Start in the Kitchen

Gas stoves cook better and more efficiently when they’re clean, so wipe up those spills right away. Check out the color of the flames as you’re carefully cooking that pasta - are they burning "true and blue?" A true bluish color to the flames means that your stove is functioning effectively. And speaking of flames, adjust the setting on the stove so that the flames fit the size of the bottom of your pan. They shouldn’t "reach" up the side of the pot; keeping flames at their proper height helps prevent accidents.

Gas ovens may not even need to be preheated when you’re cooking that special tuna casserole everyone raves about - check the recipe and use your oven wisely. Save gas and money by not pre-heating the oven, then turn off the oven a few minutes before the food is ready. The heat that is already inside the oven will finish up the cooking.

What about all those dishes? If you use a dishwasher, wash full loads; it takes the same amount of hot water for a full load as it does for a half-full load. Washing full loads will mean less work for your gas water heater and less money from your family's piggy bank. Also, scrub food off dishes before you load the washer and run the short cycle if your dishwasher has one.

If you wash by hand, scrub several dishes then rinse them all at once. Don't leave the water running for any longer than necessary.