Year: 2021

Warehouse Management Systems: Making Warehouses Small Enough for Management

Big, spacious, and vital these three words are some in a laundry list of adjectives that properly describes a warehouse. Every product that comes from an adjacent town, a neighboring state, or from across the ocean first lands on this gargantuan storage facility. From there, warehouse staff coordinates the flow of goods to be distributed to retail stores and other establishments.

Modern warehouses rarely use pen and paper to accomplish inventory tasks. Instead, they have sophisticated management system software that lets them cover more ground while allowing for close monitoring of the flow of goods. Considering their size, if it takes wheels to carry goods in and out of the warehouse, it also takes wheels to go around. Walking from one end of the warehouse to the other end wastes precious time and energy for the workers.

An integrated system of computers and scanning machines keep track of what is in storage, what is being moved, what has to move and what needs to arrive. The system does the work of roughly the entire warehouse staff taking inventory of endless rows of goods, finishing the job in less time. Warehouse management systems account for a significant portion of potential profit for the retail establishments as well as the warehouse itself. To put it figuratively, it makes the warehouse small.

Moving goods in large quantities may prove to be a challenge without warehouse management systems helping workers. Even if such systems are designed to reduce labor costs, the human factor is still a significant element of warehouse management. Goods will not scan and register by themselves, as warehouse workers have to do such tasks with portable scanners. The code for each marked item is sent to the computer for indexing and monitoring.

Warehouse software for goods management also has another benefit: ensuring that the orders are correct. Since there can be no room for error when deliveries need to be made, the system helps workers in locating the correct item for shipping. The system significantly lowers human error in distribution of goods, equivalent to more profit. With warehouse software, the tomatoes a retail store orders will not end up as potatoes.

It is possible for a huge facility to be managed by small but powerful warehouse management systems. When deliveries grow hectic, trust this innovative system to make every delivery fast and right at the same time. In the future, warehouses will still be the drop-off points for more goods. Fortunately, warehouse management software can still get the job done no matter how much it needs to work.…

How to Save on Home Heating Oil

Many homes these days still use home heating oil to keep their houses warm in the wintertime, as well as to heat the water in their hot water tank or for their washer and dishwasher. As everyone has probably noticed, anything that is made of an oil product has been going up in price on almost a daily basis.

The cost of your home heating oil depends on the cost of crude oil are, so the higher the price then the higher oil costs will be. Because of this, it behooves home owners who use heating oil to do what they can to save money. With just a little effort you can save between five and 10 percent on your oil costs.

There are a lot of ways you can save on your home heating bills. Some of these include things like checking your home for leaking cold air from the outside, especially if your home is old. Most people remember to check their storm windows for leaks, but did you also think about the crack under your doors? A lot of air can get through this seemingly small area. You can block the flow of cold air with a rolled up towel or a draft snake laid up against the door threshold.

Another place you might not think to check for air leaks is your electric wall or light switches. You can put insulation behind these to cut down on the flow of air.

It’s also a good idea to change the air filters in your furnace monthly so it has a clean filter. If the filter is dirty, the air is blocked and your furnace will have to work harder to heat your home, thus causing you to use more home oil.

Another simple trick is just to turn down your thermostat at night on both your home and on your oil-fired hot water heater. Remember, the furnace isn’t the only gadget in your home that may use home heating oil. You can buy a programmable thermostat for this so you don’t have to remember it yourself. Or, try washing your clothes in cold water more so you use less home heating oil.

Another good way to save money on home heating oil is to have a professional cleaning and inspection done every year on your furnace and your oil burner. If it’s clean, it will run much more efficiently. You can also call your utility provider and ask for a home energy audit, these are usually free and can give you some good recommendations on saving on energy, and thus using less home oil.

These simple tips and tricks could save you hundreds of dollars on your home heating oil because you will be using less of it. Besides these ideas, you can also try shopping around to see which company can give you the best price per gallon in your area. You can usually find this information on their …

Warehouse Automation After the Recession

It’s not a big secret, from the common man to the business industry that the recession has hurt them all. Through those lean times, companies of all sizes found that they were making changes, scaling back and even losing well more than anticipated. When the economy moves to a slump it hurts, from the smallest to the largest, with everyone else being caught in between. Now they say that when the bottom is hit there is only one way to travel and that is up. As the economy begins to show signs of growth and life, companies are finding that their phones are ringing, orders are coming in and profits are beginning to once again come through. Along with this, comes another change! For those looking to roll with the change, improve their competitive edge and even take their company to the next level they should really look at their warehouse operations! Yes, that’s right, the warehouse processes. Here’s a little more about why:

Turning The Focus; Turns On Greater Profits

Whether a company realizes it or not the warehouse and all of its operations are the profit backbone. This is where orders are filled, products, parts and pieces are stored and profits can be diminished if the company is not careful. The time that those products sit in that warehouse are lost money, as they are occupying space and not providing income to the company. Automating all of the warehouses process not only speeds the process, but also improves the operation, allowing for additional growth. Large warehouse operations have found that without warehouse management systems, they find holes in productivity. Those holes lead to errors, inefficient employees, wasted space, improper inventory levels as well as a ton of more issues. So, what should a company do?

Hire A Professional

Hiring a system integrator to review the warehouse processes can quickly detail the areas where the company needs improvement. This information allows for a movement away from ineffective or costly processes toward productivity, therefore meaning a better run operation. We all know that more productivity leads to increased profits! These professionals will look at processes such as inventory storage, order processing, kitting operations, order picking and replenishment. From that information they will determine how a warehouse management system could influence productivity as well as profit levels. These guys have the background to help warehouse operations from the largest giants to the smallest mom and pop run operations, meaning that everyone stands the chance of a leading edge, greater profits and a smoother run operation.…

Why Invest in Warehouse Management Software?

During a recession, businesses are often concerned with cutting costs and staying within budgetary guidelines. One of the best methods for securing company dollars is by acquiring an efficient Warehouse Management System (WMS). Though software may be costly to purchase, long-term savings are significant. Warehouse Management Software cuts cost and generates profit by improving warehouse operations such as shipping/receiving, inventory tracking, order replenishment and space management.

Shipping/Receiving: Choose Warehouse Management Software that includes inventory shipping and receiving functionality if you are a small or mid-sized warehouse. This function provides knowledge of when goods or materials are received, picked, put away, moved, inventoried or shipped. Does the Shipping feature allow integration with UPS WorldShip or FedEx? Having the integrated feature would save time by eliminating the need to rekey shipping addresses each time an order is shipped out. A receiving component allows order validation to decrease errors that could occur during the inventory receiving process. Imagine how quickly inventory errors would lead to increased expenditure.

Inventory tracking: The warehouse inventory function provides an inside view for goods moved within the warehouse after a physical inventory count is performed. This inventory component tracks goods to a designated location. Also know who has moved an item and the time the transaction was completed. Do you also have a need for lot, expiration date and serial number tracking? If this requirement is an important feature for you, this functionality is available in select warehouse inventory software systems.

Order Replenishment: Another key factor to cutting cost is avoiding inventory overages or shortages. A good warehouse application should allow you to know what inventory you have on hand, instantly. Knowing what materials are available avoids ordering more than you need, and knowing exactly when you need to restock. Some warehouse inventory systems integrate with QuickBooks so that you have a complete order management system.

Space Management: Software features such as sequenced pick and put away, basic cubing, and replenishment and zone picking help organize the inventory receiving process.

Through the use of efficient warehouse management, you will know what goods are received and shipped, which items are readily available, when you should reorder and storage space availability. These WMS features eliminate the need for tracking inventory via paper, so waste is reduced to further decrease the overall cost of running a warehouse. Reduced cost over time resulting from better inventory control equals a very good return on investment.…

How To Determine Whether Material Handling Systems Might Help Increase Your Productivity

Whether you are involved in manufacturing, shipping, or just handle any kind of large volume, you are always looking for ways to make your processing more efficient. After all, greater efficiency means more volume in less time, which means more overall profits. One way to help reduce waste and improve the overall performance of your facilities is by improving current material handling systems, replacing warehouse management systems, or installing new automated conveyor systems if none are in use. How do you know if your setup might be made more efficient? Follow these tips and find out.

Do You Have A Strategic Material Handling System?

Was there a lot of thought put into how things travel around your facility? If you are like many companies, the answer to that question is a definite no. Things were simply thrown together and put into place as needed, with relatively little strategic direction. As a result, things are almost certainly not as efficient as they could be. You likely have runs going in all kinds of different directions, and a lot more overall conveyor yardage than would be required, resulting in longer travel times. Streamlining this will almost certainly assist with overall productivity.

Is Your Automated Conveyor System Old?

If you haven’t considered updating your system in some time, it is likely that there is better technology available. Older styles still function, but they’re higher maintenance and often less efficient. They waste resources, which makes them suboptimal. If you’ve had your current setup in place for more than 10 years, you should strongly consider looking at newer options.

Has Your Stock Changed?

Companies naturally grow and develop over time. The products or goods that were once circulating around your factory may have changed slightly, substantially, or entirely. If this is the case, even something that was once custom designed to suit your space and your product may no longer be functioning at peak efficiency. There is a lot of design that goes into this kind of setup. If it’s designed for a lighter load than it needs to bear, inefficiency results. Likewise, if it’s bearing a lighter load than it was designed for, it won’t run properly. In fact, if it’s bearing a heavier load, it is taking a lot more strain than it was designed to and will likely experience increased breakdowns and high requirements for maintenance. These issues are resolved easily by considering updates.

Is Something Just Not Working?

If you notice a pervasive problem with a part (or multiple parts) in your chain, it’s probably time to re-evaluate everything. There are a lot of points of potential failure in even the best structures. If you’re noticing one acting up, it is likely that there are more just getting ready to show themselves. Make notes of anything that doesn’t run smoothly so you’re prepared to address it swiftly.

These are not the only signs indicating that replacing warehouse management systems …

How To Determine Whether Material Handling Systems Might Help Increase Your Productivity

Whether you are involved in manufacturing, shipping, or just handle any kind of large volume, you are always looking for ways to make your processing more efficient. After all, greater efficiency means more volume in less time, which means more overall profits. One way to help reduce waste and improve the overall performance of your facilities is by improving current material handling systems, replacing warehouse management systems, or installing new automated conveyor systems if none are in use. How do you know if your setup might be made more efficient? Follow these tips and find out.

Do You Have A Strategic Material Handling System?

Was there a lot of thought put into how things travel around your facility? If you are like many companies, the answer to that question is a definite no. Things were simply thrown together and put into place as needed, with relatively little strategic direction. As a result, things are almost certainly not as efficient as they could be. You likely have runs going in all kinds of different directions, and a lot more overall conveyor yardage than would be required, resulting in longer travel times. Streamlining this will almost certainly assist with overall productivity.

Is Your Automated Conveyor System Old?

If you haven’t considered updating your system in some time, it is likely that there is better technology available. Older styles still function, but they’re higher maintenance and often less efficient. They waste resources, which makes them suboptimal. If you’ve had your current setup in place for more than 10 years, you should strongly consider looking at newer options.

Has Your Stock Changed?

Companies naturally grow and develop over time. The products or goods that were once circulating around your factory may have changed slightly, substantially, or entirely. If this is the case, even something that was once custom designed to suit your space and your product may no longer be functioning at peak efficiency. There is a lot of design that goes into this kind of setup. If it’s designed for a lighter load than it needs to bear, inefficiency results. Likewise, if it’s bearing a lighter load than it was designed for, it won’t run properly. In fact, if it’s bearing a heavier load, it is taking a lot more strain than it was designed to and will likely experience increased breakdowns and high requirements for maintenance. These issues are resolved easily by considering updates.

Is Something Just Not Working?

If you notice a pervasive problem with a part (or multiple parts) in your chain, it’s probably time to re-evaluate everything. There are a lot of points of potential failure in even the best structures. If you’re noticing one acting up, it is likely that there are more just getting ready to show themselves. Make notes of anything that doesn’t run smoothly so you’re prepared to address it swiftly.

These are not the only signs indicating that replacing warehouse management systems …

The Best Time To Make a Change

If you say you want to change but then take no action you really don’t want to change. Is it really that simple? What do you think?

Upwardly mobile people are always getting new input in the form of new knowledge and information. This new input can fuel the fire of change or plant the seed of starting down the path of making a change.

Here’s a personal example then we’ll talk business…

What if someone realizes a particular habit or way of life is causing them to gain weight? If they learn a new (to them) idea for staying fit and because of this input they start down a path of “change” this is an example of mental input affecting physical reality.

