Already-Soaring Gas Prices Make Energy Efficiency an Apt Way to Honor Earth Day

Washington, D.C. April 19, 2011 – Now in its fifth decade, Earth Day reminds consumers confronted with spiking gasoline prices that energy efficiency can help them “green” the planet while keeping more “green” in their pockets, says the Alliance to Save Energy.

And, the Alliance advises, the 41st observance of Earth Day also is a good time to start boning up on energy-efficient lighting in anticipation of the phase-out of inefficient products from the market beginning January 2012.

Gas prices currently average about $3.80 a gallon nationwide – having jumped 20 cents in a recent two-week period – and experts are predicting that gas prices will soon match the July 2008 record of $4.11 and perhaps reach $5 in California by Memorial Day, the traditional start of the summer driving season.

In addition, a particularly harsh winter in some parts of the country resulted in a 2.5% national increase in heating costs for the season just ended, according to data from the government’s Energy Information Administration.

“Consumers still reeling from high winter heating bills are now being pinched by spiraling prices at the pump,” noted Alliance President Kateri Callahan. “But fuel efficiency measures and energy efficiency steps around the house can ease the burden of high energy prices.”

Callahan continued, “The Alliance has calculated that the average U.S. household will spend about $3,425 to power its vehicles this year. That amount, coupled with about $2,175 for home energy costs, comes to total household energy expenses of about $5,600 – a burdensome amount for many Americans. But energy efficiency can cut those costs significantly.”

In the spirit of Earth Day, which launched the modern environmental movement and created a global commitment to environmental sustainability, the Alliance provides these energy efficiency tips for vehicles and homes:

On the Road:

• Drive smarter. Speeding, rapid acceleration and rapid braking can lower gas mileage by 33% at highway speeds. By driving sensibly, you can save as much as $1.25 per gallon of gasoline (based on an assumed fuel price of $3.79/gallon).
• Drive slower. Gas mileage usually decreases rapidly above 60 miles per hour. Each five mph over 60 is like paying an additional 24 cents per gallon for gas.
• Use cruise control. Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas and money.
• Engage the overdrive gear. With overdrive gearing, your car’s engine speed goes down, saving gas and reducing engine wear.
• Beat the traffic. When possible, drive during off-peak hours to avoid stop-and-go or bumper-to-bumper traffic conditions, thereby reducing both gas costs and stress.
• For more energy efficient driving tips, visit the Drive $marter Challenge and LivingEfficiently.Org’s On the Go section.

At Home:

• Use energy-saving lightbulbs. Replace old incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient options such as compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), which will save you up to $50 in electricity costs over the lifetime of each bulb even taking into account their higher purchase price. Other options include new energy-efficient incandescent bulbs that use halogen technology or cutting-edge light emitting diodes (LEDs).
• Pack heavy. Washers, dishwashers and clothes dryers and are energy-guzzling appliances – and the first two consume a lot of water! To reduce environmental impact, don’t wash laundry or dishes until you have a full load. When possible, wash clothes in cold water, and air dry clothes and dishes.
• Don’t waste AC in an empty house. Warm weather usually means high utility bills to cool your house. When you’re not at home, turn up the thermostat a few degrees and close your blinds to keep it cool. You can save as much as 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills by simply turning your thermostat back 10% to 15% for eight hours a day. Make it easy by using an Energy Star qualified programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature when you’re away, while allowing you to return to a comfortable house.
• Upgrade and save. Now that the 2010 tax season is over, let Uncle Sam give you a 2011 tax break of up to $500 for energy efficiency home improvements such as Energy Star windows, insulation or highly efficient heating and cooling equipment. Get all the details on the Alliance’s website at http://ase.org/efficiencynews/can-i-get-tax-credit.
• Plant a Tree. Carefully positioned trees can reduce a home’s energy use year-round. The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service says that according to one government study, winter heating bills may be reduced by as much as 15%, while summer cooling energy needs may be cut by as much as 50%. And tree-planting is a terrific way to mark Earth Day!
• For more energy efficient tips for your home, visit LivingEfficiently.Org’s At Home section.