How Much Does Window Cleaning Cost?

Do you price per window or per job? Here are some articles, the second being from 2008.. how have your prices gone up? 

How Much Do Window Cleaning Services Cost? Cleaning windows can be a real “pane”. But, it’s great to be able to look out your window and admire the outdoors like it was meant to be seen. Cleaning windows can be a challenge because of the height issues. Especially hard to clean, are the outside window panes on the outside of your home. Depending on how many stories your home has it can get pretty high up to reach the outside panes of the windows. For this reason, sometimes windows go unclean for decades.
Window Cleaning Prices: It will cost $25 to $45 an hour to hire someone to clean your windows. Another way that a professional window cleaning service may charge you is $200 for a half day and $400 for a full day of cleaning. For an average size home or business it will not take more than half a day to clean the windows. Things to Consider...

The cost of cleaning your windows will depend on:

• The height of the windows- Are the windows accessible without a ladder? Are the windows accessible with a step ladder? Does a person need a 40 foot ladder to reach your windows?
• How large are the windows? Are the windows large or small? Larger windows can be washed with a squeegee. This may actually work to your advantage as it will take someone less time to clean large windows with the speed that a squeegee can bring.
• Do the windows have dividers? Or is the window one solid pane? The greatest time consuming element of windows are navigating the corners of the windows. It can be difficult and more time consuming to get into the corners of windows. 

How Much Does Window Cleaning Cost? Most window cleaning services charge by the number of panes. Each pane is a piece of glass framed on all sides by wood or metal. Some companies charge by the total square footage of the home.

Typical costs:

• Generally, window cleaning costs $2-$7 per pane. 
• For a 1,300-square foot home with 20 panes, the cost would run $40-$140. 
• For a 2,200-square foot home with 28 panes, the price would average $56-$196.

Self-cleaning windows can be made easier with the proper tools. The Housekeeping Channel recommends buying a professional squeegee and using dish soap. Squeegees and window washing tools run under $10.

What should be included: Typically a professional window washer will remove and mark all screens, cleaning both sides of the screens before setting them aside. Both the inside and outside of the windows should be washed, including the window tracks and sills. The clean screens should then be put back in place. Ideally, household windows should be washed twice a year, according to ThisOldHouse.com, which describes techniques for specific cleaning tasks such as picture windows or multi-pane windows.

Additional costs:

• Screen cleaning is .50 cents-$5 each, depending on size. Some companies will not clean broken or torn screens.
• Sliding glass doors run $2.50-$8 per door. Some companies average the cost of sliding doors with small bathroom windows, to cut the price.
• Some cleaners will include sills and tracks. If not, the price runs .50 cents-$5.
• While second-story work is generally charged the same as single story, third and fourth-floor ladder work runs $3-$5 extra per window.
• Paint or stain removal on the windows costs $3.50-$6 for a regular-sized window.
• Removing mineral deposits is included by some companies and runs about $20 per pane at others.
• Some companies offer a 10-20% discount for scheduling with neighbors.

Shopping for window cleaning:

• The International Window Cleaning Association offers an online membership directory.
• Home Reports.com in Atlanta Georgia advises making sure any contractor hired has liability insurance.
• Good Housekeeping recommends asking friends or calling professional associations and then contacting the local Better Business Bureau to make sure no complaints have been filed.
• Mr. Window Cleaner offers a website calculator to estimate individual costs.

Recent Comments - from 2008 till 2011..
 

Window Cleaning
Amount: $6.00 per cleaning
Posted by: Ebony in Lttle Rock, AR.    Posted: September 3rd, 2008 08:09AM
Number of Windows: 87    Firm: Best Window Cleaners
Additional Services: Free Pressure washing inclued there was a company that was a little cheper but did not offer such a detail job.

Best Window Cleaning Ever
Amount: $225.00 per cleaning
Posted by: The Beef in Nashville, TN.    Posted: September 12th, 2008 01:09AM
Number of Windows: 200    Firm: Tennessee Commercial Services
Additional Services: Office Cleaners and Floors
We hired these guys to do the windows at our office. They really took thier time and the job turned out really nice. My boss asked if they did sealing and waxing for floors. After they did the floors, my boss hired them to clean our office every night. They do a grear job. I thought our prior cleaners were good, but you never know until you see.