For many years I operated a business that kept me on my feet and forced me to remain active without thinking about it. When my life changed and I made a transition to a new business that did not keep me active physically active I started to pack on the pounds.

At just twenty-nine I ended up with a “spar-tire.” It was depressing. I had been physically fit since my early teens and now I had blubber around my waist. What did I do? Two simple things really…

1. I cut out most sweets. Three times per week I’d eat a do-nut or piece of cake with my mid morning coffee. I replaced that bad habit. I eat fruit as a mid-morning snack now.

2. Next I learned that multiple “exercise” sessions during the course of the day do wonders to burn fat and keep your metabolism fired up. Maybe I “knew this already.” But there’s a difference between knowing and doing. In the past I only needed to “workout” once per day to keep fit. But my new “less physically active work” demanded I add another exercise session. So I tacked on another thirty to sixty minutes of moderate exercise without sacrificing work or family time. How? I just figured it out because I wanted to get rid of and keep off the spar tire more than I wanted to make excuses.

I’m happy to report I’ve held my weight steady at 190 for two years and I currently feel (and look) better than I did in my mid twenties.

I have more examples, but I figured that’d be the easiest one to start with.

So what about you?

Whether business or personal – is there a change you want to make?

In my internet marketing business I come across business owners who know they need to make a change to their overall web strategy. Some know their websites are crying to be updated because they are communicating a poor message to their best prospects. Some know how now is the time to add a “mobile website” because of the increased traffic from mobile devises.

Sadly… Not all take action. They are more comfortable leaving things the way they …

Biofuels and Renewable Energy: What Is a Biofuel Anyway?

Biofuels are a leading source of renewable energy, particularly as transportation fuels that would replace oil-derived gasoline and diesel. But when you think about it, oil deposits are derived from biomass that has decomposed and been compressed underneath the surface of the earth for millennia.A� Given that the origin of petroleum is biological, why isn’t oil considered a biofuel? What is the distinction between petroleum and, for example, ethanol or biodiesel? And just what exactly is a biofuel anyway?

These are fair questions worth answering, and I will try to provide some answers here.

First of all, biofuels are essentially defined as being derived from recently dead biomass, as opposed to long dead biomass that gives rise to petroleum. This distinction is not an arbitrary one. In fact, there is sound reasoning behind making a distinction between plants that were harvested (and thus made “dead” a few months ago) and biomass that “died” millions of years ago.

One of the main purposes of replacing oil-derived fuels and products with bio-based fuels and chemicals is to reduce the net carbon emissions. (Having an alternate fuels source that would keep a lid on the cost of oil supplied by an unfriendly, price-fixing cartel would be another useful purpose of biofuels.) In the case of biofuels produced from sugar cane, corn or plant waste, the biomass replacement occurs in less than a year as a new crop comes in. The new biomass is roughly equivalent to the carbon emitted when that biofuel is burned. Thus, the net carbon emission is near zero from that cycle, and that carbon cycle is complete within a year.

Contrast the situation with corn or sugar-derived biofuels with that of oil. The production of the petroleum requires millions of years. Thus, the replacement cycle time for petroleum that is burned is thousands of millennia rather than the length of a single crop cycle. In other words, it will require millions of years for the carbon emitted by burning oil to be reconstituted into petroleum for creating a second cycle of use as a fuel. It will only take a year or less for the carbon dioxide emitted from burning bio-ethanol to be reconstituted as sugar cane or corn for conversion into a new cycle of biofuel.

Therefore, it is the difference in the length of the carbon cycle that creates the distinction between petroleum, which is derived from long-dead biomass, not being a biofuel while a similar combustible liquid (ethanol or biodiesel) produced from recently dead biomass is a biofuel.…

How to Improve Warehouse Management Systems

Most of the warehouses in Europe have been on the move of employing new and technology-oriented mechanisms in an attempt to improve their warehouse management system. Before we go any further, one ought to know that the only way to get warehouse supply chains to improve is by employing acceptable and manageable warehouse management systems. As a large corporation, you need to appreciate each and every detail that will add value to your service delivery. Therefore, as a well-developed warehousing firm with the aim of gaining popularity in Britain and other parts of the European continent, I suggest that you employ the following.

E-invoicing: Paper invoicing has over the years become inefficient for large corporation. Most of the warehouses in Europe receive hundreds of paper invoices daily. Thus, for them to meet the demand of invoice reconciliation, they have to engage in employing large amounts of human labor. Basically, with the large workload and the urgency of fast responses, the management is prone to face many errors. Hence, the need of e-invoicing will not only improve on invoice reconciliation but also will help in delivering high quality services.

Another tip is to engage an adaptive supply chain network model, such as, warehouse management for wholesale distributors: in order to meet the challenges of the European market, a warehouse firm has to transform traditional linear supply chains into ecosystems. Thus, supply chains are transformed into adaptive supply chain networks.

Use of radio frequency identification: this latest wireless technology has the effect of increasing efficiency of a warehouse management system in that it provides a faster and reliable way of feeding a product’s information into a computer. With RF tags, a signal is broadcast with information about a given product including the location of the product in the warehouse unlike bar codes which need to be manually scanned in order to feed information into a computer.

The most successful warehouses in Europe have almost all of their operations computerized. Therefore, it follows that a warehouse management system has to maintain its inventory information in an electronic format. This way the management system will be able to improve on its accuracy while eliminating intensive paperwork. Moreover, with this format the management system can easily amend the inventory’s details of goods. In the same manner, the obtained information can be successfully used to maintain the visibility of the warehouse business flow. In conclusion, a warehouse has to use its existing resources wisely in order to meet its expectations.…

Green Energy Versus Nuclear Power

With the main UK political parties wanting to create thousands of new green jobs over the next ten years it will be interesting to see how we aim to become a market leader in green technology which is where China are currently the world leader. India is aiming to be a solar country within 10 years as it deals with decreasing fossil fuels and population growth that is gulping petrol and oil at an unprecedented rate.

The effects of climate change seem to be taking second place against cold hard cash and the lack of it as a result of the global recession. Global concerns on security are leading to countries wanting to become less dependent on others for energy which is essential for economies to grow and prosper. There is also the threat that countries considered rouge by the West are developing nuclear power for other purposes than for power.

Once a country develops nuclear power it is less dependent on others and nuclear is definitely needed in countries which are not blessed with the sun for solar power. On the flip side there is the never ending question of what to do with nuclear waste and this has not been resolved to date with all the modern technology that we have at our disposal.

The Conservative Party and Lib Dems have recently been voted in in the UK and they want to spend two hundred billion pounds investing in nuclear and renewable energy in the UK while cutting carbon emissions. These are honourable intentions but I am not sure where the money will come from as we deal with the biggest budget deficit since World War 2. Any increased target of increasing the amount of energy produced from renewable energy is the way forward as it reduces the pollution and environmental damage from fossil fuels.

News announced in May 2010 are that a proposed 40 million solar power development is being discussed in Cornwall which would triple the UKs solar capacity. This money is being raised from private investors which is great to see. Only when solar becomes profitable will we see the wide scale use but these schemes should be subsidised by the tax payer when it makes sense to do so. The use of energy created by sea waves are also expanding in the UK which is logical considering we are an island and more money should be invested in research and development. In parts of the country where there is little wildlife or threat of ecological damage then these are the areas where renewable energy should be concentrated as jobs will be created as a result also.

On a more smaller scale homeowners with surplus solar power are being encouraged to feed this back into the national grid for which they will be paid for.

As a summary it appears that nuclear energy has not been promoted as much as in recent times which is likely to be due to …

The Double Wall Jacketed Tank – The Secure Underground Fuel Tank

Using an underground fuel tank is a convenient and space-saving means to store petrol for businesses that do not have the space to accommodate an above ground fuel tank. This type of tank is commonly used by industrial businesses that require large amounts of fuel to be available on site as its storage capacity ranges from 1,000 litres to 200,000 litres. However, using underground fuel tanks comes with the risk of rust and corrosion. Rusting and corrosion can lead to leakage of the petrol, which will then contaminate the soil and ground water.

The double wall jacketed tank is a type of underground tank that minimises the risks of rust, corrosion and leakage. The double wall jacketed tank comprises of a steel primary inner tank enclosed within a 360-degree fibre glass reinforced plastic outer tank, providing effective protection against internal and external corrosion.

The double wall structure also provides protection against leakage. The steel primary inner tank is built for tightness and durability, making spillage almost impossible. But if any leakage should occur, the outer wall holds the fuel in and prevents it from coming in contact and contaminating the soil and ground water. In this article we discuss the features of the double wall jacketed tank that makes it safe to use.

1. Its fibre glass reinforced plastic or FRP laminate maintains a hard, seamless integrity when subjected to ambient temperature extremes and does not become brittle or soft below or above the ground.

2. The entry point of the fuel contains aluminum foil that provides a minimum clearance, free flowing 360-degree interstice.

3. Its inner primary welded steel tank is manufactured to U.L. Listing requirements. It provides long term structural safety and is compatible with a wide range of products including motor fuels, heating oil, methanol, ethanol, alcohol and alcohol blends.

4. The double wall jacketed tank has a non-corroding collar that provides solid attachments for piping containment sumps.

5. All outer fibre glass jackets are tested for pin holes with holiday tester set at 35,000 volts, thus ensuring that the integrity of the outer wall is maintained for a long period for time.

6. The double wall jacketed tank has a steel monitor access tube that is welded liquid tight into the steel tank. In the event of a leakage or breach to the inner or outer tank, the spilling liquid flows into the monitor access tube which can be monitored by various methods. This prevents the petrol from leaking completely and contaminating the area.

7. Installation of this type of underground fuel tank is simple and special backfill procedures are not required to maintain structural integrity.

8. Special configurations and multiple compartments can also be installed to meet different fuel storage requirements.

Some final words

With its innovative features and durable structure, the double wall jacketed tank has proven to be a safe underground fuel tank that has reduced risks of corrosion, rust, leakage and …

Introducing: Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel Drill/Driver 2603-22CT – A New Breed of Cordless Tool

Utilizing what Milwaukee claims to be the world’s most advanced technologies to innovate this 18v drill/driver, the Milwaukee Fuel 2603-22CT is designed to incorporate the best of both power and ergonomics. Based on the performance of the tool, I’m inclined to believe Milwaukee’s aforementioned claim of superiority to be nothing short of the absolute truth. Producing a presently unrivaled degree of power and performance and featuring a comfortably compact body design, the M18 Fuel drill/driver is built for the ultimate over-achiever and ideal for the most demanding professional.

Producing up to 650-in/lbs of torque and weighing-in at a meager 4.4-lbs with its battery, the 2603-22CT is the most powerful drill in its class. This is largely due to its redesigned and super-efficient brushless motor. In fact, it’s this new motor that both enables the tool to produce greater power and keeps the tool shockingly lightweight. Replacing the traditional carbon brushes and copper conductors with a tiny electronic circuit board, the Milwaukee Fuel motor generates about 25% more torque than comparable 18v drills and about 30% more than Milwaukee’s previous model. This modification also renders the motor vastly more efficient allowing the drill/driver 50% more run-time per battery charge and a life-time that’s up to 10X longer.

The M18 RedLithium battery also boasts superior technology and functionality. Offering 5X more recharges than leading competitors, the Milwaukee Fuel battery pack is compact and seriously efficient. In fact, the tool can drive more than 500 screws in dense wood per each charge. Milwaukee battery technology (RedLink Plus) offers total system communication with overload protection and the battery itself also displays its remaining run-time on an integrated fuel gauge. The tool also includes 2 M18 compact RedLithium battery packs and a multi-voltage 30-minute charger which allows users to charge both Milwaukee’s M18 (18v) M12 (12v) batteries with the same charging unit (and in only 30-minutes).

The 2-speed Fuel drill/driver additionally offers variable speeds ranging from 0-550 RPM and 0-1,850 RPM ensuring you have the ideal amount of power for a variety of different tasks. The tool’s contoured soft grip also allows users to operate the tool comfortably during extended or awkward applications and because the drill/driver also features an all metal ratcheting locking chuck, the Fuel delivers maximum gripping power, bit retention and total durability. An LED light is also integrated into the tool for optimal functionality rendering the thing altogether, untouchably awesome.…

Gel Fuel Fireplace – Basic Facts You Must Know

Gel fuel fireplaces are excellent and amazing additions to any type of residential homes. On top of that, they are also cost-effective and efficient without giving the homeowners a headache from the price and installation process.

