A little-known oven option could save you $100 a year in energy costs – see what’s best for the novice cook

A LITTLE-known stove option could help millions of Americans save hundreds on energy bills.

Many people are unaware that self-cleaning ovens are generally more energy efficient.

1

This is because, according to Constellation, this type of stove comes with better insulation that keeps heat longer.

Self-cleaning ovens need better insulation because they use high heat to burn any residue or dirt left in the oven and turn it to ash, Whirlpool said.

These ovens achieve this by heating to temperatures north of 800 degrees to burn away all those spills and stains, leaving you with a thin layer of white ash that’s easy to wipe away with a sponge.

But if you use the self-cleaning option, use it wisely.

It is best to switch it on after cooking – this way it uses less energy to heat up.

But if you think you don’t need the adjustment, it’s wise to invest in a stove with it anyway – for the savings from better insulation.

Buyers looking for a new oven can pick up self-cleaning ranges from both Home Depot and Best Buy for as little as $598.

OTHER WAYS TO CUT YOUR COOKING COSTS

Energy experts would always recommend convection ovens over regular ovens.

Convection ovens are better because they use 20 percent less energy each month, according to Constellation.

Convection ovens contain a fan that continuously circulates hot air through the oven cavity.

When hot air blows on the food – instead of just surrounding it – it cooks faster and at lower temperatures.

And if keeping your energy bills low is your number one priority, investing in a gas-fired oven is far more energy-efficient than an electric one.

This is because it takes three times as much energy to power your cooker on electricity than on gas. So buying a gas stove can save you money in the long run.

OTHER WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR BILL

There are many other ways to reduce your energy bills.

You can lower your energy bills by changing the way you use your other devices.

When it comes to washing your clothes or kitchen utensils, consider doing it with cold water.

About 90 percent of all energy used by cleaning equipment is typically used to heat the water.

By switching to cold water, you relieve the power grid and save money.

You should also consider using a high speed or extended spin cycle when washing your laundry to reduce the time it takes to tumble dry.

There are many other ways you can ultimately reduce your bill aside from just changing the way you use your devices.

This includes connecting devices to a power strip or installing a whole house switch that turns off remotely controlled outlets with a single button press to avoid wasting energy in standby mode.

You can also connect devices to a timer or adjust your energy settings with TV and computer devices.

There are also devices with the Energy Star label – these products have requirements to minimize idle load (low standby current, automatic shutdown) and consume less power in active mode.

All in all, the average home has about 40 electronic devices that add vampire energy, making the impact of unplugging something that can’t be overdone.

When it comes to your thermostat, it’s also helpful to decide between 65 and 68 degrees.

Millions of Americans could save hundreds of dollars on their energy bills with a little-known and underutilized “green” attitude.

Leaving five devices on overnight in your bedroom can cost you an additional $215 per year.