In today’s world, where the effects of climate change are being felt more and more every day, it’s everyone’s responsibility to do their part in creating a sustainable and eco-friendly environment. One of the largest energy-consuming areas in any household is the kitchen. From refrigerators to ovens, blenders to dishwashers, there are a lot of energy-hungry appliances in a kitchen. However, there are several simple steps that can be taken to create a more energy efficient kitchen that benefits both the environment and your wallet.
Upgrade to Energy Star Rated Appliances
One of the easiest ways to create a more energy efficient kitchen is to replace old appliances with Energy Star rated models. Energy Star is a government-backed program developed to help individuals and businesses save money by promoting energy-efficient appliances. The label is only given to appliances that meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Energy Star rated appliances can use up to 50% less energy than standard appliances, which translates to significant savings on your energy bills.
Use Energy Efficient Lighting
Next, consider changing the lighting in your kitchen to energy-efficient LED bulbs. According to the Department of Energy, LED bulbs are up to 80% more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer. While LED bulbs may be a bit more expensive upfront, the cost savings in the long run more than justifies the cost.
Cook Smarter
Making small changes to your cooking habits can also help lower your energy usage. For example, using the right-sized pots and pans for your burners and using lids to retain heat will reduce cooking time and energy consumption. Additionally, consider using a pressure cooker or slow cooker, which use less energy and cook food faster than traditional cooking methods.
Use Your Appliances More Efficiently
In addition to changing your cooking habits, optimizing how you use your appliances can also help save energy. For example, only run your dishwasher when it is full and use the energy-saving setting. Not using the heated dry option on your dishwasher can save even more energy. When using your oven, cook multiple items at once to save energy, and avoid peeking into the oven too often, as each time the oven door is opened, heat is lost.
Maintain Your Appliances
Lastly, proper maintenance of your appliances can ensure they are running at peak efficiency and save energy in the long run. Be sure to clean the coils on your refrigerator regularly to keep it running efficiently. Check the seals on your refrigerator and freezer to ensure they are tight and not allowing warm air into your refrigerator. Additionally, regularly clean your oven and stovetop to keep them running smoothly.
Conclusion
Creating a more energy efficient kitchen doesn’t have to involve drastic changes. Simple, everyday habits like cooking smarter, optimizing appliance usage and upgrading to Energy Star rated appliances can not only reduce your energy footprint but save you money on your energy bills as well. By implementing these tips, you can do your part in preserving the environment and promote a cleaner, greener future.