Shees kids or profesinals?
Amount: $2.00 per cleaning
Posted by: Georgia in , Other.    Posted: October 20th, 2008 12:10AM
Number of Windows: 70    Firm: Hamiliton window washing
Additional Services: just neat and tidy
well im to old to wash my windows and so i hired this kid to do it, i don't have a lot of money. But this kid did an excellent job and $2.00 instead of $5.00 a window is good priced if you ask me.

Great window cleaning service
Amount: $208.00 per cleaning
Posted by: JerryTom in Mesa, AZ.    Posted: April 12th, 2009 02:04PM
Number of Windows: 2800 sq feet    Firm: Clearco Window Cleaning
Additional Services: Detailed our tracks
My brother recommended this company to us and they did a great job. They were very polite and attentive. They wore shoe covers in our house and that was nice. They answered when we called and gave us a price over the phone and it was simple and fast. We were able to make an appointment for a few days later to get our windows cleaned.

Excellent Window Cleaning
Amount: $100.00 per cleaning
Posted by: Brett D. in Atlanta, GA.    Posted: May 11th, 2009 11:05AM
Number of Windows: 22    Firm: Howard's Window Cleaning
Additional Services: Cleaned window seals
A friend of mine recommended this company after I hurt my back and couldn't clean my windows. I went onto their website and contacted them and I was able to get a free quote the same day I called. I had planned on just using them temporarily but they did a great job so now I use them for my home and business. I recommend this company to anyone looking in the area.

Did an excellent job
Amount: $99.00 per cleaning
Posted by: Christina Moore in Indianapolis, IN.    Posted: May 23rd, 2009 11:05AM
Number of Windows: 20    Firm: wowmywindows.com
Additional Services: Just had window done
This company came in and cleaned all of our windows last week. They were very professional and did a great job. My windows have never looked better. They even cleaned my screens for free.

Unbeatable prices, and Unbelievable results
Amount: $150.00 per cleaning
Posted by: Chauncey Forbes in Bountiful, UT.    Posted: June 25th, 2009 10:06AM
Number of Windows: 50    Firm: R&R Window Cleaning
Additional Services: Screens were free
I got a free estimate and scheduled an appointment on the same day. Because the price was so low I was worried about the quality of the job, however I was pleasantly surprised. They worked quickly and efficiently which made it easy for them to charge low prices. Very friendly and polite.

Professional,Polite & Honest
Amount: $12,000.00 per cleaning
Posted by: Fred Young Jr. in Peoria, IL.    Posted: July 1st, 2009 08:07AM
Number of Windows: 25    Firm: R & A Professional Window & Cleaning Ser
Additional Services: clean window sills
These Individuals were very Professional, Polite and Honest. They will even Negotiate The price to fit your budget. They did an excellent job. I recommend them to everyone who want a good window cleaning.

Window Cleaning
Amount: $279.00 per cleaning
Posted by: Mrs Raimondo in Bedminster, NJ.    Posted: October 6th, 2009 07:10AM
Number of Windows: 32    Firm: Suburban Window Cleaning
Excellent Service

Above and beyond expectations
Amount: $295.00 per cleaning
Posted by: Mich M. Kincaid in Santa Fe, NM.    Posted: January 10th, 2010 05:01PM
Number of Windows: 35    Firm: We do Windows Santa Fe
Additional Services: Clean seals and screens
They were extremely professional, polite, honest and realible. They did an excellent job! The windows have never looked better.
I recommend them all the time here in Santa Fe.

Amazing Service
Amount: $150.00 per cleaning
Posted by: Shane02 in Adelaide, AL.    Posted: February 2nd, 2010 03:02PM
Number of Windows: 20    Firm: Windows SA
Additional Services: sliding doors
These guys are actually in Adleiade, Australia they are a new but they did the best job ive ever seen. they cleaned the black seals around our windows, and the screens. i highly reccommend them to everyone especially because of the amazing job, for a reasonable price.

