Saving Energy in the Kitchen

This abundance of information comes courtesy of Alabama Power.

Because it contains many large and small appliances that are used daily, the kitchen is a good place to manage energy.

Your dishwasher
Dishwashers use an average of 15 gallons of hot water per load plus electricity needed to operate the machine. Washing and rinsing dishes by hand three times a day uses more hot water and energy than one load a day in an automatic dishwasher. Here are some tips for operating your dishwasher efficiently:

• Load the dishwasher properly. Never block the dispenser or spray arms. If blocked, the water and detergent will not circulate properly and the dishes will not wash clean. Check your owners manual for proper loading instructions.
• Proper amounts of detergent can eliminate a second wash. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Operate your dishwasher only when it is filled to capacity but not overloaded. This will cut the costs of energy, water and detergent.
• Partial-load cycles, rinse-only cycles, mid-cycle turn-offs and other special features are designed for better energy use and more convenience. Look for them when selecting a new dishwasher.
• Always choose the shortest washing cycle that will clean your dishes, and scrape off heavy food accumulated before loading dishes into the dishwasher.
• Use your dishwasher’s “power-saver switch” if it has one to automatically eliminate the drying cycle.
• On hot days, wait to use your dishwasher until night. You will avoid adding heat in the house during the hottest time of the day.

Choosing a new refrigerator or freezer
Here are some useful energy features and tips to consider when buying a new refrigerator or freezer:

• Look for a refrigeration appliance with a high-efficiency motor.
   
• Choose the appliance with improved or thicker insulation (polyurethane foam or fiberglass).
• Check the estimated kilowatt-hour usage per month. Use this information to compare energy consumption of different models.
• Choose the smallest unit which will meet your needs. A large refrigerator or freezer uses more energy than a smaller one.

Making sure your refrigeration appliance operates efficiently

• Locate your refrigerator or freezer away from heating equipment, heater vents and direct sunlight. Provide adequate clearance above, behind and on the sides for good air circulation.
• Be sure your unit is level so that the door seals properly.
• For best operation, keep your refrigerator’s temperature between 37° and 40° and your freezer’s setting at 0°. These settings are recommended by the Food and Drug Administration and will prevent rapid bacterial growth.
• Keep condenser coils clean and unobstructed for maximum energy savings.
• A tight-sealing door gasket is critical to the efficiency of your refrigerator. Clean gaskets with warm water or a detergent that leaves no residue.
• Don’t overload your refrigerator or freezer with food, as this overloads the compressor.  Place foods slightly apart on shelves, making sure they do not block the unit’s interior air vents.
• Cover all liquids stored in the refrigerator.  Moisture can be drawn into the air, making the unit work harder.
• Unless a recipe requires hot foods to be rapidly chilled or frozen, save energy by letting them cool outside the refrigerator or freezer. To avoid bacterial growth, food should not be set out more than 20 minutes after cooking is completed.
• Opening and closing refrigerator and freezer doors often – or holding the door open too long – – causes the unit to use more energy than necessary. Decide what you want before opening the door, and remove several items at once.

Cook up some energy savings
Oven cooking is more economical than surface cooking. When you have both a large and a small oven, use the small one whenever possible. Use these tips for efficient oven cooking:

• Save time and energy by using one oven to prepare the entire meal. A pie or cake can go into the oven as a main dish is removed.
• Warming foods, plates and platters with the oven’s stored heat after baking, requires no energy. If the food must be kept warm for an extended period of time, set the oven no higher than 140° to 200°. A food warmer built into a range usually requires less energy than an oven or surface unit when keeping food heated.
• Consider using a microwave oven, small portable electric frying pan, grill, or toaster/broiler instead of the oven. These small appliances use about 1/3 the power of an oven broiler.
• Cook by time and temperature. Precise timing eliminates repeated opening of the oven door to check on cooking progress. Each time the door is opened, the temperature drops 25° to 50°.

Cooking on the range uses energy continuously so its important to follow these energy-saving tips:

• Choose pots and pans that evenly cover the heating elements. Use pans with flat bottoms, straight sides and tight-fitting lids that hold heat and permit lower settings.
• Use a slow-cooker or crockpot to cook stews and other single-dish meals. You’ll save energy, time and effort.
• When cooking fresh or frozen vegetables, use only enough water to produce steam and prevent sticking. Reduce to simmer and cover tightly so vegetables retain vitamins and minerals – and taste better, too.