5 Free Ways to Save Energy in the Kitchen

If you are looking to reduce the amount of energy you consume each month, the best place to start is in the kitchen. Large appliances such as your refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher require a significant amount of energy to use; but these five tips can help you slash your monthly bills.

• Don't pre-wash your dishes before putting them into the dishwasher. Most newer dishwashers are powerful enough to remove any food which may have hardened onto your plates. Washing your dishes beforehand wastes water, time, and money.
• Cook with flat-bottomed pots and pans. The larger the surface that comes in contact with your stove's burner, the faster it will heat up. The difference is significant; pans with warped bottoms can take 50% more energy to heat up than ones with flat bottoms.
• Clean the condenser coils on your refrigerator every six months. These coils are located on the back of your refrigerator and can accumulate a thick layer of dust and grime if not regularly vacuumed. This dirty coating can put additional wear-and-tear on your refrigerator's compressor and increase your monthly energy bill.
• Cook small meals in a microwave or toaster oven instead of a full-sized oven. If you are cooking an individual-sized meal, save yourself time and money by cooking it with a small appliance – a full-sized oven will consume over twice the amount of energy of a microwave.
• Unplug your small appliances when they aren't being used. Things like toasters, coffee makers, and electric can openers constantly drain energy when they are plugged into the wall – even if they are not being used.

A malfunctioning refrigerator can also cause your energy bill to skyrocket. If you notice your monthly electricity bill creeping up but you aren't changing your consumption habits, your refrigerator may be to blame. If you live in New York, call 24/7 Refrigerator Repair at 866-782-9376 – we offer around-the-clock emergency support and one-hour service to Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut. For more information about 24/7 Refrigerator Repair, click here to visit our website.