vacation. It's a great security measure.