Gas Prices Rising as Summer Approaches

Gas prices are on the rise, so it is time again to review our driving habits.

SLOW DOWN! Fuel Economy.gov shows that gas mileage decreases at speeds above 60 mph. “You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas” also “Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town” as discussed on their site.

In New Jersey when on the roads it seems like the speed limit is 75 m.p.h. when it is actually 65 m.p.h. Slowing down at least to the speed limit will save you money as you use about 5% more gas for every 10 m.p.h. above 55.  Of course for some people time is money too so they may choose to drive fast.  Speeding has also has a social cost by accounting for many more accidents that end up happening.

Other ways to save at the pump:

1) Keep tires inflated properly to at least the tire manufacturers specification for the amount of weight being carried.

2) Use gas that has a cleaning additive to it or at least add your own every other tank.

3) Smoothly accelerate and learn to take your foot off the gas well in advance of the red light ahead of you to coast to it.

4) Instead of using your trunk as a storage place remove the weight of unnecessary items.

5) Lose some of your weight… if everyone lost 10lbs. of weight imagine how much gas would be saved along with better health!

6) Bike or walk instead for short trips around the corner or to the local market… not only do you save gas but you get added health benefits as well.

7) Only fill the tank to halfway as each gallon of gas weighs 7.5lbs. If you multiply that by 10 gallons it is like carrying an extra person around with you.

Fill up your tank when it is cooler out in the early AM or in the PM hours as in hot weather the gas you pump vaporizes meaning you get less in your tank.

Change the Settings to Save Money!

Just by changing the picture settings of your TV you can reduce your energy bill and save money.  Most LCD TVs shipped are factory set with same high brightness and contrast levels to make them jump out at you when viewing them at the electronics store. However, you can still set your LCD TV to optimal image settings while saving money in the process.

Set your TV’s mode to one called Standard, Cinema, or Movie. Avoid modes named Dynamic orVivid. Turn the brightness and contrast down to an acceptable level for the room it is in. For example Sony brand LCD TVs have a Power Saving setting you can set to OFF, Low, High, and Picture OFF.  So set it to High. It also has a Power Management setting to have the LCD TV save energy when there is no signal is detected saving substantial energy lost to vampire power.

When buying a new HDTV, be sure to look for a green energy LCD TV. The new Energy Star 3.0 ratings standard requires less than 1 watt of power usage when the TV is off and has a algorithm for maximum energy use based on screen size. Look for this mark on any TV or for that matter most electronic devices when you make a purchase.

One of our favorite initiatives Porchlight by OneChange now has Ed Begley Jr. as it spokesperson. See his video below:

Innovative Device which is Easy to Install for Energy Savings

The path to energy efficient lighting takes another step forward with the introduction of the Wireless Occupancy Sensor from Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
Providing a simple way to go green, the innovative sensor is specifically designed for easy installation in conference rooms, copy rooms, small offices, classrooms, living rooms, bedrooms, restrooms, and other spaces where automatic lighting shut-off is desirable.

It installs in minutes. Simply place the sensor on the ceiling and replace your standard light switch with a compatible Lutron dimmer or switch – no wiring is required to the sensor. The sensor contains front-accessible buttons for easy setup and an illuminating lens to verify ideal locations.

The sensor contains cutting-edge technology to detect fine motions and perform reliably. It has user-replaceable batteries, designed to last up to 10 years.

For flexible and scalable energy-saving retrofits, up to 10 dimmers or switches can communicate with a sensor via radio frequency, and users can add up to 3 sensors for superior coverage.

The sensor saves energy by turning lights off when a room is unoccupied. Each Lutron Wireless Occupancy Sensor can save up to $85.00 a year.* What’s more, using a compatible Lutron dimmer, with the sensor, allows you to automatically turn lights on to a dimmed level rather than to full-on, saving even more energy.

The Lutron Wireless Occupancy Sensor can be programmed to operate as an occupancy sensor (automatic-on and automatic-off functionality) or a vacancy sensor (manual-on and automatic-off functionality). A vacancy-only model is also available to meet the California Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standard requirements.

The Wireless Occupancy Sensor is compatible with the Lutron Maestro Wireless® dimmer (as well as with Maestro Wireless® switch); the Vierti® Wireless dimmer or switch; and GRAFIK Eye® QS Wireless light and shade control.

“We are very excited about this break-through product. Now homeowners, facility managers, and contractors can retrofit a space in minutes to save energy and money, without any rewiring,” says Eric Lind Director – Commercial Marketing for Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.

For more information about the new Lutron Wireless Occupancy Sensor, please visit www.lutron.com/occsensors.

*Actual savings may vary depending on use and application. Stated savings based on 1200W lighting load, 20% occupancy sensor savings, 14 operating hours per day for 250 days, and an average electricity cost of $0.102/kWh. Dimming adds additional savings.

Brochure