It must be repeated often, kitchen costs go beyond your grocery bill. You also have to think of the energy you use to cook meals and heat leftovers. To cut back on these costs of cooking, you can always consider upgrading to energy-efficient appliances. But you can also try these efficiency tips:

On Your Stove

• Choose a burner size that matches your pot.

• Use flat-bottomed pans for greater contact with your burner.

• Use lids to conserve heat and decrease cooking time.

• Turn your burner down once liquids boil.

• Use your oven instead of your range—an insulated oven uses less energy.

In Your Oven

• Defrost your food before baking to cut energy use by a third.

• Don’t pre-heat your oven for dishes that take over an hour to cook.

• Use the window and a cooking timer instead of opening your oven door. You let 20% of the heat escape each time you break the seal.

• Never line your oven with aluminum foil—it can reduce hot air flow, lower the inside temperature or block a vent. Use a cookie sheet to catch drips and spills.

• Make sure the seals and hinges on your oven fit tightly and don’t leak heat.