Cook outdoors, use a microwave oven or prepare cold meals to avoid heating up the kitchen and adding moisture to the air. Microwaves use less than half the power of a conventional oven and cook food in about one-fourth the time. For cooking, use small appliances like a toaster oven or electric skillet. On average, they use half the energy of a full-size oven. Turn off the surface element or oven a few minutes before cooking time is up.
Electric stoves stay hot for a few minutes after they're turned off.
On a surface unit, start with high heat and lower the setting when the food starts to bubble or boil. Don't line oven racks with foil. It blocks heat flow and makes the oven work harder to cook food. Do your heavy summer cooking in the cooler early-morning or evening hours. Try to use the range top more, the oven less.