MONCKS CORNER, S.C. — Refrigerators, washing machines and clothes dryers typically top the list of appliances that use the most electricity, but electric stoves and dishwashers aren’t far behind. What do these appliances have in common? They tend to be situated around the kitchen, and they give off a lot of heat.

Minimizing the heat coming from your kitchen will improve the overall comfort of your home and require less effort from your air conditioner.

“While it’s a nice alternative to cooking, eating out every day isn’t a realistic option for home kitchen management,” says Zack Dusenbury, Santee Cooper vice president of retail operations. Dusenbury recommends following suggestions put forth by the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) to help you keep your cool at work in your kitchen.

• Limit pre-heating: Unless you’re cooking bread, a cake or any food that rises, you generally don’t need to wait until the oven is completely pre-heated.
• Shut it off early: Consider turning off the oven a few minutes before the cooking period has ended. The oven should retain enough heat to complete the cooking at no additional expense of energy.
• Keep the oven door closed: The oven temperature can drop 25 degrees every time the door is opened. Avoid wasting energy by using the oven light or a meat thermometer if you’re roasting something.
• EERE also encourages you to think beyond the oven and use the microwave, toaster and convection ovens, slow cookers and pressure cookers, which require less energy and give off less heat.
• When it’s time to store your leftovers, EERE has some refrigeration tips, as well.
• Cover your food: Covered foods limit moisture evaporation, which reduces the workload of your refrigerator’s compressor.
• Clean the coils: EERE says you should clean or dust your refrigerator’s coils once a year to ensure the compressor runs efficiently.

“Few things beat a home-cooked meal,” Dusenbury says. “And while I can’t guarantee they’ll make you a better cook, these tips should help you feel more comfortable in the kitchen.”

Santee Cooper is South Carolina’s state-owned electric and water utility, and the state’s largest power producer. The ultimate source of electricity for 2 million South Carolinians, Santee Cooper is dedicated to being the state’s leading resource for improving the quality of life for the people of South Carolina. For more information, visit www.santeecooper.com.