Archive for the ‘Home Tech’ Category

Tips For Saving Money At The Pump

Thursday, April 9th, 2009

Driving habits could affect your car’s fuel efficiency

As the economy continues to slow down, it might pay for drivers to follow suit. That’s the advice from experts who say that driving with the cruise control set to 65 mph, rather then driving aggressively and at speeds of 75 to 85, can improve fuel economy by as much as 35 percent. 
Additionally, simple things, like lightening the load in your trunk and taking luggage racks off your car to improve its aerodynamics, can improve efficiency by 21 percent.
The following ideas might help as well. They come from Edmunds.com, which offers tips on saving fuel, keeping your car well maintained and getting the most out of your vehicle: 
  • Cut The AC—Driving with the windows open instead of using the air conditioner can boost fuel economy by 9.5 percent. 
  • Drop The Tailgate—In a test run by the Web site, driving a pickup truck with the tailgate down (with cruise control set for 65 mph) brought a 1 percent improvement in fuel economy.
  • Don’t Idle—A car gets zero miles per gallon while it sits motionless with the engine running. 
  • Plan Your Trips—Since engines don’t operate at maximum efficiency until warmed up, try to map out your errands so that you drive to your farthest destination first and then make your other stops on the way home. Driving two or three miles and then stopping and letting the car cool down before making another short trip wastes fuel. 
  • Stay On Top Of Maintenance—Out-of-spec suspension alignments, clogged air filters and underinflated tires cut fuel efficiency. Be sure to bring your car in for regular maintenance, especially if the “check engine light” is on. 
As a final tip, remember to follow maintenance recommendations in your car’s owner’s manual. Something as basic as adding heavier-weight oil, like 10W-40 rather than the automaker-recommended 10W-20, can affect fuel efficiency.

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Breathe New Digital Life Into Your Old TV

Friday, February 13th, 2009

When selecting a digital TV converter box, look for a converter that offers features like access to closed captioning right on the remote control

(NAPS)—With only a short time left before TV channels go all digital, many people are wondering if it’s better to upgrade an old TV or replace it with a newer model. 

Consumers who receive their local broadcast stations through a paid provider such as cable or satellite TV are already prepared for the DTV transition. Those who rely on free, over-the-air television programming by using rooftop antenna or “rabbit ears” on their sets can either purchase a digital television or purchase a digital-to-analog converter box so they can continue to receive free, over-the-air programming.

The federal government is offering $40 discount coupons for consumer purchase of Digital TV converter boxes. Coupons can be requested at www.DTV2009.gov or by calling 1-888-DTV-2009. 

Consumers who rely on closed-captioning services have expressed concern about how the digital-to-analog converter boxes will work and whether consumers will continue to receive that service.

A reliable digital-to-analog converter box can also generate and display digital closed captions that offer choices for size and color of the on-screen type. One of the better models, according to many product reviewers, is the Zenith DTT901 converter box.

“One of our biggest concerns during the transition to all-digital TV broadcasting is how manufacturers of converter boxes would accommodate people with disabilities,” said Jenifer Simpson, senior director of telecommunications & technology policy for the American Association of People with Disabilities.

Setting up the converter involves connecting an antenna, putting the included battery in the remote control and connecting the box to the TV’s antenna input. A channel scan can be accomplished in seconds. 

To learn more, visit www.Zenith.com/dtv.

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