The kitchen is one of the most important places in the house where energy efficiency can make a big difference. There are many little ways to cut down on electricity use, but collectively these thoughtful steps add up to some sweet savings when the electric bill arrives. Like any recipe, follow each step and the end result could save you enough each month to go out for a great dinner!
It’s Too Hot to Cook – Cutting Electricity Consumption
Nobody wants to be in a hot kitchen on a scorching day even when the air conditioning is running strong. Ideally, however, it’s best to avoid cooking on such days. By running the oven and stove, you wind up infusing more heat into the home. This added heat requires your air conditioning to run even harder to compensate for the added warmth. Instead, try to cook outdoors on the grill when the weather is especially warm. Or, opt for more salads and sandwiches. If you use the stovetop, try to make something that cooks quickly.
Don’t Run the Dishwasher until It’s Full
By only running the dishwasher when it’s completely filled, you may cut down this appliance’s annual use in half. Not only will you save on electricity, you’ll conserve water too! It isn’t energy efficient to wash only half loads at one time. You’ll use less electricity by waiting to run the dishwasher until it is completely full.
Keep Tabs on Your Refrigerator Temperature
During an energy audit, most experts will advise homeowners to keep their refrigerator set at 5°C. Homeowners can monitor this temperature by using a refrigerator thermometer to insure that the thermostat of the appliance runs true. Other fridge tips: don’t place hot food in the refrigerator because the appliance has to work harder to cool it off, don’t keep the refrigerator door open any longer than absolutely necessary as it allows cold air to escape, and check to make sure the seals of the refrigerator and freezer doors are vacuum tight when closed.
Boil Only What You Need
It’s common for people to fill their kettle or pans with far more water than is necessary. In order to bring larger volumes of water to boil, it requires more energy to do the job. Instead, measure accurate amounts of water so you only boil what you need. Cutting electricity consumption in this way can add up to a significant energy savings in a year’s time.
Buy Energy Efficient Appliances
While it may not be cost effective or reasonable for someone to replace all older appliances at once, when it does come time to replace refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, microwaves, etc…be sure to purchase energy efficient models. Read several product reviews in order to make the best purchase. These energy efficient models have been designed to run far more efficiently than the appliances of ten years ago. By the time you add all the energy saved from each step listed here, you can see how much energy could conceivably be conserved. Not only will your kitchen be more eco-friendly, now that you are cutting electrity consumption, your electric bill will cost you less too!
image source Natasha Risinger is a stay-at-home mom on a tight budget. She is always looking for great ways to save money and then she shares her findings with others by blogging on the Internet. Visit the www.texaselectricityproviders.com to get more ideas about saving money on your electricity bills.