An energy efficient electric stove that is new will save you, but as it ages, it will begin to cost more. Why? People cook several times a day, so eventually, the gaskets and sensors need to be serviced to keep them in their best working order. If you have suddenly noticed that your energy usage is higher than average, it’s time to call us so we can get your electric bills back on track. You can also try a few of these energy saving tips to cut down energy usage and save money.
Top Energy Saving Tips
- Have your stove serviced annually to check gaskets, sensors, and temperature ranges. Why is this so important? Electric ovens are major power pullers. Just an hour of cooking time could cost you 9 cents per kilowatt-hour in Massachusetts. The average monthly electric bill is $94. Of course, how efficient your appliances work will determine how much you use each time you cook on the stove top or in the oven. Imagine how much an energy efficient electric stove that has been recently serviced will save in usage time.
- Keep the stove and oven clean. When food gets on the heating elements, it reduces the energy efficiency of your stove drastically. Try making a cleaning solution with vinegar and water (50/50) to spray your heating elements to soak for about half an hour.
- Use a microwave over your stove to reheat food. It cuts energy usage by 50%.
- Invest in a pressure cooker. It reduces energy consumption by up to 75% since it cuts cooking time due to its pressurized cooking method and higher temperature settings.
- Use the convection oven when possible. It circulates the air and reduces cooking time. Also, do not use tin foil on your oven shelves as it blocks proper air circulation.
- Don’t pre-heat the oven if your food already requires an extended period to cook. For cakes or cookies, pre-heat for 10 minutes. You should also turn off your oven about 15 minutes before your food is done. The enclosed heat will continue the cooking process.
- Do not open your oven door while cooking. Each time you open it, the heated air rushes out and must reheat to cook food properly. It costs more and takes longer to cook food. Instead, use a timer so that you can ensure that the stove is as energy efficient as possible.
- Cook all your foods in the oven at one time that have similar temperature necessities. Not only will you minimize your oven usage time, but you’re also going to cut power costs.
- When you use stainless steel, glass, or ceramic pans, they retain the oven’s heat better. It will reduce your temperature need by twenty degrees, which maximizes oven efficiency.
- Baking and roasting are less efficient than broiling, so think about your cooking method.
- If cooking large meals, put everything in the oven rather than using all the stove eyes.
- Use the self-cleaning cycle after you use the oven since it is already adequately heated.
CS Appliance Service is ready to help make your stove more energy efficient. Give us a call at (781) 953-9600 or learn more about any of these energy saving tips by visiting us on Facebook.