The basic chemical of this product is isopropyl alcohol which is mixed with organic thickener and sea salt in order to enhance the brilliance of the light and the creation of crackling sound similar to that of burning wood. The color of the flame varies depending on the basic chemical of the product.

However, you need to understand that it is not designed to become a primary heat source. One can of the fuel will only give about 3,000 BTUs, very far from the 30,000 BTUs produced from a gas or wood. In fact, the maximum heat it can produce is not sufficient to boil water, much more cook food. It is only designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home interior. You can use it in lieu of household candles to give a more romantic appeal to the environment.

There are various advantages in using this new innovation compared to the wood burning type. It offers flexibility and portability in design because it can be placed anywhere in the house due to the fact that it does not need any vent. Furthermore, it does not emit harmful fumes or smoke when burning. It also does not leave any residue or soot after burning. It is completely odorless and smokeless. As such, it is friendly to the environment.

In addition, you can always place inserts even on the non-operational fireplace; it doesn’t matter. It offers a wide array of designs and styles. There is an option of wall mounted type and outdoor type. To make the air sweet-smelling, you can add incense to the burning fuel and savor the fragrance it produces.…

Gas Prices Are Marching Higher and Higher, But Why?

I realize that many Americans are feeling the pinch from this recession/depression, but have you noticed the slow and steady prices of gas recently?

Depending on your part of the country, $3+ a gallon gas is already here and some experts are predicting $4 a gallon gas to hit states hard in the very near future. How is average Americans going to be able to handle this new tax on them? Just think, if the Cap & Tax bill passes congress, we will be paying Europe type gas rates of $8 per gallon. I digress, that is for another article.

Most Americans mainly feel the pain at the pump when they go fill their gas guzzlers, but that is only the start of the financial pain we all feel when prices go into orbit like they did in 2008. Fuel costs always filter down to the public like Airline tickets, bags on flights, heat & cool your home, food that is delivered by truck, and the list goes goes on and on. This potential rise in gas prices comes at a time when most people are stretched very thin across the board.

Many of the salaries for people who are lucky enough to have a job are falling and some bills are finding a permanent home in the “pay later pile”. This added expense surely is not welcome in most households especially with bankruptcies up almost 20% from March 2009. If that big increase was not awful enough, the BK filing was up a breathtaking 35% from Feb. 2010 file.

I am so glad our congressional leaders think the economy is doing better?

In the past when gas prices start to rise in this country it is because of normal supply and demand needs of the country. These factors use to set the price for American drivers and was directly correlated to prices at the pump until now. Actual supply and demand for gasoline or oil will have little in anything to do with the actual cost of fuel. The new term for this form of price fixing is “gougeconomy” and you can read about it here. One smart way to hide from the gas price raping is work from home.…

Fuel Cards Are Changing the Way We Work

Claiming VAT back on fuel used in a professional capacity has been the bane of my life for as long as I can remember. When we made the switch to using fuel cards, I had imagined that somehow, claiming VAT back would be even more difficult. I can honestly say that fuel cards have left me pleasantly surprised.

We use a gray fleet, which is where private vehicles are used for professional use. Before we started using fuel cards, this meant sorting through receipts for fuel purchases and hoping that we weren’t paying out for private use too. Now, we receive itemized receipts, and have the information delivered to our inboxes every week. Our drivers fill up their vehicles at the end of the working day, and can then use them for their own personal tasks. At the start of the next day, they use their cards once again to fill up their cards, and this way we know that each morning’s top up covers only private use.

What I love about cards is that they make fleet management simple. I don’t have to worry about how many faded and lost receipts I’m handing to my accountant each month with a sheepish face. Because we can keep track of exactly where and when fuel purchases were made, fuel cards mean that it’s easy to separate out fuel usage even for vehicles that are used for both private and professional use.

Beyond simple management, fuel cards also let us do much more. Because the fuel cards we use allow you to make a note of the mileage when you fill up, we’ve started to rank our drivers on fuel efficiency. Since bringing in rank tables and marking out how far each person’s fuel is taking them, our drivers have started to take steps to improve the ways they drive. This is obviously great from a fuel saving perspective, but also leaves me feeling a lot more confident in my fleet. I know that fuel efficient driving is often also safer driving, with smoother transitions, sensible breaking and lower top speeds. Without fuel cards, we wouldn’t be able to monitor fuel efficiency in quite the same simple way, so they’ve done their part to give me a safer staff member and a fleet that I don’t have to worry about.

Of course, nothing written on fuel cards would be complete without mentioning the money they’ve saved our business. Typically, we see a saving of a few pence per liter on pump prices, which adds up to a considerable saving when you consider that we have a fleet of five cars that are in use all the time within our working hours. Most of our cars have a tank capacity of 50 to 70 liters and tend to top up two or three times a week. Whilst many might turn their nose up at saving around A�20 or A�30 a week, this certainly adds up …

Speed Records and Fuel Efficiency: Semi Trucks Are Making Waves

You don’t think speed when you think about a semi truck. You think raw power and cruising down the interstate; steady as a rock. Also you don’t think about a hybrid vehicle. They’re supposed to be two tons of metal plowing down the asphalt. Not a whirring, quite vehicle that consumes meager amounts of fuel.

A hybrid Volvo truck recently broke the land speed record for semi trucks. The truck was driven at an average speed of 147 miles per hour over two thirds of a mile. From a standstill it was able to get 95 miles per hour over the same distance. This didn’t only break the record, but made the vehicle the first hybrid truck to do so. Though the shape of the vehicle had fuel efficiency in mind, it still did not compare to the Airflow truck unveiled at this years Mid America Truck Show. The Airflow truck has a hood built from the ground up made of fiberglass and foam. It follows a perfectly aerodynamic design and was able to achieve 13.4 miles per gallon on its inaugural haul, even while facing a strong headwind for a long duration of the trip. The company has stated they plan to continue to improve the design and setup for mass production. The only issue will be getting die-hard fans of the PACCAR brand of trucks to trade some of their style for fuel savings. With the economy putting the squeeze on so many people, I think this might start happening sooner than later.

Another big change coming for heavy duty trucks is the addition of the “Teardrop Trailer.” It is a deviation from the standard boxed trailer and allows for as much as a ten percent savings in fuel. It uses a teardrop shape to follow the contour of the top of the tractor cab and push air seamlessly over the entire rig as you drive. They have signed a long term contract with DHL and have gained some popularity in most of northern Europe. It is only a matter of time before they become tax deductible or even mandatory in the United States.

Now I know what you are thinking: this all sounds impossibly expensive! Well, you are correct but there is still hope. You can start making minor changes today and make the major changes once you’ve saved plenty of money on your fuel bill. Good places to start are: trailer skirts, cab wings, and super single tires. All of these are readily available for purchase and tax deductible.…

Hydrogen Conversion Kits – Invest in the Future

Have you installed your kit in your vehicle yet? How much did your fuel mileage increase? How much are you saving in your monthly fuel expenditures? Do you have answers for any of these questions? Let me ask you one more: are you aware that the installation of hydrogen conversion kits is an investment toward a cleaner Earth for generations to come?

If you’re wondering what I mean by a “cleaner Earth”, I will explain. You see, when you use gasoline or petrol as fuel in your motor vehicle, you are burning a fossil fuel. There are two vitally important things to consider in regard to fossil fuel.

First of all, fossil fuel is refined from oil that is found in the depths of the earth and is pumped up to the surface where it can be transported to an appropriate facility to process it into fuel and other products that we use each and every day. This deposit of oil is located all over the planet and is being pumped and transported every day. The world has developed a huge dependence on these oil products and the consumer appetite continues to increase. Eventually, these oil reserves will run dry. It took thousands of years for the earth to create these oil reserves so renewing them really isn’t an option at this stage of creation. What happens when we exhaust the oil reserves? How do we power our cars, our electric production plants, our lawn mowers, our motor bikes, our generators and make rubber products? These are just a few of the examples that immediately come to mind when I think of how we use oil / petroleum products. Running out of oil to do all of these things and more is a really scary thought.

Secondly, think about the air you and your family breathes. When fossil fuel burns it emits toxins and pollutes the air we breathe. The more fuel we burn, the more pollutants are spewed into our atmosphere and eventually into our lungs. It is no wonder that the incidences of asthma and many other types of breathing problems increase every year all over the world.

The Answer

Ok, enough questions; now we need the answers. One of the easiest steps toward cleaning up the environment is installing a hydrogen conversion kit on your motor vehicle. This kit will produce hydrogen that will mix with your fuel and reduce the fossil fuel that you burn, increase your gas mileage and save you money on your monthly fuel expenditures. It can easily be installed on almost any motor vehicle either by an automotive professional or you can do it yourself. Does it get any better than that? Why not call your automotive professional and get the details about hydrogen conversion kits. You will be glad you did.…

Warehousing Software: How Logistics Software Can Help Keep Track Of Item Costs And Holding Costs

Logistics software can help operate any business that requires you to have a warehouse streamlining even the toughest of businesses.

One of the reasons for this is there are so many items you have to keep track of in order to make sure things are running the way they are supposed to be. Losing track of any one of these things can mean disaster and it can set you back for a long time. Warehousing software is the perfect way to help avoid such problems.

Understand that this particular inventory software offers a lot in the name of value, not just basic capabilities. How often are you able to go through every product you have in your warehouse in order to keep track of how much the item is selling for? Granted, you probably have a pretty good idea of what these items cost because you have to buy them on a regular basis.

However, the market is always changing. You may have some items that have actually gone up in value and then you may have some items in your warehouse that have gone down in value.

With this being the case how would you know which individual items were costing you way more money than what you had to pay for them? How would you know which items you can get a better deal on if you do not understand which items are constantly going up in price?

Warehousing software will allow you to keep track of costs in this regard. In just about any business, your ability to know price is very important. The majority of the time various suppliers offer discounts depending on the quantity of items you purchase. Using this logistics software can allow you to catch items that have been steadily going up in price.

Once you noticed this trend you can decide to make a change and go with either a different supplier or negotiate a lower price for ordering larger quantities. This is the way real businesses operates, and having the right tools at your disposal will ensure you’re able to keep prices down. Warehousing software can help you in other ways as well.

Odds are you are probably purchasing particular items that you have been offered a discount on, even though the current customer demand does not require them. Now what does this do to a business? It leads to you having to carry excess inventory that is going to sit in your warehouse for a long period of time.

This is not to say that carrying excess inventory is always going to be a bad thing. However, you would need a way to understand what the associated costs are so you will know if buying a certain product in bulk is a smart business decision.

Whatever discount you might get offered to buy certain items in bulk will cost money to store and as a …

Warehouse Management Systems – 5 Ways to Make Your Business More Efficient and Profitable

During both good times and bad, it’s essential for you to find ways to make your business operate more efficiently. Given today’s business environment, your very survival may depend upon your ability to reduce costs and increase productivity. This article will show you how an electronic warehouse management system can help your business thrive.

Warehouse Management Systems Background

Warehouse management systems (WMS) electronically track and record the movement and storage of inventory and materials within your warehouse. This allows you to streamline your business processes. WMS capture data electronically using barcode or RFID technologies. You gain real-time visibility and control over supply chain processes such as put away, picking, packing and shipping.

How this Benefits Your Operation

Implementing a practical warehouse management system will streamline your business and provide tangible, bottom-line benefits. Here are 5 ways an automated system can improve your operation:

Reduction in Inventory Levels. A WMS gives you real-time visibility into your inventory and an accurate measure of item consumption velocity. The ability to electronically establish min/max levels combined with better visibility should allow you to significantly reduce your safety stock.

Quicker Order Fulfillment. A WMS improves inventory location visibility and accuracy. This saves wasted time trying to find the right item. A WMS also gives you the ability to define the most productive way to pick items. For example: by order, item, location or ship method.

More efficient use of warehouse space. First, less safety stock means more available space. Next, a WMS improves warehouse space utilization by allowing rule based stock locating. Items are no longer required to always be stored in the same location; the system directs workers to an item’s storage location(s). Higher volume items can be designated to forward pick locations with automatic replenishment based on volume. Lower volume items can be designated to locations which are further away. Volume based placement allows items to be located more efficiently relative to receiving, packing, and shipping areas. This significantly improves productivity.

Reduced paperwork and delays. WMS substantially reduces the paperwork associated with typical warehouse operations. More importantly inventory transactions are reported in real-time so sales have better visibility, accounting can invoice faster, and warehouse workers are more productive. Reports, tickets and lists are maintained electronically virtually eliminating paper copies.

