Full House This Thanksgiving? Here’s How You Can Keep Your House Comfortable
Most people don’t think of energy efficiency when they think of Thanksgiving. However, America’s favorite dinner date doesn’t have to be all about waste. You can enjoy the decadence of delicious food from start to finish while still minding your energy budget! Here’s how:
Step Away from the Oven
When possible, try using other devices in your kitchen to prepare your feast instead of the oven. From your slow cooker to your toaster oven – an even your microwave – there are many ways to cook up a fantastic meal without relying exclusively on your oven and stovetop. (And most of them use much less energy!)
No Peeking!
It can be tempting to give your turkey and sides a regular peek every now and then as they cook but consider this: you lose a lot of energy every time you open that door. Your oven has to work overtime to compensate for hot air escaping, so use the transparent door to check on your cooking – and keep lids tight-fitting to keep heat working hard where it belongs!
Gather the Family – and the Side Dishes
While your turkey is cooking, try to use that heat to cook other dishes on your menu as well. If you have casseroles, pies, or other dishes that require the heat of your oven, try to time and place them correctly so that they can bake right alongside the turkey for added efficiency.
Recruit Cleanup Help
Rinsing dishes may make the washing process easier, but it also wastes a lot of energy. Ask your dining guests to scrape their dishes as they finish and wash a single load in the washer rather than handwashing between every course.
Save the Leftovers
Most people agree that leftovers are one of the best parts of Thanksgiving. They only stay that way if you store them promptly and properly, though. Be sure to seal all leftover food in reusable containers and refrigerate promptly. They’ll keep serving up delicious bites for days to come without much additional energy cost.
Looking for more ways to keep your energy use as efficient as possible this Thanksgiving? Consult the energy-efficiency experts here at Same Day Service Plumbing. We can help you ensure your plumbing, HVAC, and more are ready for the demands of the day – and capable of keeping your on-budget for the holidays!