subject: Kitchen Appliances And Energy Usage [print this page] Did you know that if you live in the typical American family home that your appliances, including kitchen appliances, account for as much as 20 percent of your home's energy usage? This means that the appliances that you place into your home will make a considerable difference for money you spend each month. Because of this, you should spend some extra time considering all of your options.
Within the kitchen, consider the following appliances and the amount of energy they are using:
- Dishwashers: They account for a sizable amount of energy usage especially if they are in use daily. Those dishwashers that have to heat the water first also increase the costs.
- Refrigerator and freezers: These too account for a large amount of energy, perhaps the largest out of all of your kitchen appliances. They need to run consistently and they are often large systems in the kitchen.
- Ovens and stoves: Depending on how frequently you use these, these are also large sources of energy pull in your home.
- Kitchen Countertop Appliances: These too suck energy, even if they are not on and being in use. Be sure to unplug them for energy savings.
- If you have other electronics in the kitchen, such as televisions, you are increasing the costs substantially.
- Those who have older kitchen appliances rather than newer, more energy efficient models are likely spending 20 to 40 percent more than they should be.
If it has been some time since you have updated your kitchen appliances, consider the benefits of doing so now. You may find that the money you spend on a new appliance helps to reduce the cost of your electricity use long term. It may pay for itself.
