Those who want to adjust their home thermostat from the comfort off their office or even living room recliner might want to consider Westar Energy’s programmable thermostat program.

Westar is offering a free, professionally installed programmable thermostat that allows customers to manage the temperature of their home from any computer with Internet access.

In exchange for the thermostat, Westar Energy will be able to cycle on and off the home’s air conditioner or heat pump on the hottest afternoons of the summer. In about 15 minute intervals, the heating and cooling system’s compressor will operate at about 50 percent of its normal run time. The cycling only occurs on weekdays, never on weekends or holidays, and lasts for about four hours.

All other times, customers have complete control over their thermostat. The program is voluntary.

The program allows Westar to better balance the demand for electricity during peak times, and customers can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs.

Westar began installing the programmable thermostats in Wichita in the fall of 2009. They have since launched marketing campaigns for the program in other cities.

The programmable thermostats, which are valued at around $300, have been available in Lawrence for several months. However, Westar hasn’t promoted the program here for fear it could be confused with its smart meter program, Westar spokeswoman Gina Penzig said.

The two are not connected, but having a programmable thermostat is one example of how consumers can take advantage of the information they get from their smart meters.

Customers can enroll online at westarenergy.com or call the WattSaver toll-free hotline at 1-888-753-6523.

Signing up for a programmable thermostat is one of the steps residents can take to participate in the Take Charge Challenge, a statewide energy savings competition that pits Lawrence against Manhattan.