Energy Saving Devices

Archive for the ‘Car Fuel Economy’ Category

Saving energy is great for the environment and using energy responsibly is a way to save the earth. Here are a few tips for saving energy. Choose windows that have double glazing and coatings to reduce heat from getting trapped in the house. This will decrease the need to blast the Air conditioner. Always buy appliances that have the energy star label on them. Seal any air leaks and check insulation around the house. Plant trees and shrubs to shade the outside A/C’s. Air dry dishes instead of using the dishwasher’s drying cycle. Clean lint filters in the dryer after each use, this improves the air circulation. Dry clothes on a clothes line or a drying rack. Use laptop computers instead of desktop computers, because desktop computer use more energy than laptops. If you need anew A/C get an energy efficient model with an energy star label on it. Always check for the energy saver way of doing things.

Saving energy is something we all need to think about. Not only is it good for the pocketbook (which is important in the tough economic times) but it also helps the environment by reducing the need to produce greater amounts of electricity and fossil fuels.

Start with reducing the amount you drive. Fuel costs are expensive, both for the consumer and the earth. Plan your errands and activities so that you can reduce the number of trips you make in your car. If you are picking up a child from dance class, stop on the way for grocery items for dinner, rather than making two separate trips.

Don’t move your car to do separate errands that are within a block or two of each other. Walk from one to the next, and consider this part of your exercise plan … two birds with one stone. Make these few simple changes and you will immediately notice a reduction in your fuels costs.

• Use the octane level your car’s manufacturer recommends.
• Beware of “gas saving” gadgets that claim to boost mileage.
• Consider Alternative Fuel Vehicles if you’re in the market for a new car.
• Drive more efficiently—observe the posted speed limit and avoid quick starts and stops.
• Maintain your car, truck, or motorcycle—keep it tuned, check your tires, and change oil and filters regularly.
• Leave your car at home and consider walking, bicycling, or public transportation whenever you can.

• Keep your engine tuned according to your owner’s manual to increase gas mileage by an average of 4%.
• Keep your tires properly inflated and aligned to increase gas mileage up to 3%.
• Change your oil according to the schedule in your owner’s manual and use the manufacturer’s recommended grade. Motor oil that says “Energy Conserving” on the label contains friction-reducing additives that can improve fuel economy.
• Replace air filters regularly. Clogged filters can reduce gas mileage up to 10%.

Smart drivers know that speeding can cost you at the pump. To make the most of your gas dollar:

• Stay within posted speed limits. Gas mileage decreases at speeds above 60 miles per hour.
• Improve your mileage up to 5% by avoiding quick starts and stops. Anticipate traffic conditions and drive gently.
• Avoid unnecessary idling. It wastes fuel, costs you money, and pollutes the air. Turn off the engine if you anticipate a wait.
• Combine errands. Several short trips can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same distance.
• Use overdrive gears and cruise control when appropriate. They improve highway fuel economy.
• Remove items from your trunk. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk can reduce fuel economy by up to 2%.
• Don’t pack items on top of your car unless you have to. The wind resistance of a loaded roof rack can reduce fuel economy by 5%.

Getting Up to Speed

When gasoline prices go up, you look for ways to get better mileage from your car or truck. Whether you’re shopping for a new car or maintaining the one you have, here are some tips that will save you money.

Use the Octane Level You Need. Your owner’s manual tells you the recommended octane level [regular (usually 87 octane), mid-grade (usually 89 octane), and premium (usually 92 or 93 octane)] for your car. For most cars, that’s regular octane. Unless your engine is knocking, buying a higher octane than your car needs is pouring money down the drain.

Beware of “Gas-Saving” Gadgets. Be skeptical about devices that claim to boost your mileage. EPA has tested over 100 of them—everything from mixture “enhancers” to fuel line magnets—and none offered substantial savings. Some devices may even damage your engine or increase emissions. For more information and a list of tested products, visit the EPA’s Consumer Information website.

Consider the Alternatives.  Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) operate on fuels like methanol, ethanol, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, or electricity. Driving a car that uses an alternative fuel may reduce harmful pollutants. The law requires labels on all new AFVs to give estimated cruising range and other important information. Compare before you buy. Find out how many miles a new AFV travels on a “tank” of fuel. Some don’t go as far as gas-powered cars.