Energy Savings Checklist For The Kitchen

Kitchen appliances of today use nearly 50 percent less energy than those built just ten years ago.��� But cost-and-planet-conscious cooks can teach themselves and their families to follow these tips to optimize energy savings:

Stoves

�        Cook Tight:� Keep the lids on pots while you're cooking - except pasta & green veggies, of course, as any good cook will tell you.

�        If The Pot Fits:� Match the size of the pan to the heating element. More heat will get to the pan. ��Less will be wasted.�

�        Flat-lining:�� Use FLAT bottom pots and pans.� More heat will reach what�s being cooked in shorter time.�

�        Waste Not:�� Don�t cook teeny-weenie things in GREAT BIG pots.

�        What a Crock!:� Did you know that slow cookers (crock-pots) can cook a whole meal for an average family for about 17 cents worth of electricity?

�        Clean is Hot:��� Clean burners and reflectors provide better heating, which saves energy. High quality, clean reflectors can save as much as a third of the energy required when cooking on a stovetop.

Refrigerators

�        Energy Hog:� Did you know that the refrigerator is one of the largest energy consumers in your house, and can account for as much as 15 percent of your home's total energy usage.

�        Breathing Space:� Don't crowd refrigerator shelves.� Give the cold air room to circulate.

�        No Booing or Hissing:�� Be sure the refrigerator has seals that are tight.� Your refrigerator shouldn't sigh or hiss at you.

�        You Can�t Eat Dust Bunnies.�� Get that big bunnie-o-dust out of the refrigerator's condenser coils.

�        Polar Ice Pack?� Remove that glacier from the freezer box and don't let it get so BIG next time.�

�        Mop Up:�� Wipe the sweat off containers before returning them to the refrigerator.��

�        Keep a Lid on It:�� Be sure any liquids you put in the refrigerator are covered as tightly as possible.

�        Steady-As-She-Goes:�� Keep the refrigerator temperature set between 37 and 40 degrees F.� The freezer should be set at 5 degrees F.

�        A Shade Cooler:��� If the refrigerator is located in a spot where it gets direct sunlight or is close to heat-generating appliances like the dishwasher, oven or range� -� when it comes time to remodel, take the opportunity to relocate it.� The refrigerator will not only run less frequently, it'll live longer, too.

Dishwashers

�        Do the Math:� Did you know that a load of dishes cleaned in a dishwasher requires 37 percent less water than washing dishes by hand?� BUT!� If you fill wash and rinse by using filled basins instead of letting the water run, you'll use HALF as much water as a dishwasher.��

�        Hot Air Costs:��� If you aren't in a hurry for dry dishes DON'T use the heat-dry cycle of your dishwasher. Dishwashers that feature air power or overnight dry settings can save up to 10 percent of your dishwashing energy costs.

�        No More Tears:��� Don�t pre-rinse unless dishes are going to sit in the dishwasher for hours or days before washing.�� Use cold water for pre-rinsing.

�        Past Prime Time:� Use the dishwasher during off-peak energy hours.

Significant energy savings can be achieved in the kitchen by a few small efforts that will benefit your family budget and children�s future.