Major Electrical Appliances Usage Tips

Cooking

Use your microwave oven in place of your range oven whenever possible.

When you have to use your oven, cook more than one item at a time.

Use flat-bottom pans for best contact with the heat, with tight-fitting lids to keep the steam in the pan.

Clean or replace your air conditioner filter monthly so your A/C runs efficiently.

Use smaller amounts of water for cooking; use the lowest possible heat to maintain boiling or steaming.

Preheat oven only 5 to 8 minutes when baking; do not preheat oven for broiling or roasting.

Self-cleaning ovens have thicker insulation and will retain heat, making these models more energy-efficient than regular ovens.

Use the self-cleaning feature on your oven only when absolutely needed.

Pressure cookers use much less energy than ordinary pots and pans.

Use small cooking appliances (electric fry pans, toaster ovens, etc.) whenever possible.

Keep your refrigerator temperature at 38 degree Fahrenheit.

Freezer temperature should be maintained at 10 degree Fahrenheit.

Defrost your freezer when ice or frost buildup is 1/4" or thicker.

Check your refrigerator/freezer door gasket periodically for signs of deterioration.

Vacuum or brush the cooling coils (in back) at least every six months.

Allow hot food to cool for no longer than a half hour before placing in refrigerator.