Gas prices aren't the only commodity hit hard by Hurricane Katrina. Supplies of natural gas, used to help generate electricity, also have been disrupted. Here are some tips to conserve both at the pump and at home:
By TIMES STAFF
Published September 1, 2005
SAVING GASOLINE
Avoid topping off your tank.
Drive more slowly. The 20 miles per gallon you get at 55 mph becomes only 16 mpg or less at 75 mph.
Remove extra weight from the car.
Avoid using roof racks and remove when not in use.
Use cruise control on highway trips.
For any stop lasting more than a minute, shut off the engine.
Using the air conditioner when driving more than 40 mph uses less fuel than having windows open.
Underinflated tires can decrease fuel economy.
Carpool if possible.
Combine errands to reduce the number of trips.
SAVING ELECTRICITY
Set your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher.
Change air conditioner filters monthly.
Use clothes washers, dryers and dishwashers during off-peak hours (before noon or after 6 p.m.).
Use ceiling and portable fans to keep air moving.
Close blinds, drapes and shades during the hottest part of the day.
Take showers instead of baths, and regulate the temperature by decreasing the amount of cold water instead of adding hot water.
Clean the coils of your refrigerator.
Fix leaky gaskets on your refrigerator door.
Use your microwave or counter-top appliances instead of oven or stove.
Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents.
Plug home computers, TVs and VCRs into power strips and turn power strips off when equipment is not in use.
-- Sources: Progress Energy, Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