Window Washing, Pressure Washing
Amount: $248.00 per cleaning
Posted by: shell in Charlotte, NC.    Posted: February 12th, 2010 04:02PM
Number of Windows: 1800sq. ft. house    Firm: Spencer\'s Extreme Cleaning Services
Additional Services: pressure washing, gutter cleaning, windo
This company did my window washing in and out and pressure washing of my house, driveway, and sidewalk and cleaned my gutters. They did and excellent job! They were professional and very timely. I would recommend this company to everybody. Thanks

Heart of Texas Window Cleaning
Amount: $225.00 per cleaning
Posted by: Jeff Campbell in austin, TX.    Posted: February 23rd, 2010 06:02AM
Number of Windows: 45    Firm: HOT Window Cleaning
Additional Services: added a protective sealant
I usually don't write these things but my wife wanted our windows professionally cleaned. The company we choose was the most expensive but they did a demo on one of our hard water stained windows and that sealed the deal. I see why they were a little more than the other guys now. We were both surprised with how much clean windows brightened up our living room. These guys also wore booties when they came inside our home. True professionals and we'll use them again. Oh, and after it rained we had some mud spatter on one of the side windows on our home. I called just to see if they really honored the rain guarantee. The owner said he would have someone back to our place first thing in the morning and they showed up as promised!

Window Cleaning
Amount: $250.00 per cleaning
Posted by: Trudy in Englewood, NJ.    Posted: July 9th, 2010 02:07PM
Number of Windows: 18    Firm: Total Care Cleaning Services, LLC
Additional Services: laundry, cleaning for entire house,
These guys are really professional, trustworthy and good at what they do. New company, but I like them. They did an awesome job with the windows and the rest of the house. My husband was really impressed with there work and so we use them on a weekly basis. Cost for cleaning lowers after the first week using them, as they do an initial cleaning. Average I pay is between $100 -$150 depending on what I am getting cleaned that week.

Great Value and Results
Amount: $360.00 per cleaning
Posted by: Trisha Pender in Phoenix, AZ.    Posted: August 4th, 2010 10:08AM
Number of Windows:     Firm: Clean Distinction Window Cleaning
This was a great experience. Very fast and efficient. Cleaned all windows inside and out with precision. I get my windows cleaned 2x per year. I now use them on 25 of my retail stores.

Best Cleaning Company Around!
Amount: $220.00 per cleaning
Posted by: Lorena Heimann in San Diego, CA.    Posted: August 16th, 2010 03:08PM
Number of Windows: 28    Firm: Sky High Windows
Additional Services: Tracks & Screens
This was the best window cleaning we've had yet. We just switched to them this year, and they are great! They came on time, very professional, worked efficiently, and did a fantastic job. Even took a few of my torn screens home to repair them & brought them back the next day. I was so impressed I hired them to clean our house and my office. I really liked their professionalism. They gave us a package deal with a great discount.

These guys were great!!!
Amount: $373.00 per cleaning
Posted by: Mrs. Freeman - Freemans Family Daycare in Inglewood, CA.    Posted: August 18th, 2010 06:08PM
Number of Windows: 56    Firm: Precise Window Detailing
Additional Services: Power washing -$60 hr. X 1
WOW, they were on time, professional and did an out standing job. I liked them so much they will be doing my 2 houses, and my shop. Thanks again Jamie and Rayshon...

wow one man per house amazing
Amount: $125.00 per cleaning
Posted by: avery in atlanta, GA.    Posted: September 7th, 2010 05:09PM
Number of Windows: 20    Firm: A window washing company
Additional Services: cleaned sills and screens free
Wo.w this guy was awesome he was early ,he cleaned my windows in house in almost the same time as a full crew. I was not so sure at first because of the low price and he was a alone but he guaranteed no streaks and sparkling windows and that what I got wow.

Window Cleaning
Amount: $255.00 per cleaning
Posted by: Angie Mc in Columbia, SC.    Posted: September 28th, 2010 12:09AM
Number of Windows: 35    Firm: Premiere Pressure & Window Cleaning
I was hesitant to have my windows cleaned by this company, but their prices could not be beat. Most companies that I spoke with quoted me outrageous prices, so I kept calling around. Eventually, Premiere came out and gave me an estimate, schedule an appointment, and now everyone compliments me on my windows. Thanks Premiere! I have recommended you to all of my friends, and co-workers.

