Whether you’re preparing your morning coffee, a full meal or a midnight snack, spending time in the kitchen consumes energy—often more than you think. The good news is, it only takes a few small changes to make a difference:
- Resist the temptation to open the oven door to peek at what’s cooking. Most modern ovens are equipped with a tempered glass window, so simply turn on the oven light and peek through the glass. That’s what it’s there for!
- Don’t be afraid to cook several dishes in the oven at the same time. Just leave enough room for heat to circulate around each dish.
- Clean your stovetop burners and reflectors regularly. This allows them to distribute heat more efficiently and save energy.
- Consider using your microwave as much as possible; fast and efficient microwaves use nearly 50 percent less energy than conventional ovens.
- Make sure there is enough space behind your refrigerator for heat to flow; this helps it run more efficiently.
- When you run the dishwasher, open up the door after the wash cycle and let the hot dishes air-dry.
- Keep your freezer and refrigerator doors closed as much as possible. These appliances are among the largest energy consumers in your home, often accounting for as much as 15 percent of your total usage!
Want to learn more about saving energy around the house? Schedule an energy audit with OUC.