Convection ovens are more energy-efficient because they cook more quickly and at lower temperatures. Self-cleaning ovens also reduce energy because they have tighter seals and better insulation, Case said. Turn on the self-cleaning feature just after you've cooked something to take advantage of the residual heat and use less energy bringing it up to such a high temperature.

Whatever type of oven you have, don't peek while cooking, Case said. Every time you open the oven door, the temperature decreases by 25 degrees.

As far as stove tops go, natural gas is your most efficient heat source, because in Utah, coal is used to create electricity, "which is a very inefficient process," Case said. But natural gas can release some combustion pollutants into your house, so the Utah House installed a downdraft system that does the same thing a hood does. "Proper ventilation is important," Case said.

Smooth-top electric stoves take longer to heat and use more electricity than conventional electric coils. But whatever type of stove you have, keeping the stove top reflectors clean lets them reflect heat better.

Another way to help protect the environment is to choose organic foods, according to Sonja Tuitele, a spokeswoman for Wild Oats Markets Inc., a nationwide chain of natural and organic foods.

"Every day is Earth Day at Wild Oats. Our organic food produced without synthetic pesticides and herbicides, our sustainable seafood, our chemical-free household cleaning products, as well as other items we sell and choices we make in sustainable and recyclable packaging and materials, help protect and preserve our environment."

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More ways to be green at home

Here are more tips from Case, the Utah Office of Energy Services, the Whole Foods Market, and the book "You Can Prevent Global Warming — And Save Money!" by Jeffrey Langholz and Kelly Turner:

Lighting

• "In any room in the house, the most cost-effective energy-saving step you can take is replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights," Case said. "They are a twisted little tube light, they use 75 percent less energy and they last seven to 10 times longer. They're more expensive up front but will save you $25 to $30 a bulb over its life."

• Open the blinds and use natural daylight.

• If you'll be out of the room for more than two minutes, turn off the lights.

Cooking

• Put lids on your pots and pans. They will heat faster and require less heat.

• Match the size of the pan to the burner, so no heat is lost. Putting a 6-inch pan on an 8-inch burner will waste more than 40 percent of the energy, according to statistics compiled by Case.