Efficiency is becoming a hot topic in many modern households. Not only do we know that saving energy helps our environment, but rising power prices also means that it makes fiscal sense to invest in an energy-conscious home. The kitchen is one of the top places where homes waste energy. This guide will help you determine whether your kitchen is energy efficient, and give you tips on how to improve your power usage.

Energy Efficient Refrigeration

Refrigerators are one of the leading sources of energy waste in the kitchen. Not only does it take a lot of power to keep our foods cool, but every time we open the door an influx of warm air makes the process start over again. Some tips for more energy efficient refrigeration include:

• Make sure that your refrigerator is in good working condition and well-sealed.
• When buying a new refrigerator, look for a model that's rated for good energy efficiency.
• Keep your refrigerator full. The less empty space, the less cool air will be lost when the doors are open.
• Allow foods to cool before placing them in the refrigerator.
• Avoid opening the refrigerator doors more often than necessary.

Energy Efficient Cooking

The stovetop and oven can also be major sources of power waste in the kitchen. By being mindful of how you cook, you can save money and conserve power. Here are some tips:

• When cooking on the range, use as few burners as possible. A one-pan dish needs only half as much energy as a meal that needs to be cooked on two burners.
• Turn the heat down once you have reached the boiling point. Usually you don't need full heat to maintain the boil.
• Don't open the door of the oven to check progress. This loses significant heat, which requires more energy to replace.
• Don't preheat unless necessary.

Energy Efficient Washing

Dishwashers are a huge boon to cleaning, but they can also suck up unnecessary energy. Some tips for using dishwashers more sparingly include:

• Rinse dishes to avoid the chances of having to put them through a second cycle.
• Wait until the dishwasher is full before running it.
• Consider drying the dishes yourself. The drying cycle of the dishwasher uses a lot of energy, whereas letting them air dry or toweling them off by hand uses none at all.

Prevent Your Kitchen Appliances from Wasting Energy

Even if they are not turned on, your kitchen appliances may be using up low levels of energy for no useful purpose. Items like microwaves, coffee machines, and bread makers use up a little bit of energy per hour even when not in use. This slow energy drain adds up, so unplug your kitchen appliances when not in use.

These simple tips to make your kitchen more energy efficient can help save the environment while saving you money at the same time, so why not get started today?

Article provided courtesy of Only Cookware - a resource for cookware, All Clad cookware sets and cast iron cookware