Grill smart
Celebrate National Grilling Month with safe outdoor cooking practices
July marks National Grilling Month, but why wait? Summer is the perfect time to celebrate the art of outdoor cooking. Beyond great tasting food, outdoor grilling can cut down power use by keeping the stove off, which keeps your home cooler during the hottest months. Your air conditioning doesn’t have to work as hard when the kitchen stays cool. That helps lower your usage in the hotter months.
Owen Electric shares these tips for safe grilling:
- Pick a safe spot. Set up your grill at least 10 feet from your home, deck railings and tree branches. Choose a level spot away from foot traffic. Never use a grill in an enclosed area like a garage.
- Take care with charcoal. Only use starter fluid made for charcoal grills and never add fluid to an open flame. After cooking, let coals cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container.
- Look for leaks. When using a gas grill, test for a gas leak by applying an even mix of water and dish soap to the hose and connections. If bubbles appear, there is a leak. Always open the lid before lighting to avoid a buildup of gas.
- Pay attention. Never leave a hot grill unattended. Keep children and pets at least three feet away.
- Clean regularly. Dirty grills are one of the top causes of grill fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Skipping regular cleanings can also affect how well your grill works.
This summer, get grilling — safely — to save energy.