7 Tips for Saving Energy in the Kitchen

I think we can all agree that during the week leading up to Thanksgiving, food is on our minds.  Whether you are menu planning or trying to figure out how far your need to run on Thanksgiving morning to justify an extra piece of pie, it’s hard to not be thinking about the delicious tastes of turkey day this week.

All of this food talk has gotten us to thinking about energy saving in the kitchen.  What appliances use to most energy?  How can we save energy while preparing big and small meals?  Here is what we have found.

7 Tips for Saving Energy in the Kitchen

1. Give Ceramic or Glass a Try

According to the US Department of Energy, glass and ceramic dishes heat much more quickly in the oven than metal ones.  This means that you can actually turn the baking temperature down around 25 degrees while using a glass or ceramic dish and your food will still finish in the same amount of time.

2. It May be Time to Get Rid of Old Pans

Warped pans can’t heat as quickly or as evenly as a flat bottomed pan.

3. Look for the Label

Look for appliances with an Energy Star Label to ensure maximum energy efficiency.

4. ‘Tis the Season for the Slow Cooker

Slow cookers can be a very energy efficient option for cooking–especially for soups, as stovetops and ranges are some of the least efficient ways to cook.

5. Double up!

Make double portions of each meal and then freeze the extras.  Not only will this save you during that week you forgot to get groceries, it is also much more efficient to only cook a meal once.  Energy Star points out that the microwave is “…the most efficient (and fastest) means of cooking.”  So, re-heat away!

6. Don’t Rinse, Scrape

Instead of rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, simply scrape off the mess into the garbage in order to save water.

7. Keep the Fridge Closed!

We’ve all spent way too long starting into an open fridge wondering what we should eat.  However, that is a huge waste of energy.  Instead, try keeping a list of the contents of the refrigerator outside of the appliance.  That way you can decide before even opening the door.

Other ideas for saving energy in the kitchen?  Switch to LED lights, install low flow faucets, and be sure to always turn off lights before leaving the room.  Looking for more home efficiency tips?  Contact us at FLAME Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical!