Using your oven during the summer can increase the temperature in your home and cause discomfort, and this will also make your HVAC system work harder. With the right strategies, however, you can still enjoy baking and roasting without making your kitchen a sauna. Here are five smart ways to use your oven during this season.
1. Use the Oven When It Is Cooler Outside
Plan to use your oven when temperatures are cooler outside, such as during the early morning or late evening. This way, your home will be more comfortable during the day, and you will not need to put so much strain on your air conditioner.
2. Cook in Batches
You can maximize your oven use by cooking multiple meals at a time. This strategy is referred to as batch cooking, and this will allow you to minimize the number of times you turn on your oven during the week. Batch cooking will reduce heat buildup in your home and enable you to significantly save on energy costs. Plan your menu to include dishes that can be cooked at similar temperatures so that you can streamline the process. Also, plan to batch-cook during a time when you are less busy, such as on the weekend.
3. Use the Right Cookware
To reduce the amount of time your oven needs to run, use cookware that will retain heat. Utensils made from glass, cast iron, and ceramic tend to perform best because they can help you reduce cooking times by maintaining temperature more efficiently. You can turn off your oven sooner, and the dishes will continue to cook from the residual heat. This will reduce the amount of heat that is released into your home.
4. Keep the Oven Door Closed
Every time you open your oven, you allow a significant amount of heat to escape, and you cause your oven to work harder to maintain its set temperature. This will also contribute to an increase in energy costs, and the temperature in your home will rise. Only open your oven door when necessary.
5. Consider Alternatives to Oven Use
If possible, you should consider alternatives to oven use. You can grill outdoors, or you can use a slow cooker or pressure cooker. These cooking methods do not emit as much heat, and they still enable you to cook a wide variety of savory dishes.
Annual oven maintenance will also ensure your home remains comfortable throughout the summer. During the maintenance check, the appliance repair technician will look for and repair problems that may impact how much heat your oven releases, such as broken seals. For oven maintenance and repair in Rochester, MN, call our experts at Rochester Appliance Service.
