MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Honeywell (NYSE: HON) expects its new touch screen programmable Vision thermostat to shatter the homeowner perception that energy-saving programmable thermostats are difficult to use.

Industry research reveals that 70 percent of homeowners who own programmable thermostats simply keep them on "hold," rather than programming their heating and cooling systems to help conserve energy when families are away or sleeping.

The Vision thermostat uses touch-screen technology -- similar to the technology used in ATMs -- to prompt homeowners through the programming process, making it nearly effortless. The common-sense language displayed on the screen guides homeowners through options such as selecting days and times they would like to program. Consumers can select options from the user-friendly, on-screen menu, which can eliminate the need for a manual. The new thermostat will be available at Lowe's and other retail locations in October for an estimated retail price of $119.99, or a local HVAC contractor can install it.

"Vision's touch screen eliminates the challenge of programming," said Mark Winston, vice president and general manager of the Honeywell North American Homes business. "Effortless programming encourages homeowners to actually program their thermostats, helping them save money on energy bills."

According to the Energy Information Administration, heating prices are expected to rise significantly this winter, as much as 18 percent for winter propane bills. If programmed properly -- reducing the temperature 10-15 percent for eight hours a day -- a programmable thermostat can offer homeowners significant savings on their annual heating and cooling bills. By programming Vision as directed, homeowners can recoup the cost of the thermostat within one year, based on the energy-saving benefits of programming heating and cooling systems.

Vision also relieves the frustration of resetting the clock for daylight-savings time. It is the only touch-screen programmable thermostat on the market that automatically updates itself for daylight savings. Honeywell answers thousands of customer service calls each year during daylight-savings time about how to reset the thermostat's clock.

For more information visit http://www.honeywell.com/yourhome or call 800-328-5111.

Honeywell International is a $23 billion diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell's shares are traded on the New York, London, Chicago and Pacific Stock Exchanges. It is one of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is also a component of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. For additional information, please visit http://www.honeywell.com .

This release contains forward-looking statements as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements about future business operations, financial performance and market conditions. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties inherent in business forecasts as further described in our filings under the Securities Exchange Act. SOURCE Honeywell