At Home with Lisa: Save energy with a clean range hood filter

As June approaches, I know I’m going to spend less time cooking over a hot stove. When the temperature outside gets hotter, I start using counter-top appliances and my outdoor barbecue for cooking. It keeps my house a lot cooler when I use an electric pressure cooker, my microwave and even a slow cooker.

But now that I’m shutting down my range for the summer, I think I’ll make sure that its hood filters are clean.

You should clean the range filters often. Like any appliance, if it’s dirty, it will have to work harder, and that uses more energy. Also, dirty filters can be a fire hazard and can attract pests.

I use hot water and dishwashing liquid to heat mine, but I’ve heard of people using OxyClean, dishwashing pods, baking soda and vinegar, salt, and other cleaners. I popped the filters out of the hood using their tabs and put them in the sink in the soapy hot water for about 30 minutes.

I scrubbed the filters before letting them dry completely. Then I popped them back into the hood so I can forget about them until the weather cools down and I start making soups on the stovetop again.

You can find many tips to be energy efficient in the kitchen by downloading Avista’s energy guide.

Lisa, an Avista customer, bought her 1910 house because she loved the old-world character, some of which doesn’t make her house very energy efficient. Lisa is sharing her experience on taking some simple do-it-yourself improvements to inspire others to do the same. You’ll find her stories right here every Tuesday morning.