Energy Saving Tips for Thanksgiving

Energy Saving Tips for Thanksgiving

Nashville, Tenn. – Preparing a Thanksgiving feast is no easy task, but Nashville Electric Service (NES) offers some simple tips to cut your energy costs in the kitchen this holiday season. Keep the oven door closed. Check your cooking progress by looking through the window. Opening your oven door for even a few seconds lowers the temperature inside by as much as 25 degrees, delaying the progress of your dish and costing you more money. As long as your oven is on, cook several items at the same time. Just make sure you leave enough room for the heat to circulate around each casserole and pie plate. Match the stovetop burner. When cooking on your stovetop, match the size of the pan to the heating element to prevent heat loss. Believe it or not, a six-inch pan on an eight-inch burner will waste more than 40 percent of the energy. Make use of the microwave. When entertaining, cook as many dishes as possible in your microwave, which uses about 50% less energy than a conventional oven. The microwave is especially great for smaller portions, but when it comes to the turkey or large items, your oven or stovetop are usually more efficient. Turn down the heat. If you’ve got the oven running and soup on the stove, you can probably turn your thermostat down a bit. The heat from the oven and your dinner guests should keep your home warmer than usual. Give your fridge a rest. Your refrigerator and freezer get a real workout over the holidays. While newer refrigerators are much more energy efficient than older ones, they remain one of the largest energy users in your house. Help your refrigerator and freezer operate efficiently and economically by keeping the doors closed as much as possible so the cold air doesn’t escape. These small changes are all you need to help keep your energy costs under control and to let you enjoy a Happy Thanksgiving with friends and family. Nashville Electric Service is one of the 12 largest public electric utilities in the nation, distributing energy to more than 360,000 customers in Middle Tennessee. For more information about NES, visit www.nespower.com.