[Estimated read time: 4 minutes]
The kitchen is full of energy-hungry appliances, many of which could quickly add up and result in larger energy bills.
Learn how to save and conserve energy in the kitchen with these 5 tips:
Use Your Dishwasher Wisely
One of the easiest ways to save energy in the kitchen is through using the dishwasher more efficiently. There are several ways which you could do this including:
- Choosing the economy setting
- Waiting until the dishwasher is full before using it
- Avoid using the rinse-hold setting for lightly soiled tableware
Consider letting your dishes air dry as well. This will not only help boost your energy savings and conservation, it will also help you save money in the long run.
If your dishwasher doesn’t have an air-dry setting, turn off your dishwasher after the final rinse and prop the door open so your tableware dries faster.
Position Your Appliances Properly
Positioning your appliances properly is an important but often overlooked way to save energy.
Be sure to position your dishwasher away from your refrigerator so that your refrigerator doesn’t have to work harder to counter the heat and moisture coming from your dishwasher.
You should also leave a gap of at least 4 inches behind your refrigerator to allow for proper ventilation. A lack of ventilation could cause your fridge to use more energy.
Don’t Leave Your Appliances on Standby
Leaving appliances on standby wastes energy and costs you money.
Where possible, turn off your appliances at the plug when not in use to maximize energy conservation. Alternatively, plug your appliances into a power strip and switch the strip off when you go to sleep.
Buy Energy-Efficient Appliances
Older appliances can use more electricity than new ones, so retiring them can help you to save money.
As we mentioned before, shop for energy-saving products by looking for the Energy Star label to help you identify the most energy-efficient products.
You should also consider the size of the appliance and buy the right size for your needs. Energy Star ratings compare products of a similar size, so a large A-rated fridge may still be more expensive to run than a small B-rated one.
Use Your Refrigerator Efficiently
Refrigerators are the second largest energy consumers in your home after central heating systems.
Avoiding an empty refrigerator can help lower the amount of wasted energy by using the energy effectively. Temperature settings that are also too low can lead to wasted energy that doesn’t properly keep food cold.
When buying a new refrigerator, look for the Energy Star label and consider the features you need. For example, refrigerators with water dispensers and ice makers, while convenient, do use more energy.
Learning how to save energy in the kitchen is easier than you might think. By following the above tips, you can reduce your energy bills and lower your carbon footprint.
With Austin heating up in the coming months, it’s important more than ever to save and conserve energy in the kitchen.
