The kitchen is often the heart of the home. It’s where we prepare meals and gather friends to share them with. If you’re looking to make your kitchen more efficient, there are some simple ways to do it. These tips will help you save energy and money in your home—and in your wallet.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Energy-efficient appliances can help reduce your carbon footprint and save you money on your energy bills. |
| Choosing energy-efficient appliances with ENERGY STAR labels or high EERs or SEERs is an easy way to ensure energy efficiency. |
| Using eco-friendly appliances can help reduce your impact on the environment. |
| Simple tips like unplugging electronics when not in use and choosing a front-loading washer can help you save energy and money. |
| Small changes, like choosing energy-efficient light bulbs, can add up to big savings over time. |
It Starts at the Source
Before you purchase any new appliances, it’s important to look into the energy efficiency of each. That way, you can make sure that the appliance you buy is actually worth the money and electricity it takes to run.
Here’s a list of things to consider when buying new appliances:
Use LED light bulbs instead of incandescent ones. They last longer and use less energy than traditional bulbs. If you have older lights without an off switch (like many recessed lights), consider replacing them with newer ones that do have an off switch so they don’t stay on all day while no one is home or in bed at night!
Get a smart thermostat that lets you control your house’s temperature from anywhere using your phone or computer and save money by doing so!
Some models even let users set up their own personal profiles so different people in the house can have different settings for themselves depending on what temperature works best for them during certain times throughout the day or night saving even more money by letting everyone get exactly what works for their comfort level!
In addition, some models allow users’ houses’ central air conditioning system itself will automatically adjust its output based upon outside conditions such as humidity levels outside–making sure that all occupants remain comfortable regardless whether temperatures are hot or cold outside!”
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A New Standard for Energy Efficiency
In 1992, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiated a voluntary program to help businesses and consumers save energy through cost savings.
This program was dubbed ENERGY STAR and was designed to help educate people about smart energy use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The EPA created ENERGY STAR as an easy-to-understand labeling system for products that are both energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
Today, more than 2,500 products have earned the ENERGY STAR label for their superior efficiency performance in areas such as heating, cooling, refrigeration, lighting and watering systems for homes — from dishwashers to clothes dryers to space heaters (more on those later).
Replace Your AC & Furnace
When it comes to your home’s energy-saving needs, there are two things you should know: ACs and furnaces are the biggest energy hogs.
In fact, they can account for more than a third of your total utility bill. That’s right—the air conditioner or furnace in your home probably uses more electricity than anything else!
To make matters worse, these air conditioning units often don’t last as long as they should. In fact, depending on where you live and how much time you’ve had your unit installed, it may already be time to replace it.
Avoid Standby Power
Avoid standby power. Standby power is the energy used by appliances that are turned off but still plugged in. It accounts for 10% of your home’s electricity bill, so unplugging appliances when not in use will reduce this energy usage.
Buy Energy Star-certified models. Appliances with an EPA-approved sticker on the box or at point of sale qualify as meeting certain standards for efficiency and performance so look for it when purchasing new appliances.
Most major manufacturers participate in these programs, so it’s easy to find a model that meets your needs while being kinder to our planet!
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Lighting: Get Smart or Go Green
The lighting fixtures in your home are one of the biggest energy users, accounting for about 20 percent of your electricity bill.
The good news is that you have a lot of control over how much you use. You can make simple adjustments to reduce your energy use and save money by turning off lights when leaving a room or using dimmers to adjust the level of light needed in different areas. You can also choose bulbs that use less energy, such as LED or CFL bulbs (CFL stands for compact fluorescent).
Motion sensors and timers can help automatically turn on lights when needed and then turn them off after a preset period so they’re not left on all day while no one’s home—and incandescent bulbs should be replaced with ENERGY STAR® qualified LEDs where applicable because they use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescents.
Choose the Right Fridge
To save energy and money, look for a fridge that has an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of at least 8.5. The higher the EER, the more efficient the refrigerator is. An Energy Star certified model will also have a high EER rating and high quality construction.
If you choose a refrigerator with an auto-defrost feature, it automatically melts away frost buildup on its coils to prevent ice formation which can increase energy consumption by as much as 20%.
For even greater savings in heating costs, consider purchasing one with an “Energy Saver” mode that reduces power consumption during off hours by 40%.
High capacity fridges generally use less electricity than smaller models because they require less refrigerant gas to cool down inside volume so if you’re able to store lots of food inside your new appliance, then go for it!
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Say Yes to ENERGY STAR Dishwashers
If you’re looking for an energy-efficient appliance, look no further than ENERGY STAR dishwashers.
These appliances use at least 20% less energy and water than standard models, and they have a low-water sensor that turns off the water when the cycle ends.
ENERGY STAR dishwashers are also more reliable than other brands and can repair themselves so you don’t have to worry about making a service call!
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Energy Efficiency | ENERGY STAR dishwashers are 12% more energy efficient and 30% more water efficient than standard models. |
| Cost Savings | ENERGY STAR dishwashers can save you up to $35 a year on your energy bills and up to 3,870 gallons of water over its lifetime. |
| Quality Performance | ENERGY STAR dishwashers are designed to provide high-quality performance, with features like soil sensors and multiple wash cycle options. |
| Environmentally Friendly | ENERGY STAR dishwashers use less water and energy, reducing your carbon footprint and impact on the environment. |
| Rebates and Incentives | Some utility companies offer rebates or incentives for purchasing ENERGY STAR dishwashers, providing additional cost savings. |
Get a New Washer and Dryer
If you’ve never thought about the efficiency of your washing machine, you’re not alone. But it turns out that laundry can make up a big chunk of your utility bill up to 17% in some cases, according to Energy Star.
