Energy Saving Tips
$ Your Wallet Will Welcome the Change $

·         Maximizing Your Tank of Gas

·         Saving Water, Saving Money

·         Finding the Cheapest Gas in Town

·         Turning On the Affordable Light To Your Electric Bill

Now more than ever, Oregonians are feeling the financial pinch from skyrocketing energy costs. To alleviate the burden to both our pocketbooks and the environment, we must drive America into a future of clean, affordable and domestically produced energy. Whether it’s authoring laws to set new fuel efficiency standards for vehicles, securing investments for renewable energy or working to deliver green education opportunities and jobs to Oregon, Senator Smith is committed to putting America on a swift path to green energy.

Below are some helpful ways you can reduce your energy costs. Although it may seem like a small step, reducing your energy consumption can help your home and our nation move closer to a greener future, both environmentally and economically.

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Maximizing Your Tank of Gas

Lighten your load. Removing excess weight from your vehicle can save you money at the pump. An extra 100 pounds in your car could reduce your gas mileage by two percent. Clear those unneeded items out to stretch your gas tank.

Drive the speed limit. It's proven to keep your tank full longer. The faster you go, the more gas you’re going to burn. Gas mileage rapidly decreases over 60 mph and every five mph you drive over 60 mph on the highway can reduce your car’s gas mileage by 7 to 23 percent.

Keep your car aerodynamic.  The less drag your car has, the better your gas mileage will be.  Remove carriers and bike racks from the roof, and attach them to the back of your vehicle instead.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated.  Driving without fully inflated tires can cost you. The US Dept. of Energy estimates properly inflated tires can improve your mileage by around 3.3 percent. To ensure your tires have enough air, buy an air pressure gauge to carry with you in your car. Most gas stations provide air at little or no cost.  

Check your air filter.  Driving with a dirty air filter can increase gas mileage by up to 10 percent, which equates to adding about 28 cents to each gallon of gas you buy. This simple maintenance step could really add up.

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Saving Water, Saving Money

Save water in the bathroom and kitchen. Turn off the water while you shampoo and condition your hair and brush your teeth. This can save more than 50 gallons a week. Also running your dishwasher only when it is full can cut down on significantly on your water use.

Water your lawn only when it needs it. Step on your grass. If it springs back when you lift your foot, it doesn't need water. So set your sprinklers for more days in between watering – it can save 750 to 1,500 gallons per month.

Rock your John! Put a plastic bottle or a plastic bag weighted with pebbles and filled with water in your toilet tank. Displacing water in this manner allows you to use less water with each flush – it can save 5 to 10 gallons a day. That's up to 300 gallons a month.

Keep a bottle of water in the refrigerator. This beats the wasteful habit of running tap water to cool it for drinking. This can save 200 to 300 gallons of water a month.

Set lawn mower blades one notch higher. Longer grass means less evaporation – it can save 500 to 1,500 gallons of water each month.

Dispose of hazardous materials properly. One quart of oil can contaminate 250,000 gallons of water, effectively eliminating that much water from our water supply. Contact your city or county for proper waste disposal options.

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Finding the Cheapest Gas in Town

Looking for the lowest priced gas in town? The AAA fuel price finder allows you to put in your zip code and you are instantly given a list of fuel prices in your area. With gas at more than $4 a gallon, you can’t afford not to use this helpful tool.  

Not sure if you can afford that summer road trip? Budgeting for your trip is a breeze with the AAA trip cost calculator. Simply fill out the information and within seconds you will have an accurate estimate of the cost of your trip. 

Interested in other ways you can drive green? Click here to find out more.

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Turning On the Affordable Light To Your Electric Bill

Efficient Lighting

·         Light your home with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CLFs). Unlike incandescent bulbs, these bulbs use only one-fourth of the energy and can save you around 50 percent on your lighting costs. Make sure to dispose of CLF's properly. 

·         Use motion or occupancy sensors that automatically turn on or off. This reduces energy waste by lighting only the rooms you’re using.  For outdoor lighting, use a photocell unit or a motion detector to conserve energy. 

·         Look for Energy Star. These labeled lighting fixtures will ensure you are maximizing your energy savings. 

·         Consider three-way lamps. Using lower levels of lighting can save you money on your energy bill. 

Cooling Down Without Getting Burned with Extra Costs

·         Install your air conditioner in the shade.  It is a fact that units placed in direct sunlight use more energy.

·         Clean the air filter regularly.  Dirty filters can make your air conditioner work harder and expend more energy.

·         Don’t cool unused areas in your home. Close doors and shut off registers so you’re only using energy where it’s needed.

·         Install ceiling fans when possible.  These fans cost much less and cool faster than air conditioning units. 

·         Use an interior fan in combination with your window air conditioner. Fans can spread cool air more efficiently through your home without a huge impact on your energy use. 

·         Be conscious of what you place near your a/c thermostat.  Appliances placed near your thermostat give off heat which causes your air conditioner to run longer than necessary.  

Appliances and Electronics