Great Professional Service--Non pro price!
Amount: $150.00 per cleaning
Posted by: Carolyn DC to UT in Salem, UT.    Posted: October 7th, 2010 12:10AM
Number of Windows: 48    Firm: Clear Vision Windows
Additional Services: Screens/Stucco removal
They were very professional, knew what they were doing and even got all the stucco off the basements that have never been washed. Recommend them to everyone now. Best job ever.

window cleaning residential
Amount: $75.00 per cleaning
Posted by: Debbie Ramondi in Melbourne, FL.    Posted: November 8th, 2010 08:11AM
Number of Windows: 18    Firm: zlots window cleaning
Additional Services: cleaned the screens as well
great guy, new one man company, beat 2 other price quotes in the area. My windows were spotless. ONLY CHARGED ME $75.00. call this guy if you need your windows done for the holidays. ALAN Z 321-615-2358

These Veterans Are The Best I've Ever Seen
Amount: $120.00 per cleaning
Posted by: D Shepherd in Phoenix, AZ.    Posted: December 9th, 2010 07:12PM
Number of Windows: 40    Firm: Veterans Window Services
Additional Services: Commercial and Residential Cleaning
This was absolutely the best window service I have ever delt with. I Had them do my house on a referral and was taken by the highly respectful and professional manner in which they performed their service. Their attention to detail was spot on, as at times I am a little overbearing about how I like things done. They have always exceeded my expectations and I rarely brag about services I have had, but I must give these guys credit because they really take an honest pride in their work. A perfect example of our loved Veterans. Recommend! Recommend! 602-828-9539

Wonderful Window Cleaning
Amount: $170.00 per cleaning
Posted by: George1 in Greenville, SC.    Posted: January 28th, 2011 05:01AM
Number of Windows: 28    Firm: Clean Windows Plus
Additional Services: Sills and Screens
They did a great job. Everything was simple. They came out told me how much it would be (much lower than others that estimated the job), they then scheduled me for the same week. Eric did a great job and was very professional. Will use them again in the spring.

My pane was their pleasure
Amount: $350.00 per cleaning
Posted by: Steve Toews in Santa Maria, CA.    Posted: February 25th, 2011 12:02PM
Number of Windows: 22    Firm: Royal Pane Window Cleaning
Additional Services: Cleaned screens and tracks, mirrors also
Very professional young man. He showed up as scheduled, did an amazing job!!! Excellent cleaning removing hard water spots from windows and shower doors.Great service and highly recommended. See ya in the Spring.

Mrs Jay Johnson
Amount: $171.00 per cleaning
Posted by: Beatrice Boyd in Pittsburgh, PA.    Posted: March 17th, 2011 03:03PM
Number of Windows: 58    Firm: Williams Inc
Additional Services: My House
After I saw the out-come of what those professionals from Ella's Professional Cleaning Team had done for the Office I new I had to try them ,those windows are transparent unbeleaveable I had to have them do my windows and their wonderful and they'll be back agin in 4 months and their prices are Great...

Truely Light and Bright
Amount: $200.00 per cleaning
Posted by: Dankevo in Wayzata, MN.    Posted: April 13th, 2011 09:04AM
Number of Windows: 20    Firm: Light and Bright Cleaning Services
Additional Services: House Cleaning
I was very pleased with the cleaning i received from Light and bright cleaning services. They came to give me an estimate on my windows but ended up doing my windows and house cleaning. The house was left spotless i am very pleased.

Great window cleaning
Amount: $165.00 per cleaning
Posted by: Johnny j in Atlanta, GA.    Posted: June 21st, 2011 07:06PM
Number of Windows: 35    Firm: Gutter Pro
Additional Services: Gutter cleaning
The Gutter Pro guys are great, they have cleaned my gutters for years but they recently cleaned my windows too and man did they do a great job. I would recommend them to everyone.

Great Window Cleaning
Amount: $435.00 per cleaning
Posted by: Maryanne in Brookfield, WI.    Posted: July 14th, 2011 03:07PM
Number of Windows: 34 French Glass windows    Firm: windooclean.com
Windoo did a great job and exceeded my already high expectations. Many of my friends and neighbors had used them and raved about how much better they were than others they had hired in the past.

