Summer energy-saving tips for the kitchen

While the summer months are always a wonderful time for backyard grilling, the high temperatures in early August means many of us are staying indoors, preparing those meals on the cookstove. If that is the case around your house, here are a few tips that can help you reduce your summertime electric use in the kitchen.

Oven tips:

• Keep the door closed. Every time you open the oven door to check on that casserole, the temperature can drop 25 degrees. Avoid wasting that energy and instead, rely on your oven timer or light to help you determine when the meal is ready.
• Use a meat thermometer. These are oven-proof and usually include a digital meter that tells you what temperature your meat should be when it is done.
• Keep the door seal clean. Use a kitchen degreaser and clean the seal so that it stays effective at retaining heat.

Refrigerator tips:

• Cover your food. Your refrigerator's compressor works harder to cool moist air, and covered foods limit moisture evaporation. The fridge will smell better too!
• Clean the coils. Clean or dust the coils on the back of your refrigerator annually. This helps the compressor cool faster and run less frequently, reducing energy use and extending the life of the unit.

More tips:

• Use other appliances such as your microwave, toaster and convection ovens, air fryers, slow cookers, pressure cookers, or your other small cooking appliances. They use less energy and generate less heat than a standard oven.
• Use ceiling fans and whole-house fans. A ceiling fan in the kitchen or adjoining dining area will circulate the air and keep you more comfortable.
• Use energy-efficient lighting. Replace your incandescent bulbs, recessed downlights and undercabinet lighting with LED lighting in your kitchen. LEDs use far less energy and generate less heat.

Keep these tips in mind in the kitchen this summer!

GRDA is Oklahoma’s largest public power electric utility; fully funded by revenues from electric and water sales instead of taxes. Each day, GRDA strives to be an “Oklahoma agency of excellence” by focusing on the 5 E’s: employees, electricity, economic development, environmental stewardship, and efficiency.
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