7 Kitchen Essentials for Saving Energy

With technology creeping its way into everything we use and do these days, it is no wonder that kitchen essentials have become much less manual. Because of this advancement, more electricity is needed in the home to run these devices thus creating a potential waste of natural resources. Taking a look around your kitchen there is often many ways to save energy and still be able to enjoy technological advancement. Below are some ideas that may help save you money on your monthly utility bill as well as add one more “baby step” at reducing your carbon footprint.

1. Energy Star

Start off by checking each appliance for the Energy Star seal of approval. This program was set up between the Unite States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Department of Energy (DOE) to certify approved energy efficient products and practices.

2. Keep it Clean

Appliances that are used but rarely cleaned can generate a lot of energy simply to get up and running. For instance, the stove is important to use the “self-cleaning” option or manually do it yourself. When drips and spills accumulate your stove will struggle to work efficiently. Keep an eye on it and clean accordingly. The same goes for the refrigerator. Once a year defrost your freezer, clean out your ice maker and change the filter. These practices will do wonders for energy efficiency.

3. Replace Old Appliances

Appliances that are over fifteen to twenty years old may substantially affect your energy bill. Between $250 and $300 per year can be wasted on that old refrigerator in the garage or the dishwasher that is constantly leaking. It may be difficult to afford this change therefore you may want to set up a fund for the purchase to replace the oldest appliance. Even if it takes a few years it will still save you money in the long run.

4. Use Small Appliances First

Heating up an entire oven takes a lot of energy. If it is possible to use a toaster, microwave or stove top flame to cook a meal this will save wasting electricity. Also, if the stove must be used, shut it off about ten minutes before the alloted end time. The food will still cook and slowly cool down while you save unused energy.

5. Pick Energy Efficient Recipes

Using your stove in the middle of a hot summer day will heat up your house causing you to turn up the air conditioning. Pressure and rice cookers are an excellent way to save on energy as they take way less to use. Cook meals ahead of time and freeze. Reheating a meal takes a lot less energy than cooking it.

6. Pack the Freezer

Less energy is needed in the freezer when it is full of frozen items. Each item acts like a mini-freezer keeping their neighbor cold and requiring less energy in an open space. In the refrigerator, keep items away from the sides and top to maintain optimal cold air circulation.

7. Boiled Water

After boiling water for pasta or rice save the boiled water to re-boil other items in the same meal, if needed. This will save time, energy and water.