6 Easy Ways to Save Energy in the Kitchen

With the hot summer weather approaching, homeowners everywhere are looking for ways to cut back on energy costs. While turning down the air conditioner might be the first energy-saving method that comes to mind, there are ways to reduce your consumption without sacrificing your family's comfort.

Here are six easy ways to save energy in the kitchen.

Match the Pan Size to the Burner

When cooking on the stove top, always use a pan which is the same size as the burner that you are cooking on. When a small pan is placed on a big burner, as much as 50% of the energy could be put towards heating your kitchen, not your food.

Stop Preheating the Oven

Many professional cooks agree that preheating the oven is a useless process for most recipes and wastes a significant amount of energy. Put your food in the oven when you turn it on; it may take a few minutes longer to cook, but you eliminate all the waiting time on the front end.

Use Lids on Your Pans

Cover all of your pots and pans with proper-fitting lids when you are cooking on the stove top. Cooking without lids can use three times as much energy!

Keep Your Microwave Clean

Keeping the inside of your microwave oven clean is an effective way to reduce how much energy it consumes. Old spills and food stains can absorb energy waves, making it take longer to cook the food that you actually want to eat.

Avoid Peeking in the Oven

While cooking in the oven, it is tempting to peek in every-so-often and take a look at your food; resist this urge. Every time you open the oven door, hot air escapes. If your oven has a glass window, simply turn on the light and look inside without opening the door.

Let Leftovers Cool Off

Don't put food in the refrigerator when it is still hot; it can warm up the rest of the interior and cause the compressor to cycle on. Letting your leftovers cool to room temperature before putting them in the fridge will ensure your unit won't have to work as hard.

If you notice a spike in your electricity bill, your refrigerator could be to blame. The average refrigerator can account for up to 10% of your home's energy bill, but if it is malfunctioning this number can be much higher. If you suspect that your refrigerator is not operating properly, give the experts at Speedy Refrigerator Service a call at 866-782-9376. With over 75 years of experience, it is no wonder why Long Island residents count on us to fix their refrigerators, freezers, ice makers, and wine coolers. We are open 24/7/365, so call us any time to schedule a same-day visit from one of our licensed technicians.