It doesn't take much to reduce the amount of energy you use on a day-to-day basis in the kicthen - minor adjustments to your habits can produce savings in the long run. Here, we're going to take several kitchen appliances and tell you how they can be used more efficiently.
Fridge/Freezer
If possible, placing your fridge and freezer in a part of the house which is not very warm or sees little sunlight is a great way to use less heat. The quicker they can reach the optimum temperature, the less energy they use.
Ideally, all door seals should be as tight as possible. To test this, place a piece of paper in the door (or a €5 note) and see if it holds. Finally, defrosting and cleaning your fridge and freezer every six months is highly recommended - it may be inconvenient but it does wonders for efficiency and hygiene.
Ovens
Where possible, leave the lids on your pots as you're cooking, and lower the temperature as food comes to the boil. Lids will keep heat in and limit condensation, and rings will still produce heat after they have been turned off. Ovens are also very heavy on energy: try to cook as many items as you can at once, and don't check on your cooking by opening the door - each time you do, almost 20% of heat escapes. Finally, if you need to reheat any food, microwaves are much more energy efficient than an oven.
Dishwashers
Cleaning the dishes after a meal is a pain, and the cost of running a dishwasher can be just as distressing. Try to use your dishwasher only when it is completely full, avoid pre-washing (scrape off food residue instead) and stop your dishwasher from heat drying your plates - let them air dry instead, or wipe them as you empty.
If possible, placing your fridge and freezer in a part of the house which is not very warm or sees little sunlight is a great way to use less heat. The quicker they can reach the optimum temperature, the less energy they use.
Ideally, all door seals should be as tight as possible. To test this, place a piece of paper in the door (or a €5 note) and see if it holds. Finally, defrosting and cleaning your fridge and freezer every six months is highly recommended - it may be inconvenient but it does wonders for efficiency and hygiene.
Ovens
Where possible, leave the lids on your pots as you're cooking, and lower the temperature as food comes to the boil. Lids will keep heat in and limit condensation, and rings will still produce heat after they have been turned off. Ovens are also very heavy on energy: try to cook as many items as you can at once, and don't check on your cooking by opening the door - each time you do, almost 20% of heat escapes. Finally, if you need to reheat any food, microwaves are much more energy efficient than an oven.
Dishwashers
Cleaning the dishes after a meal is a pain, and the cost of running a dishwasher can be just as distressing. Try to use your dishwasher only when it is completely full, avoid pre-washing (scrape off food residue instead) and stop your dishwasher from heat drying your plates - let them air dry instead, or wipe them as you empty.