It’s no secret that every homeowner in the country wants to save big on their monthly energy bills. Not being aware of where energy is being lost in your kitchen may cost you a lot of money in the long run, without even realizing it. It is highly recommended to understand your not-so-good habits in the kitchen, and in turn, make a few simple changes for more energy-efficiency. And keep in mind that saving energy doesn’t just save you money— it helps the environment too! Do good for yourself and the planet with these top 5 tips for saving energy in the kitchen.

Keep the oven door closed

To no one’s surprise, it takes a lot of energy to heat an oven. Although it may be tempting to take a peek at what you’re baking, don’t forget that you have an oven light for a reason. Whenever you open the oven door, there is a drastic loss of heat, ranging from 10-50%, and averaging at about 25%. Although multiple circumstances will determine how much energy is lost, it’s not a bad idea to keep the door closed until you’re ready to take out your food. Set a timer and utilize the oven light to your advantage. Perhaps even try turning the oven off a few minutes before your time is up, as the oven will still heat your food and you’ll save a hefty amount of energy. 

Unplug appliances that aren’t being used

This is a common energy-saver that is often overlooked. When appliances are left plugged in, electricity can still be lost because they are on an ‘idle mode.’ This is known as “standby,” “phantom,” or even “vampire” electricity due to the fact that the energy continues to be drained, even when certain appliances and devices are not in use. It is vital that you unplug certain kitchen appliances when possible, such as toasters, juicers, and microwaves. Not only can it save you money, but it’s always a good safety measure to take. After all, an unplugged appliance never started a fire. Some home and kitchen appliances, such as refrigerators, have an energy-saving mode that comes in handy when striving to use less electricity. You also don’t have to sacrifice on design, as most energy-saving appliances are still very aesthetically pleasing. If you’re looking to upgrade your appliances with some energy-saving features, then look no further than a home showroom nearby. It’s a great place to browse a wide selection of energy-efficient appliances, with tons of brands to choose from.  

Switch to energy efficient lightbulbs

LED lightbulbs are your best friend when it comes to saving energy in the kitchen. Not only do LEDs use a fraction of the energy of regular light bulbs, but they last far longer too! The average LED lasts between 50,000 to 100,000 operating hours. And get this: 95% of the energy in LEDs is converted into light while only 5% is wasted as heat. For these reasons, we heavily encourage everyone to start using LEDs as their main source of light in the kitchen. Whether you’re hanging pendant lighting above your sink or hanging a string of three above your island, LED lights will make all the difference. Visit a local lighting store or search for lighting showrooms nearby to find the best LED lights for your buck. 

Microwave if possible

This tip is especially important during the summer when air conditioning is at an all-time high. Microwaving your food over using a stove or oven can help you save a lot on energy. Simply put, microwaves don’t produce as much heat as stoves and ovens do. We understand there are people out there who are adamant about using the stove or oven daily, but if you’re just reheating leftovers, then the microwave may be the best route to go. According to Energy Star, choosing to cook with a microwave over an oven can use from 30-80% less energy, making the microwave one of the most energy-efficient kitchen appliances hands-down. 

Keep your appliances clean

It is crucial to keep your home and kitchen appliances clean, as this can save you money each year and prevent the need for replacements. The refrigerator is one of the most important appliances that needs to be cleaned on a consistent basis, as the condenser coils located in the back are energy-drainers when dirty. When the coils are grimy with dust and debris, they cannot efficiently release heat, which in turn makes your refrigerator work a lot harder to keep your food cool. Even a fine layer of dust on the condenser coil can reduce efficiency by upwards of 20%. For this reason, we believe condenser coils should be monitored daily and cleaned thoroughly every 4-5 months. With these tips in mind, we believe you’ll be on the right path to saving money and saving energy in the kitchen. Once you’ve implemented these steps in the kitchen, then move on to the next room in your house and see where you can save energy there. As your local home and lighting showroom, we are ready to help you in any way possible, whether it’s saving money or finding the kitchen appliances of your dreams.