Is a programmable thermostat good for me?

I can't decide from reading your question if you have a programmable stat at this time or are thinking of getting one. If you don't have one, you should because they will save you money and that's a fact.

Make sure that the programmable thermostat you buy says on the box that it can be used with a heat pump. Then you're good to go. Modern stats generally have a Hold feature that lets you set a temperature and then go away for an extended period of time. When you come back you simply hit Run Program or something similar and the program kicks back in.

You can probably wire the new stat yourself. Unless what you have now is really old the terminal identification letters will be the same, R, Y, W, G etc. But the instruction manual might seem a little murky to you, depending on your background, no offense intended.

The other guy who answered suggested that you get a tech to program it for you. Maybe that is a good idea depending...

Some people still think that programmable stats are a gimmick. These people don't know what they're talking about.

With regard to the emergency heat. It serves three functions.

First it provides heat when the heat pump is in the defrost mode. This happens periodically during colder weather.

Secondly it provides extra heat when the thermostat temperature setting is raised several degrees at one time. It helps the house heat up faster than if only the heat pump provides the heat.

Lastly the emergency heat provides heat when the heat pump fails.

The first two are automatically controlled by the thermostat while the third feature is a manual function.

The best thing you can really do is splurge for a credible HVAC tech to come out and access the set up so you know what will work best for you.

yes a programable stat can save you money but remember you need a 7 day white rodgers makje good ones and are easy to program