I have had one for years. I haven't used it much. We are gone about 12 hours a day and I think it may be too long. Since I have a little dog, bird and three cats I don't leave anything on but A.C and furnace. I forget to thaw meat and don't have much time to prepare before leaving. We eat leftovers for lunch and some dinners. I usually cook a big meal on the weekends and am always home. Daughter uses hers alot.