Diamond Window Cleaning
Amount: $200.00 per cleaning
Posted by: Bob Hover in Torrance, CA.    Posted: July 18th, 2011 04:07PM
Number of Windows: 40    Firm: Diamond Window Cleaning
Additional Services: Pressure washing, Rain Gutter cleaning
I called Diamond Window Cleaning and they showed up on time, wore shoe covers, and power washed the house, there price was the best in town and they did a great job!

Diabetes, Global Prices & Other Window Cleaning Revelations

John Batterbee, of Lakenham, who has lost 8 stone and been able to stop treatment for his type 2 diabetes.

Major diabetes study launched in Norwich: The £2.2m research study, funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), will screen 10,000 people in Norfolk who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and then prescribe dedicated lifestyle education on diet and exercise that could prevent hundreds of people developing the condition. Diabetes is one of the biggest public health challenges facing the country and, if successful, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and University of East Anglia study could lead to mass screening and intervention programmes and substantial savings for the NHS.

In England it is estimated 2.4m people have the condition. About 80pc of those with diabetes in England have type 2 diabetes. In Norfolk there are about 30,000 people with diabetes and about 2,500 are newly diagnosed each year. Type 2 diabetes is most commonly diagnosed in adults over the age of 40, although increasingly it is appearing in young people and young adults. Glucose builds up in the blood, as in people with type 1 diabetes, but symptoms appear more gradually and the diabetes may not be diagnosed for some years.

John Batterbee before he lost 8 stone.

Study participants will undergo a simple blood test to check the level of glucose in their blood. Higher than normal glucose (known as Impaired Fasting Glucose or IFG) could mean they are in a “pre-diabetes” phase and are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. A group of those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes will then be given help to improve diet and exercise levels in order to see if preventative changes to their lifestyle can help reduce the risk of them developing the condition.

The research has been welcomed by Lakenham man John Batterbee, who now no longer needs treatment for type 2 diabetes after he lost eight stone. The 38-year-old, who used to take eight tablets and two insulin injections a day for his diabetes, said: “I was signed off from the hospital last month because my diabetes has completely gone. “My blood pressure is now perfect and my sugar levels are perfect.” Mr Batterbee, who has his own window cleaning business, had been due to have a gastric bypass, when one of his customers suggested he join her Slimming World Group in Poringland. In 28 weeks he lost 5st 3lb and went from 20st 5lb to 15st 2lb. Now, nearly eight months later, he has reached his target of shedding eight stone in total and has found that his sleep apnoea has also gone.

Mr Batterbee, who lives in Huxley Close, said: “I believe that many people don’t realise how big they have got - I didn’t until I saw a photograph of myself and couldn’t believe that was how I looked. “You just don’t believe it’s your weight that is the problem. “For me it was my high blood pressure that really got me thinking about making a change because my doctor scared me by telling me how it was a silent killer. “The help and support I have had from the Slimming World Group and the doctors at the hospital has been unbelievable - I couldn’t have done it without them. “Some scare tatics along with some support would really help. 

If they could show you a chart and say you are going to get diabetes then perhaps people will make a change. “People need to be told the reality. I’m annoyed I let myself get to that stage. “I don’t think people realise how awkward being diabetic is - you have to watch what you eat and it really is a pain.” Mr Batterbee, who is married to Sharon and has an 11-year-old son and two adult stepsons, said: “I believe a little bit more education is the key to helping people.” If you or a friend has diabetes & you would like a cure - go here or here.

Families find ways to combat rising grocery prices: With a wife and two teenagers, Rafael Andrade says he is doing all he can to combat the rising prices of food and other grocery store commodities. Experts forecast a 3 percent to 5 percent increase in the months ahead due to a spike in the costs of grain and gasoline. So what is Andrade, who owns a window cleaning business, doing to make sure he, his family and his bank account don’t look like they’re beginning to starve?

