Stuff Your Turkey, Not Your Bill

5 Saving Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving is a heart-warming holiday when family and friends reunite to feast and give thanks. However, cooking and extra guests in your home can contribute to an annual increase in energy usage. 

Here are some energy-saving tips which can help lower energy bills following the Thanksgiving celebration:

• Have a Timeline
Schedule your bake times to avoid leaving your oven on unnecessarily. Preheating your oven only takes 5-8 minutes, so plan accordingly. Cook as many dishes as possible in your oven at once; most recipes allow for variations of 25 degrees Fahrenheit in baking temperatures. Avoid the temptation of opening your oven door until your dish has finished!

• Allow Leftovers to Cool
After your feast, don't rush to pack up and store your meal. Allow your leftovers to cool on the counter (no longer than two hours) so your fridge and freezer won't have to work harder cooling your food. So, take it easy and digest it after your feast! 

• Use Smaller Appliances
If the oven is full and you have additional dishes to warm or cook, use smaller appliances, like a slow cooker, air fryer, toaster oven, or pressure cooker. These helpful tools use less than half as much electricity as the oven. 

• Use Your Dishwasher
Don't stress that mound of dishes! Using an ENERGY-STAR certified dishwasher uses less than half as much hot water as hand washing, so be sure to use your dishwasher when possible. Many even offer a 60-minute washing option!

• Adjust Your Thermostat
If you expect a large group of family and friends, turn down the thermostat a few degrees! The extra guests and heat from cooking can add up fast and make your home uncomfortably warm for everyone.