What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Start by identifying which fuel cost is squeezing your budget: gasoline or diesel for driving, or energy used to heat your home. The most practical steps differ. For transportation, begin with trip planning and simple driving and maintenance checks; for heating costs, look into local energy-bill assistance and weatherization programs.
First, identify the cost you need to reduce
Transportation fuel and home energy are different budget problems. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Low-Income Energy Affordability Data (LEAD) resource excludes transportation costs from its household energy-cost measures and points to a separate platform for considering both burdens together: DOE’s LEAD Tool.
- Gasoline or diesel: Focus first on how often and how efficiently you drive. The steps below can help manage fuel use without requiring a vehicle change.
- Heating fuel or utility energy: Check whether local bill assistance or weatherization is available. Eligibility and application details depend on state and local administration.
How to spend less on driving fuel
Start with actions that cost little or nothing. The amount they save depends on your vehicle, route, traffic, and driving conditions; estimates are not guarantees of a specific reduction in your household’s fuel bill.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Reduce trips where practical
Combine errands into fewer outings and avoid unnecessary driving. Depending on what is available and workable in your area, consider carpooling, public transit, walking or cycling for short trips, or working remotely if your employer permits it. DOE includes these trip-reduction approaches in its fuel-saving driving guidance.
Drive smoothly and avoid unnecessary speed
Rapid acceleration, hard braking, and high speeds can use more fuel. DOE’s 2021 consumer guide estimates a 7%–14% fuel-economy benefit from observing speed limits and says mileage usually falls rapidly above 50 mph. Those figures are general guidance, not a prediction for a particular car; obey posted limits and drive at a safe speed for conditions.
On highways, cruise control may help maintain a steady speed where appropriate. Its usefulness varies with traffic, road conditions, and the vehicle. DOE’s guidance on sensible driving and speed is at FuelEconomy.gov.
Remove unused roof cargo
If you have an unused roof carrier or bulky roof cargo, remove it when safe and practical. Roof cargo can reduce fuel economy, with the effect varying by vehicle, cargo, and speed. Do not remove equipment you need for safe vehicle operation.
Check tire pressure against the vehicle specification
Check tires when they are cold and use the pressure listed on the vehicle’s doorjamb placard, glove box label, or owner’s manual. Do not use the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall as the target. DOE reports that proper inflation improves fuel economy by an average of 0.6%, and by up to 3% in some cases; this is a general estimate, not a guaranteed household saving. A working gauge can help with the check, but you do not need to buy one if you can use one elsewhere.
Rank #3
- Fleet GPS tracker. No Monthly Fee, No Contract, Activation Fee $45.99 USD required (refunded if you return device within 30 days).4G Realtime Car GPS Tracker. SIM card, 1 year data plan, 1 year service included. Web account & Android/iOS apps, Renewal for the 2nd year
- Real-time three minutes GPS with 60/30/15 seconds GPS update upgrades available. No Battery needed Hourly GPS when engine off
- Fleet dashboard Unlimited number of vehicles per account Street address on trip table Downloadable data in csv format Fuel cost tracking Custom maintenance tasks Stop time reporting on the map True idle time (vehicle not moving but engine running) reporting on the map Multiple sub-fleets with more than one managers and access control.
- Real-time Geofence zone Vehicle OBD Diagnostics Maintenance Recall Fuel economy Fuel Level (if available) Curfew Hours Notification Upgrade Driver speeding/braking/rapid acceleration alerts by Push Notification/Email and trip history Driver Score
- 4G wireless connection supported in 220+ countries including all 50 US States, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Canada SIM Card Included with 1 Year Data Plan from Delivery
Use the recommended motor-oil grade when maintenance is due
Follow the oil grade specified by the vehicle manufacturer. DOE says using the recommended grade can improve fuel economy by 1%–2%; the correct grade depends on the vehicle. Do not change oil early or buy specialty products solely because fuel prices have risen. DOE also cautions that replacing an air filter does not improve fuel economy in modern fuel-injected cars, although it can improve acceleration.
What to do if heating fuel or home energy is the strain
Check LIHEAP and local energy assistance
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers assistance for eligible lower-income households with home-energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs. Program eligibility and applications are handled locally, so check current information for your state or community rather than assuming you qualify or will receive a particular benefit. Start with the DOE home energy programs and assistance information.
Ask about weatherization
DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is administered through state and local agencies and provides efficiency improvements intended to reduce energy costs. The department says up to 7 million families have improved their quality of life through WAP since 1976, and participating households save an average of $372 or more per year. Those are DOE program-level figures, not a promise of savings or eligibility for an individual household. Check current local program information through DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program page.
Recommended Free Tools
Use an energy assessment to guide bigger changes
A home energy assessment can help identify where energy is being used and which improvements may matter. Weatherization and larger home upgrades can require time, eligibility, or upfront spending, so they are not necessarily an immediate fix for a cash shortfall. DOE describes assessment and upgrade options through its Home Upgrades resource.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Plan costs before making a major vehicle decision
If you are considering a different vehicle, compare fuel economy and estimated fuel costs using the official FuelEconomy.gov vehicle comparison and cost tools. This can help with planning or a future purchase, but switching vehicles can involve substantial upfront costs and is not an immediate way to relieve a tight monthly budget.
Choose the next step by cost and timing
| Action | Upfront cost | When it may help | Applies to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combine trips, carpool, or use another practical travel option | Usually none, though alternatives may have their own fares or costs | When you can change upcoming trips | Transportation fuel |
| Drive smoothly and remove unused roof cargo | None | As soon as driving habits or cargo change | Transportation fuel |
| Check tire pressure and correct it to the vehicle specification | Usually none if a working gauge is available | After checking and adjusting pressure | Vehicles with tires below the recommended pressure |
| Use manufacturer-recommended oil at scheduled maintenance | Maintenance cost when service is due | At the next appropriate oil change | Vehicles needing an oil change |
| Apply for LIHEAP or local assistance | Not stated; check local program details | Depends on local application and administration | Eligible households with home-energy costs |
| Seek weatherization or a home energy assessment | Depends on program eligibility and recommended work | Depends on local availability and the work involved | Home energy use |
These options are not interchangeable: driving changes address transportation fuel, while LIHEAP, weatherization, and assessments address home energy. Prioritize the steps that fit the bill causing the strain, and check local assistance requirements before counting on a program.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
