You may spend a lot of time in your kitchen this holiday season, but don’t spend a lot of money on wasted energy. With so many appliances in one room, the kitchen is an important place to save energy. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that cooking accounts for 4.5 percent of a home’s total power bill. Consider these simple suggestions to conserve energy and lower kitchen utility costs.
• Set your refrigerator temperature between 37 to 40 F and the freezer compartment at 5 F. Free-standing freezers used for long-term storage can be set at 0 F. For maximum efficiency, frost build-up should be kept under one-quarter inch.
• To get accurate temperature readings in the refrigerator, float a refrigerator thermometer in a covered container of water placed in the center of the food compartment. To check freezer temperature, place the thermometer between two frozen items. Read after 24 hours.
• Don’t leave refrigerator and freezer doors open longer than necessary since condensers maintain cold temperatures and remove moisture. Seal all containers and cover drinks securely.
• Leave 2 inches of air space around the refrigerator or freezer exterior so air can circulate and cool the coils. Don’t place your refrigerator or freezer near heat sources or in direct sunlight.
• Stock your shelves carefully. Air circulation in the refrigerator is essential for proper cooling, so leave space around shelved items and don’t block vents. In the freezer, air space has to be cooled, so tightly stocked shelves actually conserve energy.
• Consider using old-fashioned ice trays. It is estimated that an automatic icemaker increases energy consumption by 20 percent.
• Follow guidelines in the owner’s manual. Periodically pull your refrigerator away from the wall and vacuum the coils. Be sure gaskets are clean and pliable. An airtight seal is essential for efficient operation.
• Before heating a conventional oven, consider using a smaller appliance such as a toaster oven, roasting oven, electric frying pan, pressure cooker, crock pot or portable convection oven. Microwaves also save energy since foods cook faster.
• When baking, open the oven door only as needed. Temperatures drop about 25 degrees each time the door is opened and heat has to be regenerated.
• When cooking or warming foods, choose the smallest pan possible to get the job done and use lids to conserve heat. Pots and pans with flat bottoms and flat sides are more energy efficient. Be sure the base of your pan covers the burner, and keep reflectors and surfaces clean so heat radiates more efficiently.
• When replacing major appliances, look for the EnergyStar label. Manufacturers must earn that endorsement by meeting strict energy-efficiency guidelines. Also compare EnergyGuide labels. These provide estimated energy consumption and yearly operating costs based on national averages.
By: Lou Mueller - Dec. 11, 2009