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Monday, June 20, 2005

Energy Efficiency Tips: In the Kitchen

Electricity is too valuable to waste. While everyday things like cooking, washing dishes and keeping foods cold are not large consumers of energy, they do add up. Here are some ideas about ways to save and gain more control over your energy bills:

* Grime from cooking, smoking and dust can make a light bulb dirty, Reducing the light it emits. Inspect and clean bulbs regularly.
* Use stove exhaust fans as little as possible during the winter so you won’t be throwing heated air to the outside more than necessary.
* Run your garbage disposal with cold water. Why heat water you’re pouring down the drain?

Washing Dishes...

* Studies show electric dishwashers use less hot water than washing and rinsing dishes by hand. When you purchase a dishwasher, look for one with a short or light cycle. They require fewer fills and less hot water. Some dishwashers use up to 40 percent less hot water per load, and others allow you to reduce the temperature settings on your water heater. Both can save you money.
* Check the condition of your washer filter screen regularly and clean or replace it when necessary.
* Save energy by air drying your dishes. If you don’t have a dry switch on your dishwasher, just turn off the control knob after the final rinse and open the door to aid drying.

Cooking...

* Don’t check on food in the oven any more than absolutely necessary. Each time you open your oven door, 25 percent of the heat escapes. Then turn off the oven about 15 to 20 minutes before the end of the cooking time. The leftover heat will finish the job.
* Avoid cooking during the hottest parts of a summer’s day. Cook outdoors when you can.
* Cook in oven-safe glass or ceramic pans when you can. They allow you to set your oven temperature 25 degrees lower than therecipe calls for.
* Use the right size pot or pan for the size of the range burner. Use properly fitted lids to hold the heat in.
* When boiling a liquid, don’t put any more in the pan than you will use. Begin at a higher heat setting, then, when the boiling starts, turn the heat down and allow foods to simmer until fully cooked. A fast boil doesn’t cook any faster than a slow boil; it just wastes energy.
* Today’s self-cleaning ovens are well insulated and very efficient. But it still pays to begin a self-cleaning cycle while your oven is still hot from cooking.
* In the summer, do your cooking in the evening so your home stays more comfortable during the day.
* When possible, cook several dishes in the oven at the same time. Prepare double recipes when you can and freeze it for future use.

Your Refrigerator...

* Partially thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator before cooking them. In many cases, thawing foods lets you cut cooking times by a third.
* Don’t place your refrigerator next to your stove or other sources of heat. Allow adequate wall and cabinet clearance. Giving a refrigerator or freezer “room to breath” will let it operate more efficiently and prevent premature burn out.
* If you store the most perishable items in the coldest part of your refrigerator (usually the back or top shelf), you can set the temperature slightly higher.
* Twice a year – more often if you have long-haired pets – unplug your refrigerator and vacuum the coils in the back or underneath. Dirt and dust on the coils reduces efficiency.
* Let room air do some of your cooling. Allow hot foods to cool before putting them in the refrigerator. Make sure you don’t overcrowd shelves or block the circulation of air inside.
* Wipe any moisture off containers before putting them in the refrigerator, and keep foods in the refrigerator covered. Otherwise, moisture will build up rapidly and you will use more energy to remove it.
* Be sure your refrigerator door closes tightly and its gasket is in good condition. Check the gasket by closing the door on a piece of paper. If you can easily pull the paper out when the door is closed, you need a new gasket. If you have a magnetic gasket, put a flashlight inside pointed at various areas of the gasket and close the door. If you can see light, you need a new gasket.

Thanks to Lowes for provividing us with these great tips

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