Reduced error rates. An effective WMS automates and standardizes processes to eliminate human errors. Put away locations are verified, part numbers are validated against the orders, and lot or serial numbers can be captured as items are picked. This validation significantly reduces the costs of errors associated with manual systems.

Improved customer service. An effective WMS streamlines processes from initial order to shipment to customers. You can determine product availability and commit shipping/delivery dates more accurately. You’ll also reduce costs associated with returns because shipments will be more accurate.

You can see that these very real business benefits are associated with automated warehouse management systems. Given the realities of business …

10 Reasons To Use Log Burning Boilers

If you’re fed up with rising fuel costs, and want to do your bit for the environment too, then you’ll want to know more about log burning boilers.

Here’s what you need to know.

Simple to use – Log burning boilers are easy to ignite and simple to use. With many models having remote controls, and LCD displays, they can be programmed to come on and go off when you want them to, and the temperature can be adjusted to your exact requirements too.

Burns logs and clean wood waste – Farms and other commercial wood producing environments that have a lot of waste wood can use their wood for heating purposes. Rather than have to spend additional resources on LPG or oil heating, if you’ve got logs or waste wood readily available you’re heating will be much cheaper.

Easy to refuel – Depending on the size of your boiler, the amount of heating you’ll be using, you may need to fill up your boiler once a day. This shouldn’t take long, and will be a small price to pay for having much reduced heating costs.

Simple cleaning and maintenance – If your boiler is in a dedicated boiler room, then you’ll find it quick and easy to maintain and keep clean and in full working order. This will save you time and money in the long run, and aso keep your boiler running as it should do.

Highly efficient – Log burning boilers offer up to around 92% efficiency, making them extremely efficient indeed. This means that more of the heat provided by burning wood is used as heat and not lost. You’ll need to use less fuel, and so you’ll save even more money.

Performance – Your log burning boiler will be designed to provide excellent performance for many years. It will be reliable and designed to be up to the job, so you can buy with confidence and know that it won’t let you down in the depths of winter.

Wood storage – Your wood logs can be stored in a dry place, and so they shouldn’t degrade, so you can take advantage of seasonal log availability. Perhaps you know of family and friends who have a surplus of logs too, and would be willing to help you out.

Remote boiler house – By installing your log boiler in a remote location, it doesn’t need to even be in your home. If you live on a farm, then you may have a suitable outbuilding than can be used. This will mean that you can store your wood next to your boiler.

Versatile – You’ll find that there are many log burning boilers available, and so you’ll need to find one that meets your requirements. Different manufacturers offer different features so you’ll have plenty to choose from.

Value for money – Thanks to the RHI (Renewable Heating Incentive, those who are using a renewable heating system in commercial setting can receive …

Article Marketing Is The Key For Traffic To Your Business Opportunity

How do I get traffic to my website? Everyone who has an online business opportunity has the same issue. There are so many ways to go out and get web traffic, email marketing, blogs, seo, pay per click and article marketing. Yes, article marketing has been popular for a few years now. The problem is when the latest or greatest new method comes along we sometimes forget about what is really working and we lose focus. As a fisherman I am just as guilty, by tackle box is filled with different lures. They caught me at the store, but there is always a select few that are reliable that I go back to. Article marketing is the same way.

There have been some of the “so called experts” that claim that article marketing is dead, it’s overused, watered down, etc. That can be true to a point but the key point is when you write a decent article and submit the article to the right article directories, you still will get a great surge of traffic to your website. One article submission service that I use is, Submit Your Article. They submit your articles to all the major directories, but what really effective with them is the way you can rewrite your title and content so each directory picks up unique content.

By changing the article title and the content you could have one article submitted to 10 of the best article directories, and with 5 changes to the article you can rank in over 50 spots. That is very powerful! In fact in the last couple of weeks I have had several calls from people interested in my network marketing program that I promote, see my name and my sites all over the internet. They all signed up with me because the articles promote me as the expert and I am noticed all over for my keywords. If you like the business opportunity then the question becomes, who do you want to partner with? The side benefit of course is links back to your website that boost your sites rankings.

There is a lot of buzz about social marketing and yes it does work. But in order for social marketing to be effective it takes a lot of time. Article marketing done the right way can take time as well. Unlike social marketing, the benefits are realized right away. Even company replicated websites can benefit from article marketing traffic. The keyword Fuel Direct has over 12 million sites listed. The company replicated site is ranked number 2. That’s powerful, all with only 5 articles!

So, you want more visitors to your website? Put some effort into something that works, article marketing. In the tough economic times we are in it truly is a great way to brand yourself and receive a great deal of traffic. The great news is that it is free!…

10 Ways To Save Money On Your Heating

If you’re looking to save money on your heating, then you might have think you’ve tried everything. Instead of being cold during the day, or coming home to a cold house after work, why not see if some of these can make your home warmer whilst saving you money.

Doors and windowsIt sounds obvious, but you’ll need to make sure that you close doors and windows. By closing doors downstairs, and concentrating on keeping the heat in a single room, you will notice the difference. Bleeding the radiators can also make them more effective too.

GapsRemember to look out for gaps around doors and windows. These gaps can mean that the cold can enter a room, or the heat can escape. Long curtains over doors or windows, and draught excluders, really can make a big difference.

InsulationIf you’re not sure about the insulation in your home, you might want to see whether there are grants or incentives to improve the insulation. Free insulation is available for some people, and so it can dramatically reduce the amount of money you spend on heating your home.

ClothingAnother obvious answer is to wear more clothes. If you’re only wearing a T shirt in the middle of winter, and moaning that you’re cold, then you could definitely be more appropriately dressed. Remember that several layers is better than one thick layer.

All day heatingLeaving the heating on constant can be more cost effective than timed, during the day. This is because maintaining a constant temperature requires minimal heating, compared to heating up from cold again.

Shop aroundWhen was the last time you compared prices? You can save a considerable amount if you shop around to see if you’re using the cheapest energy supplier. Even if you’re in a rural area, or are off the grid, then you can save money on your heating by finding a cheaper oil or LPG supplier.

Service and maintenanceWhen was the last time your boiler was serviced? Like your car, your boiler needs servicing regularly so that it is working efficiently. Why not arrange for your boiler to be serviced, and see if that helps to bring down your heating bill?

Time for a new boiler?A new boiler could make a huge difference too. If you have an old combi boiler, it may be as little as 50-60% efficient, compared to modern boilers, some of which are more than 90% efficient, making them more effective and cheaper to run.

Wood pellet boilersA wood pellet boiler will cost less to run than an oil, LPG or coal heating system for many people. If you’re a heavy user of heating and hot water, such as a hotel or factory, or need to heat a large house, then you should consider a wood heating system.

RHIThe recently introduced government funded Renewable Heating Initiative (RHI) means that those people, domestic, and business, who use renewable heating will be paid for it. Qualifying wood pellet boilers …

Fleet Managers Beware – Rocketing Petrol Prices Highlight Lack of Vehicle Efficiency

Research has shown that the huge increase in petrol and diesel prices is the biggest current challenge facing fleet managers. On top of this it is evident that not only are the prices increasing but that there is a large amount of wastage.

A recent study carried out by Trimble MRM has shown the British businesses are squandering millions of litres of petrol due to inefficient driving of company cars. The survey especially highlights inaccurate fuel gauges, poor driving techniques as well as bad record keeping as being the main culprits. Fleet managers and businesses can be unaware of the real consequences of their fuel usage due to these culprits.

With fuel prices continuing to rise there is an urgent need for a better understanding to be developed of where fuel is being used and when it is being wasted unnecessarily.

The piece of the jigsaw which will be central in helping fleet management and companies achieve fuel savings is real-time data from individual vehicles which can be linked to individual drivers. The correct type of driver feedback technology can potentially make the average commercial fleet vehicle up to 15% more efficient.

One example given by Mr. Andrew Yeoman, the MD of Trimble MRM, is a heavy goods vehicle which drives 60,000 miles per year at 8 miles to the gallon. In this instance a saving of £6,142 could be made.

The reality is that guesswork on mileage logs and fuelcards are open to problems, abuse and mistakes. However new fleet diagnostic solutions nowadays allow companies to receive valuable information on each vehicle. These reports show where the fuel is being wasted, reports on faults and performance. It contains information on individual driver performance which incorporates driving style, braking, acceleration and speed.

Even though fleet drivers may feel as if this moves towards a bit of a Big Brother is watching them style of fleet management, the reality is that whether they like it or not in these highly challenging times what is most important for business survival and success is overall productivity and costs.

Taking the previous example of the heavy goods vehicle if a fleet manager was to multiply this by hundreds or a thousand or so vehicles, the potential savings are enormous.

Therefore the idea is not to penalise drivers who drive as part of their jobs but instead to troubleshoot problems at the earliest possible stage. Some drivers may need re-training or to have the awareness to change their behaviour patterns. Your fleet has the opportunity to make significant long term savings.

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Ford’s EcoBoost Engine Family

Since the launch of Ford’s EcoBoost family, demand for the engine has increased every month; and not just for current Ford owners. Customers who had not previously considered Ford vehicles are now attracted to the fuel-friendly engine family. And it’s not hard to see why.

In a Ford F-150, a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine produces 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque and provides a best-in-class towing capability of 11,300 pounds, all while increasing fuel economy savings by 20% and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions by 15%. In fact, the 2011 F-150 EcoBoost has an EPA estimated rating of 22 MPG highway, which combined with the power of the F-150, creates the best combination of efficiency and capability among all light duty, full-size pickup trucks. This may explain why 40% of all EcoBoost engine options are sold on the popular truck.

The F-150 is not the only Ford vehicle that can be equipped with an EcoBoost engine. It is also currently available in the Ford Flex, Taurus SHO, and several Lincoln vehicles. Later this year, the engine family will be offered on the Explorer SUV and Edge CUV, followed by a Focus ST option in 2012. The optional EcoBoost on these cars will be a 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter 237 horsepower engine, slightly less powerful than that of the F-150, but with even greater fuel efficiency. By 2013, Ford aims to produce 1.5 million EcoBoost engines around the world, in vehicles of all shapes and sizes.

The newly redesigned 2013 Ford Taurus, which was recently unveiled at the New York International Auto Show, will bring about the next level of EcoBoost. The sedan is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel efficiency, with an EPA estimated 31 MPG highway. Currently, EcoBoost engines have also increased the fuel economy of the Taurus SHO, which receives 25 MPG highway when powered by the 3.5-liter V6 version. The engine has helped increase the perceived value of the Taurus SHO as well, adding it to the list of cars considered by many who are shopping in the luxury market. In fact, 28% of SHO buyers traded in a luxury brand vehicle for the car.

With gas prices on the rise, drivers are looking for ways to save, and Ford has stepped up to the plate. The EcoBoost may be just one small part of Ford’s plan to create fuel efficient and environmentally friendly cars, but it has made a large impact on consumers.…

Don’t Get Stuck With a Gooey Gasoline

A little known fact is that gasoline can freeze. In fact, it can freeze while you are operating your vehicle. Over-the-Road truck drivers have long touted the benefits of fuel additive while driving in freezing temperatures. Gasoline and diesel are a mixture of hydrocarbons and the components have different freezing points. Huh? For the scientists out there, I’m sure you just went what a simplistic approach. But for the average non-mechanically inclined American who wants to protect their car and not get stuck in the slush, I offer a couple of simple tips.

For diesel as the temperatures begin to drop below 32ºF or 0ºC the paraffin in the fuel begins to cloud and gelling soon occurs. This gelatinous fuel is then unable to flow through the fuel filter as a waxy coat builds up and the engine begins to choke. The simple fix is a fuel heater or a diesel additive such as Howes Diesel Treatment. The additive has received an overall approval rating by users and is easily found at most truck stops.

The magic point for gasoline occurs at a much lower temperature, -97ºF, even that is going to vary depending on the additives in the fuel. In temperatures as common place as 32ºF your tank can begin to freeze if water gets into the mixture. Methyl Alcohol is a ready fix to keep the water from freezing in your gas tank if it gets in there. Oh sure, like you have a gallon of that hanging around the garage? And how would you know if water is even in there, right? What about an additive for those of you who don’t keep a chemistry lab? Just want to be able to walk in and buy something economical for your ordinary GG (grocery getter) or as it is otherwise known, the family car? HEET, is the most popular gas-line antifreeze and water remover product on the market. This product can be found readily in all major auto parts stores and several general merchandise stores as well. So, if you’re not living in sunny Florida and have to face those nippy winds of Illinois, investing in an additive during the winter months may be well worth it.

