Thanksgiving is a great time to bring friends and family together. And since the occasion is marked by a big meal, it means spending a significant amount of time cooking. Energy costs in the kitchen can total up to 15 percent of a home’s energy use, so it’s worth it to learn how to use less energy.

1.  Keep the oven door closed. Every time you open the oven door, it causes the temperature inside to drop by as much as 25 degrees. Use the oven light to check on the progress of your dish instead.

2.  Use the right size pan on your cooktop. A 6-inch pan on an 8-inch burner will cause 40 percent heat loss. Use an appropriately sized pan for your burner to save energy and keep extra heat out of your kitchen this Thanksgiving.

3.  Take advantage of residual heat. Electric burners retain heat, so turn them off a few minutes before your dish is finished cooking. The residual heat will finish the job for you.

4.  Put a lid on it. Leave the lids on your pots and pans while using your cooktop. It will help keep heat inside so your dish cooks faster and uses less energy.

5.  Plan ahead. Cook multiple side dishes at once, if possible. It will limit the time your oven has to run, which will save electricity.

6.  Cover your leftovers. When the meal is over, make sure leftovers are stored in tightly sealed containers. Open food and drinks release moisture that causes your refrigerator compressor to work harder and use more electricity.

7.  Use your dishwasher. Because it uses less hot water, it’s more efficient than handwashing. If you want to find even more savings, skip the dishwasher’s heat dry function. Just open the door and allow your dishes to air-dry instead.