Cooking

* Covered pots or pans will boil or steam faster, allowing lower temperature settings. * Cook outdoors, use a microwave oven, or prepare cold meals to avoid heating up the kitchen and adding moisture to the air. Microwaves use less than half the power of a conventional oven and cook food in about one-fourth the time. * Use small appliances like a toaster oven or electric skillet. On average, they use half the energy of a full-size oven. * Turn off the surface element or oven a few minutes before cooking time is up. The pot is still hot enough to continue cooking. * Don't line oven racks with foil. It blocks the heat flow and makes the oven work harder to cook food. * Do your heavy summer cooking in the cooler early morning or evening hours. Try to use the range top more, the oven less. * It takes energy to heat water so use as little as possible. Most frozen or fresh vegetables can be cooked in a quarter cup of water. Even eggs will cook in this reduced amount if the pan has a tight-fitting lid. * In the oven, cook as many dishes as possible at one time. Foods with cooking temperatures within 25 degrees can be cooked simultaneously at the same temperature. * Preheat the oven only when necessary. Many foods don't require it. Use your self cleaning function while the oven is already hot. * Don't peek into the oven. Each time the door is opened, the temperature drops 25 to 50 degrees. * With stews, soups, and other foods that need long cooking times, cook in large quantities and freeze in meal-sized portions. Use a pressure cooker. It cuts cooking time to one-third that of conventional methods. Use a pressure cooker if possible. Here's my favorite tip: If you're going to clean your oven using the self cleaning

Laundry

Most of the energy in a washing machine is used to heat the water. Use warm or cold water when possible, and always rinse with cold water. * Don't use more detergent than you need. Too many suds may require extra rinsing. * Put full loads in the dryer, but don't overload. Overloading makes the machine less efficient and more costly to operate. * Use warm or cold settings to dry, especially for permanent press clothes. * Always keep the lint filter clean. * Don't overdry clothes. * The dryer will run most efficiently when drying clothes of the same thickness. * Do two or more loads in a row. (The dryer is already hot) When possible, use an outdoor clothesline rather than a dryer. (Especially large blankets)

Heating

* Seal around areas where heat can escape such as windows, doors, bathroom vents, and chimneys. Insulate attics and walls. * Check the manufacturer's label before insulating your water heater; set the temperature to about 120° . * Properly maintain your heating system - have it inspected and cleaned annually; replace furnace filters once a month during the heating season, or as needed. * Clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed; make sure furniture, carpeting and drapes do not block them. * Reduce the thermostat setting when everyone is asleep or away from the home. Consider installing a programmable thermostat. * Install storm windows and lock your windows to create a tighter seal; use drapes and shades at night to conserve heat. * Close the damper on your wood stove and/or fireplace when not in use. * Invest in energy efficient appliances. Look for appliances with the EnergyStar label.
About the Author

Northeast Ohio full time REALTOR. http://www.realtyone.com/c.sherrard/ I love what I do. Real estate is my passion. Please view my other great articles and tips.