Oven Maintenance and Energy Saving Tips for the Holidays Simple suggestions for making your baking trouble-free this holiday season ●Check to be sure the oven door gasket is tight. Adjust or replace gaskets as required.  ●If you have a self-cleaning oven, consider using the self-cleaning feature immediately after regular baking when the oven is still hot. Less energy will be required to reach the cleaning temperature. Try not to use the self-cleaning feature too often. ●Preheat ovens only when necessary. With conventional ovens, keep the preheating time to a minimum. Unless you're baking breads or pastries, you may not need to preheat the oven at all. ●Don't lay foils on racks. Food cooks more quickly and efficiently in ovens when air can circulate freely. If possible, stagger pans on upper and lower racks to improve air flow. ●Use glass or ceramic pans in ovens. You can turn down the temperature about 25°F and cook foods just as quickly. ●Do not open the oven door often to preview the food. Each time you open the door the oven temperature drops by 25°F. Watch the clock or use a timer instead.     www.CountyProperties.net