Energy conservation question...

[mamahill]

In an effort to cut back on energy useage, I've been looking at conservation ideas. Also, I'd like to use my crockpot a little more, since I only use it a handful of times/year for pulled-pork sandwiches. But, I'm wondering if doing a crock-pot soup or chicken or whatever for 6-8 hours a day uses less energy than in the oven or on the stovetop for an hour or so. Anyone know? I suppose I could call the energy company, but I'm in no mood to sit on hold for half an hour.

[COElizabeth]

I don't know, but I have heard that electric toaster ovens use more energy than regular ovens. That may be only if you have a gas oven, though - I am not sure.

Elizabeth, Mom to James, 9-20-02

[nathansmom]

I'll get you the info from Utah power website or you can check your power company website. Just give me some time. I notice on months that I use my crock pot for more than 5 meals our electric bill goes down. If I remember correctly they quoted me for 12 hours of crockpot usage at 20 cents.

[nathansmom]

I just copied this from their website. I'm going back to see what else I can find.



Kitchen appliance tips
Many kitchens are filled with appliances, large and small. If used efficiently, the savings can really add up.

Refrigerators and freezers

Keep condenser coils clean and unobstructed for maximum energy savings.
Locate your refrigerator or freezer away from heating equipment, heater vents and direct sunlight. Provide adequate clearance above, behind and on the sides for good air circulation.
Set the temperature of your refrigerator between 37 and 40°F, and your freezer at 0°F for top efficiency. The Food and Drug Administration also recommends these settings to prevent rapid bacterial growth.
Clean door gaskets with warm water or a detergent that leaves no residue since a tight-sealing door gasket is critical to the efficiency of your refrigerator.
Keep your refrigerator or freezer full, but do not overload it. Overloading causes the compressor to have to run longer. Place foods slightly apart on shelves, making sure they do not block the unit’s interior air vents.
Cover all liquids stored in the refrigerator. Moisture can be drawn into the air, making the unit work harder.
Cooking appliances

If you have both a large and a small oven, use the smaller one whenever possible.
Save time and energy by using one oven to prepare the entire meal. A pie or cake can go into the oven as a main dish is removed.
Warming foods, plates and platters with the oven’s stored heat after baking requires no extra energy. If the food must be kept warm for an extended period of time, set the oven no higher than 140 to 200°F.
Consider using a microwave oven, small portable electric frying pan, grill, or toaster/broiler instead of the oven.
Cook by time and temperature. Precise timing eliminates repeated opening of the oven door to check on cooking progress. Each time the door is opened, the temperature drops 25 to 50°F.
Choose pots and pans that evenly cover the heating elements. Use pans with flat bottoms, straight sides and tight-fitting lids that hold heat and permit lower settings.
Use a slow cooker or crockpot to cook stews and other single-dish meals.
Use only enough water to produce steam and prevent sticking when cooking fresh or frozen vegetables.
Dishwashers

Washing and rinsing dishes by hand three times a day actually uses more hot water and energy than one load a day in an automatic dishwasher. Here are some tips for operating your dishwasher efficiently:

Run your dishwasher only when it is filled to capacity, but not overloaded. This will cut the costs of energy, water and detergent.
Use partial-load cycles, rinse-only cycles, mid-cycle turn-offs and other special features designed for better energy use and more convenience.
Always choose the shortest washing cycle that will clean your dishes, and scrape off accumulated food before loading dishes into the dishwasher.
Wait to use your dishwasher until night on hot days. You will avoid adding heat in the house during the hottest time of the day.




? Copyright, PacifiCorp, 2004 Online Use Policy

[NancyJ_redo]

Yes!! This just justified my insistence on using the dishwasher instead of handwashing ANYTHING. I hate handwashing.

Btw Norah - did you get my email the other day re People magazine?

[nathansmom]

Glad it helped you. They have lots of info on that site to save energy.
I got your email and just responded to it. Thanks so much for it.

[mamahill]

GENIUS!! Thank you Norah - I knew somebody would have the answer. I've been looking for references to crockpots, but hadn't seen anything. You are a masterful information specialist (do you like your new title?!)!! I'm going to pull out the old crockpot for more useage!

[nathansmom]

Glad I could help. I love my new title. LOL. If you only knew why I have this information.

[JLiebCamm]

I saved alot on both electricity and gas by getting a programmable thermostat at Sears. I drop the temperature in the house during the night and while I am at work so the furnace isn't running nearly as much. I also noted a big difference when we put a storm door up outside our front door (can you tell I live in a colder state?). We also replaced some of our light bulbs with flourescent bulbs, which are energy savers (and they have ones on the market now that have a warmer glow like traditional light bulbs).

[mik8]

Norah,

Thanks so much for your resourcefulness. I learned a lot of new things here. This justifies more usage of our dishwasher.