(StatePoint) The kitchen is the heart of the home, it’s also a space where you can waste a lot of energy if you’re not careful. By making a few simple adjustments to your habits in the kitchen, you can easily cut your energy bills and do your part to help the environment.
“The appliances you select for your kitchen have effects far beyond the food you eat,” says Peter Weedfald, senior vice president of Sales and Marketing at Sharp Home Electronics Company of America. “From the appliances you choose to how you use them, you can make a real difference in your energy consumption today.”
Here are a few ways to save energy at home:
1. Keep it cool
Reduce the amount of time you leave the refrigerator door open. Cold air, like water, falls to the floor. The longer you leave the door open, the more cool air escapes and your fridge has to work harder to replace it. Refrigerators with pantry and freezer drawers help to keep the cold air in even when the door is open. Keep frequently used items in the refrigerator pantry drawer so that everyone in the family has access to them.
2. Go small or go home
Use your small appliances whenever possible. For example, instead of using the stove or oven to reheat food, use the microwave. Microwaves use up to 80% less energy than conventional ovens, according to the federal government program ENERGY STAR.
3. Wash-up smart
If you find yourself using your dishwasher before it's full, it's time to upgrade. Find a dishwasher that allows you to control the size of your load. Sharp's Slide-In Stainless Steel Dishwashers have features like the half-load option and the Wash Zone setting that focus the water in one area when washing smaller loads to make every drop count.
4. Unplug
Most people only use appliances like their toaster and coffeemaker for a few minutes each day. Unplug small appliances like these when you're finished to avoid "vampire energy," which is the energy consumed by items that are plugged in but not in use.
5. Make an upgrade
Today's appliances are generally more energy efficient than older appliances, and there are many energy efficient options available. Induction cooktops are approximately 5-10% more efficient than conventional electric units and approximately three times more efficient than gas, according to ENERGY STAR. Bonus? Making the switch also eliminates the greenhouse gases associated with gas cooking. SharpUSA.com has more information on smart, energy-saving appliances.
To put a dent in your energy bills and reduce your impact on the environment, be mindful of your habits in the kitchen. These home energy-saving tips suggest small changes that can add up quickly.
PHOTO SOURCE: (c) AndreyPopov / iStock via Getty Images Plus
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