Of course, most of this problem can be kept to a minimum by simply keeping a one-half or greater level of fuel in the tank. That can be easier said than done when money is tight, but the benefits far outweigh the temporary pinch in your pocket.…

Don’t Get Stuck With a Gooey Gasoline

A little known fact is that gasoline can freeze. In fact, it can freeze while you are operating your vehicle. Over-the-Road truck drivers have long touted the benefits of fuel additive while driving in freezing temperatures. Gasoline and diesel are a mixture of hydrocarbons and the components have different freezing points. Huh? For the scientists out there, I’m sure you just went what a simplistic approach. But for the average non-mechanically inclined American who wants to protect their car and not get stuck in the slush, I offer a couple of simple tips.

For diesel as the temperatures begin to drop below 32ºF or 0ºC the paraffin in the fuel begins to cloud and gelling soon occurs. This gelatinous fuel is then unable to flow through the fuel filter as a waxy coat builds up and the engine begins to choke. The simple fix is a fuel heater or a diesel additive such as Howes Diesel Treatment. The additive has received an overall approval rating by users and is easily found at most truck stops.

The magic point for gasoline occurs at a much lower temperature, -97ºF, even that is going to vary depending on the additives in the fuel. In temperatures as common place as 32ºF your tank can begin to freeze if water gets into the mixture. Methyl Alcohol is a ready fix to keep the water from freezing in your gas tank if it gets in there. Oh sure, like you have a gallon of that hanging around the garage? And how would you know if water is even in there, right? What about an additive for those of you who don’t keep a chemistry lab? Just want to be able to walk in and buy something economical for your ordinary GG (grocery getter) or as it is otherwise known, the family car? HEET, is the most popular gas-line antifreeze and water remover product on the market. This product can be found readily in all major auto parts stores and several general merchandise stores as well. So, if you’re not living in sunny Florida and have to face those nippy winds of Illinois, investing in an additive during the winter months may be well worth it.

Of course, most of this problem can be kept to a minimum by simply keeping a one-half or greater level of fuel in the tank. That can be easier said than done when money is tight, but the benefits far outweigh the temporary pinch in your pocket.…

Advantages of LPG As an Automotive Fuel

LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is a perfect solution to increasing fuel prices and automotive pollution. It is a flammable mixture of propane and butane that turns into a liquid under moderate pressure. Thus, the name given to this gas is Liquefied Petroleum gas.

LPG with its high energy output and environment friendliness has become an important source of energy in various industrial applications. In the recent years, the use of LPG as an automotive fuel has increasingly become popular. Many car manufacturers are automobile companies are designing hybrids of this fuel to deliver an economical, convenient, and fuel-efficient drive to the customers.

As more and more numbers of people are learning the benefits of LPG, they are switching over from petrol and diesel to LPG. Some of the key benefits of LPG as an automotive fuel are as follows:

• It is an economical fuel as compared to petrol and diesel.

• It is a quieter and smoother fuel that produces no noise and vibration while in motion.

• Automobiles with this fuel enjoy extended life of engine and its components.

• The service and maintenance cost is also reduced to a great extent.

• The fuel also helps increases the speed and average of a vehicle.

• It has a lower running cost as compared to petrol and diesel.

• The octane content of LPG is high which in turns results in complete combustion leaving no residue or pollutants behind.

• Because of its high octane content it also has a superior anti-knocking power.

• It leads to significant enhancement in quality performance and efficiency.

• Low carbon content in the fuel drastically reduces carbon footprints and does not contribute to global warming.

• In case there is a fuel spill, LPG will soon evaporate without causing any kind of damage to soil and water.

• It produces fewer harmful emissions like carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and oxides of nitrogen. It is believed that LPG vehicles produce about 80% less automobile pollutants than their petrol counterparts whereas about 90% less emission than their diesel counterparts.…

Fuel monitoring is critical to any operation requiring gas, oil or propane for business operations. If you want your operation to be profitable, then you need make sure that you not only protect this particular asset but also use it wisely. This is where fuel tank monitoring systems can pay off in big ways. They don’t just measure how much fuel is left in your storage tanks. They also boost your operational efficiency and save you money in many different ways.

Robust fuel frameworks have data-tracking components, such as sensors, built into their systems. This lets operators and owners alike be constantly mindful of details that include fuel levels, pressure, temperature, and more. Having access to this information is crucial to maintaining operations that are safe, steady, and profitable.

What to Look For in Great Fuel Tank Monitoring Systems

Fuel is always going to be categorized as a resource. The proper protection of that resource means you can make the most of it in your daily operations. Not only will fuel tank monitoring help you accomplish this but it will also help you maintain compliance with relevant environmental rules and regulations.

The right fuel tank monitoring system can help you manage every aspect of your fuel. This starts with procurement, and includes condition, usage, and eventual sale.

Basically speaking, a fuel tank monitoring system lets operators and owners boost the efficiency of their operations with live-time tracking of crucial metrics necessary for big decisions. Remote sensors let operators and owners monitor things remotely and make adjustments as necessary.

When issues or problems are detected, you can be alerted immediately. This lets you arrange for repairs and adjustments based on current data. You’ll not only get things going faster, but you’ll also be doing it on current data rather than information that is days to weeks old. Minimize your downtime and lost fuel.

Environmental compliance is another key feature of effective fuel tank monitoring systems. Fuel tanks always need regular maintenance. As they get older, they can start falling susceptible to algae, rust, and other things that impact fuel quality. These also mean risks of environmental impact, as well. If a fuel tank suffers damage, then there is the possibility of fuel escaping. Potential consequences include contaminated soil and groundwater nearby.

Fuel tank monitoring systems can give you expedient warnings and detection. That means you can arrange for faster repairs and curtail the local environmental impact.

Saving Fuel Matters

The more fuel you save, the more everyone saves. Fuel you lose or just lose track of costs you time and money, but those are also expenses you might wind up passing off to your own clients. Even if they don’t pay for it monetarily, they might pay for it with lost time.

Fuel that gets lost into the local environment costs everyone. Even local pollution adds up to the global destruction of planetary ecosystems. Also, cleanup and mitigation costs can wind up costing you lots of money, even on top of …

Algae Fuel – Real Renewable Energy

Although opinions vary on the future of fossil fuels such as oil, there is little debate that there is a finite supply of oil and that, at some point, mass produced alternative forms of energy will need to become economically viable. One alternative that has gained a lot of momentum is algae fuel.

Algae fuel is exactly what it sounds like… fuel refined from farmed algae. The algae can be grown using fresh water, salt water, and even brackish water. It can also be grown on land that is not suitable for other types of crops so it does not compete for valuable farm land. Growth rates vary based on the type of algae and its environment, but it can grow 20 to 30 times faster than conventional crops such as corn and soybeans with a harvest cycle of as little as 10 days. The harvested algae is then processed into “green crude” oil.

Reports of oil yield per acre per year for green crude vary wildly from 5,000 to 150,000 gallons. One company, Valcent Products, claims that 150,000 gallons of green crude per acre is possible using a carefully controlled, closed loop system. Actual yields, though, currently top out at about 33,000 gallons per acre per year. Even by conservative estimates, it would take about 40,000 square miles of land to produce enough green crude oil to completely replace the United States’ consumption of conventional oil. That’s an area about the size of the state of Tennessee.

One of the most compelling things about Algae fuel is that it is a drop-in replacement for conventional gasoline. It can be used in conventional automobiles with absolutely no modifications to the engine. There is no need to develop a new distribution system for delivering algae fuel to consumers as the same trucks, gas stations, pumps, holding tanks, etc. can be leveraged. Logistically, algae fuel is as close to the corner gas station as any alternative to oil today. The US alone boasts over 30 companies researching, developing, and even producing algae fuel. One company, Sapphire Energy, launched a cross country tour of vehicles running on algae fuel on Sep 18, 2009.

Algae fuel is reported as being “environmentally neutral”. This means that it does not change the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere because it consumes just as much carbon dioxide during its cultivation as is released during combustion. This is in stark contrast to conventional gasoline which only adds carbon dioxide to the environment during production and consumption.

Algae fuel is definitely on of the most promising alternatives to reduce and even eliminate our dependence on conventional oil. The vast majority of research to improve its production is being funded by private enterprises that see the money making potential of the technology. The price of conventional crude oil is still at a level that does not compel consumers to move to a new form of energy that is not significantly cheaper, but the next …

Shouldn’t You Buy the Most Aerodynamic Car?

With the high price of gasoline, I can safely say to you and recommend that if you are planning on purchasing a new automobile that you look for a very aerodynamic car to buy. I have a number of reasons for this and I like to go through that with you if you have a few minutes. You see, being the coordinator for a think tank which operates online we often talk about innovative designs and aerodynamic efficiency.

Yes, it makes a lot of sense for aircraft and spacecraft and things of this nature, but it also matters for your personal car even if you won’t be driving it around the track as fast as a NASCAR driver or Danica who recently qualified for the Indy 500. Did you know that after you go over 55 miles per hour the coefficient of drag curve starts going hyperbolic. That means for every few miles an hour over 55, the wind resistance becomes greater and greater requiring the car to have more power or use more fuel to get through that air.

If you are going to putt around all day in the city you may not need a very good aerodynamically designed a vehicle, rather just a very small engine. If you plan on driving more than 55 miles per hour then you will need to consider all this and the faster you go the more important it really is. Despite the high fuel costs people are still driving fairly quickly out on the highway. If you don’t drive fast with them, you are likely to get rear ended, and this will cause your insurance rates to increase, and you will not have saved any money even though you thought you were conserving fuel.

There was an interesting article recently on MSNBC [dot] com titled “Why Speed Limits are Rising – Sure, You’d Save Fuel if You Drove More Slowly. And Safety Experts Point Out that Fatalities Increase with Speed. What in the World are States Thinking?” which was posted by someone with the company handle name CarInsurance [dot] com and published on May 20, 2011. The article notes;

“Kansas recently raised the speed limit on more than 1,000 miles of divided four-lane highways to 75 mph. Louisiana reset a rural interstate to 75 mph. Ohio upped the speed on its turnpike to 70 mph. Virginia raised the speed limit on its rural interstates to 70 mph. Texas boost limits to 85 mph on highways in west Texas.”

If all these people are going to drive faster, they will need more aerodynamically efficient car bodies, or they are going to pay significantly at the gas pump. The other day a friend of mine said he wanted to get a car that looked more like the F-117 Stealth Fighter, a more boxy looking car, and he was hoping he could drive fast and perhaps not get picked up on radar.

Indeed I laughed, but then …

Shouldn’t You Buy the Most Aerodynamic Car?

With the high price of gasoline, I can safely say to you and recommend that if you are planning on purchasing a new automobile that you look for a very aerodynamic car to buy. I have a number of reasons for this and I like to go through that with you if you have a few minutes. You see, being the coordinator for a think tank which operates online we often talk about innovative designs and aerodynamic efficiency.

Yes, it makes a lot of sense for aircraft and spacecraft and things of this nature, but it also matters for your personal car even if you won’t be driving it around the track as fast as a NASCAR driver or Danica who recently qualified for the Indy 500. Did you know that after you go over 55 miles per hour the coefficient of drag curve starts going hyperbolic. That means for every few miles an hour over 55, the wind resistance becomes greater and greater requiring the car to have more power or use more fuel to get through that air.

If you are going to putt around all day in the city you may not need a very good aerodynamically designed a vehicle, rather just a very small engine. If you plan on driving more than 55 miles per hour then you will need to consider all this and the faster you go the more important it really is. Despite the high fuel costs people are still driving fairly quickly out on the highway. If you don’t drive fast with them, you are likely to get rear ended, and this will cause your insurance rates to increase, and you will not have saved any money even though you thought you were conserving fuel.

There was an interesting article recently on MSNBC [dot] com titled “Why Speed Limits are Rising – Sure, You’d Save Fuel if You Drove More Slowly. And Safety Experts Point Out that Fatalities Increase with Speed. What in the World are States Thinking?” which was posted by someone with the company handle name CarInsurance [dot] com and published on May 20, 2011. The article notes;

“Kansas recently raised the speed limit on more than 1,000 miles of divided four-lane highways to 75 mph. Louisiana reset a rural interstate to 75 mph. Ohio upped the speed on its turnpike to 70 mph. Virginia raised the speed limit on its rural interstates to 70 mph. Texas boost limits to 85 mph on highways in west Texas.”

