Questions and Answers on How to Save Gas and Home Energy

Saving money and energy is something that everyone thinks about with the cost of living going up and the growing concern surrounding conserving natural resources. Gas prices continue to soar and even when the price of gas goes down, it's still higher than it was just a few years ago. However, there are things that you can do to save on the gasoline that you use and on the energy you consume in your home.

There are so many rumors mixed in with the truth when it comes to saving energy and fuel that it can be difficult to determine what is true and what is not. To help you distinguish between what will actually save you energy and gas and which things are just rumors passed down through the years, here are a few of the most common questions and answers that consumers have:

Question: Will turning your thermostat up a few degrees in the summer or down in the winter actually save energy when heating and cooling your home?

Answer: Yes it will, especially if your home is well insulated. The recommended temperature to set your thermostat is between 78 and 82 in the summer and 68 and 72 in the winter. Keeping your thermostat in this range will keep your home comfortable but reduce the amount of work the unit has to do in order to maintain this temperature. As a result, it will save both energy and money.

Question: Will replacing the windows in your home help save on the amount of energy you consume?

Answer: If the windows in your home are old and leaking air then yes, it will make a difference. Many of the older homes still have the single panned windows that allow heat and air to escape. When replacing your windows, look for the Energy Star ones because they're more efficient than other types.

Question: Is it necessary to insulate your basement and crawlspaces?

Answer: Yes, it is necessary when you want to save as much energy as possible. Basements and crawlspaces that are improperly insulated can lead to heat loss, which ultimately uses more energy.

Question: Can poorly installed ductwork use more energy?

Answer: Yes, it will. When the ductwork in the home is poorly installed, it allows heat and air to escape and this forces the unit to work harder, which uses more energy.

Question: Can the air pressure in your tires make your vehicle use more gasoline?

Answer: Yes it can. When the air pressure is too low or high it puts more strain on the engine and uses more fuel. It's recommended that you check the air pressure in your tires regularly and add or release air when needed to keep it at the correct level.

Question: Will the money you spend for a tune up actually save you money in the end?

Answer: Keeping your vehicle tuned up will help the engine run more smoothly, which in turn will use less gasoline. Over time, the gas you save can more than pay for the tune-up especially if you do a lot of driving.

Question: Will allowing your vehicle to idle use less fuel than turning your engine off and right back on in a few minutes?

Answer: No. Anytime that you idle your vehicle for longer than 30 seconds, you'll use more gas than if you turned it off and back on again. However, never turn your vehicle off when sitting at stoplights or stop signs because this can hinder the flow of traffic and cause accidents.

Question: Will parking your vehicle in the sun cause the gasoline to evaporate?

Answer: If you vehicle is an older model from the seventies or earlier, then the sun can cause the gasoline to evaporate. However, newer model vehicles are designed to prevent evaporating as long as the gas caps fit properly and are on correctly.

Question: Does using premium gasoline increase gas mileage?

Answer: Premium gasoline has a higher-octane level, which is needed in many of the newer vehicles. Running it in these vehicles will prevent the engine from knocking and pinging, which will cause less strain on the engine and this could ultimately lower fuel consumption. However, if your vehicle doesn't recommend using premium gas, then it probably won't make any difference.

Learning the difference between facts and rumors will help you save gas, money and energy.