If you have an older model, upgrading to a more modern washing machine can save significant amounts of energy and water.
Newer models use less water an average of 2 gallons less per load—and they use less energy during the spin cycle by cutting down on friction between clothes and drum walls (meaning there’s no need for an extra rinse cycle).
They also include sensors that sense when clothes are clean or dry so they stop spinning once they’ve reached optimal levels without wasting any power or water.
But even if you’ve already got one of these newfangled machines in place, there are still ways to make sure it’s running efficiently:
In addition to using cold water instead of hot whenever possible and starting with larger loads when possible (since smaller loads require more time), setting the dryer timer for shorter periods will help keep costs down as well as save time waiting around for clothes.
Buy an Energy-Efficient Water Heater
Energy Star water heaters meet strict standards for efficiency, so when you choose an Energy Star model, you’ll save money on your energy bills and help protect the environment.
Water Sense models are even more efficient than their Energy Star counterparts. The WaterSense label indicates that the device meets water-saving requirements set by the EPA and other federal agencies to reduce consumption and impact on natural resources.
Some models are certified by the National Sanitation Foundation, which means they’ve been tested against tough criteria to ensure that they’re safe for use in your home.
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Go Electric with Your Cooking Range
Electric ranges are more energy efficient than gas or induction. They use less energy to cook food and are easier to clean than gas stoves.
Electric ranges also require less maintenance, come with a longer warranty, and have an easier learning curve than gas stoves.
In addition, electric stoves are safer than their counterparts because they do not emit any fumes or flames when in use. As for versatility? Well electric ranges can be used as ovens or cook tops—a feature that is not available with a traditional stovetop model!
Think of it this way: if you’re looking for an appliance that will last you several years without breaking down on you (or costing too much), then look no further than an electric range!
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Energy Efficiency | Electric cooking ranges use energy more efficiently than gas ranges, resulting in lower energy bills. |
| Safety | Electric cooking ranges have no open flames, reducing the risk of gas leaks and fires. |
| Consistent Temperature | Electric cooking ranges offer consistent heating and temperature control, making them ideal for precision cooking. |
| Easy to Clean | Electric cooking ranges are easy to clean and maintain, with smooth surfaces that wipe clean quickly. |
| Environmentally Friendly | Electric cooking ranges are an environmentally friendly alternative to gas ranges, producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions. |
Use a Programmable Thermostat
The best way to save energy is simply to keep your home at the right temperature. By using a programmable thermostat, you can do just that.
Programmable thermostats allow you to set the temperature in your home at certain times of day, so that it does not get too hot or too cold when no one is there.
They also have a feature called “away” mode that allows them to automatically adjust the temperature slightly higher when you are out for extended periods of time (or lower if it’s hot outside).
This will help keep your utility costs down by keeping temperatures within range without any effort on your part!
Choose Your Ventilation Wisely
Ventilation is the process of removing moisture and odors from your home’s air. There are several ways to do this, but one of the best ways is by using a ventilation fan. A well-placed vent can help you save money on electricity bills, since it will keep your home from getting stuffy.
You’ll want to make sure that the vent is not blocked by furniture or other objects, which can lead to an accumulation of humidity in poorly-ventilated areas.
If you’re nervous about such things happening, consider placing the vents above counters instead of directly over them (this will allow more airflow).
If you’re worried about damage caused by soot or water during cooking or cleaning tasks in certain rooms (like kitchens), then placing a filter on top of your exhaust fan may be beneficial as well–this will prevent any particles from coming into contact with the motor inside while still allowing cool air out through its blades (and also keeps insects out!).
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Conclusion
We hope you’re feeling more knowledgeable about how to make your home greener. We know it can be overwhelming, but these seven tips are a great place to start.
Remember that every little bit counts even if you only have time and money for one of our suggestions today, you’ll be doing the world good! And if all else fails, just remember: keep calm and go green.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to help you learn more about energy-efficient appliances:
Constellation’s Guide to Energy-Efficient Appliances: This comprehensive guide provides tips for choosing and using energy-efficient appliances in your home.
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Eco-Friendly Appliances for Your Home: This guide offers a detailed breakdown of what to look for when choosing eco-friendly appliances and includes product recommendations.
Energy Saving Trust – Home Appliances: The Energy Saving Trust provides information on how to choose energy-efficient appliances and save money on your energy bills.
FAQs
What are energy-efficient appliances?
Energy-efficient appliances are designed to use less energy than their traditional counterparts. They are designed to perform the same functions while using less electricity, gas, or water, which helps reduce energy consumption and save money on utility bills.
How do I choose energy-efficient appliances?
When choosing energy-efficient appliances, look for products with an ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR is a program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that identifies energy-efficient products. You can also look for products with high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EERs) or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios (SEERs).
What are the benefits of using energy-efficient appliances?
Using energy-efficient appliances can help you save money on your energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and lower your overall energy consumption.
Do energy-efficient appliances cost more than traditional appliances?
Energy-efficient appliances can have a higher upfront cost than traditional appliances, but they can save you money in the long run by reducing your energy bills.
What types of appliances can be energy-efficient?
Many types of appliances can be energy-efficient, including refrigerators, washers and dryers, dishwashers, ovens and ranges, and air conditioners. Look for products with ENERGY STAR labels or high EERs or SEERs to ensure energy efficiency.
I am Hellen, I’ve been passionate about sustainability for as long as I can remember. It’s something that my mom taught me from a young age, and it’s something that has shaped my life in so many ways.