Photo by Scott Van Osdol
Ah, the kitchen. It’s where we gather with family and friends for our favorite meals and memories. It’s also a room full of potential energy savings if you follow these tips.
Cook with smaller appliances. Using smaller kitchen appliances like slow cookers, toaster ovens and convection ovens is more energy efficient than using your large stove or oven. According to the Department of Energy, a toaster or convection oven uses one-third to one-half as much energy as a full-sized oven.
Unplug appliances that draw phantom energy loads. Many appliances—like coffee makers, microwaves and toaster ovens—draw energy even when they’re not in use. The Department of Energy estimates these “energy vampires” can use up to $100 to $200 in wasted energy each year. Unplug them when they’re not in use, or better yet, use a power strip for convenient control.
Use your dishwasher efficiently. Only run full loads and avoid using the "rinse hold" function on your machine for just a few dirty dishes; it uses 3–7 gallons of hot water each use. You can also save energy by letting your dishes air dry. If your dishwasher doesn’t have an automatic air-dry switch, simply turn it off after the final rinse and prop the door open so the dishes will dry faster.
By slightly adjusting a few of your habits in the kitchen, you’ll be well on your way to energy savings.