Why do you have an annual check up? Gas isn't like oil - shouldn't need service or cleanings unless you have somebody come in to change your filters.
We have gas - 2 zones, 1st & 2nd floors (basement runs off the 1st floor zone) and have the programmable thermostats, but I always run it on manual - bump it to 68 when I get home, bump it back to 60 when we go to bed, and it stays there until I get home the next day. Dogs don't seem to mind the lower temp.
2nd floor is almost always left at 63.