Oven and Ranges Savings Guide:
Fact:
Cooking food and washing dishes cost the average
American household $125 a year and accounts for about 10% of all energy
used in the home.
Best Features:
Choosing a gas oven range with an electronic ignition instead of a pilot
light will cost you half as much to operate as an electric oven/range.
If you're in the market for new appliances, by choosing wisely among the
latest models with these features, you can increase your kitchen's energy
efficiency.
_ Consider buying a self_cleaning oven.
Its higher insulation levels result in lower energy use.
_ Buy a gas oven with an electronic pilotless ignitions to reduce gas
usage by about 30% over a constantly burning pilot light.
_ Buy an electric oven with halogen and/or induction elements, which use
less energy than conventional electric coil elements.
Save Money:
Cooking
with natural gas is cheaper than cooking with electricity, if you have
the choice. If you're using electricity, however, get in the habit of
turning off the burners and oven several minutes before the allotted cooking
time. The heating element will stay hot long enough to finish the cooking
without using more electricity. Try these money_saving steps for a gas
or electric oven/range:
_ Preheat ovens only when necessary.
_ Don't lay foils on racks.
_ Use glass or ceramic pans in ovens.
_ Keep range_top burners and reflectors clean.
_ Match the size of the pan to the heating element.
_ Select the right_sized pan for the right burner (use a small pan on a small burner).
_ Use smaller kitchen appliances instead of your oven/range when appropriate.
_ When boiling water in a pan, always use a cover.
_ Bake several items at the same time when using your oven.
