Whether it’s your dishwasher, stove, refrigerator or some other heavily used electronic appliance, there can be no doubt that the kitchen is a heavy draw on your home’s overall energy consumption. Here are some helpful tips that will not only save energy but also put money back in your pocket.

Is Your Fridge Energy Efficient?

If your refrigerator is more than 10 years old it is using over twice the amount of energy than a new Energy Star model. Do you have an old fridge plugged in that you are currently not using? If so it may be costing you over $90 per year to operate. Unplugging old freezers and refrigerators is a great way to not only save energy but also to save money. If using a second refrigerator or freezer is a necessity, keeping it as full as possible will maximize its potential and cut down on waste, and always remember when your fridge is empty, keep it open and unplugged.

How to Use Your Stove/Range More Efficiently

Simple things such as using the right pan on the right sized burner will help you save energy. By placing a 6 inch pan on an 8 inch burner wastes energy needlessly. Operator your stove when it is dirty can not only be a fire hazard as it is always a risk to combust, but it also cuts down of your stove overall efficiency. Cooking with the covers on your pots and pans will not only allow you to cook more efficiently it will also allow you to cook faster while using less heat. Further savings can be found simply by switching to a newer more economical model.

The Cost of Leaky Faucets

Leaky faucets in your kitchen can waste up 1700 gallons of water per year one drip at a time. Making sure that these faucets are properly sealed and insulated can save you over $35 per year.

Save with ENERGY STAR Light Fixtures

Kitchen lights are used more than many lights in the home, making them a great target for saving energy. Something as small as switching from regular light bulbs to Energy Star qualified LED bulbs can save you up to 75% on your lighting cost immediately.