The jump in prices has caused shoppers to scour grocery store ads, flock to the warehouse and thrift bakery stores and ranch markets and cut back altogether. “I’ve noticed that the prices have gone up,” said Andrade, as his family loaded up bags of groceries in front of the Fry’s at 825 W. University Drive in Mesa. “So, I look at the sales ads from all of the grocery stores. Fry’s, Bashas’, Safeway, Albertson’s. I used to be able to buy orange juice for 99 cents, now it’s $1.19. Fruits and vegetables are going up, too. We’re starting to go to Sprout’s or a Ranch Market because the produce is cheaper and it’s just as fresh. We go to Costco to buy soap and toilet paper. We’re using coupons, too.”

Andrade, who grocery shops with his family once a week, estimates they are saving $80 per week by scouring the ads to look for deals and using coupons. And, he still buys snacks — “if they’re on sale,” he said. According to the United Nations, global food prices hit a record high in February due to upward-spiraling gas prices and stockpiling by importers. These factors are hitting the already volatile cereal markets. Wheat, corn, sugar and edible oils have seen the sharpest price increases in the last six months, with a relatively smaller increase in rice. Produce has already skyrocketed, with prices expected to rise by roughly one-fourth to one-third in the next year. The rising costs of corn, wheat and other commodities, including gasoline, is causing increases in virtually everything we buy. Wheat is needed for loaves of bread while corn feeds cows, pigs and chickens for our meat. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices of fruits and vegetables already are up 3 percent, milk is up 10 percent and beef up 13 percent from a year ago.

Window washer looks forward to spring: Everyone looks up to Bing Mulder. That's because he spends a good deal his time at the top of a 24-foot ladder washing windows with a squeegee. The 54-year-old from St. Louis works for Sunshine Window Cleaning, and does windows for businesses throughout the metro-east. How did you get into the window washing business? "I was a welder till the recession in the '80s. There was no work. I looked around because I still had bills to pay. I started this in '84."

You wash windows all year long. Would you rather work at 0 degrees or 100? "I prefer the warm. At my age, these bones don't like the cold." It was a sunny 40 degrees on Friday morning, when Bing was working in a knit cap, flannel shirt jacket but no gloves. "We wash windows in ice and snow. Whatever it takes. At this time of year, oh yeah, I'm ready for spring." Did you wash windows Monday in the snow and rain? "Yes. Some customers have windows under awnings or overhangs."

Do you ever wash windows suspended from ropes on skyscrapers? "I used to. I was working at St. Louis Center. It was a calm day but the tall buildings catch the wind like a wind tunnel. Up there, a gentle breeze feels like 15-mph winds. All of a sudden, the wind lifted me up like a kite and slammed me into the wall. I never went back up. This ladder's high enough for me now."

Are you afraid of heights? "Heck, no. I go sky diving." Are you afraid of anything? "My wife (Barb)," he joked. Do most of the people walking on the sidewalk below you walk under the ladder or go around it? "Most people are OK walking under. You just have to make sure the person up above likes you," he said with a mischievous grin.

In praise of … window cleaners: The HMS Window Cleaner has been launched on the Calder to clean the panes of the Hepworth Gallery - Clarity and transparency are buzzwords nowadays, and honour for those who guarantee both in everyday life is overdue. Events last week at the Hepworth gallery, which opens in Wakefield in mid-May as a showcase for the Yorkshire sculptor and a new civic art gallery combined, provide an excuse. The riverside position of David Chipperfield's building means that land-based teams are not practicable: dangling from the multi-angled roofs would risk a dip. 

HMS Window Cleaner has thus been launched on the Calder, bobbing below the weir as her crew squeegee above. Their voyage is understandably a spectator sport, as window cleaning increasingly is, especially in cities. Cradles high on tower blocks are as awesome in their way as climbers on rock faces, from Yosemite's El Capitan to Kilnsey Crag. The teams on the wavy glass that encases the Guardian's own Kings Place building work like synchronised swimmers with their sweeping, soap-and-rinsing arcs. 

A modest new market for telescopic poles and other cunning gadgets has been created by houses whose basement areas, converted into separate flats, are no longer accessible for footing ladders. Arrangements on London's Shard are going to be well worth the wait. All this is welcome attention for a brave and skilled craft and also a satisfying complement to George Formby's twinky-twanky ukulele song. In his day it was what the window cleaner saw indoors that could be intriguing. Now the action outside promises just as much.

