Make sure your tires are properly inflated. According to www.gasbuddy.com, a single tire under-inflated by 2 PSI increases fuel consumption by 1percent.

Get regular oil changes and fluid checks, and make sure you've got clear air and fuel filters. Dirty air filters, old spark plugs or low fluid levels can contribute to poor fuel economy.

Use the air conditioner conservatively, using the "economy" or "recirculation" setting, which reduces the amount of hot outside air that must be chilled.

Don't drive over the speed limit, and do use cruise control to maintain a constant speed. Driving 62 mph versus 75 mph will reduce fuel consumption by about 15 percent.

Don't drive with a lead foot: accelerating or braking hard uses a lot more gas. Slow, steady driving can increase your fuel economy by as much as 20 percent.

Ask the Carey Brothers: Cleaning vinyl siding

Q. I have a small, portable one-room air conditioner that I've used for several years. Now, some of the grease has leaked from the rear of the unit onto the vinyl siding of my house. How do I clean it off?

A. Always try soap and water first or the cleaner that is recommended. Having said that, and because the grease you're describing is probably a petrochemical based material (not silicone), it can probably best be cleaned using something like gasoline or acetone.

First, make sure there are no flames or sparks nearby, and turn off and disconnect any nearby appliances that could spark while you're working. No smoking during this project.

Then, simply put a very small amount of gasoline onto the rag and wipe. The stain will disappear.
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Watsco, Incorporated Earnings Conference Call (Q4 2007)

Watsco, Inc., along with its subsidiaries, distributes air conditioning, heating, refrigeration equipment, and related parts and supplies in the United States. Its products primarily comprise residential central air conditioners; light commercial air conditioners; gas, electric, and oil furnaces; commercial air conditioning and heating equipment and systems; and other specialized equipment. The company also offers various parts, including replacement compressors, evaporator coils, motors, and other component parts; and supplies consisting of thermostats, insulation material, refrigerants, ductwork, grills, registers, sheet metal, tools, copper tubing, concrete pads, tape, adhesives, and other ancillary supplies. Watsco operates through approximately 380 locations in 32 states. It distributes its products to contractors and dealers who service the replacement and new construction markets.

Volcanic gas crimps Crater Rim Drive

HILO » Dangerously high levels of sulfur dioxide gas in a small but popular area of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park have officials warning visitors to stay in their cars with their air conditioner on re-circulation and to just drive through that area.

The main area affected is a 5-mile stretch of Crater Rim Drive on the downwind, south side of Kilauea caldera. That means no stopping at a popular parking area at the beginning of a short path to Halemaumau Crater overlook.

"Area closed due to dangerous volcanic gas. Stay in your car!" yellow-and-black warning signs say.

The greatest danger is to babies and children, pregnant women and people with asthma or heart conditions, said spokeswoman Mardie Lane.

FULL STORY »

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Cosmic chic 2010

The scramble to be the first to put ordinary tourists in space is on. While private space pioneers paid $20-million for the privilege of spending a week at the International Space Station, those who have a mere $200 000 to spare can set their sights on an hour or so in sub-orbital space as soon as next year. But what to wear for the occasion when you walk up, or down, the gantry and have the eyes -- and perhaps cameras -- of the world upon you? Orbital Outfitters has the answer: the IS3C, the first commercially available sub-orbital space suit. The suit was designed by Chris Gilman, a Hollywood special effects guru who has designed spacesuits for movies such as Space Cowboys and Deep Impact. Gilman is backed by a team of aeronautical engineers and space-medicine experts. Orbital Outfitters (OO) is one of a slew of small companies in the “New Space" movement, often staffed by ex-Nasa scientists determined to see many people in space in the next decade.