### Saving Energy in the Kitchen
Did you know a whopping 33 percent of your home’s energy use comes from the kitchen and laundry areas? That’s according to data from the Energy Information Administration. Cutting down on energy usage in your kitchen can significantly lower your heating and cooling bills while also benefiting the environment. Here’s how you can do it.
#### Refrigerator
The refrigerator is the main energy consumer in the kitchen because it’s always running. To save energy:
– **Check the seals:** Make sure they’re airtight. Loose seals let cold air escape, which uses more energy.
– **Adjust the thermostat:** Keep it at 41 degrees Fahrenheit for the refrigerator and just below freezing for the freezer. Lower settings are not necessary.
– **Consider an upgrade:** Newer, energy-efficient models can save a lot on your energy bill.
#### Dishwasher
Dishwashers can also be big energy users. Here are some tips:
– **Run only full loads:** This reduces the number of times you use the machine.
– **Air dry:** Set your dishwasher to air dry instead of heated dry.
– **Use energy-saving cycles:** These are more efficient than high-temperature cycles.
– **Upgrade if needed:** Newer models use less energy.
#### Oven
Ovens, especially electric ones, consume a lot of energy. To use your oven more efficiently:
– **Check the seals:** Make sure they’re tight to prevent heat from escaping.
– **Use the oven smartly:** In winter, let the heat warm your home a bit. In summer, avoid using the oven during the day to keep your home cooler and save energy.
#### Stove
Stoves also use a significant amount of energy. To make your stove more energy-efficient:
– **Ensure it’s in good shape:** Older stoves with faulty parts may use more energy.
– **Consider an upgrade:** A newer, energy-efficient stove can help reduce energy consumption.
#### Eliminate Phantom Energy Consumers
Small appliances like coffee makers and toasters can still use energy even when they’re turned off but plugged in. To combat this:
– **Use a power strip:** Plug your small appliances into a power strip and turn it off when they’re not in use.
Saving energy in the kitchen doesn’t have to be hard. With a few smart changes, you can lower that 33 percent and save on your overall energy costs. Give these tips a try, and you’ll see the difference in no time.