Tips from Angie


Red-hot ways to save green this summer

Everyone is looking for ways to ditch unnecessary expenses this summer. Major appliances suck the most energy — so start making a few minor adjustments to your air conditioner, water heater and refrigerator. By combining those with smart driving habits, you'll save your business a nice chunk of cash, without sacrificing anything drastic.

  • Only keep your office as cool as you need to this summer. Each degree you go below 78 degrees increases your energy consumption by about 8 percent. So, if your monthly electric bill is $100, you can save $8 a month for each degree you go above 78.

  • If there are hours when nobody is in your office, consider getting a programmable thermostat. The thermostat will cost between $100 and $150, but it will pay for itself after a few months of keeping the temperature right where it should be at all times: higher when the office isn't in use, lower when it is.

  • When's the last time you checked your air filters? A dirty air filter will cause your a/c to run less efficiently, so by replacing your air filters you'll save the cost of making your air conditioner work harder for the same results. Check your filter every other month for optimal efficiency.

  • By lowering your water heater base temperature to 120 degrees, you'll notice the savings in your water bill without noticing the actual drop in water temperature.

  • If you have a refrigerator in your office, make sure to clean the condenser coils at least once a year. You should also check the door seals to make sure they're airtight, and make sure your temperature settings are within the recommended 37-40 degrees zone. In the freezer, make sure it's about 5 degrees.

  • Combining errands, estimates or minor jobs into one trip can save a ton of gas. Several short trips, each taken from "home base" can use twice as much fuel as one trip of the same distance taken when the engine is warm.

  • Your tires and air filters should be checked regularly to ensure optimal performance. Air filters protect your engine and can improve gas mileage up to 10 percent, and properly inflated and aligned tires can keep your fuel consumption right where it should be.

  • If your vehicle requires a certain type of oil, make sure your mechanic knows. Using different or wrong motor oil can lower your gas mileage by 1 percent to 2 percent.