subject: Save Money And The Environment By Using Your Kitchen Appliances Efficiently [print this page] Today it seems like standard practice for homeowners to keep a close eye on how much energy they are using in their home. And its not too surprising really when you consider the fact that energy costs money and the country currently holds a poor economic outlook. But its not just financial factors that are pushing people towards energy saving measures, although it certainly helps as an incentive.
Environmental factors are also a driving force behind these movements, carbon emissions and the rapid depletion of the earths natural resources posing the biggest threats. For most houses, the most energy intensive appliances are found in the kitchen. These appliances such as fridge freezers, washing machines, and dishwashers all consume a considerable amount of energy. Fortunately, there are certain measures that can be taken to help you to reduce the amount of energy these appliances consume.
Cookers The type of cooker that you use will inevitably have an impact on how much energy is used; a big cooker might be appealing but not so economical, particularly if it is a design that doesnt turn off. If you do need to reheat food then it is generally more economical to use a microwave, some people even go as far as to replace their oven with a combination microwave, though this may not be suitable in certain cases.
Fridge Freezer Again, the model is going to have a massive impact on energy consumption. Before buying a new fridge freezer, be sure to check the energy efficiency rating as a more ecological model will save you money in the long run. Choosing a size that is suited for your needs will also help to reduce energy consumption. Fridges run more efficiently when they are full, and avoiding having to defrost them will certainly save energy. Many modern fridges now have auto-defrost settings and thicker insulation so as to reduce energy loss.
Washing Machine Choosing a size that is adequate for your needs will help to reduce energy costs; however, remember that having a washing machine with a drum that is too small for a load will end up using more energy. Most modern washing machines have ecological settings; try to make use of these when possible.
Dishwashers Similar to the washing machine, try to make sure that your dishwasher is used to its maximum capacity, and again look for the ecological settings. A delayed start function could be useful if you benefit from lower energy rates at night, of course this will depend on your energy supplier.
