Tips for the Kitchen

Energy-saving tips for the kitchen

• When baking in the oven, don’t peek – 20 to 25% of an oven’s heat can be lost each time the door is opened.
  
  
• Try to use all the space in your oven. Extra dishes can be frozen for future meals.
  
  
• A slow cooker and a microwave may save considerable energy when cooking meals.
  
  
• Cover pots and pans to retain heat while cooking.
  
  
• Use flat bottomed pans to match the size of the burner unit.
  
  
• Self-cleaning ovens use less energy because they are better insulated.
  
  
• The best time to clean a self-cleaning oven is right after baking when the oven is hot.
  
  
• Refrigerators work more efficiently if air can circulate; freezers work better when they are full.
  
  
• Avoid opening refrigerator and freezer doors frequently. Take out as many things as you can at one time.
  
  
• If you have a manual defrost refrigerator, do not let ice build up more than ¼ inch.
  
  
• Refrigerator and freezer door gaskets must be tight, and replace worn, dirty or poor-fitting gaskets.