Kitchen tips

Refrigerator/Freezer

Because they operate around the clock every day of the year, refrigerators and freezers are usually the third biggest user of electricity in the home.

• Vacuum the condenser coils in the back or bottom every few months.
• Set refrigerators no colder than 37 degrees Fahrenheit and freezers to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. A refrigerator/freezer thermometer is a good investment! 
• Defrost your appliance regularly if it's not frost-free. 
• Fill refrigerators and freezers to capacity when possible to allow them to operate at maximum efficiency. But allow enough room for air to circulate around food.
  

Oven and range

• Thaw foods before cooking.
• Microwave ovens and small appliances consume less energy than the range. 
• If a food takes more than an hour to bake it can be placed in a cold oven. No pre-heating! 
• Don't peek in the oven. Every time you open the door you lose up to 25 percent of the heat. 
• Decrease the oven temperature by 25 degrees if you use glass or ceramic dishes. 
• Match the size of your cooking utensil to the burner. The bottom of a pan should completely cover a heating element but not extend more than an inch beyond it. 
• Finish cooking most foods on low-heat settings.
  

Dishwasher

• Wash only full loads.
• Use the energy-saving cycle. 
• Use the no-heat dry feature (or open the door to air-dry the dishes.)
  

If you're in the market for a new appliance be sure to check out Energy Star® models.