Here are some suggestions to improve your stoves energy use:
- Keep the drip pans under the elements clean. Also consult your owner’s manual about any damage to your element that may result from use of the foil drip pans or interference with heat circulation.
- If you have a gas stove, check that the flame does not go beyond the bottom of the pot. Having the flame go up the sides of the pot is not only dangerous but also wastes heat.
- Proper pot sizing on a cooking element is important. If element is too big you waste energy, and if it too small more energy is needed for heating.
- Preheating an oven to 180°C (350°F) takes between 10-15 minutes. Try to avoid preheating your oven too far in advance of using it. There are also times when preheating is not necessary so learn when it is needed and when it is not to optimize your energy use.
- Check the seal on the over door to make sure it is tight.
- Using the correct fitting lid on your pot can save energy. The lid traps heat so not only will food cook faster but you can turn down the temperature on the element. Try using a lid next time you heat water for cooking and you will be surprised how quickly it reaches a boil.
- If you find you are mostly cooking small meals in your oven, consider a toaster oven. It takes more energy to heat a big oven than a small toaster over.
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