If all these people are going to drive faster, they will need more aerodynamically efficient car bodies, or they are going to pay significantly at the gas pump. The other day a friend of mine said he wanted to get a car that looked more like the F-117 Stealth Fighter, a more boxy looking car, and he was hoping he could drive fast and perhaps not get picked up on radar.

Indeed I laughed, but then …

Avoid the Rising Cost of Fuel

Buying a new hybrid would be great. Unfortunately new hybrids usually come with a premium price. That in my mind negates any cost savings you hope to gain. Most hybrids tend to cost $3-8k more than their non hybrid version, and don’t seem to get any more than maybe 10-15 miles more per gallon.

I do not need to do the math but it comes down to roughly a $500 per year savings. Now if you were lucky and you only pay $3k more than the non hybrid version you will be break even in 6 years. Thats an awfully long time and that is also a best case scenario.

You are probably asking yourself at this point what are my other options then. Well you could buy a new Prius, the payback is pretty good on these vehicles, but the styling is not for everyone. So now there are ways to increase your old car’s fuel efficiency and in some cases change the type of fuel it runs on.

One of the most intriguing products I have seen out there is a kit that allows you to turn your car from a gas guzzling vehicle to a car that sips water. You read that correctly, there is a way to make your car run on simple water. Any reviews that I have read have said even a kid could make the changes.

Now if turning a vehicle you already love but hate the gas mileage seems like something for you, take a look around the web and explore the various options. It would be great if we could use the most bountiful natural resource to fuel our vehicles and not only save money but reduce our effects on the environment.

The resource box at the bottom gives you some alternative energy ideas for your vehicle as well as simple do it yourself alternative energy products for your home.…

Fuel Efficient SUV – An Outline

Sport utility cars are acknowledged to be gas-guzzlers even though they provide far better gas mileage as compared to several cars. A fuel efficient SUV is ideal for people who usually transport bulky things, have numerous children and plan to do some off road driving once in a while or merely like an additional height for ease in getting in or out of the vehicle.

These days individuals are looking for ways to lessen their expenses without depriving themselves what they really need. A car is one of the necessities of many households to get to the office, school, store and primarily to go around. Many individuals are resolving to downgrade their automobiles or change to an electric, diesel, or a hybrid vehicle. Usually, the smaller the automobile the better the fuel mileage but that does not mean that you really do have to go smaller to economize on fuel. Sometimes it is better to consider alternatives obtainable with the similar dimension and category of the car.

Most individuals are now seriously musing regarding what a good fuel efficient SUV does. SUVs come under three kinds of fuel efficient SUVs. There are the small, the mid-size and the big crossovers and Sport utility cars. One of the finest places to discover the best SUVs is the Kelly Blue Book. The book has outlined a number of their finest fuel economy SUVs starting with the best fuel efficient SUV going down for each category of SUV. This informative article deals with the 2011 models only.

The small sport utility vehicle class comes with the Chevrolet Equinox four cylinders at the top of the list and does twenty-two miles per gallon in the city and thirty-two miles per gallon on the highway. It has a cultured, calm ride and completely out does other car in this classification. Its average starting price begins at around $23,000.

The Honda CR-V is as good as in the town as it is in driving off road doing twenty-eight miles to the gallon and will cost you approximately $21,000.

Hyundai Tucson has the cheapest price in this class at about $19,000. This has an optional all-wheel drive, excellent styling, and does thirty-one miles per gallon on the highway.

Subaru Forester features a twenty four thousand pounds hauling power and is specially made for people that like to show off on the road. Its starting price is around $20,000.

The number five position is the Toyota RAV4 doing 28 mpg, costs $22,000 as well as the first small SUV to deal with third row seats.

Acura RDX is a sports car and made for those that dream about a powerful vehicle, that has a huge carriage capability. It goes for around $31,000.

Audi Q5 with composite style and luxury has a starting price of $36,000.

The Infinite ECX35 has an initial price of $33,000 for a small SUV that is encumbered with technology and polished styling.

Mercedes-Benz GLK has all features for …

Review of Montgomery South RV Park

RV parks vary in amenities and price as much as the hotel/motel industry does. In RV parks as in hotels you can go from Motel 6 to New York Rich. But the key to a good RV park is for the owners to know their niche. In other words, be what you can comfortably be and charge accordingly. That pretty well describes the Montgomery South Campground, though one might suggest the price is a little on the high side.

Sometimes an RV traveler wants all the amenities and none of the hassles. Sometimes they just want a nice place to spend the night where they feel secure. Sometimes a place like Montgomery South RV Park is just right. We spent a quiet night there and with all of the amenities one might expect.

There are 30 sites, most of them gravel, all of them large and pull through. Clean restrooms that are particularly nice with chairs, mirrors and showers along with WiFi and full hookups are included. 30 and 50 amp service is available at all sites. There is no cable, but they indicate five channel are available. They also sell propane, which is an excellent service for those in need of propane.

Montgomery South RV Park is between 12 and 14 miles south of Montgomery, Alabama, depending on the map you read. It is located at Exit 158 off of I-65. 1/8 mile east and one mile north on Venable Rd and you are there.

The owner was on site to greet us and in general the staff was very helpful and friendly. The office has a large television and an inviting couch or two. I’m looking out the window of my RV and watching traffic whiz by on I-65. However the noise does not seem to be a problem at all.

I paid $26 with a discount. The park is a Good Sam park and is rated in Woodalls. They accept all major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

The WiFi signal is not as strong as I would like it to be, though generally it is serviceable. There are several acres of pastureland for walking your pet. I think you will find this a great place to spend the night.

Montgomery South RV Park is located at 713 Venable Rd. Hope Hull, AL 36043. Their telephone number is 334-284-7006 and their email address is: …

What The Heck Is A Fuel Bladder and Why They Are In Strong Demand

It is well known that an army marches on food and water. Without a functioning supply line, armies starve and wars are lost. In the same way that they march on food, they drive and fly on fuel. Fuel Bladders are the easy way to keep fuel close to the equipment that needs fueling. A fuel bladder is a giant pillow like temporary device that can be filled safely with fuel. The largest off the shelf fuel bladder has a capacity of 20,000 gallons. Manufacturers also can manufacture fuel bladders over 100,000 gallon capacity as well!

Why order these items instead of fabricating storage tanks? Some applications are permanent while others are temporary. Temporary applications are prime fuel pillow users. When a site closes down, the fuel bladder used at that location can easily be moved to the next location. Why should anyone spend money on a permanent tank for a temporary task? The military needs lots of fuel, and they need it reliably. Fuel bladders allow the military to accomplish this well.

Other users would include construction sites, speedways, and even service stations. In parts of the world, land is precious. In these locations, the idea of a 30 ft x 30 ft x 6 ft contraption on the land would be unimaginable. Any service station in a dense location would need underground tanks. Consider that there are also locations where there is plenty of available land. In these locations, why waste money burying fuel tanks? A Fuel pillow could work out fine, and cost a lot less than an engineering job.

Water is as important to people as fuel is to machinery. Water bladders are also available. The same units can be used for potable (drinkable) or gray (non drinkable) water. To avoid dangerous mistakes, a qualified dealer should find out how to label the water bladder. Homes with decent acreage should have a supply of water in case of any water system failure. Even 500 gallons of potable water would allow a family to survive a water crisis for quite a while. Of course water bladders can also be used for commercial application such as condominiums, and hospitals. A Hospital needs water just as much as it needs fuel and energy. With lives at stake, hospitals need their emergency contingencies for water – both potable and non potable. Capacities are the same as fuel pillows ranging from 500 gallons to 20,000 gallons.

Hopefully this article has provided some interesting information.

Customers needing these devices should contact a reputable dealer.…

What to Look For When Buying a Diesel Heater

Diesel heaters, while not in common use, are often favored by campers, people who live or travel to isolated locations and for heating outside sheds or garages. There are many advantages to running a diesel heater. Diesel is very easy to find and it is a relatively cheap fuel. While care needs to be taken when transporting extra diesel fuel, it is generally easily transportable. If you are interested in buying a diesel heater here are a few tips on what to look for.

Look for a heater that burns diesel vapors rather than the diesel itself. You will find that these type of heaters give off a much cleaner and better combustion, and they do not smell like you are burning diesel.

For safety reasons, buy a heater that is guaranteed not to flood. It should also have a valve that prevents diesel from flowing into the burner if the flame goes out, or if the heater is tilted or tipped.

You will need to vent your heater, as it gives off carbon monoxide just a propane heater does. Look for one that is easy to assemble and install, especially the vent. Exhaust stack sections should fit together easily and be a very snug fit so there is no chance of fumes escaping through tiny cracks.

Check the warranty. It should be for at least one year. Try to get a longer warranty if you can, three years is a good length of time. Also, make sure that the heater can be serviced nearby if something goes wrong. You do not want to have to send your heater across the country for servicing. Usually these type of heaters will need servicing approximately every 1,000 hours. If you run your heater for 30 hours a week all through winter and autumn you will probably need to service your heater every couple of years.

Also, make sure the heater is large enough to heat the area it is needed for. You are better off getting a slightly larger heater than you need, which can be run at lower temperatures or for less time, than buying one that is simply too small to provide adequate heat. The retailer you buy your diesel heater from should be able to supply you with recommendations. These recommendations will depend on the area to heat, insulation of the room and outdoor weather conditions. Other things which may reduce the heaters effectiveness and which must be taken into consideration include the altitude at which the heater will be run and how many windows in the home.…

There is Nothing Evil About Fossil Fuel Energy Companies, But It Is Evil to Claim So

Fossil fuels for energy and fuel have served the human race well, and whereas no pollution would be nice, there is a lot of energy packed in fossil fuels, and there aren’t very many other sources of energy that can compete with that. There is nothing evil about fossil fuels, they are what they are, and they’ve served our purpose. And until in the future other alternative source of energy can compete without being subsidized, it is irresponsible to call out fossil fuels because it will raise the cost of energy to such a high point it will create economic challenges.

Poor people in the United States for instance won’t be able to run their air conditioners, or afford fuel for their cars to get to work, or anything else. In fact it’s irresponsible, and evil to cause them strife by unbalancing the level playing field of free markets on behalf of alternative energy which cannot perform at the same level because it doesn’t provide the same amount of energy. Those environmentalists who think that they are helping someone, are actually hurting society, and causing a worsened problem in the economy, and causing 10s of millions of people to fall out of the middle class here at home in the United States.

It’s even worse in other parts of the world, and I ask is it really fair to them? We are making policies and forcing agendas onto these other nations in the name of good, yet we are hurting people. If they can’t afford to live and have to pay more for energy, they have less money to buy important things such as food, or even to send their kids to higher education to lift the family at of poverty where they may have been there for generations, and may be there for generations to come due to the hardheaded environmentalists and their agenda.

Okay so, one could actually make the claim that the environmentalism can often be just as evil and unfair to mankind, even more so than the accusations against fossil fuels. Environmentalism has been irresponsible, indeed, this has been quite common, as we’ve seen in the recent past. In fact, we’ve seen politicians literally use environmental protection agencies to go after fossil fuels to hurt them in the marketplace and give the advantage to their competitors.

And the when their competitors still can’t perform, these same politicians will offer subsidies, and tax credits, and charge the difference to the tax payer’s they same folks who are already paying through the nose, what kind of an alternative energy future is that? In some regards they are making the alternative energy industry weaker, less competitive, and therefore will see its demise – and mankind will not be better off, he will be worse off, that’s the reality.

Thus, all the way around it’s a bad idea, a bad deal, and the environmentalism …

Ready to Increase Your Gas Mileage?

Maximizing your Fuel Mileage

I’m sure you’ve heard the old story comes along about someone who invented a special carburetor. The story goes; the carburetor would allow any vehicle to get a hundred miles to the gallon.

As nice as thoughts of such a device might be, it is a myth. The reason why is that you have to have a certain amount of energy [fuel,] to move a given weight, at given speed, with based upon the engine that is in the vehicle. This is basic stuff, and you have to think both inside and outside the box to change your fuel economy.

In reality better fuel economy is a factor of many things. Cars are engineered with better and lighter engines, the vehicles are made with lighter materials, and cars are made “slippier” when they have less wind resistance.

When you’re considering the different things you can do to make your car more efficient, there are a few things that come to mind. When desired fuel mileage is not being obtained with a present vehicle, many times a new vehicle is considered as the only remedy. There are no changes that can be made to a vehicle to increase the mileage over that it was designed to deliver. The present vehicle can often deliver considerably better mileage than it currently does, however.

Other tips like keeping tires inflated, switching to an energy conserving engine oil and reducing unnecessary weight also help, but to a much smaller degree. Replacing a dirty air filter is always a good idea, but will not help mileage, just the longevity of a fuel injected vehicle.

