isture to the air. Microwaves use less than half the power ofa 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. * Turnoff the surface element or oven a few minutes before cookingtime is up. The pot is still hot enough to continue cooking. *Don't line oven racks with foil. It blocks the heat flow andmakes the oven work harder to cook food. * Do your heavy summercooking in the cooler early morning or evening hours. Try to usethe range top more, the oven less. * It takes energy to heatwater so use as little as possible. Most frozen or freshvegetables can be cooked in a quarter cup of water. Even eggswill cook in this reduced amount if the pan has a tight-fittinglid. * In the oven, cook as many dishes as possible at one time.Foods with cooki...

...ng temperatures within 25 degrees can be cookedsimultaneously at the same temperature. * Preheat the oven onlywhen necessary. Many foods don't require it. Use your selfcleaning function while the oven is already hot. * Don't peekinto the oven. Each time the door is opened, the temperaturedrops 25 to 50 degrees. * With stews, soups, and other foodsthat need long cooking times, cook in large quantities andfreeze in meal-sized portions. Use a pressure cooker. It cutscooking time to one-third that of conventional methods. Use apressure cooker if possible. Here's my favorite tip: If you'regoing to clean your oven using the self cleaning function, do itwhile the oven is already hot!LaundryMost of the energy in a washing machine is used to heat thewater. Use warm or cold water when possible, and always rinsewith cold water. * Don't use more detergent than you need. Toomany suds may require extra rinsing. * Put full loads in thedryer, but don't overload. Overloading makes the machine lessefficient and more costly to operate. * Use warm or coldsettings 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 thesame thickness. * Do two or more loads in a row. (The dryer isalready hot) When possible, use an outdoor clothesline ratherthan 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 waterheater; set the temperature to about 120° . * Properly maintainyour 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, andradiators as needed; make sure furniture, carpeting and drapesdo not block them. * Reduce the thermostat setting when everyoneis asleep or away from the home. Consider installing aprogrammable thermostat. * Install storm windows and lock yourwindows to create a tighter seal; use drapes and shades at nightto conserve heat. * Close the damper on your wood stove and/orfireplace when not in use. * Invest in energy efficientappliances. Look for appliances with the EnergyStar label....