Prices At The Pump Effect Businesses From Tomorrow

Motorists leaving cars at home as petrol prices hit a new record: Families are being forced into drastic economies unseen since the height of the credit crunch because of the soaring cost of filling a tank, the motoring organisation said. Drivers in many parts of the UK are already paying more than the previous peak of 119.7 pence a litre ($7 U.S. Gallon), set in July 2008. But for discounting by some supermarkets, especially in the North, the national average would have already hit a new high.

The record is expected to be broken on Wednesday, when the latest wholesale rises filter through to the pumps. According to the latest figures produced by the Automobile Association, average petrol prices across the country hit 119.46 pence on Tuesday - a whisker away from the record. Diesel, meanwhile is costing 120.14 pence a litre. This is already having an impact on behaviour according to a poll of 15,000 motorists carried out by the AA. It showed that 48 per cent of drivers were using their car less. Another 34 per cent were siphoning cash from other parts of their family budget to pay for petrol or diesel.

Now the average motorist is paying £4.80 more to fill a car than at the start of the year, when petrol was costing an average of 109.88 pence a litre. The rise since Jan 6 last year, when pump prices were at their lowest in recent memory, is even more dramatic. Then filling a 50-litre tank with petrol cost a motorist £42.95, now the bill is £59.70, an increase of £16.74.

According to Edmund King, the AA's president, petrol sales have fallen in recent months. "Over the weekend, some retailers who put prices up 2p a litre, in line with the increase in duty and other costs, brought them back down. Such is the knife-edge between what drivers can and cannot afford to spend on fuel," said Edmund King, the AA's president. The RAC also voiced concern about the soaring cost of filling a car. "It's now when, not if petrol prices hit record levels" said Adrian Tink, the organisation's motoring strategist. "The latest fuel duty rise has put us on the edge of the record and the ominous rise in oil prices over the last few days will definitely push prices over it.

"This is a dark time for motorists, with the worst affected virtually paying £6-a-gallon for fuel. These rises are indiscriminate in who they hurt, from families to businesses to consumers - these rises hit us all. "The real fear is that, if oil prices continues to rise, we'll have a perfect storm of high fuel duty, a weak pound and an increasing oil price - that could be disastrous. It's time that something was done by both the energy companies and the Government to protect motorists."

Tips to Improve Your Gas Mileage:

Drive sensibly. Speeding, rapid acceleration, and braking wastes gas. That kind of behavior can lower your gas mileage by as much as 33% at highway speeds and 5% around town roads.

Follow the speed limit. Gas mileage decreaes quickly at speeds above 60mph. Every 5mph you go over 60 is like paying an additional $0.15 for every gallon of gas.

Avoiding idling for long periods of time. Idling gets 0 miles per gallon. Cars with large engines usually waste gas more so than cars with smaller engines.

Remove any excess weight from your car especially heavy items. An extra 100 pounds in your car can reduce your MPG by as much as 2%.

Use cruise control when on major highways. Cruise control helps you maintain a constant speed and will save you gas.

Keep your engine in good shape. Fixing a car that is out of tune can improve its gas mileage by 4.1% on average. Results vary depending on how well done the repair is and what kind of repair it is. If your car has a bad oxygen sensor then your gas mileage can improve as much as 40%.

Check air filters regularly. Replacing a clogged filter can improve your car's gas mileage by as much as 10%.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Under inflated tires can lower gas mileage . Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.

If you can leave for a work a little bit earlier and leave a little bit later you can avoid peak rush hours. During rush hour you will be more likely to sit in traffic and waste fuel.

By following these tips you can use the gas you buy much more efficiently which well help reduce how much money you spend at the pump.

Check Gas Prices Online: 11 Handy Tools - Crude oil prices keep breaking through record high prices, and it is quickly reflecting itself at the fuel pumps. About the only thing you can do is try to find the cheapest prices, but you can waste as much in gas driving around as you will by finding it, and that’s where gas pricing location sites come in handy. Just log in and see where the best prices are, and save yourself all of that driving around. We’ve covered the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom for you, so start price hunting! Click here to see here & below.