Saucy Energy Saving Tips for Dinner
Hosting Thanksgiving can be a wonderful time for gathering your loved ones and sharing gratitude. But between grocery prices, the oven clocking in overtime, and the constant comings and goings of guests, your November bills could soar through the roof. And, if you haven’t shopped for the cheapest electric rates, then your Price to Compare utility bill could crash your holiday spending! So, we have a few tips to help you save energy, without sacrificing your family’s turkey dinner.
1. Talk Turkey to Me
Saving energy starts before you even fire the oven! When choosing a turkey for your feast, don’t get a larger one than you need. Smaller turkeys take less time to cook, saving you energy. And as a bonus, they save on oven space too.
2. A-Peas Your Guests with a Potluck Dinner
Thanksgiving is all about coming together to share gratitude alongside a hot meal. So, let your guests share in the labor and costs as well! You don’t have to outsource the entire feast, but even just asking your guests to bring a small side or dessert can save quite a bit of money. And with the less cooking you do, the less electricity you use.
3. Don’t Roast Your Dinner Guests
Turn that thermostat down this Thanksgiving! Human power has got you covered. Resting people put out about 341 BTUs per hour of heat. That means 10 people is the equivalent of a small space heater. Add in the additional heat from the oven, and you’ve got a recipe for warmth. So, try dropping the temperature by 5 degree incriments.
4. You Ain’t Seen Stuffing Yet
When it’s time to fire up the oven, batch it up! Cook as much of the meal at one time as possible. For sides, foods with different temperatures can often be cooked at the same time at one temperature. When it comes to casseroles or pre-made sides, you can vary the temperate by about 25 degrees and it won’t be a disaster. Just adjust the time accordingly.
5. Grill, Interrupted
So, firing up the grill during a chilly November sounds crazy. It is until you realize how much money and time you can save with it! By taking some sides to the grill, you can cut your bill to your electric supplier. And as a bonus, it gives you a reason to escape outside and take a breather from the holiday chaos.
6. What’s Cooler than Being Cool? Ice Cold Drinks
If you really want to maximize your energy savings, and get anyone hovering out of your kitchen, consider a drink cooler! (Seriously, how are they always standing in front of the cabinet you need to get into?) Opening and closing the fridge constantly can waste a ton of energy, as well as put your food at risk of going bad. Get a cooler and fill it with ice and drinks. To help stay cool for longer, stow them in the garage or out on the deck.
7. Yam Right You’re Gonna Use the Dishwasher
Finally the feast is over, and it’s cleanup time! In what may come as a surprise, handwashing the dishes is less efficient than using a dishwasher. So, put it to work! But do it properly. If you have a newer model, skip the pre-rinse and just scrape your plates before running the dishwasher. Be sure to load it completely and properly! This will look different between models so check your manual. Finally, turn the heated dry OFF. When your dishes are done, crack the door open and let them air dry for maximum energy savings!
Gobble Up Energy Savings with a Lower Rate
Lastly, if you want to save money for your next big party, now’s the time to shop for an electricity plan! Getting a low electricity rate is the best way to save on your power bill, and without a single dirty dish involved! Read reviews, compare plans, and find the best electricity rate for you. Visit https://www.paenergyratings.com