Power for Progress: Cooking up energy efficiency in the summer

A recipe for energy efficiency
This week, GRDA passes along some energy.gov tips to help conserve electricity in the kitchen in the summer months.

Power for Progress…

A weekly column from the Grand River Dam Authority

Cooking up energy efficiency in the summer

The summer months are always a great time for backyard grilling, however there are still plenty of meals prepared in the kitchen, using the cookstove. But even when we are cooking hot meals indoors, while the weather is hot outdoors, there are some energy efficiency steps we should consider that will help reduce our summertime electricity usage. Here are a few tips from energy.gov to keep in mind …

Keep the oven door closed. Did you know that every time you open the oven door to check on that casserole, the oven temperature can drop 25 degrees? Avoid wasting energy this way and instead rely on your oven timer or light to help you gauge when the dish is done.

Use a meat thermometer. Invest in a meat thermometer for roasting meat. These are oven-proof, and usually include a digital meter that tells you what temperature your meat should be when it's done. This will reduce the need to open the oven door while cooking.

Clean the door seal. Use a kitchen degreaser and gently clean the seal on your oven door so that it retains the maximum amount of heat.

Cover your food. Your refrigerator's compressor works harder to cool moist air, and covered foods limit moisture evaporation. Of course, your refrigerator will smell better too.

Clean the coils. Make it an annual thing: clean or dust the coils on the back of your refrigerator. This helps the compressor cool faster and run less frequently, reducing energy use, and extending the life of the unit. 

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. Meanwhile, a whole-house or attic fan will keep the warm air moving up and out of the house.

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.

GRDA is Oklahoma’s largest public power 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: electricity, economic development, environmental stewardship, employees, and efficiency.