Warm weather has arrived and with it comes all the joys of summer in Michigan. Spending time outside is both a great way to enjoy the season and manage your energy use. Play a lawn game, have a cookout or water balloon fight to make the most of the summer!
Start maximizing your energy savings this season with these tips:
- Block the heat! Install blinds or shades to windows to block out the sun and keep your home cooler during the day.
- Seal the leaks! Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around doors or windows.
- Use ventilation! Boost your comfort with spot ventilation – ceiling, floor, or table fans paired with open windows or air conditioning can create a comfortable chill. Remember, fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave.
- Embrace cool cooking! Instead of the stove or oven, which can add extra heat and humidity to your home, utilize the microwave, slow cooker or an outdoor grill when making breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Use the recipe below to embrace the rising temperatures without raising your energy bill and enjoy an energy efficient Michigan summer.
Grilled Pizza
For a fun and unexpected cook-out dish, try grilling a pizza. Yes, you read that right!
Ingredients
- About 1 lb pizza dough (store bought or homemade)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- Cheese like mozzarella, asiago or Parmesan
- Toppings of your choice – consider summer vegetables like zucchini and herbs like basil
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Heat your grill to at least 550 degrees
- Stretch your dough into a thin circle
- Brush the one side of your dough with oil and lay the dough oil side down on the grill, letting it cook for about 4 minutes or until the dough is set.
- Flip your dough and top your pizza quickly – start with sauce, add cheese and toppings of your choice while not overloading it. You could even grill your vegetables before adding them to your pizza for extra flavor!
- Cook your pizza for about 4 minutes or until your cheese has melted and your crust has cooked.
For more energy efficiency tips, visit dteenergy.com/saveenergy