Conserve energy while you cook

Use the following cooking tips to conserve energy....

• When shopping for a new natural gas range, consider buying one with a pilotless ignition system, it uses 30% less gas than the models with continuously burning pilots.
  
   

• Partially thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator before cooking them.  In many cases, thawing foods allows you to reduce the recommended cooking time by 30 percent.
  
   

• Preheat your oven as little as possible.  Most foods don't require it.  For foods that require immediate heat, such as cakes and pies, preheat for 10 minutes.
  
   

• To reduce the amount of energy it takes to boil water, start with water that is already hot from the tap.  Also, use minimum amounts of water in cooking to save both energy and food nutrients.
  
   

• Turn your stove and range down to a simmer as soon as food or water begins to boil.  The lower setting maintains cooking temperature and cooks more evenly.
  
   

• When possible, cook in oven-safe glass or ceramic pans.  These allow you to to set your oven temperature 25 degrees lower than the recipe calls for.
  
   

• Turn off the oven about 15 to 20 minutes before the end of cooking time.  The leftover heat in the oven will finish the job, if you don't open the oven door. 
  
  

• Cover your pots and pans with properly fitting lids.  Lids hold heat in and food cooks faster.
  
  

• Use the right size pot or pan for the right size range element.  Exposed elements or burners radiate their heat into the air, not into the pan.
   

• Use the microwave whenever possible.  This will also reduce cooking time.  Consider using other low-heat kitchen tools such as crock-pots, electric skillets, or toaster ovens.
   

• Use the outside barbeque grill whenever possible.  This will help keep the heat out of the kitchen.
   

As always your natural gas flame should be a bright blue.  A clean flame means your appliances are efficiently burning and properly adjusted.  Call a qualified contractor if you suspect your appliances are not operating properly.

Cooking savings tips provided by the American Public Gas Association (APGA)