I’ve done some research on ways to save energy and have prepared a list for you containing the energy saving tips for the kitchen I came across. I’m sure you’ll find them quite useful and most importantly they’ll help you save money and energy!

If you don’t have one, get a high efficiency dishwasher. You can get one at any home improvement store. Department stores carry them or buy one online. High efficiency dishwashers use a lot less water than hand washing dishes; they mean less work for you and your hot water heater. If you can’t afford one, wash the least dirty dishes first and work your way to the dirtiest ones. This will help save on the amount of water that has to be used.

Clean your oven regularly and have a more efficient product. If you let your oven go without cleaning, it’ll become disgusting to look at and it won’t work properly either. Keep your oven nice and clean to keep the heat inside, where it belongs and you won’t be waste energy. Microwaves heat and cook food fast, yes, but the energy that is used goes straight into cooking the food not the air. If you invest in a good microwave, you’re sure to keep energy costs down. Do not keep oven doors open when you are not using them.  This will keep the light bulb on and thus waste a lot of energy.

Make sure you’re using the correct pan for what you’re cooking. Why would you use a large pan, (four quart), if you only need to heat up a small serving of something, especially if it’s liquid? If you use the smallest pot or pan for the job, you’ll save energy. Less energy will be spent on having to heat the metal of the pot or pan, which means you’ll be cutting down on your gas or electricity on the stove. If you have a gas stove, only light the flame a little smaller than the pan’s bottom. Having the flame up the side is only wasting energy.

Put a lid on your food while it’s on the stove. If you leave your pan or pot uncovered you’re transferring heat into your living space, not your food. Cover your food as much as possible. Do you own a toaster oven? If not, get one. Toaster ovens are inexpensive and fast, as well as being a great alternative to your oven if you just have something small to cook.

Another great tip I came across is to coast your cooking. If you turn off your oven a few minutes before the food is done, the oven or range will stay warm enough to finish cooking your food and you’ll save energy. Another note, preheating your oven isn’t necessary. It is used more as a convenience than anything else. It’s okay to put your food in the oven as soon as it heats up.

A good way to test your refrigerator for wasting energy is by putting a piece of paper in the door. Close it and see if you can pull the paper out easily. If you can, it’s time for a new door. If the paper comes out easily the cold air can also, so get a new door. Also, standing with the refrigerator door open allows the cold air to escape and forces the compressor to compensate for that. If you have all the contents in your refrigerator nicely organized you’ll know exactly where everything is and you won’t have to stand with the door open. The last tip I came across; eat more raw food! Raw food can be stored in a bowl on the counter, or in the pantry, and doesn’t need cooking. You’ll soon see an improvement both in your diet, and lowering your power bill.

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