Another factor would be to change your driving style, don’t race, and don’t rest your foot on the brake. I hear a lot of people say that they’ll trade their vehicle in, thereby moving from a vehicle that gets 20 MPG to one that gets 30 MPG. Driving 12,000 miles per year and with fuel cost of $4.00 per gallon, the savings is $800.00 per year. Paying $25,000 plus for a new vehicle will require over 31 years to break even, so this factor should not come into play for buying another vehicle.

So if we’re agreed that if you’re driving a non-efficient vehicle, but buying a more fuel efficient vehicle is not the answer, what can you do?

This is where you think outside the box. What are the Japanese working on now? Hybrids. Some of the Hybrids are gas/electric, and one of the prototypes is a pure hydrogen vehicle. Either way you go, buying one of these vehicles would be TENS of thousands of dollar more than a conventional vehicle.

What if you convert YOUR vehicle, yes, that gas guzzler, into a hybrid? That would do three things.

One, maximize the fuel efficiency by using the tips I mentioned.

Two, the satisfaction of beating those guys that are holding the high cost of gas over our heads.

Three, the feeling …

How Are Smart Meters Beneficial to Dual Fuel Customers

The United Kingdom is planning to get smart meters installed in all the homes by 2020. What is so exceptional about them and how are they beneficial to customers?

There have been many countries where they have been successfully installed and these countries have proven that they are not just a facility but a necessity.

Between 2000 and 2005, Enel SpA, a utility major in Italy installed 27 million of them ensuring that its entire customer base was taken care of. These meters since then have proved to be extremely useful. They have proved to be extremely useful in many ways.

They have many facilities like remotely controlling the supply of gas/electricity to the property, automatic information relay to the company, immediate reporting of any outage, detect any unauthorized use of electricity and even change the amount of electricity that a customer demands at any time. They also can be converted from prepayment meters to credit meters with regular bills and vice versa from the remote service location. Any change in the tariff plans also become effective with a remote instruction.

Compare this to the situation where they are not installed. Let us assume a locality in a country has got digital non-smart meters installed. These non-smart meters have to be read regularly so that the bills can be generated on time. This causes excessive work load on meter operators and the utility companies alike. The customers usually expect the meter operators to read the non-smart meters and this misinformation can cause a lot of errors in the bills leading to customer dissatisfaction and extra work being done to rectify the errors caused due to estimation, taken in absence of an actual read.

Also, in the U.K. all those who are unable to pay their gas and electricity bills get a prepayment meter installed at the property if the utility company deems fit. All the debt is transferred on the prepayment meter and every time the customer tops the meter up, an agreed amount is deducted from the top up that goes to settle the debt. This is how a utility company is able to recollect any unpaid bills. To achieve this purpose, the whole meter unit has to be exchanged and this exchange is free of cost for the customers. This is a huge investment for the utility companies.

Smart meters help eliminate all such issues that had to be previously borne by utility companies. This has been successfully proven by the use of these smart meters in Italy. This is why many service providers have found the impetus to get smart meters installed at the consumers’ houses.…

What Are Dual-Fuel Heat Pumps and How Do They Work?

You may have heard of geothermal heat pumps (earth-based pumps) and air source electric heat pumps (electricity-based) but what about dual-fuel heat pumps? These are actually a type of electric heat pump but also combine a gas furnace. The natural limitation of air electric pumps is that they do not perform well in extreme temperatures, like the dead of winter. They extract their heat from the air, and thus in below freezing temperatures, they are limited in their capacity.

That is where the dual-fuel pump comes in. This is an effective way to heat the home, as whenever the air electric pump system does start to wane because of low temperatures, a gas furnace activates and provides a more economic and a more effective form of heat. You are taking advantage of electrical power and gas power to heat your home.

Whenever the temperature is above freezing temperatures the system can easily use electricity to generate heat (or air, if it’s reversible). This type of heat isn’t as warm, but still distributes comfortable heat evenly throughout the living quarters. However, when the air gets extremely cold and below freezing temperatures, the pump starts to switch (automatically in most cases) to supplemental gas power. This makes the system not only affordable but also warmer.

There are definite disadvantages to gas power and electrical power in their own right; when combined the two systems complement each other, giving one the “best of both worlds.” The only potential disadvantage here is the startup cost, much like geothermal pumps. Dual-fuel pumps run upwards of $1,000 sometimes because you are basically buying two systems-in-one.

Nevertheless, if you can afford this expense then it’s best to invest in this technology, because over the long run you will be saving money on a superior and more economical system than electric-based heat pumps alone.

There are a variety of systems to choose from, including manufacturers like Bryant Evolution, Daikin, Friedrich, Fujitsu, Heritage and Sanyo. The most notable differences will be in price as well as whether the model is an inside or outside pump system. Some companies also offer financing on these dual-fuel pumps.

Some products like the Heil PDX4 Packaged Two-Stage Dual Fuel Heat Pump Series offer quiet operation, a two stage system, a direct spark ignition system and a 14 SEER performance level. This is a great way to lower your long-term electrical costs while ensuring a warm winter season.…

Ways to Greatly Reduce That Pain at the Pump

The cost of gasoline and other fossil fuel based products has skyrocketed in recent years, which can lead to serious pain at the pump, especially for consumers that must commute to work every day. Fortunately, there are many quick and easy ways to save on gas by simply changing a few habits:

1) Ditch the gas guzzler. This may be tough for some consumers, but it all comes down to what is practical. Most people simply do not need a large pickup truck or SUV, or a six cylinder engine instead of four. Making the switch to a more fuel efficient vehicle can save thousands of dollars a year in fuel costs.

2) Always make sure that the vehicle is properly maintained and tuned. A poorly maintained vehicle can easily burn 25% more gas, which really adds up, especially with today’s gas prices.

3) Make the switch to steel-belted radial tires. Consumers who install these tires will see an increase in gas mileage of up to 10%. For a commuter who drives 300 miles a week, that means an extra 30 miles without spending a dime more. That is 120 extra miles a month, and 1440 over the course of a year.

4) Never use premium, high octane gas. The only exception is when the vehicle has a high performance engine and the manufacturer recommends it.

5) Always check tire pressure once a week. Driving on underinflated tires can reduce gas mileage significantly. For every pound the tires are underinflated, expect to see a drop of six percent in gas mileage – that is a 30% drop if they are underinflated by 5 pounds, which is common.

6) Never top off the tank. On warm days, the gas will expand, and it may overflow the tank, resulting in wasted gas.

7) Never warm up the car by letting it idle. It is far more efficient to warm up an engine by driving than by letting it idle. Not only that, but an idling vehicle can easily burn a quart of gas or more every 15 minutes.

8) Make a conscious effort to combine errands whenever possible and avoid backtracking. This can result in significant savings.

9) Always accelerate gently because flooring the gas pedal will burn more fuel than necessary.

10) Keep an eye on traffic ahead at all times in order to anticipate slow-downs and avoid stops. Remember, there is a reason why city mileage and highway mileage ratings are so different – constantly stopping and starting uses much more fuel.

11) Drivers should always ease up to traffic jams by taking their foot off the gas, rather than approaching at full speed and slamming on the brakes. It takes 20% more fuel to get the car up to normal speeds again from a full stop than it does when the car is still in motion.

12) There is a sweet spot for fuel efficiency when it comes to driving …

Ways to Greatly Reduce That Pain at the Pump

The cost of gasoline and other fossil fuel based products has skyrocketed in recent years, which can lead to serious pain at the pump, especially for consumers that must commute to work every day. Fortunately, there are many quick and easy ways to save on gas by simply changing a few habits:

1) Ditch the gas guzzler. This may be tough for some consumers, but it all comes down to what is practical. Most people simply do not need a large pickup truck or SUV, or a six cylinder engine instead of four. Making the switch to a more fuel efficient vehicle can save thousands of dollars a year in fuel costs.

2) Always make sure that the vehicle is properly maintained and tuned. A poorly maintained vehicle can easily burn 25% more gas, which really adds up, especially with today’s gas prices.

3) Make the switch to steel-belted radial tires. Consumers who install these tires will see an increase in gas mileage of up to 10%. For a commuter who drives 300 miles a week, that means an extra 30 miles without spending a dime more. That is 120 extra miles a month, and 1440 over the course of a year.

4) Never use premium, high octane gas. The only exception is when the vehicle has a high performance engine and the manufacturer recommends it.

5) Always check tire pressure once a week. Driving on underinflated tires can reduce gas mileage significantly. For every pound the tires are underinflated, expect to see a drop of six percent in gas mileage – that is a 30% drop if they are underinflated by 5 pounds, which is common.

6) Never top off the tank. On warm days, the gas will expand, and it may overflow the tank, resulting in wasted gas.

7) Never warm up the car by letting it idle. It is far more efficient to warm up an engine by driving than by letting it idle. Not only that, but an idling vehicle can easily burn a quart of gas or more every 15 minutes.

8) Make a conscious effort to combine errands whenever possible and avoid backtracking. This can result in significant savings.

9) Always accelerate gently because flooring the gas pedal will burn more fuel than necessary.

10) Keep an eye on traffic ahead at all times in order to anticipate slow-downs and avoid stops. Remember, there is a reason why city mileage and highway mileage ratings are so different – constantly stopping and starting uses much more fuel.

11) Drivers should always ease up to traffic jams by taking their foot off the gas, rather than approaching at full speed and slamming on the brakes. It takes 20% more fuel to get the car up to normal speeds again from a full stop than it does when the car is still in motion.

12) There is a sweet spot for fuel efficiency when it comes to driving …

8 Tips To Save Money On Gas

Everybody is getting hurt financially at the gas pump, and for some people the money they spend at the pump is a huge part of their budget. For those of us whose biggest expense is gas, here are a few tips that will help you save some money while you’re on the road.

Drive Slower

This is probably the biggest factor that weighs into fuel efficiency. This may mean that you have to leave a little earlier for work in the morning but if you slow your speed from 75 mph to 55 it’s going to save you a ton of money in the long run. The main reason for this is that aerodynamic drag increases very much when you driving at faster speeds, so your car are using up a lot of fuel to drive at faster speeds.

Driving Steadily

Unnecessary braking and accelerating erratically can greatly reduce the mileage of your vehicle by 2 to 3 mpg. The best thing to do is once you’re on the highway maintain steady pace in top gear, preferably at the speed limit. Accelerating smoothly, careful cornering and prudent braking can not only extend the life of your engine but your tires and brakes as well.

Reducing Drag

When driving at highway speeds of 55 mph or greater 50% of your engine power is used to overcome the aerodynamic drag of your vehicle. So if you’re being conscious of you gas mileage it usually works best to not carry stuff on top of your vehicle, or consider removing your car-top carrier. If you have bike rack on the top of your vehicle consider using a rear bike rack only when you’re transporting your bicycle.

Use Regular Gas

Some vehicles require that you only fuel up with premium gas at the pump, but for those of us that can use regular it’s in our wallet’s best interest to use the loser grade gas. Using regular gas does not affect the performance of your vehicle, the only difference is premium have higher prices. Even when the owner manual recommends that you run premium tests have shown that the vehicle runs fine on regular.

Warm Up Your Vehicle

It’s a proven fact that engines run more efficiently when they are warmed up. Tests have shown that if you’re cold starting your vehicle it can waste up to 4 mpg (depending on your vehicle). If you’re concerned with the environment starting an engine cold produces more pollution.

Keep Your Tires Inflated Properly.

Underinflated tires can greatly decrease fuel efficiency. Not only do underinflated tires decrease your fuel efficiency but it greatly compromises your handling, and braking. It’s probably a good idea to check your psi every three weeks.

Quality of Your Tires

A higher quality tire with low rolling resistance can save you hundreds of dollars a year in fuel, driving around in an old worn tire can also greatly affect your fuel efficiency. Make sure you are constantly …

Home improvement is a good way to return a home to its purchase glory. Making little fixes to a property can make a home look as if it were brand new. The home improvement tips in the following article will help you get started on your own home improvement projects.

Have a missing or damaged tile? Take a sample to your local home improvement store to see if they can match the color. Replacing an entire Renovation House floor of tile is expensive as well as a heinous chore. Save money and time by finding a tile that is a close match to the existing tile.

To lower the electric costs associated to illuminating your yard, you can change your regular light to one that contains a motion sensor. You can still turn it on manually if need be, and you can also adjust sensitivity on some models.

