Many appliances these days can be switched off using a remote
control or a switch on the appliance. When they are turned off
this way they continue to draw a small amount of energy. The
sum of this energy in the average house is about 5-10% of your
total consumption.
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Match pots and pans to stove
element size for best heat transfer. |
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Use lids on pots whenever
possible. |
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Simmer food instead of boiling
- it cooks faster and tastes fresher. |
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Use steamers and pot dividers
to cook all your vegetables at once rather than
using several hot plates to cook them
separately.
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Small appliances such as
electric fry pans, sandwich makers, toasters and
cook-tops use less energy than grills, hot plates
or ovens. |
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Avoid overcooking - use
thermometers or timers. |
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Use your microwave for cooking
whenever possible - your cooking time will be reduced
considerably and you can save up to 70% on the cost
of a convection oven. |
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When using the oven cook
several items at a time or in succession to take
advantage of the oven being up to temperature.
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Defrost food beforehand,
it takes 50% more cooking time if frozen. |
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Turn off the oven a few
minutes before cooking time is complete. |
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Preheat oven only when required
- most foods can be cooked without preheating.
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Sneak peeks opening the
door are energy wasters. |
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Cook smaller pieces rather
than large chunks in the microwave. |
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Arrange unevenly shaped
items in the microwave with the thickest portion
to the outside. |
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Regularly stir or turn the
food over in the microwave to speed up cooking time.
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Keep the inside of the microwave
clean. |
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Defrosting frozen foods
in the microwave is an energy waster. Defrost at
room temperature or if more time is available, in
the fridge. |
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Use your jug to boil water
instead of the stove top. |
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Fill the electric jug from
the cold tap and only boil as much as you need. |
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Cool foods before putting
them in the fridge and cover all liquids to stop
evaporation. |
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Use clean reflector
pans (foil) under electric stove elements to reflect
heat and increase efficiency. |
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Ensure the seals on your
oven are in good condition. |
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If buying a new oven, consider
a self-cleaning oven. Self-cleaning ovens use less
energy for normal cooking because of higher insulation
levels. |
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