ST. LOUIS, April 4, 2006 – Emerson Climate Technologies, a business of Emerson (NYSE: EMR), today announced the results of a national survey of homeowners that examined Americans’ methods for controlling rising energy costs. The survey was conducted on behalf of Emerson, in response to forecasts by the U.S. Energy Information Administration that Americans spent up to 35 percent more for fuel this past winter than the previous winter.

The U.S Energy Information Administration estimates that 23 percent of American households have a programmable thermostat. Despite this statistic, the Emerson survey found that only four out of 10 households that have a programmable thermostat are actually using the programming feature. One reason is the perception that programmable thermostats are complicated to operate, ranking as the second most difficult home technology to program – comparable to the VCR. This indicates a solid opportunity for contractors to educate homeowners on the benefits and intuitive nature of today’s programmable thermostats, such as the White-Rodgers^® 90 Series^™ Blue^™ touchscreen thermostat.

The survey also revealed that nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of Americans had planned to set their thermostats lower this past winter, the most popular method for controlling costs, according to the survey. Nearly three-quarters of survey respondents planned to set their thermostats at or under 70 degrees during the day; 28 percent planned to set it at or below 67 degrees. Most homeowners followed energy experts' advice regarding setting a lower sleep-time temperature, with 82 percent setting their thermostats at or below 70 degrees and 52 percent at or below 67 degrees; however, it appears that most of these adjustments were being made manually, rather than by programmable thermostats.

"This survey shows that while many homeowners are changing their behaviors to cope with higher energy costs, they are still lagging in embracing and utilizing affordable technologies – like programmable thermostats – that can have a positive impact on utility costs and energy conservation," said Tom Bettcher, business leader of Emerson Climate Technologies. "The results of the survey indicate that contractors have an opportunity to educate homeowners on the programming ease of modern thermostats. New thermostat models are more intuitive and easier than ever to use, and homeowners should be made aware of how these new thermostats can help them save money without sacrificing their comfort."

The survey results indicate that there are valuable opportunities within the HVAC industry for both contractors and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that want homeowners to take advantage of programmable-thermostat features. Contractors have a chance to upsell by explaining the benefits of intuitive programmable thermostats. It’s important that when contractors are talking with their customers about programmable thermostats, they show their customers just how easy they are to program.

According to Mark Bulanda, president of White-Rodgers, the survey results also show that easy-to-use innovations like the company’s 90 Series Blue touchscreen thermostat are welcome additions to the HVAC market. "Thermostats that are easy to program, show a limited number of choices and follow an intuitive programming pattern are the ones that will be most useful – and popular – with homeowners in the future," Bulanda predicted. "Manufacturers need to make sure that they are taking full advantage of technology that will save homeowners money, but is still easy to use."

The 90 Series Blue touchscreen thermostat offers the ultimate in comfort and convenience. The programmable thermostat features simple and intuitive programming and operation, enhanced by audio prompting that confirms touchscreen entries; a 12-inch display with larger, easier-to-see characters and extra-large touch keys; a cleaner display that shows only the keys necessary at any given time; and intuitive red and blue temperature keys. The thermostat is also accurate within +/- one degree Fahrenheit.

Bulanda says that contractors should explain to their customers how programmable thermostats like the 90 Series Blue are actually better for controlling temperatures than manually making adjustments throughout the day. "When programmed to a family’s schedule, the thermostat will automatically raise or lower the temperature," said Bulanda. "There is no need for the homeowner to try to ‘remember’ to lower the thermostat when leaving for work or going to bed. A lower temperature at night saves on home heating bills, and the convenience of a programmable thermostat can help homeowners capitalize on these savings."

Emerson’s survey is the third in a series of homeowner surveys designed to provide insight into the way that Americans understand and respond to their HVAC systems. Previous homeowner surveys have focused on air conditioning efficiency and technology, and the industry’s transition to 13 SEER.