Saving energy can help you to reduce your household expenses and is beneficial to the environment. A significant amount of energy expenditure in households goes into operating appliances. Hence, it is important to ensure that appliances are running as efficiently as possible so as to limit the amount of waste and create a more environmentally friendly home.
Microwaves are now a must-have in many modern households due to how convenient they are. The ability to heat up leftovers in a few seconds or cook frozen meals in a matter of minutes allows people to enjoy hot food with minimal mess and shorter waiting time. Read on to know some important energy saving tips for your microwaves!
PLUG IN ONLY WHEN IN USE
To save energy when using a microwave, make sure that it is unplugged when not in use. A microwave consumes energy as long as it is plugged in, even when it is switched off. A microwave takes up about 2 to 7 watts of power when in standby mode. Hence, leaving your microwave in standby mode all the time will consume more energy and result in higher electrical bills.
KEEP IT CLEAN
Keeping the microwave clean and free from any food particles is incredibly important in saving energy. Microwaves work best when they are clean and do not contain any food particles inside. Any food left in the microwave will continue to cook every time it is used and may absorb the energy that is supposed to heat up the current meal, hence reducing the efficiency.
USE PROPER COOKWARE
Make sure that you only place containers that are specifically labeled as microwave-safe. Avoid placing any metal bowls or plastic containers into the microwave as they are not meant for the appliance and could potentially cause severe damage.
PROPER FOOD ARRANGEMENT
Avoid piling up food in the microwave as it will consume more energy and does not allow proper cooking. If you want to cook more than one piece at a time, you should arrange the food in a circle. Place the thicker pieces closer towards the edge and the thin pieces towards the center of the dish.
CLOSE THE DOOR PROPERLY
Ensure that the doors of the microwave are always closed properly. If the door is spoilt or the seal is cracked, radiation can escape and your food will not cook evenly. It will also result in a higher consumption of energy.
USE PREPROGRAMMED COOKING TIMES
Many dishes come with a preprogrammed ideal time for them to fully cook. These timings are designed to be energy-efficient and offer you the best cooking results. It will also prevent overcooking and any burn and splattering of the food, which could cause damage to the microwave in the long term. Hence, it is recommended to follow the stated cooking times to save both energy and time.
Following the above energy-efficient tips for microwaves will not only help you save energy, but will ensure that your appliance last for a longer time. Whether the appliance you have at home is a built-in microwave or a countertop microwave, these tips are guaranteed to help you save money on your next electrical bill!
