1 of 3
Countertop appliances use less energy and generate less heat in the kitchen than a standard oven.
Photo courtesy of Whirlpool
2 of 3
Your dishwasher uses less water than washing dishes by hand.
Photo courtesy of Whirlpool
3 of 3
Early morning or late evening are the best times to cook, bake, turn on the stove and run the dishwasher.
Photo courtesy of Whirlpool
Hot summer days are a fact of life in South Carolina, but the heat doesn’t have to keep you out of the kitchen. Don’t limit your summer dining options to salads, cold sandwiches and whatever you can cook on the backyard grill. With these handy tips, you can make your family’s favorite meals, save on your utility bills and keep the house comfortably cool.
- Nuke it. Your microwave oven is the most efficient way to cook single food items without the heat of a traditional oven. It uses less electricity, and it can cut cooking time in half.
- Reach for small appliances. Don’t forget about some of summer’s best go-to kitchen appliances: toaster ovens, slow cookers and pressure cookers.These handy appliances use less energy and generate less heat than a standard oven.
- Regulate the dishwasher. When your summer meal is done and it’s time for cleanup, it’s fine to run the dishwasher. Did you know that it uses less water than washing dishes by hand? You can save even more money and energy by removing the dishes after the wash cycle and letting them air-dry.
- Watch the clock. Take advantage of the lower temperatures in the early morning and late evening. These are the best times to cook, bake, turn on the stove and run the dishwasher.
- Use fans. Ceiling fans can be useful in the kitchen. Even running a ceiling fan in an adjoining dining area will help circulate the air and keep you more comfortable while you cook. For maximum cooling, consider installing a whole-house fan or attic fan to keep the hot air moving up and out of your house.