Shannon Harvey Insurance

So you're thinking about buying a hybrid vehicle. And you're wondering what some of the advantages might be. Here are a few for you to mull over.

1. Fuel efficiency.

If you're sick of paying $40, $50, $60, or more to fill up, a hybrid could be what you're after. In fact, you can get 20 or 30 more miles to each and every gallon you put into a hybrid car.

Of course, the initial investment means it'll take a while to start truly saving money. Over the long run, though, driving a hybrid could free up some money in your budget.

2. Lower emissions.

A hybrid car uses a combination of electricity and gasoline. You can feel good knowing that a hybrid car has less impact on the earth than other cars you've owned.

3. Tax incentives.

Buying a hybrid could knock off up to $3,400 off your federal tax bill this year--and your state might offer even more incentives.

Perhaps Kermit the Frog was a touch off base when he said it's not easy being green.

Thinking there might be some changes you can make around the home to conserve energy? You're on to something. To live even greener, you can:

• Choose energy-efficient windows. Go with double-pane windows and you might even reduce the risk of break-ins (because double-pane windows can be more difficult to break).
• Insulate your water pipes. You'll save energy and it may reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
• Insulate your ceiling and attic. Air sealing reduces heat loss into attics, which can also reduce ice dam formation.
• Seal your ducts. Duct sealing reduces the risk of pressure imbalances in homes. (Pressure imbalances can increase fire risks and could enable the risk of toxic gases like carbon monoxide entering the living space.)
• Replace Torchiere halogen light fixtures. Choose more efficient fixtures to save energy and possibly reduce the risk of fire.
• Put motion sensors on outdoor lights. You can reduce electricity use and you may even improve security.
• Purchase sealed combustion appliances (furnaces and hot water heaters). These are more efficient, and you may also reduce risk of fire and carbon monoxide fumes getting into the living space.

If you're already in Good Hands with Allstate, you can sign up for our Easy Pay Plan and Allstate will make a $10 contribution to a national, environmentally conscious organization with local, highly visible initiatives.

Click here to read more about living green.

Perhaps Kermit the Frog wasn't entirely correct...it can be easy being green. -Shannon