EnergyYour kitchen contains appliances that make your life easier, but they also consume energy. Don’t worry, there are ways to lower your electric bill.

First, buy the most efficient units possible. Finding the most efficient models is simple: just look for the EnergyStar label. This assures you it’s among the most efficient models.

For refrigerators, avoid the automatic ice maker and drink dispenser, because they cause more breakdowns and leaks, in addition to increasing energy use. Can you consolidate one refrigerator for two you already have? A second refrigerator, especially an older one, greatly increases your energy costs.

Selecting the most efficient stove is also important. Induction stoves are now the most efficient and provide features not available with traditional electric or gas stoves. Induction stoves are still more expensive, but the energy savings can repay the extra cost, especially if you cook a lot in the kitchen.

OTHER TIPS
If you aren’t buying any new appliances, you can still save energy.

  • Cover cooking pans and pots.
  • Use an electric kettle instead of running hot water.
  • Load the dishwasher fully before washing.
  • Remove extra refrigerators and freezers. Place the faucet lever on the kitchen sink in the cold position when using small amounts of water; placing the lever in the hot position draws hot water even though it may never reach the faucet.
  • Keep range-top burners and reflectors clean; they will reflect the heat better and you will save energy.
  • Match the size of the pan to the heating element when cooking.
  • Use the microwave oven when possible.
  • Use small electric pans, toaster ovens or convection ovens for small meals rather than your large stove or oven. A toaster or convection oven uses one-third to one-half as much energy as a full-sized oven.
  • Do not set your refrigerator or freezer too cold. Recommended temperatures are 35 to 38 degrees for the fresh food compartment and 0 degrees for separate freezers for long-term storage.
  • Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight.
  • Regularly defrost manual-defrost freezers and refrigerators; frost buildup decreases the energy efficiency of the unit. Don’t allow frost to build up more than one-quarter of an inch.