Save Energy While Savoring Thanksgiving

Try some of these suggestions to minimize holiday energy costs.

• Don’t open the oven door, even if you’re curious how the bird looks. Simply turn on the oven light and check the bird’s status through the oven window.

• Double-up and cook several food dishes at a time, leaving enough room for the heat to circulate around the cookware.

• Turn off oven heat several minutes before your food is fully cooked, because enough heat will be stored inside to finish cooking your meal.

• Turn your oven temperature down 25 degrees when using glass or ceramic pans.

• Use your microwave, when possible, because it uses 50 percent less energy than conventional ovens.

• Fire up the outdoor grill, so you don’t do all your cooking in the kitchen.

• Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible, so cold air doesn’t escape.

• Wash full loads only and use energy-saving cycles when using your dishwasher.

• Don’t let the hot water run continuously if you’re washing dishes by hand.

• Control your thermostat!

Managing family gatherings and your utility bill shouldn’t only happen at Thanksgiving!  Practicing the energy-saving tips year round can save you a little on your utility bill, and you’ll have plenty of good news to share with the family when you finally carve the turkey.

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