Sunday, February 10, 2008

SAVE ENERGY IN YOUR HOME : Part III

Contd from Prev Post :

2. Towngas & LPG appliances

General Cooking Hints

These apply equally to cooking with electricity

* A pressure cooker saves up to 2/3 cooking time, saves energy, and preserves the goodness in your food.

* A slow-cook pot also uses a great deal less energy.

* Use cooking utensils that conduct heat well.

* Boil only as much water as you need.

* Use the right size of rice cooker for your family - an oversized cooker wastes energy.

* Always use the lids on pans to trap heat; this saves a lot of energy.

* Once your food has boiled, reduce it to a simmer.

* Use pans, etc., which completely cover the sources of heat from your stove.

* Turn your oven or ring off before you have finished cooking, and let the residual heat gently finish the job.

* Do not spend too long pre-heating your oven: 10 minutes is usually enough.

* Cook several dishes in one session when using the oven; foods requiring the highest temperature first.

* Do not cook too far ahead of meal time - reheating/ keeping food warm simply wastes energy.


* Defrost frozen foods before cooking them.

* Use efficient appliances like a toaster oven for cooking and baking in small quantities.

* Check your oven door seal for heat leakage, and replace it if necessary.

* Keep your oven clean for maximum cooking efficiency.

Gas Hotplate/Cooker/Oven

* Choose a cooker/oven of a suitable size for your family's needs, and consider using it in conjunction with a microwave oven.

* A multi-jet cooker/oven offers you more versatility, and can minimise wastage.

* Adjust the flame to fit the bottom of your pan. Gas flames going up the side of a pan are a waste, can be dangerous, and do not increase cooking efficiency.

* Use the simmer burner rather than the oven to reheat casseroles and other food.

* Steaming and stir-frying is an energy-efficient way of cooking.

* Use your grill to its full capacity, rather than cooking one item at a time.

* Keep you cooking appliances clean and well maintained, and have them inspected from time to time.

Water Heater

* Take a shower instead of a bath. You'll save about 50% in heating costs.

* A low-flow shower head also saves water and heating energy.

* Don't leave hot water running when shaving, rinsing dishes, etc., and use cold water where hot water is not absolutely necessary.

* When not using your water heater, switch off the pilot light.

* Have your water heater inspected from time to time to ensure its efficiency and safety.

3. Water

Water is a precious commodity in Hong Kong. It also uses energy in being filtered and cleaned, transported, and pumped up to your roof tank - as well as in being heated. Please don't waste it.

* Don't draw off more water than you need for any given purpose.


* Take a shower instead of bath.

* Turn off the tap whilst brushing your teeth.

* Be economical with your washing machine or dishwasher - don't use it until it is fully loaded.

* Make sure there are no leaks in your toilet flushing system.

* If you have a dripping tap, please get it fixed - it can waste up to 70 litres of water every 24 hours.

* Avoid rinsing hands, clothes, vegetables etc. under a running tap - use a bowl.

* Re-use shower/bath water to wash the floors or water your plants.

( Source: http://www.epd.gov.hk )

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