Kitchen - Energy Saving Tips

	Refrigerators and freezers use more electricity than any other appliance in the home, representing 16% of your electricity bill.
	The older the refrigerator or dishwashers the more energy it uses. A pre 1976 fridge uses about 4 times more electricity than current models.

Kitchen Energy Costs:

         


Replace - Energy Inefficient Refrigerators & Dishwashers

When buying a refrigerator always compare the energy efficiency or star ratings as different refrigerator models differ massively between levels of efficiency . Appliances with a superior efficiency rating may cost more initially, but over the lifetime of the appliance will save you on operating costs.

When buying a refrigerator consider
   1) Energy Star Rating
   2) Buy only the size of fridge you need 
   3) Refrigerators with the freezer on the top or bottom use less energy than side by side
   4) Automatic defrost refrigerators typically use 36% more electricity.
   5) Icemakers and through-the-door dispensers increase energy use by 14-20%

After your Refrigerator the Dishwasher is the most expensive appliance in your kitchen to run. There have been a number of advancements in energy efficiency of dishwasher so if your dishwasher is a pre 1994 model replacing it will soon pay for itself.
When buying A Dishwasher consider
   1) Energy Star Labels.
   2) Choose the right size for your needs - the larger the model the more water and energy used
   3) Choose a dishwasher with several wash cycles - so you can change the cycle depending on your needs
   4) Choose a dishwasher with a No Heat dry dishes cycle option
Washing machines are one of the most used appliance in the home, a typical family houshold does over 400 washes a year. Fortunately new washing maching with high energy star rating can significatly reduce the energy use of  washing machines and also reduce the cost of water and detergent.

Reduce - Refrigerator Energy Costs

	Use only 1 refrigerator a 2nd refrigerator / bar fridge can cost $120 or more a year to run
	Keep the refrigerator away from ovens, dishwashers & sunlight as exposure to heat makes the refrigerator work harder and use more electricity.
	Check the door seal on your refrigerator to see if they need to be cleaned or replaced.
	Set the temperature control for only as cold as you need it.
	Keep the refrigerators condenser coils clean and clear of objects
	A full refrigerator retains cold better than an empty one but don’t over fill refrigerator as air needs to be able to circulate
	Don't put hot food in the fridge, cover and allow to cool slightly first
	Cover liquids and wrap food - moisture makes the refrigerator work harder
	Thaw frozen foods in the fridge rather than on the counter as they will help cool the fridge
	A freezer's efficiency is increased when its compartment is full.
	Don't allow frost to build up in your freezer beyond 3 cm

Reduce - Dishwasher Energy Costs

	Only wash full loads
	Wash small loads by hand
	If you rinse dishes before loading them, use cold water.
	Open door after final rinse to dry naturally if you do not have a no heat/air dry cycle

Reduce - Cooking Energy Costs

  When cooking consider which appliances cost the least to operate. The following compares lists the relative cost to cook food - In order from most expensive to least
       1) Electric Oven  (most expensive)
       2) Electric Convection Oven
       3) Gas Oven
       4) Electric Frying Pan
       5) Toaster Oven
       6) Electric Crockpot
                                        7) Microwave Oven  (least expensive)

	Keep the preheating time of your oven to a minimum
	Do not open the oven door often to check your food
	Bake several items at the same time as it eliminates preheating time
	Using glass or ceramic pans in your oven - allows you to reduce temperature by as much 20 degrees
	Keep oven clean - a dirty oven takes longer to heat and more energy to maintain
	Clean a self-cleaning oven right after you've used it to take advantage of the exsisting heat but limit the use self cleaning option to say once a month
	Check the seal on your oven door for cracks or tears.
	After cooking in oven - open door to allow residual heat to heat the home