Here is another area where you can rack up the energy savings with a minimum of adjustments. In fact, you just need to be open to different ways of performing some simple tasks.
Who says you need to turn the oven on for every hot meal you create?
Consider using the toaster oven for smaller meals. These appliances that easily fit on top of your kitchen countertop use much less energy and heat the house far less. If used properly, you can even become skilled at browning food.
Hand that spatula over to hubby. If the barbecue lies in the realm of the “real man”, then it’s time to enlist his help. When weather permits, plan meals for the barbecue. I know one husband who would stand outdoors in the middle of February (in the cold Midwest weather) to make himself a savory steak. While you don’t have to go to those extremes, you can treat yourself to more barbecued meals and save on your energy bill.
Bring out the crock pot. Not only can you save energy, but you drop the meat in it, turn it on and go to work. When you come home, voila, your meal is waiting for you!
Make more than one item at a time. Why not? Fill the oven with several dishes at the same time. If some of the items call for different temperatures, don’t worry. Unless there’s a vast chasm between the recommended temperature and what you cook it at, you can adjust the cooking times.
Despite what the instructions say, don’t pre-heat that oven. Just allow the food to warm up right along with the oven.
Along the same lines turn the oven off early. Yes, this is a great energy savings trick as well. No need to fear, your food will finish cooking using the residual heat in the oven.
Adjust your cooking to the seasons. What do I mean by this? In the summer, put a lid on it – literally. Keep the hot air and moisture trapped as much as possible in the pan. A lid does just this.
In the winter, cook with lids off your pots. During this time of the year allow the heat and humidity to flow as much as possible.
TVs and Computers
It’s tough these days to enjoy TV and computer use and save energy at the same time.
Oh, sure, the flat-screen TV saves energy, but we all have a tendency to negate that savings by buying even larger screens. And we’re not even talking about the experience of the sound system attached to it.
Don’t sit there so smugly thinking your computer is using any less energy. It, too, is a remarkable energy-guzzling device.
When Off Isn’t Off
Confused? You have every right to be. These days off doesn’t really mean off. Even when your electronics equipment isn’t in use, it’s still drawing power. You can circumvent this situation – and effectively save money and energy – by plugging the equipment into a power strip. Then you simply turn the power strip off.
Similarly, always use that power down feature that comes equipped with your computer. Be sure to turn your computer off when you won’t be using it for extended periods. And don’t forget that printer, too!
Here’s a thought: laptop computers use less power than a desktop. Do you really need a desktop computer – or two or three of them? http://roseannstreasures1.com
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