a) Kitchen Appliances

Install energy efficient labelled kitchen appliances (refrigerators,

dishwashers, and clothes washers). Every kitchen appliance has two price tags –

a purchase price and the operating cost. Energy efficient models will save you

money and use less energy.

b) Lighting

• Install energy efficient labelled lighting (e.g., light fixtures: suspended

lights, ceiling-mounted lights, cabinet lights, recessed lights, and compact

fluorescent bulbs).

c) Refrigerator

• In most households, the refrigerator is the single biggest energy consuming

kitchen appliance. Energy efficient refrigerator models use high efficiency

compressors, improved insulation, and more precise temperature and defrost

mechanisms to improve energy efficiency. Energy efficient refrigerators provide

energy savings without sacrificing the features you want.

• Keep your refrigerator and freezer filled for most economical operation. Less

cold air is lost when the door is opened in a filled refrigerator because the

food helps retain the cold.

• Allow foods to partially cool before placing them in the refrigerator. It

takes more energy to cool hot food. For added savings, cover foods and liquids.

The moisture that is released by uncovered containers increases energy use

during the refrigerator's defrost cycle.

• Select a refrigerator with a freezer on top. A side-by side unit uses up to 20

percent more energy. The Energy Guide label will help you choose the most

efficient model.

d) Oven

• Don't open the oven door to take a peek at what's cooking inside. Instead,

turn on the oven light and check the cooking status through the oven window.

Opening the oven door lowers the temperature inside - by as much as 25 degrees -

which increases cooking time and wastes energy.

-As long as your oven is on, cook several items at the same time. Just make sure

you leave enough room for the heat to circulate around each item.

• In an electric oven, you can turn the heat off several minutes before your

food is fully cooked. As long as the oven door remains closed, enough heat will

be stored inside to finish cooking your meal.

e) Dishwasher

• Let your dishes air dry. A dishwasher uses more energy to dry dishes than to

wash them. If your dishwasher doesn't have an automatic air-dry switch, turn off

the control knob after the final rinse and prop the door open to let moisture

escape.

• When purchasing a dishwasher, look for energy saving features such as a short

wash cycle. Shorter washing cycles, with fewer rinses, save water and

water-heating energy.

• Use your dishwasher only for full loads. Be sure your dishwasher is full, but

not overloaded when you turn it on. Improper loading can result in poorly

cleaned dishes that need to be rewashed.

• Install your dishwasher away from your refrigerator. The dishwasher's heat and

moisture make the refrigerator work harder. Keep your refrigerator away from

other heat sources such as direct sunlight.

f) Kitchen Walls, Windows and Doors

• If your remodelling plans include opening walls you could improve your comfort

and the energy efficiency of your home by adding insulation and air sealing. If

you are replacing the windows, doors, and skylights, install those with the

energy efficient label to make your kitchen the most energy efficient on the

block.