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Many sites that list energy efficient tips recommend the purchase of new kitchen appliances. This is not always necessary. While it would be wonderful if we could all go out and buy completely new appliances, electronics, and climate control systems, this is not realistic for many people on tight budgets.
These people are doing all they can to survive right now. They need to know how they can take what they already have and start saving money right now. Fortunately, there are countless little things the individual can do to reduce energy consumption throughout the home.
When it comes to saving energy in the kitchen, a person can start by making basic changes in what appliances are used, what they are used for, and how long they are used. For example, many foods can be prepared in small appliances such as microwaves, toaster ovens, and slow cookers.
This uses far less power than a conventional oven or range. In some cases as well, specific dishes like roast or stew turn out much better when prepared in a slow cooker.
There are also some very simple energy efficient tips that pertain to refrigerator usage. Even if a person cannot afford to buy a new refrigerator at this point, he or she can save money simply by keeping the thermostat set between 36 degrees and 42 degrees. The freezer should be set to between -5 degrees and 6 degrees. If the refrigerator and freezer do not have built in thermometers, a standard thermometer will be able to gauge the temperature.
Refrigerator/freezer units should be cleaned on a regular basis. Any dust on the condenser coils, fins, the motor, or the evaporator pan makes the unit draw more power. Clean the unit thoroughly every six months. However, in some parts of the country where dust is highly prevalent in the air, it may be better to clean the unit every three months.
Another energy efficient tip to follow is to defrost the unit manually on a regular basis. Check the manual, or call the manufacturer of the unit, to see how often this should be done. Regular defrosting keeps the unit from straining its mechanisms and using too much power. Residents should never allow more than one quarter inch of frost to build up in the unit.
If the refrigerator is near a source of direct heat, such as the oven, move it as far away from the heat source as possible. Also, keep the unit away from direct sunlight.
Energy efficient tips for ranges and ovens are amazingly simple as well. First, reduce heat after any liquid starts to boil. A slow boil cooks food just as quickly, and it uses less electricity. Secondly, do not open the oven to peek inside. This drops temperatures by 25 degrees and causes the oven to use more power to regain lost heat.
Finally, cook food under a lid. This traps existing heat and uses less power.
Energy efficient tips for dishwashers include rinsing dishes in the sink and using the unit only when it is full. Using cold water from the faucet to rinse dishes saves cost on heating water. Using the dishwasher only with full loads reduces power consumption overall.
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