As we approach Independence Day 2025, millions of Americans are preparing to celebrate with friends, family, and the time-honored tradition of backyard barbecuing. The 4th of July is the most popular barbecuing day of the year, making it the perfect time to review essential grill safety practices and discover how outdoor cooking can help you save energy this summer.
The Growing Popularity of Grilling
Grilling has never been more popular. As of 2023, approximately 80% of U.S. homeowners own a grill or smoker, which is a substantial increase from 64% in 2019. This surge in outdoor cooking enthusiasm means more families than ever will be firing up their grills this holiday weekend, making safety awareness more critical than ever.
Essential Grill Safety Guidelines
Before You Begin: Pre-Season Safety Checks
Before lighting your grill for the first time this season, conduct a thorough safety inspection. Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. To test, apply a light soap and water solution to the hose and watch for bubbles. A propane leak will release bubbles.
For gas grills specifically:
- Inspect all connections for wear, corrosion, or damage
- Ensure the gas tank is properly secured and in good condition
- Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it
- Test the ignition system to ensure proper function
Safe Grilling Practices
Location and Setup:
- The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches
- The grill must be a safe distance from flammable materials (e.g. building siding, grass, wood fixtures, etc.)
- Maintain a safe distance of at least 10 feet between your grill and any structure
- Ensure your grilling area has adequate ventilation
Food Preparation:
- Follow food preparation safety guidelines – the USDA provides a comprehensive list here.
During Cooking:
- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area
- Never leave your grill unattended
- Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill
- Have a fire extinguisher readily available
Gas Leak Emergency Procedures
Know what to do if you detect a gas leak. If your grill has a leak, detected by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and the grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.
Energy Savings: Beat the Heat and Your Electric Bill
While safety is paramount, grilling also offers significant energy savings that can help reduce your summer utility bills. Here’s how outdoor cooking can benefit your wallet and keep your home cooler:
Reduce Indoor Heat Generation
Cooking in the summer causes two of the biggest energy-consuming appliances to be working at once: HVAC (air conditioning) and the oven. When you use your indoor oven or stovetop, you’re not only consuming energy for cooking but also adding heat to your home, forcing your air conditioning system to work harder to maintain comfortable temperatures.
Cooking on the grill doesn’t heat up your house at all or make your AC work harder, like other appliances. By moving your cooking outdoors, you eliminate this dual energy burden.
Comparing Energy Efficiency
The energy savings from grilling become even more impressive when compared to traditional indoor cooking methods:
- Microwave ovens use up to 70% less energy than a conventional oven
- Most air fryers use about half as much energy as conventional ovens
- Both toaster ovens and microwaves use less energy than your oven, and should be used instead of your oven whenever possible
While these appliances are energy-efficient, grilling takes energy savings a step further by using no household electricity at all for gas grills, or minimal electricity for electric models.
Cost-Effective Fuel Sources
A good estimate is about $1 an hour for gas. An eight-pound bag of charcoal can be used for about 5 grilling sessions of two hours each—also coming out to about a dollar an hour. So the two energy sources cost about the same amount.
Compare this to running a conventional electric oven, which can use between 2,000 and 5,000 watts of electricity, and the savings become substantial over a summer of regular outdoor cooking.
Energy-Efficient Grilling Tips
To maximize your energy savings while grilling safely:
Preparation is Key:
- Get the food ready. To make sure you’re not letting the grill sit and warm up—and thus wasting energy—don’t start the grill until you have the food ready to put on it
- Cut food into smaller pieces to reduce cooking time and energy consumption
Optimize Your Cooking:
- For gas grills, use only the burners you need. If you’re grilling only a few items, you might need to use just two—or maybe only one—burner
- For charcoal, if you’re grilling a small amount, half a chimney of charcoal might get the job done
- Use your grill’s different temperature zones effectively: Low heat (225-250°F): Perfect for slow-cooking tough cuts of meat like ribs, pork shoulder, brisket, and lamb. Medium heat (325-350°F): Ideal for roasts, pork loin, whole fish, whole chickens, hamburgers, and large vegetables. High heat (400-600°F): Great for quickly searing steaks, pork chops, chicken breasts, and small veggies
Efficient Shutdown:
- Once you’ve taken the food off the grill and you know it’s done, stop the grill. For a gas grill, that’s just a matter of turning off the burners and the gas. For a charcoal grill, that means putting on the lid and closing up the vents to stop the charcoal from burning
July 4th: The Peak of Grilling Season
This Independence Day, an estimated millions of Americans will fire up their grills, making it more important than ever to prioritize safety while enjoying the energy benefits of outdoor cooking.
Making the Most of Your Grilling Investment
A significant portion of grill owners—63%—utilize their grills year-round, with 43% cooking at least once a month during the winter months. This trend toward regular grilling means your investment in a quality grill and safe grilling practices pays dividends not just during summer holidays, but throughout the year.
The Bottom Line
As you prepare for July 4th celebrations and the peak grilling season ahead, remember that safe grilling practices protect your family and property while outdoor cooking helps reduce your energy costs. By following proper safety protocols, conducting regular equipment maintenance, and using energy-efficient grilling techniques, you can enjoy delicious outdoor meals while keeping your utility bills in check.
Whether you’re using gas or charcoal, rely on grilling as a fun, social, and energy efficient way to cook in the summer. You’ll enjoy being outside, keeping the heat out of your house, saving some money.
This Independence Day, celebrate responsibly with safe grilling practices and enjoy the added benefit of energy savings that last all summer long. For more energy-saving tips and information about UGI Energy Link’s services, visit our website or contact our customer service team.
Additional Resources
For more detailed safety information:
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Grilling Safety Resources
- U.S. Fire Administration Grilling Safety Guidelines
- Energy.gov Kitchen Energy Saving Tips
Stay safe, save energy, and enjoy your Independence Day grilling!