How can I reduce the energy usage in my kitchen?

Energy usage within the kitchen can contribute up to 25% of the total energy consumed in a WA household. Below are some simple measures that can be taken to improve the energy efficiency of the appliances that you use in your kitchen.

Refrigerator and Freezer: Both fridge and freezer can consume a lot of energy. One refrigerator alone can contribute up to 15% of your total household energy consumption. If you are intending to buy a new fridge, choose an energy saving recommended model, or you can also see the energy rating that is measured under conditions specified in an Australian standard.This value is known as the comparative energy consumption or CEC.Good star rating fridges and freezers use approximately over 60% less energy than the typical old one.
You can improve your refrigerator’s energy efficiency by regularly cleaning and replacing the doors seals. These seals are the weakest link in your fridge’s ability to keep the cold air inside. In general, the fridge’s seals should be replaced every five years. If you have a second fridge it should be turned on only when necessary, and located in a cool, well ventilated area. One large fridge is more energy efficient then two or three small to medium sized fridge’s.

Cooking: Prepare each meal by thawing the food before cooking, and match the size of the pot and water levels with the amount of food that is being cooked. These measures will help to reduce cooking times and also reduce the unwanted heat gain during the summer months.

Oven: Check the oven door seal for cracking and wear. Just like the refrigerator; the oven door seal is the weakest link in its ability to work efficiently. Where possible; use a slow cooker (crock pot) over the oven, this is due to an oven costing up to 52¢ per hour to run compared with a slow cooker which costs around 5¢ per hour to run.

Dishwasher: Water connection mode is important to determine the energy efficiency of the dishwasher. Cold water connection will use the least energy - the dishwasher heats its own water only for the parts of the cycle where hot water is needed. If you have a gas or solar hot water system, models that can be connected to both hot and cold water will save carbon dioxide and operating costs, but models with dual connection are now rare. You will also save energy costs if you have an off peak electric hot water system. A dishwasher connected only to hot water will use the most energy, although it may be marginally more economical if you have off peak electric, solar or mains gas hot water. Don’t forget to check the dishwasher energy rating and water rating consumptions if you are intending to buy a new one.

Exhaust fans/hoods:
If exhaust fans are used to remove cooking heat in a kitchen close to an air conditioned or heated area, ensure that an outside air supply is provided in the kitchen near the cooker. Then the exhaust fan will not extract expensively conditioned air from the nearby area.

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