Home Improvement Project

Always insist on references before hiring a contractor to work on your home improvement project. Make sure your potential contractor is properly licensed to perform the work in question. Hiring a professional is worth the money to give you peace of mind that the job is done right the first time.

When choosing a contractor, make sure to interview them and check references. There are few things more painful than a home improvement project gone wrong. At best you’ll have to live in a house that makes you unhappy and at worse you could find yourself without a place that’s safe to live in. Perform your due diligence upfront in making your choice so that you won’t be surprised at the results at the end.

In conclusion, by doing home improvements, you can make your home look the way it did upon the first purchase. Small tweaks and large repairs can do a world of difference for any home. If you remember the tips in this article on home improvement, you can make your home look like a brand new showcase home.…

An Overview of Cummins Fuel Systems

Cummins is a Fortune 500 company which manufactures, designs, distributes and services engines and associated technologies. The company is headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, and has presence in nearly 190 countries and territories with a vast network of over 600 independent and company-owned distributors, and nearly 6,000 dealers. Cummins is made of several business units namely Engine Business, Power Generation Business, Filtration, Turbo Technologies, Emission Solutions, and Distribution Business Unit. In this article we will focus mainly on Cummins Fuel Systems Business.

Fuel Systems Business offers a strategic advantage to the customers by providing them the best technology in manufacturing, design, and support of the product line. It brings top-notch technology to help the engine custom to meet the requirements of increasing emissions, which optimizing fuel economy, and improving performance and fuel economy. Both in product manufacturing and remanufacturing, the Fuel Systems is a critical partner to the Cummins engine applications, and the other main external partners.

In its current operation, Cummins uses more than eighty years of Fuel Systems experience. This business unit is located in El Paso Texas, Juarez Mexico, and Columbus Indiana. Fuel Systems produces as well as remanufactures the common rail systems, the unit injectors, and the electronic control modules. As the business plans to further expand its manufacturing capabilities to other regions of the world, we can expect growth and support in the emerging international markets.

The product line offered by Cummins Fuel Systems supports the engine applications that range from 8 to 78 liters. The supplies of the remanufacturing business include completely reconditioned products for field service needs and remanufacturing. Here are the main product lines offered by the business unit:

Cummins Celect: The Celect fuel system is the first ever electronically controlled injection that was released in 1990. The product is currently used on the Cummins M11 engine platform. It is basically a cam driven system, which provides a high level of injection pressure.

High Pressure Injection (HPI) Systems: This is an electronically operated unit injection currently used by Cummins for its Scania 12 liter and ISX 15 liter products. The open nozzle system of these products offers a high pressure injection than the earlier released systems. Just like the Heavy Duty model, the High Horse Power (HHP HPI) system is a unit injection system that is controlled electronically. To meet the needs of a wide variety of customers, the HHP HPI system may be utilized in the manifold engine cylinder configurations. It is used in the high horse power engines manufactured by Cummins Inc.

Common Rail (CCR) Pump: This type of injection system is utilized in the engine applications which were previously supplied the fuel systems in a mid-ranged and smaller diesel engines. The Common Rail fuel pump also provides higher injection pressure, and it requires comparatively less power to operate, thus leading to better fuel economy and the emissions compared to fuel systems by competitors. This CCR pump is utilized on Cummins products including ISC 8 …

The New Energy Savior: Natural Gas To The Rescue

What would you think about $1.50 gas again? With the recent advancements in Natural Gas extraction methods, it may go lower than that! Many large U.S. companies are starting to replace diesel engine trucks with Natural Gas vehicles. By all accounts we are the Saudi Arabia of Natural Gas. Many estimates put the reserves at enough to last at least 100 years.

The auto companies already make CNG(compressed natural gas) vehicles overseas. As soon as they start building them here they will sell. When people start buying them the oil producing countries will feel the pinch when they see the demand for gas start to plummet. But then the scare tactics will begin.

Everybody will be told that we don’t have the infrastructure to fuel the vehicles. We will be told that cars will be exploding, and be too dangerous. I say BULL!

When T. Boone Pickens was trying to get Congress and Obama to listen to him about the possibilities of using Natural Gas for transportation, all Obama wanted to talk about is Electric Vehicles. They have years to go before the battery technology allows vehicles to be used for more than just traveling around town and then back home.

And the neat thing about having a CNG vehicle is you can have a fueling station hooked up at your home if you use Natural Gas at home. Besides if the service stations know CNG vehicles are here to stay they will get set-up to sell it. A few years ago there were only 2 Ethanol stations in our state, then with Ethanol production going up there were hundreds of pumps across the state within a year.

Then think of the future possibility of Fuel Cell vehicles. All of this isn’t just a pipe dream, it is going to happen sooner than some people think. About 15-20 years ago Chicago had all of their buses in the city on an experimental Fuel Cell program. All the buses in Chicago, can you imagine that? Why doesn’t every large city in the country have this?

As I stated earlier what about $1.50 gas? I not only think it’s coming I think it could go lower than that.

I hear people talking about how much gasoline China will be using but what they are not reading is that China is also working on alternate fuel programs. As sure as I am sitting here today, OPEC will be wanting to give it’s oil away sometime soon. The world will be coming to us for their energy needs. (CNG)

That is enough for today, boy do I feel good about the thought of OPEC shaking in their boots. I hope our politicians have enough sense to stay out of the way and let the explorers and drillers free us from the hell that hostile countries enjoy putting us in.…

Inventory Software Can Allow You To Manage Your Inventory Much More Effectively Almost Immediately

Inventory software for a lot of business is never really given a second thought. A lot of business feel they have the right inventory management system to make everything work just fine, and they very well might. It is not my goal to convince you that as a business owner your way of managing your inventory is not effective.

One of the goals of inventory software for you and your business is to make you see that what you are doing can be maximized if you were to incorporate inventory management software into the daily operations of the company.

Now you might think you have an idea of how much inventory your business needs to carry in order to operate the right way. You might have an idea of costs. However, do you really know how much money you could be saving or making if you did things differently?

Keeping costs down by means of knowing how much to order to maximize discounts because with any business that holds inventories there are going to be discounts depending on how much of the products needed for production are ordered from a supplier.

The overall cost to produce certain products can also be lowered as a result of ordering larger quantities of materials. Does your inventory management system factor this in and is it able to make adjustments based on information you feed it?

Chances are it does not. Inventory software is not designed to really replace your way of doing things. It is really designed to make sure the way you do things is the best for your businesses overall profits.

Warehousing software can quickly help you realize that you could be purchasing larger quantities of goods in order to keep cost down, even if this means having to store them for longer than what you would like.

If your business has to also manufacture products then having longer runs in order to keep costs down is a good thing. The right inventory software is going to allow you to know how much you need and when you need it. It is going to make sure you run at maximum efficiency so you do not take heavy financial losses.

Inventory software is going to help you keep operating costs down because there are so many costs associated with doing business and that without an accountant it is going to be easy to get confused.

You might not have the money to hire a top notch accountant to do all of the work in helping you manage the costs associated with inventories you have to purchase and carry. Software will enable you to do this yourself without having to consume too much of your time.

When you are able to do this you can focus on making sure you always have what you need, when you need it, and for the price that will allow for you to …

Inventory Software Can Allow You To Manage Your Inventory Much More Effectively Almost Immediately

Inventory software for a lot of business is never really given a second thought. A lot of business feel they have the right inventory management system to make everything work just fine, and they very well might. It is not my goal to convince you that as a business owner your way of managing your inventory is not effective.

One of the goals of inventory software for you and your business is to make you see that what you are doing can be maximized if you were to incorporate inventory management software into the daily operations of the company.

Now you might think you have an idea of how much inventory your business needs to carry in order to operate the right way. You might have an idea of costs. However, do you really know how much money you could be saving or making if you did things differently?

Keeping costs down by means of knowing how much to order to maximize discounts because with any business that holds inventories there are going to be discounts depending on how much of the products needed for production are ordered from a supplier.

The overall cost to produce certain products can also be lowered as a result of ordering larger quantities of materials. Does your inventory management system factor this in and is it able to make adjustments based on information you feed it?

Chances are it does not. Inventory software is not designed to really replace your way of doing things. It is really designed to make sure the way you do things is the best for your businesses overall profits.

Warehousing software can quickly help you realize that you could be purchasing larger quantities of goods in order to keep cost down, even if this means having to store them for longer than what you would like.

If your business has to also manufacture products then having longer runs in order to keep costs down is a good thing. The right inventory software is going to allow you to know how much you need and when you need it. It is going to make sure you run at maximum efficiency so you do not take heavy financial losses.

Inventory software is going to help you keep operating costs down because there are so many costs associated with doing business and that without an accountant it is going to be easy to get confused.

You might not have the money to hire a top notch accountant to do all of the work in helping you manage the costs associated with inventories you have to purchase and carry. Software will enable you to do this yourself without having to consume too much of your time.

When you are able to do this you can focus on making sure you always have what you need, when you need it, and for the price that will allow for you to …

Finding Your Own Niche in Business

If you are starting or have just started your own small business, then you have most likely heard or read many experts telling you to find your business niche and start your business there. The reason why you have heard or read it so many times is that it is basically true. Having a business niche or starting a small business that relies on a niche makes it easier for you to get referrals as well as determine your market.

When you know your type of market, then you can provide quality products or services to that particular market because that is what your business is focused on. You do not have to worry about anything else but your own part of the consumer market. In addition, many business experts believe that niches make it easier for you to get clients or customers simply because of business referrals as well as targeted advertising.

Some business experts, however, may disagree when it comes to the difficulty of finding the right niche for you. Some believe that finding the perfect niche to capitalize on is easier than you might think, but others may contradict that. Finding a niche that has adequate consumer population can be quite daunting. Obviously you cannot just take any niche business that comes your way. You will have to study its feasibility first. How will it fair in the consumer market? Does it have enough consumer prospects? What about competition, will you have too many competitors if you take this niche business?

What you need to realize is that, in a niche business, there is very little room for competition. Before you enter a niche business, you have to make sure that there is not too much competitors, otherwise you can forget about that niche. That is why having a unique product or service can serve your business well, because it helps you stand out from your rivals. You have what consumers want that no other business can offer. That is the key to having a successful niche business.

If you want to find the right niche business for you, try to make a list of things that you are good at that others would want to spend money on. Once you have made a list of potential niches, try and figure out which of the things on the list is feasible enough to market. you can conduct a thorough research to help you determine which sells and which do not. The key to finding the perfect niche is patience and constant research and study. Never assume that you know everything there is to know about your particular niche.…

Inflate Your Tyres and Save Yourselves Money, Money, Money

This is not the first time that we have all had to pull our belts to save money. Many older business men and women have made it through at least four past recessions.

In the past they have got through them with flying colours, the latest being no different from the rest. Many people have come up with money saving ideas, and different ways of saving money and that is great the more people do this the greater hope there is for us all.

One of the main ways of saving fuel is through your car.

The first step is to keep up with your wheel alignment. many articles have been written about wheel alignment, but it is now more important than ever. If your alignment is out then your car is literally fighting itself against the steering.

If your tyres appear to be unevenly worn then you should get your car checked out by a mechanic because the wheels made need to be correctly aligned. Uneven wear is the best sign that your wheels are not correctly aligned.

Improper alignment affects the handling of your car and increases fuel consumption. Yes this will increase your cars fuel consumption, so get you car correctly aligned.

Next thing to do is to keep clean oil in your engine. This helps keep your engine running more efficiently and therefore reduces the amount of fuel you burn off. It is worth noting that diesel engines require their oil changing more the petrol engines, just a point that needs noting, once again this saves fuel costs.

Another tip is to keep your air conditioning switched off when it is not needed.

Air con can increase you fuel consumption by as much as 10%. If you are travelling at over 60 mph in summer it would be more fuel efficient to have your air con on than open your windows because of the drag effect.

Although it may appear obvious to some correct driving speeds also affect fuel costs. Going too fast and using the wrong gears has an adverse affect on your fuel consumption. The more careful you drive the less fuel you will use, so” foot off gas”

Also it is important to keep your windows closed. By having your windows open you also cause drag, this decreases fuel efficiency, and so increases costs.

Also don’t forget that extra load also has an adverse affect on your fuel efficiency. Keep you car at its lowest weight. After a necessary journey remove any objects from your car that can add extra weight, such as roof racks, stuff in the boot, you know the things I mean.

One of the most important and easiest things to do is to keep your tyre pressures checked at regular periods. If you find this difficult you can call in at one of the thousands of auto centres through out the country. Most good garages and auto centres will be …