As Thanksgiving draws near, the excitement of gathering with loved ones and preparing delicious meals fills the air. Chances are, you'll be spending extra time in the kitchen, one of the most energy-hungry spaces in your home. With energy costs on the rise, now is the perfect time to rethink how you use this essential space and embrace smarter, more efficient habits.
So, how can you make sure your kitchen isn't contributing to higher energy bills this holiday season? Good news! There are simple, practical ways to keep things running efficiently. Here are seven quick tips to help you create an energy-efficient kitchen, so you can focus on what matters most— celebrating with family and friends.
Save time and water
It is estimated that the average American family uses up to 300 gallons of water per day, with a significant portion coming from kitchen activities. To conserve water, skip hand-washing or rinsing dishes before loading them into the dishwasher. Modern dishwashers are designed to handle food residue, and use much less water than washing by hand.
Cook with residual heat
If you're roasting a Thanksgiving turkey, you can conserve energy by skipping the oven preheat. For meals that bake for over an hour, simply place the dish in the oven as you turn it on. As cooking wraps up, switch off the oven and allow the leftover heat to finish cooking your food, using a food thermometer to measure the temperature. This approach may slightly increase the overall cook time, but it helps cut down on energy use.
Use lids when cooking with pots
Cooking with lids on your pots helps retain heat, making the process more energy efficient. It also reduces cooking time, allowing you to prepare meals more quickly.
Don't put hot food in the fridge
When preparing food for later, allow it to cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator. Introducing hot items can increase the appliance's energy consumption as it works harder to restore and maintain the desired temperature.
Use Energy Star appliances
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers a program that labels some appliances as energy efficient according to specific standards. It's a good idea to see if your potential kitchen appliance qualifies— you'll save money in the long run!
Keep your range clean
Maintaining cleanliness throughout the kitchen is important; however, particular attention should be given to the stovetop range. Accumulation of debris around burners can reduce cooking efficiency. Regular cleaning is recommended to ensure optimal performance.
Use an air fryer for reheating
If you're reheating food, it's better to avoid using the oven. Air fryers are faster, simpler to operate, and consume significantly less energy compared to traditional ovens.
With the holidays approaching, your kitchen is about to get even busier. By putting these energy-saving tips into practice throughout the season, you'll be able to cut down on energy costs, giving you one less expense to worry about as you celebrate with family and friends! For additional guidance on reducing your energy consumption, visit NOPEC's Energy Savings Center.
