Tips for Your Gas Tank

Although governments have done their best to keep the price of gasoline down, it teeters at an all-time high. Hybrid and electric cars are more prominent on the road, yet still haven’t matched the price-point of their gasoline counterparts. So besides trading their vehicles in, what can drivers do to cut down on their trips to the pump?

1.  Never top off your tank! People like to round to the nearest whole number because it looks cleaner, but in reality, topping off is a huge waste of energy. Once you hear the nozzle click, that’s your key to stop! The additional gas you pump will only go to waste.

2.  Make sure your gas cap is screwed on tight. Every year, more than 140 million gallons of gasoline are wasted due to evaporation. After refueling, make sure your gas cap is screwed on tight to prevent fuel from leaking and/or evaporating.

3.  If you own a garage, use it for your car! Don’t use it for storage. Don’t become a hoarder. Throw out your old junk and make room. Keeping your car parked in a covered area will keep it warm during the winter and cool during the summer, cutting down on how much you have to use the heater and AC.

4.  Don’t own a garage? That’s OK! Just make sure you keep your car parked in a shady area. Even consider buying a windshield shade to block out the sun. The summer heat can really put a lot of stress on your car’s engine. Not to mention make your interior and unbearable oven. Really – who likes getting into a car that’s been sitting out in the sun all day?

5.  Don’t wait until you see the “Check Engine” light before checking your engine. Make sure it has enough oil. Antifreeze. Regular car maintenance will save you hundreds of dollars at the pump. Pay a little now. Save a lot later.

6.  While you’re under the hood, take a peek at your engine’s air filters. Over time, they get clogged with dirt and grime, which forces your engine to consume more fuel. By replacing your air filters every 3,000 miles, you can reduce your fuel consumption by 10%, saving up to 15 cents a gallon.

7.  When’s the last time you checked your tires? I bet you didn't know that under-inflated tires force your engine to exert more energy, thus guzzling more gas. Take the time to stroll around your vehicle. Kick the tires. If one feels a little flat (you can tell by the awkward thump), go and and get some air!

You’ll be surprised at how little you have to stop at the pump next month. Follow NRGLab at nrglab.asia for more information on what we’re doing to improve gasification processes and fuel-efficiency. Join us, and support a better future.

Cut costs and energy consumption in 10 easy steps

You don’t have to take drastic measures in order to adapt to the energy and climate crises. By adhering to these 10 simple steps, you’ll cut down on your carbon footprint while simultaneously shredding your monthly utility bills!

It doesn’t take expensive solar panel instillation to do it, either. Just take a little bit of time out of your day, walk around your home, and consider the following:

1. Set your thermostat to 78° Fahrenheit (about 25 C°). It’s a low-energy yet comfortable temperature that’s sure to save you big bucks during those long, sultry summer months.
2. If you’re running the air conditioner, make sure the windows and doors are all closed. Waste not, want not, as they say.
3. Make sure those vents aren’t being blocked. A lot of times (often for feng shui), people will unknowingly position furniture against the AC vents. This restricts the flow of cool air throughout your home, forcing you to run the unit longer.
4. Another common decorating mistake – make sure your TV, lamps, and heat-emitting appliances are positioned away from the thermostat. They have a tendency of tricking the AC into thinking it’s hotter than it actually is.
5. Did you know that your water heater is generally your third largest energy expense? Turning it down just a few degrees will help you save money consistently month-to-month.
6. Washing your clothes in cold water instead of hot will pocket you an extra hundred dollars or so every year. Also, stashing a dry towel in the dryer with each load of freshly washed clothes reduces drying time by absorbing dampness. That means running the dryer less. Using less water. Less energy.
7. Microwaveable TV dinners – not so bad after all! The microwave oven uses about ½ as much energy as a convention one. So don’t feel bad the next time it takes you five minutes to cook dinner. Feel like you’re being responsible.
8. Vacuum your refrigerator? Sounds a bit ridiculous, I’ll admit. But when dirt and grime build up in your fridge’s coils, it has to work twice as hard to keep your food cold.
9. If you haven’t brewed coffee, played video games, or watched TV in a while – unplug your appliances! Surprisingly, many consume electricity even when they’re off.
10. Have an attic? A basement? Even a crawlspace? Inspect your insulation regularly to make sure that it’s dry. When moisture seeps in, it greatly impacts the insulation’s effectiveness. Cold air leaks out during the summer, and in during the winter, making it very difficult to stay warm or cool (depending on the season).

Well, there you have it. 10 easy steps to reducing costs and energy consumption. And remember, when it comes to global warming – we’re all in this together. So take the time to make sure you’re being as energy-efficient as possible. Tell a friend. Make a difference.

As Gandhi once said, “If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. We need not wait to see what others do.”