Kitchen

Tips

The kitchen can amount to 15 to 20% of your monthly energy use, which includes appliance use and refrigeration.

Turn off coffee makers when not in use.
Use your refrigerator’s anti-sweat feature only if necessary.
Switch your refrigerator’s power-saver to “ON,” if available.
Clean refrigerator coils annually.
Regularly defrost the refrigerator or freezer to avoid ice buildup.
Set the refrigerator temperature to 34 to 37 degrees F and freezer temperature to 0 to 5 degrees F.
Unplug unused refrigerators or freezers. Recycle them if you do not need them.
Use a microwave for cooking when possible.
When cooking on the oven range, use pot lids to help food cook faster.
If you are heating water on the stove, use hot tap water instead of cold.
Remember to use the kitchen exhaust fan when cooking. Turn it off after cooking.
Use a slow cooker instead of simmering foods on the stove.
If rinsing dirty dishes before putting them into the dishwasher, do so with cold water.
Use cold water for garbage disposal. Only run the dishwasher when fully loaded.
Make sure refrigerator and freezer seals fit tightly when doors close.
Keep outside coils clean. Dirty coils make your refrigerator compressor work longer to remove heat.
Setting your freezer below 0° uses extra energy.
Setting your refrigerator below 37° uses extra energy.
Ensure refrigerator door seals are tight and coils are clean.
Replace seals if they no longer seal.
Eliminate unnecessary refrigerators.