How to save energy in the kitchen: tricks to lower your utility bill
The kitchen is one of the most energy-intensive rooms in the home, accounting for a significant slice of a home's total consumption. Between high-powered appliances, daily cooking and lighting, costs can rise rapidly, weighing heavily on the utility bill. However, by adopting targeted strategies and changing certain habits, it is possible to cut energy consumption without compromising the comfort or functionality of the kitchen.
From choosing the most efficient appliances to optimizing cooking techniques and making conscious use of lighting, there are numerous tricks for saving energy in practical and sustainable ways. Let's discover together the best tricks to transform your kitchen into a more economical and environmentally friendly environment.
1. Choose efficient home appliances
To optimize household energy consumption, it is advisable to gradually replace less efficient household appliances with higher energy class models (A++ or A+++). These appliances, thanks to innovative technologies, significantly reduce energy consumption without compromising performance. The main appliances to consider for efficient renovation include:
- Refrigerator: To optimize energy consumption, choose an energy-efficient refrigerator and place it away from heat sources such as ovens or radiators. Maintain an internal temperature of about 39-41°F/4-5°C and a temperature in the freezer of -0.4°F/-18°C.
- Dishwasher: Want to save energy and water? Turn on your washing machine's eco program and be sure to do full washes. Cleaning the filters regularly will help keep your washing machine running efficiently.
- Oven: For perfect cooking and energy savings, convection ovens are the ideal choice. Thanks to the circulation of hot air, your dishes will be cooked evenly and more quickly.
2. Cooking smartly
Cooking food accounts for a significant part of kitchen consumption. By adopting some strategies, it is possible to reduce the energy used:
- Proper lids and cookware: and thick-bottomed pots distribute heat evenly, while sealed lids trap heat inside. This allows you to cook at lower temperatures and in less time, saving energy and preserving the flavors of your dishes.
- Pressure cooker and microwave: The pressure cooker and microwave are perfect allies for those who want to cook quickly and save energy. Thanks to their technology, they significantly reduce cooking time and energy consumption.
- Turn off early: Want to save energy without sacrificing taste? Turn off the oven or stove a few minutes before the end of the indicated cooking time. The residual heat will be sufficient to finish cooking your dishes, ensuring perfect results.
3. Optimizes the use of the refrigerator and freezer
The refrigerator is always on, but it doesn't have to consume a fortune. By following these tips, you can optimize your consumption and contribute to a more sustainable future:
- Avoid opening the door too often: every time you open the door, cold air escapes and the refrigerator has to activate the compressor to bring back the optimal temperature. By limiting openings, you will help reduce energy consumption.
- Don't forget defrosting: for refrigerators without no-frost technology, regular defrosting is critical. In fact, ice buildup increases energy consumption and can damage the appliance.
- Balanced filling: an averagely filled refrigerator optimizes energy consumption. It avoids overloading it, hindering cold air circulation, and leaving it too empty, increasing on/off cycles.
4. Limit the standby time of household appliances
Many small appliances, such as microwaves, toasters, air fryers, and coffee makers, continue to consume power even when you are not using them (standby). To reduce consumption and save on your utility bill, connect these devices to a power strip with a switch-a simple step that will allow you to turn them all off at once when they are not needed.
5. Saves hot water
Water heating is a major energy expense in the home, especially if an electric water heater is used. However, with small steps and conscious use, it is possible to cut these costs without compromising comfort. Here are some effective strategies to reduce hot water consumption and save energy.
- Adjust the temperature of the water heater: set it between 122°F/50°C and 131°F/55°C to avoid wasting energy.
- Perform regular maintenance: clean the water heater periodically to remove limescale, which reduces heating efficiency.
- Install flow reducers: apply aerators to faucets to limit the amount of water delivered without losing pressure.
- Dishwasher vs. hand washing: a modern dishwasher uses less water and energy than hand washing, as long as it is used at full load.
- Cold water whenever possible: avoid rinsing dishes with hot water before putting them in the dishwasher.
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