Range Efficiency Tips

· Use toaster ovens, crock-pots or microwaves when cooking small meals.

· Glass or ceramic pans heat faster and more evenly, allowing oven temperatures to decrease by 50 degrees fahrenheit.

· Use small pans whenever possible as they require less energy.

· Copper bottom pots heat faster than regular pots.

· Cover pots to avoid heat loss.

· Whenever possible, cook several dishes in the oven at once.

· Preheat oven to the minimum heat required.

· Avoid opening the oven door when in use as large amounts of heat escape.

· Ensure that the oven door fits tightly and the door gasket is not worn or stiff.

· Do not use tin foil underneath the burners, as this will cause burners to run hotter and burn out faster.

· Refrain from using foil on oven racks as air needs to circulate.

· Using the broiler element eliminates the need to pre-heat the oven (since only the top of the food is being broiled).

· Self cleaning ovens are more efficient because they have extra insulation, heat is distributed more evenly and less energy is consumed.

· Use the self clean function right after cooking because the oven is already heated.

· To reduce cooking time, thaw food out before cooking.

· On gas ovens, electric ignition saves up to 41% of gas in ovens and 53% on top burners, in comparison to a standing pilot light, which burns continuously.

· Look for blue flames on burners (yellow flames mean that gas is burning inefficiently).